"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 Lee Crawford. Reverend Crawford is associated with the Victory Temple Church in Christ, in Springfield. Reverend Crawford."
"Let us all pray. Most gracious and almighty God. Our heavenly Creator, who has dominion over life and death, we ask that You grant to us the grace to remember with love and reverence that it takes the strength of God to sustain us. It takes the power of God to preserve us and it takes the hand of God to protect us, the way of God to direct us. So may the love of God and the peace of God be with us this day and always. This we kindly pray. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative O'Brien."
O'Brien - et al: "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."
Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie. Representative Currie."
"Thank you Speaker, and Members of the House. Please let the record show that Representative Carol Ronen is delayed because of official business and she should be excused until she arrives and checks in with the Clerk. Possibly, others are delayed because of inclement weather, but we have no other excused absences to report."
"Mr. Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The record would reflect that Representative Bergman is excused today."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 116 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk. Committee announcement."
"The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"Mr. Clerk. Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 709, offered by Representative Daniels; House Resolution 710, offered by Representative Daniels; House Resolution 711, offered by Speaker Madigan; House Resolution 713, offered by Representative Granberg; House Resolution 714, offered by Representative Gash; House Resolution 715, offered by Representative Howard; House Resolution 716, offered by Representative Brady; House Resolution 717, offered by Representative Granberg; House Resolution 718, offered by Representative Parke; House Resolution 724, offered by Speaker Madigan."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 709, offered by Representative Daniels; House Resolution 710, offered by Representative Daniels; House Resolution 711, offered by Speaker Madigan; House Resolution 713, offered by Representative Granberg; House Resolution 714, offered by Representative Gash; House Resolution 715, offered by Representative Howard; House Resolution 716, offered by Representative Brady; House Resolution 717, offered by Representative Granberg; House Resolution 718, offered by Representative Parke; and House Resolution 724, offered by Speaker Madigan."
"The House shall come to order. The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. The Chair would ask the staff to retire to the rear of the Chamber. Mr. Clerk, we shall be on the Order of House Resolution 724. Would the staff please retire to the rear 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 of the chamber. Would the Members please take their seats. Would the Members please take their seats. Representative Feigenholtz. Representative Feigenholtz. The Chair recognizes Mr. Daniels. Mr. Daniels. Would the Members please be in their chairs. Proceed."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Last week I had the pleasure, and I mean indeed the pleasure, to be in Washington, D.C. with George Ryan and Mayor Daley and many other individuals from the State of Illinois to witness an event that brought a great sense of pride, not only to me, but I am sure to every Member of this Chamber, presently serving and having previously served. As I witnessed the swearing in and the election of Congressman Dennis Hastert to Speaker of the House, United States House of Representatives. Now, Speaker Madigan, you should be aware that there is a certain individual in the House right now that has changed one of the letters in his name and put a 't' in it. And, he has said, that come Wednesday this is the hat that he is going to start wearing. I am not going to say who that is, Brent, but some people might want to refer to that. But, let me tell you, the tone that he set and the timing of his elevation to Speaker, I think is great for the country, certainly great for Illinois and certainly one that I think that all of us can learn by, live by, and learn to adapt together to make sure that we all work very hard to eliminate some of the problems that we have seen over the last few years. And I, for one, intend to adopt the spirit of Denny Hastert, the Congressional Delegation from Illinois and the spirit that was set today in the Inaugural by George Ryan in his reference to bipartisanship and working together to resolve the problems for the people of the State of Illinois. Here 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 we have a man from Yorkville, Illinois, a common man. A man that was a wrestling coach, a football coach, and a teacher. A man that coached a team to a state championship. And at that point, little did we know that someday he would be coaching all of us in the United States House of Representatives and the third most influential and powerful person in the United States of America today and arguably, one of the most powerful people in the world today. Denny Hastert was our coach. When he was in the Illinois General Assembly, he served with distinction and presided over the rewrite of the Public Utility Code. He handled many complex pieces of legislation, and those of us that served with him knew at that point, that he was able to identify important issues, to understand them, to learn them, to work hard to move those forward on behalf of all of Illinois. So, I don't know if it is with a great sense of pride that Tom Cross sits there and smiles, because Tom, as you may know, is his legislator, and Tom is close, now calling his friend, Denny, his 'best friend', as you can imagine. But he also came up, he says, 'He was my history teacher.' And I said, 'Well, maybe we don't want to refer to that in this chambers because Denny's been so successful in other items, Tom, we don't want to go and discuss those as it relates to you.' But, I know you join me in the adoption of House Resolution 724 in the spirit of everything that is good in government today. With the hope for a better future and a hope for the best for all Americans, and certainly as Illinois' favorite son, we look forward to working with him. So, God Bless Denny Hastert, and God Bless you all. Thank you."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I had the 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 pleasure of serving with Denny Hastert in this chamber and I would echo all the good things about him Representative Daniels has said. He was a pleasure to work with. Somebody who took the job of legislating seriously, who understood the needs of the people back home, who was able to find ways to negotiate and compromise. I do remember a time when Denny put his hat in the ring for higher office. It was while he was a Member of this chamber. The Governor had proposed a tax on sale of junk food. Denny hoped, hoped hard, that he might be named the first Illinois junk food czar. One of the other contenders for the post, Alan Greiman, was unsuccessful too, but they both gave it their all in that hot and heavy campaign in 1985. Neither chap won that opportunity, the opportunity to define what is and what is not junk food for purposes of state taxation. Representative Greiman went on to the Illinois Appellate Court. Denny Hastert is now Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. I have to say that the spurs they earned in that campaign, doubtless, helped them make the quest successful for these other high offices, and I would have to say that perhaps we are all better off that Representative Greiman is on the Appellate Court and that Denny Hastert is the Speaker of the United States House. I was delighted when I saw Denny making his acceptance speech, stand not at the podium, but at the well. For as he said, that was his house, the house of the well, the house of all the Members, not the place of a hierarchical kind of person. I think Denny learned that kind of approach, that kind of skill while he was here in this House, and I was delighted, too, to hear him talk about the importance of cooperating, the importance of negotiating, the importance of remembering the folks back home, and all 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 of our interests in seeing to it that we solve real problems facing real people, not engage in bitter, divisive partisan activities. So, I am thrilled with Denny's new post, and as I say, I was really plumping for him, just in case he is listening, I wanted him to win the Illinois junk food czar post. But, since he did not win that, I would have to say that this is not a bad second choice. Congratulations, Denny. We're all your friends and we're all looking forward to working with you."
"You've all heard the debate and Mr. Daniels moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, an announcement. Announcement."
"Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measures referred, action taken on January 11, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'direct for consideration' for House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill #937."
Speaker Madigan: "The Chair recognizes Representative Slone, for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Speaker. I would just like to welcome the various executives of Peoria County who are here for the various inaugurations today. Welcome to Springfield."
"Mr. Clerk, on page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 937. The Chair recognizes Mr. Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. A point of personal privilege, we have 2 new Members, that with your indulgence, I would like to introduce to the chambers. We have a Member that was just sworn in at 3:30 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 this afternoon, from Lake County. She is replacing Corinne Wood for the next few days. She is from the 59th District. Would you please welcome Mary B. (sic-Beattie) to the chambers. Representative B. (sic-Beattie). From the 81st District, we're joined by Patty Bellock, who was elected in the General Assembly, but she is being sworn in in a few days, because our very own Congresswoman Judy Biggert has now taken the oath of office in Washington. So, please welcome Representative Bellock from the 81st District. Representative Bellock. Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. We, too, have 2 new Members to welcome today. Both are people who were elected to the 91st General Assembly, but their predecessors have already moved on to the big House in Washington. So, please join me in welcoming our 2 new ones, Representative Julie Hamos, who takes the place of Representative Jan Schakowsky, and Representative Jim Fowler, who replaces new Congressman David Phelps."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Clerk, on page 2 of the Calendar on the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 937. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 937. The Bill has been read a second time previously. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Currie, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Currie on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is legislation that was formerly adopted by this House more than a year ago. The Governor, because of technical reasons raised by the Department of Revenue, was forced to veto the Bill. Those technical problems have since been 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 cleaned up and what the measure does is to provide a different basis for taxing the leasing of high-tech computer equipment. In the long run, this in fact will be a money-maker for the state. I know of no opposition. The Department of Revenue is now for the measure and so was former Governor Edgar. We trust that new Governor Ryan will be equally enthusiastic. I would be happy to answer your questions and would appreciate your support for the adoption of this Amendment."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Amendment. On the Amendment, the Chair recognizes Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative Currie, my computer shows Representative Smith is the Sponsor of the Amendment. Have you taken the Amendment over from Representative Smith?"
"I did not file the Amendment. I believe Staff did and they apparently thought they were filing it in my name. I don't know."
"Okay. Just a technical thing."
"Another technical problem."
"But I knew you weren't Representative Smith. Although, if I was sponsoring this Amendment, I might want to use a pseudonym myself. Representative, I don't understand why, when all we hear today is attracting technological business and industry, training qualified technicians to operate this equipment, why the desire to impose a new tax on the leasing of the technological equipment that is outlined in the Amendment? I am not sure I understand that."
"Representative, maybe I misspoke or maybe you 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 misunderstood that those transactions are currently taxed today. The issue is changing the way in which the state and local units of government tax those long-term leases. This measure was, in fact, requested by the high-tech companies that engage in computer leases for hospitals and other major entities. And this change is one that they believe will improve their competitive status, not make this state less competitive, with respect to these activities. So, it's not a question of new taxes. They're already taxed. This changes the basis of the tax from a tax on the full price for each transaction to a tax at a higher rate than other sales taxes along the way."
"Well, let me try and do a 'for instance'. High technology medical equipment would be subjected to this 8.25% lease tax. And I assume any high technology medical equipment would be something like an MRI, the latest generation of that equipment. So, like all taxes, then obviously the consumer, the person having the MRI, will pay the tax, literally. It's figured in the rate, I am sure, on that piece of equipment. Would they not?"
"Compared to the current... the current way of taxing in which the tax rate would be based on the full purchase price. So, in fact, this will mean a lower tax rate for the ultimate consumer of the high-tech services, as well as, of the leasing entity. The medical... the hospital, what have you."
"That's what has me confused. Are you saying that currently... What do I pay currently if I lease a piece of high-tech medical equipment? What would be my tax liability under current law?"
"It would be the 5% state sales tax plus the 1% local tax, and depending on where you happen to be, any other 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 local sales taxes that might be eligible to be included."
"Okay, now... "
"On the complete purchase price. So, if that's a million dollar piece of equipment, you would be paying 6.245 or the 7% on the million dollar equipment, rather than paying the 8.x on the actual lease period."
"All right. So, I would pay the tax on the price of the piece of equipment."
"Right."
"All right. So, is it then safe to assume that right now if I wanted to lease a piece of MRI equipment from a manufacturer, under current tax law in Illinois, I could not do that and spread my tax payments over the life of the lease?"
"That is exactly right. That was why the vendors were anxious for this change."
"Now, I know I've had differences with the Department of Revenue, for example, on the automobile leasing tax and I hope that we revisit that in the spring. But what happens if I make this lease for 5 years, will the department tax on the lease price or will they somehow manage to get me, the hospital, the end user, on what the actual purchase price was? Either by a payout at the end or... because they can be very creative, as I think they are on an automobile lease."
"Representative, I have great faith in the Department of Revenue and I am sure that under George Ryan our faith will only be twofold, fivefold from what it is today. The department assures us that they will tax exactly as this measure would require them to do on the cost of the lease rather than on the purchase price. And if they don't do as we ask them to do when we pass this measure, why then I 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 will join you and storm the barricades of the Illinois Department of Revenue, hand in hand."
"I certainly... I certainly could use your help. The last question. If the lease is for 5 years and the tax on the value of that lease comes out to be, certainly, less than it would be on the purchase price, the tax being on the purchase price and then I own that piece of equipment. How will that piece of equipment be looked at by the Department of Revenue, after the lease has been completed? I now own the piece of equipment. Are they going to tax me on any residual value on that equipment?"
"First... I am not sure I can exactly answer the question. But it's my understanding that rarely will they actually buy the equipment, in part, because this whole industry is undergoing massive technological change. You also will note that the rate of taxation that will be applied to lease is higher than what you would pay on an ordinary sales transaction and that is, in part, in order to make sure that this is not a big money loser for the State of Illinois."
"The only other question I have, Representative, and I appreciate your indulgence, our analysis makes reference to a 'sunset provision'. Is this particular Act of the Lease Tax provision in this Amendment? Is it subject to a 'sunset'?"
"I believe that is right. So that we can..."
"Because it says that computer equipment used in hospitals and perhaps governmental bodies would be exempt from the 'sunset' provision. I am a little confused by what is covered under a 'sunset' and what is not."
"We're checking. Thank you very much, Representative. We're checking because of course, as you know, unless it 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 specifically states that it isn't subject to 'sunset', it is."
"Okay. I can't find any reference to a 'sunset' in the Act, and yet there is language indicating that there is, and if you could get back to us on that."
"Well, I think that is the general rule. The general rule is 'sunset'."
"We certainly appreciate that. Thank you very much, Representative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Hartke." Hartke; "Yes, will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative Currie, I am having a difficulty following this. You 're saying we're going to be reducing the tax for the leaser of..."
"Change the basis of the tax. Of the sales tax."
"And that will have no fiscal impact on the State of Illinois at all?"
"The estimate from the Department of Revenue is that it will have initially a slight, mean a slight depression in state revenue collections, but for local governments and for the state, over time, they believe it will actually bring in some additional money. But it will make it easier for those that are leasing this high-tech equipment to meet the payments in ways that otherwise it would be a very substantial up-front consideration. That is why the department and former Governor Edgar approved this measure."
"Okay. This is a... what is the general life of the lease of this equipment?"
"I'm sure it varies, but I would expect some things are gone in 2 years, some things in 5, some things longer, 5 to 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 7, I would imagine is standard."
"Okay, so if you split the cost up over a 5 year period say, for a piece of equipment, and then it becomes obsolete after 2 years, don't we lose then that revenue or is it all due upon the... ?"
"If someone has made a commitment to lease that equipment for 5 years, they go right on paying that cost. So we don't lose the money. The department's estimates were based on the study done by, which one of the big eight accounting firms. And as I say, over time we do not expect this to lose money for us, but in fact, there might be some enhancement to the revenue chest. Note that the percentage that people are paying on the sales transaction is higher than would be a regular sales tax. So, instead of being 6% or 6.25, it's 8.25."
"So, in effect, this is helping big business quite a bit or a lot of these individuals that lease this type of equipment up-front."
"It means that they do not have to pay a substantial up... many of these are not-for-profit hospitals, you know, major medical centers, and it means they will not face such a substantial up-front cost when they do the leasing."
"Okay, thank you."
"Mr. Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to wish you a Happy New Year. Look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, Mr. Parke."
"Now, will the Sponsor of this Amendment yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, what's the bottom line? You gave an analogy of why we are doing this. What is the bottom line? What will we... what will we hope to achieve if this Bill 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 passes and the underlying Amendment that you have added on passes? What will we expect to see happen?"
"In fact, the Amendment becomes the Bill. According to those who lease high-tech, particularly medical equipment, it will make it easier for the lessors to be able to make their payments. And in the long run, according to an analysis of a major accounting firm, and according to our State Department of Revenue, there will be no loss of revenue to the state over time. There will be an initial loss, not a substantial one. Over time the state revenue chest will be, if anything, affected in a positive way. So, the point is to make it more likely that these entities will be able to lease the high-tech equipment that helps individuals in a hospital setting make sure their diagnosis is accurate."
"So, you are saying that you hopefully will stimulate more leases in the State of Illinois, if we spread it out over a period of time, rather than up-front?"
"That's right. That's right. And we think, if we, the Department of Revenue, and the former Governor, and Representative Moore, who is the Sponsor of this provision when it passed the House, I think unanimously, and we, believe that this is a fairer way to tax this high-tech equipment."
"Do out-of-state people come to Illinois to lease their equipment?"
"I would imagine so. And of course, few states... "
"Well, my understanding that out-of-state people do not have to pay that up-front, but under this legislation, they will. Is that true?"
"No. Under this legislation they will not, which would make it more likely that out-of-staters would be inclined 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 to rely upon Illinois vendors than they would under current law. That was my answer to Representative Black, who was wondering whether this made us more or less competitive in the high-tech arena. I would argue it makes us more competitive."
"Well, I am looking at my staff analysis and maybe I see that you have entered in the new tax rate of 8.25%. Now, that was not in the legislation that this chamber passed this fall, was it?"
"I belive it was a year ago, and you are right, that the rate... the rate in that measure was somewhat lower. But the concern with that lower rate on the lease price, would have had a negative impact on Illinois state revenues and on local municipal revenues, as well."
"So, this is... "
"So, that is why the redraft ends up with a higher number."
"All right. I think I understand, to the Bill. Thank you, Representative. My colleagues, you have a dilemma. And the dilemma is, that to achieve what the Department of Revenue wants to have happen with this legislation, we are now coming back with a higher rate, which means it is a tax increase to put this higher rate in. But, in the long run, what's going to happen with this legislation is hopefully, it will stimulate more leases, so that it will be neutral or that we may gain a little money with it. So, those of you that are concerned about voting for tax increases, this is a tax increase over and above what we passed last spring. As the Representative pointed out, she believes in the long run, if you spread it out over a period of the lease rather than up-front, will stimulate more votes. So, those of you that are concerned about it, you should pay 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 close attention to what you are voting for. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Andrea Moore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I would like to speak for this Amendment and point out that this revision is one that I think makes very good sense for technological equipment that becomes obsolete quickly. It provides an opportunity for people to be able to lease at a less amount and it also has the municipalities protected. I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise, not on this Bill, but on a matter of personal privilege."
"Representative, could I come back to you in just a couple of minutes?"
"That would be fine. Thank you, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Currie to close."
"Thank you, Speaker. This represents a tax reduction for those who rent high-tech equipment in the State of Illinois. I urge your support for the Amendment as you supported comparable legislation a year ago."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Amendment. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, has this Bill been read a second time?"
"The Bill has been read a second time previously."
"Fine. Read the Bill for a third time."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 937, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. Third Reading of the Senate Bill." 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999
"On the order of a personal privilege, the Chair recognizes Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, which was Sunday the 10th of January, 1999, my husband and I are proud to announce that we became grandparents for the 7th time. Our brand new granddaughter, who weighed a little over 8 pounds when she was born at 5:30 p.m. yesterday, is named Elizabeth Nora Rader. She has the makings of a president. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The Bill is on the Order of Third Reading. I believe that the Amendment has become the Bill. And on the Order of Third Reading, the Chair recognizes Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I think the issue has been well discussed, well addressed. This is a tax decrease for those who rent high-tech equipment, medical equipment in particular, in the State of Illinois. I would welcome your support."
"The Lady moves that this Bill pass. Those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? This is a Third Reading Roll Call. This is a Third Reading Roll Call. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? This is a Third Reading Roll Call. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 77 'ayes'; 37 'noes'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. May I rise to a point of personal privilege?"
"State your point."
"Yes, I'm not explaining my vote. I'll stand by my vote 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 on that last Bill, Mr. Speaker. And I will explain it to my constituents. The vote shall, however, be construed as my objection to debating tax policy when the tax, in fact, was a new tax and can be construed as a tax increase. Albeit, I think Representative Currie made a strong case for it. The noise level in this House is such that no one, in my humble opinion, should be asked to vote 'yea' or 'nay' on a matter of tax policy when you can't hear. There were reporters on the floor. There were dozens of visitors on the floor. You simply can't hear and you're asking people to vote on a very important issue of tax policy, a new tax policy, for the State of Illinois. And I don't think we should be in the business of voting for tax policy when you cannot hear the debate and you cannot understand answers to the questions. That's wrong and I will defend my 'no' vote on that basis."
"I think that Mr. Black's point is well-taken. The Chair asked on numerous occasions that the Members give their attention to the speakers and that the noise level be reduced. The Chair recognizes the Clerk for the purpose of an announcement."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee announcements. Immediately upon adjournment, the Registration and Regulation Committee will be meeting. Immediately upon adjournment, the Registration and Regulation Committee will be meeting. At 10:30 tomorrow morning, the Public Utilities Committee will be meeting and the Elections in State Government Committee will be meeting."
Speaker Madigan: "Have you all heard the announcement? Mr. Clerk, could you read it. Would the Members please give their attention to the Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Immediately upon adjournment today, the 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 138th Legislative Day January 11, 1999 Registration and Regulation Committee will be meeting. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. the Public Utilities Committee will be meeting and the Elections in State Government Committee will be meeting. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. Public Utilities and Elections in State Government."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Clerk. The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Mr. Clerk, do you know the rooms that they're meeting? What room? I am advised that the Registration Committee will be in Room 118 and the other Committees will be posted in the morning. Again, the Chair is prepared to adjourn. Representative Currie moves that the House does stand adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning." 19