"The House shall come to order. The House shall come to order, the Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by the Reverend Tom Hagstrom of the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield. Reverend Hagstrom is the guest of Representative Gwenn Klingler. Guests in the Gallery may wish to rise and join us in the invocation."
Reverend Hagstrom: "Loving Creator, we turn our thoughts toward the goodness of all that You have made. The beauties of nature with which you have blessed our state. The men and women made in Your image, who populate our state, whose work it is that makes life enjoyable in this State. We ask You to guide this day, the men and women, whose deliberations in this Chamber will have such momentous effect on all who live and do business in this area. We ask that You grant to each here assembled, Your wisdom, Your compassion, and Your strength. That together, with Your inspiration and help, we may labor and create a better place for all Your people. For we ask this in Your mercy. Amen."
Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led 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."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Mr. Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Record reflect that Representative Boland is excused today?"
Speaker Madigan: "Let the record reflect that excused absence. Representative Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are all here on the 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 Republican side."
Speaker Madigan: "Have all voted who wish to be recorded? The Clerk shall take the record. There being 117 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Committee Reports. Representative Flowers, Chairman from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following Bill were referred, action taken on May 6, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 711. Representative Woolard, Chairman from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following Bills and Resolutions were referred, action taken on May 6, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' Senate Bills 496, 71. Representative Bugielski, Chairman from the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following Bills were referred, action ntaken on May 6, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 670, 764, 897; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 680, 805, 1076. Representative Deering, Chairman from the Committee on Transportation, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken on May 6, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 818, 1121, 927, 951; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 950, 1031, 454; 'do pass Standard Debate' Senate Bill 862; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' Senate Bill 543; 'be adopted Short Debate' House Resolutions 53, 77, 78, 29. Representative Mautino, Chairman from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken on May 6, 1997, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 659; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 124. Representative Ronen, Chairman from the Committee on Children & Youth, to which the following Bills were referred, action taken on May 6, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 861, 780, 853; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 248; 'do pass Standard Debate' Senate Bill 166.
"The Chair recognizes Mr. Lang, for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a birthday on the House Floor today, and it is my roommate's birthday. And I want to tell you a little something about my roommate. Thank you. My roommate is responsible for me being one of the foremost experts in this state, in Cook County in agriculture issues. Not to long ago, he woke me up at 3:00 in the morning pounding on my door, and I thought the place was on fire and it wasn't, and I thought maybe there was a flood in Effingham, and there wasn't. No, he woke me up 3:00 in the morning to teach me about the Grain Code. And so, I'm now one of the foremost experts on the Grain Code. I'm also one of the foremost experts on pigs, the kind he sells, that's right. And, to that end, we have a cake down front, and they asked me what kind of cake, I thought we should have and I said, 'Well, I would like a pork-flavored cake,' but we couldn't come up with that. So, instead we have a cake with three pigs on it. So, I hope you will enjoy Chuck Hartke's birthday cake and come over and razz him, because he is rather old. And when you come over to talk to him, please ask him to throw out the garbage. Thank you very much." 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Johnson, are you prepared to call Senate Bill 8? Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, on page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills Third Reading, there appears Senate Bill 8. Read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 8, a Bill for an Act in relation to Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Mr. Johnson, before you proceed, and if the Members would give me their attention, please. If I could have the attention of the Membership. You all know that the committee, investigating Justice Heiple is meeting at this time. All of the Members of that committee are in attendance at the meeting of the committee. They all have expressed a desire to be recorded on this particular Bill. And the Chair purposes that these people will be recorded, with full knowledge of the Body, that they are being recorded while they are in attendance at the meeting of the Heiple Committee. And, that they will not be verified off of the Roll Call. Those Members would be: Barbara Currie, who wishes to be recorded as 'yes', Doug Scott, 'yes', Judy Erwin, 'yes', Lou Jones, 'yes', Arline Fantin, 'no', Jack Kubik, 'yes', Representative Hassert, 'yes', Representative Krause, 'yes', Representative Clayton, 'yes', Representative Rutherford, 'no'. And that will be done with agreement. Mr. Johnson, on the Bill." Johnson, Tom: "Yes, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, today I'm honored to present the .08 Bill, as I was two years ago in this Chamber. Point 08 would merely reduce the level at which a person is considered impaired and too impaired to drive on the roads in this state to a blood alcohol content of .08 as opposed to the current .10. This issue is one that everyone of us in here have had, I'm sure, personal 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 contact with. In Illinois last year we lost, I think, approximately 630 individuals in fatalities due to impaired driving under the influence of alcohol. The research has shown, in no uncertain terms, that impairment begins, in many cases, even below .08, but definitely at .08 there is little to no disagreement anymore in any of the research available out there, that peoples' ability to drive is impaired at .08. The science is there. What has been the experience of .08? Thirteen states in this country have already adopted .08 standards and now have a history of several years of experience. Typically, the results are being shown that we can expect anywhere from a 12% to 17% reduction in alcohol-related fatalities in the State of Illinois, were we to pass this piece of legislation. That translates to approximately, 60 to 65 lives that can be saved, and countless numbers of injuries and costs incurred as it relates to the impaired driving in this state. The time has come. I said, the time had come two years ago. This House agreed. Secretary of State, Ryan, is to be credited with bringing this initiative forward two years ago and his perseverance of dealing with it since. And now finally the Senate has seen the light, taken the action, passed it. And I'm asking you, as Members of this House, to do as you did two years ago and pass this in overwhelming fashion for the people of the State of Illinois, all of us, our children and the safety on our roads. The time is now. I ask for your support. I'd be happy to take any questions, reference this."
"Mr. Deering."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, what is the legislative research number 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 on this Bill?" Johnson, Tom: "The Bill number is .08. Is that what you are asking for?"
"No, there is a SRS number, it is SRS 90S0001AKSA. It is my understanding, the legislation has to have a LRU number on it. Is that Correct?" Johnson, Tom: "The Bill, Representative, is SRS 90S0001AKSA. That is Senate Republican Staff 90."
"Okay. Mr. Speaker, Inquiry of the Chair. Does legislation not have to have a LRU number, or does the SRS number qualify?"
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Deering, we want to thank you for your inquiry. And, I know that you will give us some time to research it. So, you can continue your line of questioning."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does this Bill do anything for repeat offenders, Representative?" Johnson, Tom: "Does it what? Do anything for repeat offenders?"
"Yes." Johnson, Tom: "What this Bill does, is lower the blood alcohol content at which you are per se, guilty of DUI to .08 from .10. It does not enhance penalties for second offenses, third offenses or anything else. Those are other issues. This merely sets the limit at which the science is available for now at which drivers are shown to be impaired and that is with an 8% BAC, as opposed to a .10."
"So, this is just a 'merely' Bill then, in your own words?" Johnson, Tom: "It is a 'merely' Bill?"
"Yes." Johnson, Tom: "If you want, yes. You can say that it 'merely' reduces the level down to where, science says it ought to 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 be and where we, as the Legislative Body, can save up to 60 to 65 lives in this state. Now, if that is merely, in terms of the results, that is not what I'm saying. That is a significant reduction, but it does 'merely' change a number."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No further questions, but I would like a ruling on my Inquiry of the Chair, please."
"Representative Lyons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in strong support of this legislation. I think there has been much speculation and discussion about how many drinks it takes to get to .08. And, I think that is irrelevant. The question is, 'Are your abilities impaired at .08?' And, having participated in a controlled experiment to test one's abilities at .08, I can vouch for the fact that I was unquestionably impaired at .08. For the record, the experiment includes, driving a course at zero alcohol level and going through quite a few maneuvers and then imbibing to and being monitored until you reach .08 and then driving that same course and going through the same manuevers. And, as I said, I can vouch for the fact that, having gone through this experiment, I was unquestionably impaired. And, my question is, how can we responsibility allow impaired drivers to travel our roads and leave the rest of us vulnerable to their impaired state? Such mistakes have the potential of maiming and killing. And we have the responsibility to enact legislation that will enhance public safety. It only stands to reason, that this Bill can save lives. And I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 House. I also rise in strong support of this legislation. I would like to compliment the Sponsor for his persistence in bringing this back year after year until we finally have a chance of passing it and getting it signed by the Governor. I rise for a special reason that I say that this is not antisocial legislation, as some people have placed on it. It just says, 'Let's be responsible,' if you want to go out and have a couple of drinks with dinner, this legislation will not affect you in anyway. If you want to have more than that, you can still have it, but you should not be behind the wheel of a car. So, please join us in support of this legislation and let's make our highways safer, so that less parents have to go to hospital to find their child, who has been injured by a drunk driver. This is necessary legislation for our state. And, I hope all of you will vote 'aye'. Thank you."
"Mr. Johnson to close." Johnson, Tom: "Yes, Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank our Secretary of State for working so hard and diligently on this initiative, because this is one that truly saves lives. I want to urge each Member here today, to take this Bill very seriously, even in light of maybe some of the pressure that you have received from those who would deem to think this is not good public policy. As I said two years ago, and I will say it again, the time is now, this is good public policy, it needs to be done, .08 time has come for the State of Illinois. Let's be a leader, let's save as many lives as we can in this state, as the public becomes more and more aware of the dangers of alcohol and driving. I would urge your 'aye' votes. And thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Those in favor of the passage of the Bill, vote 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? This Bill is concerned with .08. Have all voted who wish? Who is seeking recognition? Okay. Representative Cowlishaw, are you seeking recognition? Cowlishaw? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question there are 106 'ayes'; 11 'noes'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Daniels."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentleman of the House. I'm pleased to introduce to the Body, the former Speaker of the Illinois General Assembly, former Lieutenant Governor and current Secretary of State, the very popular, George Ryan."
"Mr. Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentleman of the House, I have another introduction for you. The Republican Leader of the City of Chicago, the City Council Alderman, Bryan Doherty, the Republican Leader."
Speaker Madigan: "For what purpose does Representative Howard seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce to the General Assembly, a class, an 8th grade class from the Wendell Smith Elementary School in my district. Their teachers, that are with them today are: Walter Seaton, Audrey Neal, Cynthia Jones, parents: Georgia Price, Mertis Weed, Rosalind Lanier and Anita Hicks is the escort. Please help me to welcome the students from Wendell Smith Elementary School."
Speaker Madigan: "The Chair will now consider Bills on the Order of Second Reading. For what purpose does Mr. Deering seek recognition?" 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For purposes of an announcement. I would like everybody to notice we have a former, former Member on the Floor, the originator of the Loyal Order of Mushrooms, former Representative Myron Kulas."
"On the Order of Senate Bills Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 3, Mr. Hannig. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3, a Bill for an Act concerning Public Employee Pensions. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 6, Mr. Roskam. Mr. Roskam. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. Roskam, do you wish to move this Bill? It is Senate Bill 6. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 9, Mr. Burke. Mr. Dan Burke on Senate Bill 9. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? The Clerk advises me that there is an outstanding request for a Note. Take the Bill out of the record. House Bill 14, this shall be taken out of the record. House Bill 21, Mr. Saviano, Senate Bill 21, Mr. Saviano. Is Mr. Saviano in the Chamber? Mr. Mautino, I'm advised on your Senate Bill 14, that there is an outstanding request for a Note. Now, back to Mr. Saviano. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Is Mr. Saviano in the Chamber? All right, remove Senate Bill 21 from the record. Senate Bill 28, Mr. Woolard. Mr. Larry Woolard. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Do you wish to move the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 28, a Bill for an Act amending the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 106, Mr. Scott. The Gentleman is not in the Chamber. Remove this from the record. Senate Bill 107, Mr. Acevedo. Mr. Acevedo. Okay, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 107, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 165, Mr. Kubik. The Gentleman is not in the Chamber. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 171, Mr. McKeon. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. McKeon. Take this Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 236, Mr. Schoenberg. Mr. Schoenberg. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. McKeon, you are the Sponsor of Senate Bill 171. Did you wish to move that Bill to Third Reading? Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 171, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 171, a Bill for an Act amending the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Schoenberg. Senate Bill 495, Mr. Churchill. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 497, Mr. Fritchey. Do you wish to Move the Bill? Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 500, Representative Fantin. The Lady is not in the Chamber. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 528. I'm advised that there is an outstanding request for a Note. Take that Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 580, Representative O'Brien. Is Representative O'Brien in the Chamber? Do you wish to move this Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
"Senate Bill 580, a Bill for an Act concerning animals. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 599, Mr. Lopez. Mr. Lopez. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. Lopez. Take this Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 626, Mr. Hannig. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 626, a Bill for an Act concerning funds for the County Cooperative Extension Services. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 646, Mr. Bugielski. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 646, a Bill for an Act amending the Savings Bank Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 648, Mr. Leitch. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 648, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 682, Mr. Deering. I'm advised that there are outstanding requests for Notes on the Bill. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 755, Representative Currie. The Lady is not in the Chamber. Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 814, Mr. Scully. Mr. Scully, on Senate Bill 814. Do you wish to move the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 814, a Bill for an Act amending the Environmental Protection Act. Second Reading of this 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 816, Mr. Hassert. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. Hassert. The Gentleman is not in the Chamber. The Bill shall be taken out of the record. Senate Bill 954, Mr. Wait. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. Wait, do you wish to move your Bill? Take the Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 963, Mr. Lang. Mr. Lang. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 963, a Bill for an Act amending the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. Several Notes have been requested on the Bill that have not been filed."
"Leave the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill (sic Senate Bill) 1044, Mr. Bugielski. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1044, a Bill for an Act concerning Financial Transactions. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 1072, Mr. Phelps. Mr. Phelps. Read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1072, a Bill for an Act amending the School Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 1084, Mr. McGuire. Mr. McGuire. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. McGuire. Take the Bill out of the record. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Committee Report. Representative Pugh, Chairman from the Committee on Human Services, to which the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 following Bills and Resolutions were referred, action taken on May 7, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 404; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 237, 240, 698, 773, 860; 'be adopted Short Debate' House Joint Resolution 20, and House Resolution 4. Representative Dart, Chairman from the Committee on Judiciary I - Civil Law, to which the following Bills and Resolutions were referred, action taken on May 7, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 120, 278, 358, 368, 465; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 574, 587, 596, 806; 'do pass Standard Debate' Senate Bill 511; 'be adopted Short Debate' House Joint Resolution 13; 'be adopted Standard' House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 5. Representative Burke, Chairman from the Committee on Executive, to which the following Bills and Resolutions were referred, action taken on May 7, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 797, 1018; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 777, 1019; 'do pass Standard Debate' Senate Bills 73, 671; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' Senate Bills 493, 899; 'be adopted Short Debate' House Resolutions 12, 61. Representative Phelps, Chairman from the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, to which the following Bills and Resolutions were referred, action taken on May 7, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bills 222, 720; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bills 551, 709."
"On the Order of Second Reading, on page 16, there appears Senate Bill 1084. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 1084, a Bill for an Act in relation to assistive technology. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On the Order of Resolutions, there appears HJR 18, Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Today around the world we commemorate the loss of many lives of our families and our ancestry through the solemnity of the day we call Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust Day of Remembrance. Fifty-two years ago this month, the war in Europe was coming to an end, and the discovery of this century's biggest nightmare was about to be unearthed for Jews and non-Jews alike. The Holocaust has left an indelible mark in our history and in our souls. House Joint Resolution 18 is a message to the Nation of Switzerland, a country noted for its neutrality. It is time for Switzerland to exhume their reality of involvement in World War II and reexamine their history on the cusp of the coming millennium. Switzerland can not possibly consider closing its books on the 20th century without reopening some of the questions of the past. They must return missing assets, which belong to Jews and non-Jews, deposited into Swiss banks before and during World War II. The establishment of the Swiss Humanitarian Fund was an enormous first step in reassuring a good faith effort. But there remains much unfinished business. The Swiss Government must make certain and plan to return all assets to survivors. And, they must make this a reality after 52 years. They must do it for themselves, and they should heed this call for truth, because the world and history are all waiting. I encourage all of you to join with me in this Resolution." 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997
"Mr. Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentleman. I was proud of this General Assembly some years ago, when we became the first state in the nation to require Holocaust education in every public school in the State of Illinois. That was the right thing to do then and because of that, thousands of children around Illinois that might never have learned about this tragic episode in history, have some knowledge about it. And indeed, the Holocaust revisionists will be defeated, because of the actions that we have taken. And those actions have been copied by other states, who believe this is a study worthy of our public schools all around the country. But the work is not done. The work is not done, because after World War II, many who fled to this country and others around the world and many survivors of those who perished in the Holocaust, have had their assets frozen in Switzerland and in other places, but particularly Switzerland. The Swiss Government, until very recently, has been unwilling to discuss the issue of how to return those assets to the survivors, to the escapees, who are still with us. And those people are all around the world, indeed. I have probably more Holocaust survivors in my district than in any district in America. And so this is critical for my district, and it is critical for humanitarian purposes as well. As we try to never forget what happened during World War II, it is also our responsibility to do what we can to foster our citizens getting what is due them. The Swiss Government has been very slow to help. This Resolution could have gone farther. In the State of New Jersey, there is a Bill which says that the State of New Jersey would not allow any funds in any state pension plan to be invested in any Swiss 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 company. Now, we don't think that we need to take that step today, but we do think this is an important step to let them know in Switzerland, how we feel in Illinois about this and to let people all around America know that we feel, in the Illinois General Assembly, that Switzerland ought to return all of the assets to their rightful owners. So, I join with Representative Feigenholtz in urging passage of this important Resolution."
"Representative Feigenholtz to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady Moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. On the Order of Senate Bills Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 331. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 331, a Bill for an Act to amend the Family Practice Residency Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been Approved for Consideration. No Motions filed."
"Representative, do you wish to move the Bill?" Davis, M.: "I do. There is an Amendment."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative, Amendment #1 is still assigned to the Rules Committee. It has not yet been Approved for Consideration." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Wyvetter Young. Representative Wyvetter Young, was Senate Bill 331 the Bill that you wanted to call on Second Reading? Is there a Bill that you wish to move on Second Reading? Leave the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. The House shall adjourn upon the adoption of a Death Resolution. House Resolution 129. Mr. Ryder. Mr. Ryder on House Resolution 129. Would the 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 Members, please be in their chairs? Would the Members, please be in their chairs? Could we end the press conferences for a time? Mr. Wait. This is on a Death Resolution. Mr. Wait. Mr. Wait. Ron Wait. Death Resolution. Could you take your seat? Mr. Ryder."
"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, I rise, today, in honor of a former colleague, Carl Wittmond. I have had the honor, now twice, to stand before the Assembly, in order to pay our last respects in honor to colleagues that have been residents of the district that I represent. I'm honored today, that joining us is the sister of Mr. Wittmond, Mrs. Virginia Burch, who is standing just behind me, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burch. Mr. Burch is the State's Attorney of Calhoun County, and their son Edward. For those of you who did not know Carl Wittmond, he came from very humble beginnings, in a county called Calhoun. Calhoun County is one of the smallest, and in some occasions, some of the most isolated county in the State of Illinois. It is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River. It is bordered on the east by the Illinois. And at the southern tip of Calhoun County is where the Illinois and the mighty Mississippi come together. Those who know, live, and love the County of Calhoun, call it the kingdom, the kingdom of Calhoun. And they're fiercely proud of their community. As you may expect, in a kingdom there is sometimes royalty. Carl Wittmond was a servant of Calhoun County. He worked long and hard on behalf of the people of that county. He was present in the General Assembly during the time that we had Multimember districts. And he worked hard in this General Assembly to help the people of Illinois, but particularly the people of his area. After he left the General Assembly, which was several years ago, he went on 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 to become, from those humble beginnings, a very prosperous business person, an investor in land, an investor in banks, and he also was a frequent contributor to the general charities of that area. But he did it in a way, as his nephew said at the funeral of Mr. Wittmond, he did it in the way the Bible suggested, which was, in many cases, anonymously, and in many cases, in a spirit of generosity. He liked to be remembered as a Representative of the people. He produced for the County of Calhoun, the first road ferry, which connected the Southern tip of Calhoun County to the remainder of the State of Illinois. While he associated with the famous and the prominent during the time that he was in the General Assembly, I think he would best wish to be remembered by his friends, who remember Carl as the person who usually presided in the Wittmond Hotel, which still continues to serve their delicious German meals on a regular basis, and into his 90's he would be there meeting with his friends. All of us are called upon to be public officials. I'm proud, today, to have the chance to offer this Resolution to honor a public servant, a man of the people, Carl Wittmond. And I would ask that those Members present who wish to join me as Cosponsors of this Resolution. And I would ask for its passage. Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Ryder moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. The Republicans will go to Caucus immediately in Room 118. Representative Hannig moves that the House does stand adjourned until 3:00 p.m., tomorrow afternoon, providing Perfunctory time for the Clerk. Those in favor of the Motion, say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 55th Legislative Day May 7, 1997 it. The House does stand adjourned until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon." 20