"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. The Chaplain for today is the Reverend Mark Emerson of the Living Faith Baptist Church in Sherman. Reverend Emerson is the guest of Representative Raymond Poe. Guests on the gallery may wish to join us by standing for the invocation."
"Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, again these men and women have gathered in this great room to represent the millions of your children who live in this wonderful State of Illinois. Many times, Lord, we are overwhelmed by the task at hand but at these times we are reminded that You are bigger than any circumstance we face today. Your power is greater than that of this Body and Your grace reaches farther than the influence of our state. As our founding fathers gathered in Your name to ask for wisdom and to dedicate themselves to Your service, we plead for Your wisdom to be evident in our midst today. We also dedicate ourselves to serve You above all man-made institutions. You have written in Your word that the heart of the leader is in the hand of the Lord and You can turn it in whatever direction You choose. And we come as Your leaders today, placing our hearts in Your hands to be guided by You and to further establish one nation under God. We ask these things today in the name which is above every name to whom we will be called to give an account at the end of our day, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
"We shall be lead in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Hartke."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997
Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for attendance. Representative Currie, are there any excused absences?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that we have no excused absences among House Democrats today."
"Mr. Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representatives Wojcik, Kubik, and Pankau are excused. Thank you."
"Thank you, Mr. Cross. Let the record reflect that those Representatives are excused."
"Attention Members, the Rules Committee will meet at 11:05 in the Speaker's Conference Room. Rules Committee, 11:05, Speaker's Conference Room."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Clerk, Mr. Clerk, do you have an announcement?"
Clerk Rossi: "Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution #8, offered by Speaker Madigan. House Resolution #9, offered by Representative Churchill."
Speaker Madigan: "Concerning the Attendance Roll Call, the Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 115 'ayes' responding to the Roll Call. There is a quorum present."
"The Rules Committee is meeting now in the Speaker's Conference Room. Rules Committee is meeting now in the Speaker's Conference Room."
Speaker Madigan: "Supplemental Calendar Announcement. Committee Reports. Representative Brunsvold. Representative Brunsvold. Mr. Black."
"Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I've had my light on for so long I have a burn on my chin, but we'll get to that. And I have an inquiry of the Chair, Mr. Speaker."
"State your inquiry."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I'm sure you're aware, the weather 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 has taken a turn for the worse. During our two years in the Majority, we had a weather forecaster on staff. We never brought you down here that you couldn't get home safely. I've checked with the authorities back home and I can't get home. Most of the roads in Vermilion County are closed, the interstates are treacherous, I'm stuck here for another day and another evening and I would just like to know, Mr. Speaker, are you buying dinner this evening?"
"For you that could be arranged."
"Thank you."
"But, Mr. Black. Mr. Black. Just a point of amplification. There are many people on this side of the chamber who felt that they were in a permanent state of captivity for two years. Now you've started something. Mr. Morrow."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would remind our good friends on the other side of the aisle that until they change the rules that we had to adjourn by the end of May, previously, we wouldn't be here in January if we were allowed to stay here until June. So, due to your wise rulings over the last two years, this is why we're down here in this bad weather."
"Committee Reports."
"Representative Currie, Chairman from the Committee on Rules to which the following Resolution was referred, action taken on January 16, 1997. Reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass standard debate' House Resolution 8."
"Supplemental Calendar Announcement."
"Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Representative Brunsvold in the Chair. On Supplemental Calendar #1 appears House Resolution #8. The 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 Gentleman from Cook, Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this Resolution simply amends the rules to provide for some changes in the names of committees. It provides for the creation of a Children and Youth Committee. It provides that the Cities and Villages Committee and the County and Townships Committee will be merged and will be named the Local Government Committee. It provides that the Election Reform and State Government and Administration Committees will be merged to be called the State Government Administration and Election Reform Committee. That's all that the Resolution provides. I move for the adoption of the Resolution."
"The Gentleman has offered House Resolution #8 and on that question the Gentleman from Lake, Mr. Churchill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just wondered, is this on the system yet?"
"Yes, it is on the system."
"Okay, fine. In the spirit of cooperation, we're going to join you in this Motion but I did have a question of the Sponsor. If I could ask one."
"The Gentleman indicates he'll yield."
"Yeah, now I hope this is final now but are you going to give us some idea on when the committees are going to be meeting and what number of people from Majority, Minority parties are going to be on them. Could you give us some idea when you are going to tell us so that we can all begin to form the committees and get everything up and running?"
"Mr. Churchill, I've been in your position. I know what you're suffering through. I would simply ask you to understand that I am trying to work through these problems 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 with Democrats and so it's a little more difficult than it is on your side so please be patient with me."
"Is there some way we could help you with your side of the aisle?"
"Just keep that smile."
"Okay, if you could just perhaps tell us the times that they're going to meet so our Members would have some concept of what committees they'd like to be on."
"We will. We hope to do that today."
"Please let us know as soon as you can. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Jersey, Representative Ryder."
"Mr. Speaker, would the Gentleman yield for a moment?"
"The Gentleman indicates he'll yield."
"I certainly offer you my sympathies for the problems which obviously are ever-changing given the context of todays committees. Is this the final list or do you expect working out your problems might entail further changes in the committee structure?"
"We expect that this is final."
"Good luck."
"We'll take it."
"And on that question the Gentleman has asked for the adoption of House Resolution #8. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay' and the 'ayes' have it and House Resolution #8 has been adopted."
Speaker Madigan: "Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, we're prepared to adjourn and I'm told that a report from the Department of Transportation concerning road condition is being distributed on both sides of the aisle. So if you haven't received one of these, you may want to get one. Is there anything further to come before the Body? Providing for 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 Perfunctory time for the Clerk, providing for Perfunctory time for the Clerk, Mr. Brunsvold moves that House stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on January 22, 1997, when the House will convene for the Governor's State of the State Address. We would urge all Members to be in the chamber promptly at 11:30. We expect the Governor to arrive right about 12:00. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted. The House does stand adjourned until 11:30 a.m. January 22, 1997."
"Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 138, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act to amend the Environmental Health Practitioner Licensing Act. House Bill 139, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act to amend the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986. House Bill 140, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 141, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act that amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. House Bill 142, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act that amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. House Bill 143, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act that amends the Illinois Insurance Code. House Bill 144, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. House Bill 145, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act. House Bill 146, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the provision of the Unemployment Insurance Act. House Bill 147, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to create the Tuition Increase Limitation Act. House 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 Bill 148, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to create the Local Government Tax Incentive Prohibition Act. House Bill 149, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act that amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. House Bill 150, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. House Bill 151, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Pension Code. House Bill 152, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 153, offered by Representative Wood, a Bill for an act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. House Bill 154, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 155, offered by Representative Roskam, a Bill for an Act to amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934. House Bill 156, offered by Representative Lopez, a Bill for an Act to amend the Unified Code of Corrections. House Bill 157, offered by Representative Santiago, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 158, offered by Representative Lopez, a Bill for an Act to appropriate $50 thousand to the Department of Human Services. House Bill 159, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 160, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Chicago Municipal Article of the Pension Code. House Bill 161, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Insurance Code. House Bill 162, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. House Bill 163, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act to amend 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 the Sexually Dangerous Persons Act. House Bill 164. offered by Representative Dart, a bill for an Act to amend the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. House Bill 165, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act to amend the Adoption Act. House Bill 166, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. House Bill 167, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act to amend the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption in the Property Tax Code. House Bill 168, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. House Bill 169, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to create the ILlinois Gaming Act of 1997. House Bill 170, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 171, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. House Bill 172, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961 by changing Section 9.02. House Bill 173, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois State Auditing Act by changing Section 1-6. House Bill 174, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the State Comptroller Act. House Bill 175, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Riverboat Gambling Act by changing Section 1. House Bill 176, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Insurance Code by changing Section 143.10(b). House Bill 177, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois State Collection Act of 1986 by changing Section 8. House Bill 178, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 Election Code. House Bill 179, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Unified Code of Correction by changing Section 5-5-6. House Bill 180, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act in relation to leave for certain employees. House Bill 181, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act by adding Section 211. House Bill 182, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961 by changing Section 24-1. House Bill 183, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act by changing Section 3.15. House Bill 184, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief from Pharmaceutical Assistance Act by changing Section 4. House Bill 185, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act to make appropriation to the Department of Aging. House Bill 186, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act to amend Illinois Income Tax Act by adding Section 211. House Bill 187, offered by Representative McKeon, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code by changing Section 9-17. House Bill 188, offered by Representative McKeon, a Bill for an Act concerning the availability of endocrinology services amending named Acts. House Bill 189, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations to Illinois Community College Board. House Bill 190, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act to create the Illinois State Insured College and University Responsive Education Trust and provide for advanced tuition payment contracts amending an Act therein named. House Bill 191, offered by Representative Wirsing, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 a Bill for an Act to amend the Board of Higher Education Act by changing Section 4. House Bill 192, offered By Representative Leitch, a Bill for an Act to amend the Uniform Commercial Code by changing Section 9-301. House Bill 193, offered by Representative Meyer, a Bill for an Act in relation to street gangs amending named Acts. House Bill 194, offered by Representative Schakowsky, a Bill for an Act in relation to privatization of government services. House Bill 195, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for an Act making supplemental appropriations to various agencies. House Bill 196, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act in relations to state government. House Bill 197, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 198, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act to amend the General Obligation Bond Act by changing Section 5. House Bill 199, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code by changing Sections 7-141.1. House Bill 201, offered by Representative Moore, a Bill for an Act to amend the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act by changing Section 15. House Bill 200, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning the financial and transaction card acceptance. First Reading and Introductions of House Resolutions. House Joint Resolution #3, offered by Representative Davis. First Reading and Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 202, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for an Act concerning nursing and other health care facilities amending named acts. House Bill 203, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code by changing Section 12-4.11. House Bill 204, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 5th Legislative Day January 16, 1997 an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code by changing Section 11-6.2. The House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned. The House will reconvene on January 22, 1997 at 11:30 a.m." 11