"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 Pastor David McHenry, who is the Pastor of the Cornerstone Community Fellowship in Shelbyville. Pastor McHenry is the guest of Representative Bill Mitchell. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us in the invocation."
"Our Father in Heaven, we thank You, praise You for this day. We thank You for our great nation and we thank You God for this great state. And Father, I ask You to bless each Representative who is here today. Thank You for their commitment and their dedication. We ask You God to continue to bless us. We thank You and praise You, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Black. Black: - 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.
"Thank you, Speaker. We're aware of no excused absences among the House Democrats today."
"Mr. Poe...Mr. Cr...Bost."
"Yeah, the Republican Members are all here today, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Madigan: "Thank you. There being 118 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Hartke in the Chair."
Clerk Rossi: "Committee Reports. Representative Boland, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections and Campaign 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Finance Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1, House Bill 294, House Bill 939, House Bill 940, House Bill 1109, House Bill 1137, House Bill 1138. 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 38. Representative Mary Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability and Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 189 and House Bill 804. Representative Mike Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 63; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 196, House Bill 220, House Bill 254, House Bill 514, and House Bill 822. Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Constitutional Officers, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 195, House Bill 891, and House Bill 1281. Representative Bugielski, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 736 and House Bill 1416. Representative Carol Ronen, Chairperson from the Committee on Children and Youth, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 312, House Bill 1248. Representative Jay Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation and Motor Vehicles, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 432, House Bill 1271, House Bill 1388 and House Bill 1408. Representative Frank Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 701, House Bill 812 House Bill 814, House Bill 1358 and House Bill 1469; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 154 and House Bill 161. The House Rules Committee will meet at 12:15 in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet at 12:15 in the Speaker's Conference Room."
Speaker Hartke: "On House Bills-Second Reading, on page 2 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 39. Representative Cowlishaw. Representative Cowlishaw. Representative Cowlishaw, House Bill 39. I think that Amendment is still in Rules, you want to keep it on Second?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe there was an Amendment for this."
"Yes, and it is still in Rules..."
"The Amendment is still in the Rules Committee?"
Speaker Hartke: "You want to keep it... I've been informed that, yes."
"Well, let me inquire about what the typical procedure would be in that kind of a situation. What happens...?"
"The Rules Committee is meeting today to consider 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 that Amendment."
"Oh, and typically the Amendment gets assigned to a standing committee. Is that correct? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Hartke: "Out of the record. House Bill 41, Representative Durkin. Out of the record. House Bill 60, Representative Winters. Representative Winters. Out of the record. House Bill 65, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 76, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 80, Representative O'Connor. Representative O'Connor. Out of the record. House Bill 107, Representative Davis. Out of the record. House Bill 130, Representative Black. You have an Amendment that's still in Rules, as well. Out of the record. (31) the same, Representative Black? Floor Amendment. House Bill 139, Representative Davis. Out of the record. House Bill 143, Representative Flowers. Out of the record. House Bill 151, Representative Durkin. Out of the record. House Bill 156, Representative Lang. Out of the record. House Bill 157, Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Mr. Lang, you have a Floor Amendment that's in Rules today. Out of the record. House Bill 162, Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 162, the Bill has been read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 214, Representative Black. Representative Bill Black. Out of the record. House Bill 215, Representative Scott. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 215, a Bill for an Act amending the Frauds Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. Representative Dart in the chamber? House Bill 223, Representative Dart. Out of the record. House Bill 224, Representative Dart. Out of the record. House Bill 248, Representative Novak. Out of the record. House Bill 227, Representative Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 262, Representative Giglio. Out of the record. House Bill 274, Representative Burke. Out of the record. Would any Member like to move their Bill from Second to Third? Representative Novak, I just called one of yours. If you would proceed, to come to the podium, and let us know which Bills you would like to move to Third, we will make a list of them. Representative Novak, House Bill 248. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 248, A Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. Representative Lang, House Bill 279. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Mr. Lang, a fiscal note has been requested on House Bill 279. Mr. Clerk, take that out of the record. House Bill 284. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 284, a Bill for an Act concerning liability for the provision of health care. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 317, Representative Bost. Representative Bost, (317). Out of the record. House Bill 376, Representative O'Brien. Out of the record." 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999
Clerk Rossi: "The House Rules Committee is meeting in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee is meeting in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"On page 4 of the Calendar, on Second Reading, appears House Bill 382, Representative Coulson. Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 386, Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. House Bill 392, Representative Jones, Lou Jones. Out of the record. House Bill 405, Representative Kosel, Representative Kosel. Out of the record. House Bill 415, Representative Holbrook. Out of the record. House Bill 429, Representative Bugielski. Out of the record. House Bill 442, Representative Giglio. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 442, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 457, Representative Reitz, Dan Reitz. Out of the record. House Bill 458, Representative Turner. Out of the record. House Bill 463, Representative Novak. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 463. A Bill for an Act to create the Illinois Conservation Congress. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 279, Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 279. A Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Procurement Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 472, Representative 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 473, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 472, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 473. The House will stand at ease for a few minutes. The House shall come back to order. Mr. Clerk, we left off on House Bill 473, Representative Schoenberg. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 473, a Bill for an Act to amend the Local Government Debt Reform Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 477, Representative Cross. Representative Cross. Out of the record. (478) Representative Cross. Out of the record. House Bill 485, Representative Ronen. Representative Ronen. Out of the record. Going back to House... page 3 of the Calendar, House Bill 223, Representative Dart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 223. A Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 224, Representative Dart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 224. A Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 225, Representative Dart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 225. A Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 226, Representative 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Dart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 226. A Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 492, Representative Turner. Out of the record. House Bill 496, Representative Scott. Out of the record. House Bill 497, Representative Hamos. Out of the record. House Bill 506, Representative Cowlishaw. Out of the record. House Bill 518, Representative Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 518, a Bill for an Act to amend the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 555, Representative Mautino. Read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 555, a Bill for an Act concerning motor vehicles. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. For what reason does the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, seek recognition? Representative Black, are you seeking recognition?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, I make an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Rule 21(b), 'no committee may be in Session, or will meet except the Rules Committee.' No committee shall be meeting while the House is in Session. We have been in Session 24 minutes, and the House Rules or, excuse me, the House Executive Committee, was meeting for that entire time and adjourned 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 less than three minutes ago. That is an abject violation of House Rules. And I would ask that the Speaker abrogate any and all action taken in the Executive Committee past the hour of our being called to order at 12:04 p.m. That Committee was meeting in abject opposition of the House Rules. That's wrong, absolutely wrong, whether it's a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. That's wrong, and any action that that committee took after 12:04 p.m. should be abrogated, and remeet, and reposted for next week."
"Speaker Madigan will answer that for you."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Black, when I was at the podium at 12:00, we were advised that the Executive Committee was meeting. I instructed the Clerk to go to the committee room to determine whether the committee was meeting or not. The Clerk left, the Clerk returned and advised me that the committee had broken up, that the people were coming out of the room. At that point, we started the Session. There was a later report that the committee was actually meeting. And based upon information which has been brought to my attention, it would appear as if the committee was meeting while we were in Session. And you are correct. That is in violation of the House Rules, and therefor we will take whatever action is appropriate to rescind whatever action was taken while the House was in Session. Mr. Black."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. We appreciate that very much. We join you in that, that... is what should be done. It will make this situation right. And in all due respect to the sanctity of the rules, if any of my Bills were acted on past 12:04, I would ask that you let those go. But anything else that happened, should absolutely be reposted."
"Mr. Hartke in the Chair." 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999
"On Second Reading, on page 6 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 604, Representative Hoffman. Representative Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 632, Representative Novak. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 632. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Propane Education and Research Act of 1997. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 678, Representative Novak. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 678. A Bill for an Act to amend the Board of Higher Education Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. For what reason does the Gentleman from Williamson, Representative Woolard rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, I'm reasonably sure that something has malfunctioned in the process. You skipped right over a Bill, I think awhile ago, didn't you? Were you intending to call 558, on Second Reading?"
"No."
"Certainly glad to know that you didn't do it unintentionally."
Speaker Hartke: "House Bill 720, Representative Lyons. Joe Lyons. Out of the record. House Bill 1189, Representative Morrow. Representative Morrow in the chamber? Out of the record. House Bill 1372, Representative Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 1509, Representative Currie, Barb Currie. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1509. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Procurement Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to Third Reading. Will we please get some order in the chamber? On House Bills-Third Reading, appears House Bill 7. Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 7, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Would the staff please retire to the rear of the chamber? Representative Madigan."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill is very simple. It would eliminate the Legislative Scholarship Program effective June 1, 1999. We all know the merits and demerits of this Bill. I presume everybody knows how they're going to vote. I would simply say that this is a Bill whose time has come. And I would recommend an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman has explained his legislation. Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Once again, I stand and rise in opposition to this piece of legislation. This Bill has came before this House at least two or three times. For some reason this piece of legislation did not come through the Higher Education Committee this time. I don't know why. To debate the merits of eliminating this scholarship, this is a... this program is a program that help a lot of individuals in the State of Illinois. I know in my particular district I have applicants. I have a stack of applicants ready to go through the process and be a part of this process to receive a General Assembly Scholarship. These scholarships are given to a lot of individuals with hardship situations. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 And also, they are given to individuals that will most likely to succeed, in our society, in our state. And there has been numerous of situations in which parents have wrote me and the students themselves, have given me an actual letter or a personal thank you that their sons or daughters would not have went to college, went to one of the state universities, if they would not have received this scholarship. Now, there is some questions about the process in which these scholarships are actually given out. But I can tell you and I can almost be willing to bet you that 95% of the scholar... the applicants that receive these scholarships have went through the fair and due process. For instance, myself and my legislative district office, the applicant must fill out an application. That's step number one. Well, first they must request the application. Step number two, they fill out the actual application. Step number three, there's qualifications along with the applications. There's a essay that is required, and also, there's recommendations in which they will have to go out and solicit in order to qualify for the actual process. And then there's a committee that takes everything into account, as far as the income and the grade point averages and the hardships are the most likely to succeed, the actual curriculum in which that applicant has applied for this GA Scholarship. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I think most of us take our applicants through a fair process. I think this is a travesty. Each and every Legislator who gets up and run for a political office, the first thing that's on their agenda is education, is to educate our kids, to give everyone an equitable and free opportunity to education in our society. And of course, for higher education, as well. I stand strong, in strong 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 support against this piece of legislation. And I urge in each and everyone of you to think about this. This is the only program that I think, you as a Legislator, has the opportunity to solicit in your district office, that can make a difference to your constituency directly. Ladies and Gentlemen, please vote 'no' on this legislation."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Logan, Representative Turner." Turner, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is that Art Turner or John Turner?"
Speaker Hartke: "That's Representative John Turner from Logan County." Turner, J.: "I tried, Art. Mr. Speaker, I was wondering if the Sponsor would yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield." Turner, J.: "Speaker Madigan, what is the effective date of your Bill?"
"June 1, 1999." Turner, J.: "All right. And I asked that question, I'm just curious. You know we're in the process now of receiving applications in our offices for the General Assembly Scholarships. If we are to pass this, will it affect the process that's going on right now, on those scholarships?"
"No, no. No, you can wind up your affairs. You can wind up your affairs and issue the scholarships that are still available." Turner, J.: "And Mr. Speaker, will there be a tax savings to the people of the State of Illinois if we are to eliminate the General Assembly Scholarship Program?"
"This program has been spending about $4,000,000 a year. The way the program works, why that would be money lost to the universities. In effect, it would come out of the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 universities' appropriation. And so, knowing the universities the way I know the universities, I'm sure that they'll volunteer to send that money back to the taxpayers." Turner, J.: "Okay, my question wasn't a very good one. Certainly, there won't be a tax break that is generated out this. But for universities, at least in theory, will have that much more money available to them."
"Right, and with all of that we can stop the brain drain out of Illinois." Turner, J.: "Well, Mr. Speaker, thank you for answering my questions. That's all I have."
Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Turner, are you finished with your discussion? Mr. Turner, are you finished with your questions?" Turner, J.: "Excuse me, Mr. Speaker?"
"Are you finished?" Turner, J.: "Yeah, I'm finished. Thank you."
"Okay, thank you. Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Pugh."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman (sic-Speaker). I, too, echo the sentiments of Representative Giles. But for this legislative scholarship many needy students within my district would not have the opportunity, would not be afforded the opportunity, would not receive an equitable education, a higher education. Therefore, I rise in strong opposition of this piece of legislation. I think that if there is some procedural problems with this piece of legislation that we ought to address the process and the procedure and correct it so that it may be implemented and, in effect, the nature of which the program was created can be maintained. That the integrity of the program may be 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 maintained. That the livelihood and the intent of the legislation by which this program was created may be maintained. I think if there's a procedural problem with the implementation of this project, or this program, that we should address the procedure by which the... scholarships are administered and not work to destroy a program that is viable in my community and our children."
"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell."
Mitchell B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to oppose this Bill. I will... I condemn the abuses of the past but I've... I condemn the abuses in the past but I've sponsored... I have a rural district and I have set up a committee of teachers and administrators and I want to keep it local. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Representative from Cook, Representative Howard."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise in opposition to this Bill, strong opposition. This Bill is very... this scholarship program is very important to the people of my district. I would very proudly say that there are, so far, there are a number of young people who have been able to achieve great heights because they have received a scholarship from me. Had they not been able to get this waiver, they perhaps would have not been able to attend college at all. I understand that there have been problems in the past and if that's the case, I think we ought to address the problems. In fact, it seems to me like we're talking about 'throwing the baby out with the bath water.' I think that's ludicrous and we ought not to go... to proceed in this manner. Thank you."
"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Lady from Lake, Andrea Moore. Representative Moore." Moore, A.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question, please?"
"He indicates he will." Moore, A.: "Speaker Madigan, I noticed that there was some discussion with Representative Turner earlier, about the amount of money that these waivers cost the universities. What is the total cost for the waivers that are extended annually for the universities in Illinois?"
"In response to the earlier question, I indicated $4,000,000. But then I went to my file and I found a letter from the Board of Higher Education which reads that 'In Fiscal Year 1998, there were 1,561 students that received General Assembly Tuition Waivers and that the value of those waivers was $5,000,000.'" Moore, A.: "Thank you. But my question did not relate to that amount of money that goes into waivers. I need to put some perspective on the waivers that the universities grant for employees' children, on the waivers that they grant for athletic scholarships, on the waivers that are granted for scientific study, on the vast number of waivers that are granted in our university systems. I'd like to put a perspective on the $5,000,000 that's granted through our Legislature."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, could we please have a little order in the House? Let's tone it down a little bit. It's very difficult to hear. Please."
"I don't have those figures." Moore, A.: "It's my understanding that from previous years that, and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, that the percentage of waivers that the General Assembly relates to is somewhere around 5% of the total amount of waivers that 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 are granted through our university system. So, as you can see, our amount is relatively small and everyone on this floor will agree that there have been some mistakes made in the past. I do not feel it's appropriate to completely eliminate the General Assembly Scholarships because of some clerical or other kinds of mistakes that may have been made. This is a worthwhile program that provides for needs of students that might not ordinarily have the opportunity to go to college. I would stand in opposition to this Bill and I would be willing to commit to working on better procedures when granting the General Assembly Scholarships."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Du Page, Representative Cowlishaw."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question, please?"
"He indicates he will."
"Speaker Madigan, instead of abolishing these scholarships offered by Members of the General Assembly, did you consider the possibility of putting into the law, some strict standards for how these are to be awarded and on what basis?"
"Representative, I considered that possibility. But I've simply come to the view, having worked with this program for close to 30 years, that it's a program that ought to be eliminated. And that in terms of providing financial support to needy students, it can be done better through the other existing programs."
"Thank you very much, Speaker Madigan. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"I believe that despite some rather famous instances 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 of people who have misused this privilege, that is who have awarded these scholarships to the sons and daughters of millionaires, who have awarded these scholarships to their political cronies, and who knows what else, I still believe that this program, basically has merit. What we need to do is not eliminate the program. What we need to do is make it a much more straightforward and publicly accessible matter, so that what happens for each Representative is what I believe is the appropriate way to do this. And that is, that you establish a committee of people within your own district, people who know something about education, like retired teachers, for example. I've had retired teachers on my committee for years. These people make these selections. They do so on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Those are the only criteria. And we have forms printed up so that the upper part of the form, which has the applicant's name, name of the parents and address, can be obliterated when these forms are given to the committee. Therefore, all they know is these people have numbers. They choose them by the number. Now, that is about as objective as any choice can be. They have been making those selections for my General Assembly Scholarships for years. I have always respected their choices and I might add, Mr. Speaker, in all of the years that I have been awarding these scholarships, only one of the students to whom they have been given has not actually finished whatever was his course of study and received his or her diploma. The one student who did not complete his course of study did so, did not complete it because of a very serious health problem. Consequently, I don't think there's anything wrong with the program. What's wrong with the program has to do with the way people 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 have gone about doing this. Consequently, I stand in opposition to this Bill. I do not think that we ought to abolish the program simply because some of our very own colleagues have grossly misused it. People of moderate income need help for their kids to go school, too. And that's what this program does. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Madigan, can you tell me how many waivers are used for athletic scholarships at the state universities each year?"
"No. I don't know that number."
"So, then you wouldn't know in what proportion men receive these scholarships as opposed to young women?"
"I've already answered that question. The answer is 'no'. I don't know."
"To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I stand in opposition to this Bill, also. I think what you have here is a very good program except for a few people that seem to abuse it. In that instance, I think the Bill... you can work out a method of stopping that abuse. What happens here, is you have scholarships that are divided up evenly across the straight (sic-state) in every district, where every district has a certain amount of scholarships that are allocated rather than a propensity towards one or the other and part of a district, or part of the state. So that when my district, where there are a lot of young people who are looking for college money, we get an extra eight scholarships. I think this is appropriate. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 We've never abused it. We've always had a council that looks it over, who gets it. It's always based on need and grades, community activity. I think that to abolish this because there are a few people who abused it, it's patently unfair. And I think that what we ought to do is address those abuses and continue the scholarships because it levels the playing field for men and for women, and across the state to equally divide up money for scholarships. I don't think there's a problem with this, other than the people who choose to make it a problem. And perhaps we can implement some kind of a penalty for those that do."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussions? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, Representative Madigan to close. Would you like to close?"
"Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said earlier, this has been throughly debated in the past. I believe this is a program that ought to be ended and this is a Bill whose time has come. So, I recommend an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The Gentleman's asked for a favorable vote. All those in favor will signify by voting 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. The polling is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 7, there were 82 Members voting 'yes', 35 Members voting 'no', 1 Member voting 'present'. And this Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 645?"
"House Bill 645 is on the Order of House Bills, Third Reading."
Speaker Hartke: "At the Sponsor's request, he requests that that Bill be returned to Second Reading. Place that Bill on Second Reading. On page 7 of the Calendar, appears House 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Bill 104. Representative McGuire. Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 104, a Bill for an Act to amend the Counties Code. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative McGuire."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is merely a veterans' Bill, for the burial. And what we're trying to do is raise the burial fee to be the same as for anyone indigent. And we're raising the fee from 600 to $900 per burial for indigent veterans, and their family members. And that's basically what the Bill does. I'll try to answer any questions you may have."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sure."
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I want to make it clear, I certainly don't have any problems with the intent of the Bill. However, there is a... there is something that may go on here, that I want all the Members to understand. Now some counties, and all counties I believe, correct me if I'm wrong. All counties, can if they have done so by resolution or ordinance, can have a Veterans Assistance Commission, is that not correct?"
"I believe that's correct, but I don't believe there's too many counties that have that, Representative. The Veterans Commission, the VAC."
"Okay, would... for a county to participate in this burial expense program, would they have had to already have created a Veterans' Assistance Commission?"
"No, I don't believe so. I think that this is out of 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 public aid so, I don't know that every county has a Veterans Commission. But I know there are some counties, including my own, Will County, that has the VAC, the Veterans' Assistance Commission."
"All right, let's assume that a county has a Veterans' Assistance Commission. And I think the problem that all Members should be aware of, if you reside in a county that does indeed have a Veterans' Assistance Commission, does, in fact, your Bill allow a permissive tax increase on property of approximately three cents to enact the provisions of your law?"
"No, there's no tax increase mentioned in the Bill. The funds, as you probably know Representative, come from Public Aid Funds which... the state receives money from the federal government and applies towards the County Public Aid Office. So it would be through the Public Aid Office. Or the Veterans' Assistance Commission Office, whichever you have in your county."
"Representative, in all due respect, I think you better check with your staff. Because you referenced the Veterans' Assistance Commission in the Bill, and they are empowered to levy a real estate tax, not to exceed 3¢, that's a permissive tax. Since you referenced them in your Bill, I believe that most counties are going to say... 'You don't reference the Department of Public Aid doing this, you referenced the Veterans' Assistance Commission.' And I think counties that have them would say, 'To meet the requirements of your Bill, we will then levy the three cents. Now I don't have a particular problem with that, but I don't want somebody to vote for the Bill, and then two or three months from now somebody said, 'Hey, why did you allow a permissive real estate tax increase?'" 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999
"Yeah Representative, I appreciate your comments, and if it's all right with you, we'll hold the Bill until we straighten this out."
"I would be... I appreciate that, Representative. I do think we need to clarify that point. Because if a Veterans' Assistance Commission was not levying its statutory maximum, I think a county could turn to them and say, 'Raise your tax rate a penny and a half, or two cents.' Whatever they have under that statutory maximum. And it could, while nobody wants to do anything, certainly not me, that would harm our veterans in any way, shape or form. This real estate tax issue needs to be clarified, I think, before we move the Bill. And I appreciate your indulgence in that. Thank you."
"As one veteran to another, I'll hold the Bill for you. We'll hold the Bill up, Mr. Speaker."
"Take that Bill out of the record. There being no more business before the House, the House... Representative Currie now moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 2 p.m. on Friday, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. All in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. The House stands adjourned."
Clerk Rossi: "Attention Members. The recessed Executive Committee is gonna meet on the House Floor."
Clerk Bolin: "The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Dan Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 25, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendations: Agreed Bill List, 'do pass, Short Debate'. House Bill 30, House Bill 58, House Bill 59, House Bill 83, House Bill 91, House Bill 92, House Bill 93, House Bill 94, House Bill 95, 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 House Bill 96, House Bill 97, House Bill 98, House Bill 99, House Bill 100, House Bill 101, House Bill 102, House Bill 121, House Bill 149, House Bill 150, House Bill 173, House Bill 174, House Bill 175, House Bill 176, House Bill 177, House Bill 178, House Bill 179, House Bill 180, House Bill 181, House Bill 185, House Bill 186, House Bill 187, House Bill 188, House Bill 216, House Bill 217, House Bill 219, House Bill 237, House Bill 245, House Bill 247, House Bill 250, House Bill 253, House Bill 273, House Bill 287, House Bill 304, House Bill 305, House Bill 353, House Bill 355, House Bill 358, House Bill 359, House Bill 360, House Bill 369, House Bill 389, House Bill 406, House Bill 411, House Bill 451, House Bill 453, House Bill 460, House Bill 468, House Bill 469, House Bill 479, House Bill 483, House Bill 484, House Bill 494, House Bill 500, House Bill 501, House Bill 522, House Bill 529, House Bill 532, House Bill 546, House Bill 547, House Bill 548, House Bill 549, House Bill 550, House Bill 554, House Bill 560, House Bill 563, House Bill 565, House Bill 566, House Bill 568, House Bill 569, House Bill 570, House Bill 576, House Bill 580, House Bill 582, House Bill 583, House Bill 584, House Bill 585, House Bill 589, House Bill 590, House Bill 591, House Bill 598, House Bill 606, House Bill 608, House Bill 609, House Bill 610, House Bill 611, House Bill 612, House Bill 622, House Bill 623, House Bill 624, House Bill 625, House Bill 627, House Bill 636, House Bill 637, House Bill 641, House Bill 642, House Bill 644, House Bill 648, House Bill 660, House Bill 665, House Bill 670, House Bill 673, House Bill 674, House Bill 676, House Bill 679, House Bill 680, House Bill 681, House Bill 686, House Bill 687, House Bill 688, House Bill 689, House Bill 690, House Bill 691, House Bill 693, House Bill 694, House Bill 695, House Bill 697, House Bill 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 698, House Bill 699, House Bill 700, House Bill 702, House Bill 703, House Bill 707, House Bill 708, House Bill 712, House Bill 715, House Bill 716, House Bill 717, House Bill 719, House Bill 724, House Bill 728, House Bill 729, House Bill 732, House Bill 733, House Bill 737, House Bill 738, House Bill 739, House Bill 740, House Bill 741, House Bill 744, House Bill 745, House Bill 746, House Bill 748, House Bill 749, House Bill 750, House Bill 751, House Bill 752, House Bill 754, House Bill 757, House Bill 760, House Bill 762, House Bill 765, House Bill 766, House Bill 767, House Bill 768, House Bill 769, House Bill 770, House Bill 771, House Bill 772, House Bill 773, House Bill 775, House Bill 776, House Bill 777, House Bill 780, House Bill 781, House Bill 782, House Bill 783, House Bill 784, House Bill 785, House Bill 786, House Bill 798, House Bill 801, House Bill 806, House Bill 808, House Bill 809, House Bill 823, House Bill 826, House Bill 827, House Bill 829, House Bill 840, House Bill 851, House Bill 861, House Bill 862, House Bill 863, House Bill 864, House Bill 867, House Bill 872, House Bill 874, House Bill 878, House Bill 879, House Bill 881, House Bill 893, House Bill 894, House Bill 896, House Bill 903, House Bill 904, House Bill 905, House Bill 907, House Bill 908, House Bill 909, House Bill 910, House Bill 911, House Bill 920, House Bill 922, House Bill 933, House Bill 934, House Bill 935, House Bill 936, House Bill 937, House Bill 938, House Bill 942, House Bill 944, House Bill 945, House Bill 946, House Bill 947, House Bill 948, House Bill 949, House Bill 950, House Bill 951, House Bill 952, House Bill 953, House Bill 954, House Bill 955, House Bill 956, House Bill 957, House Bill 958, House Bill 959, House Bill 960, House Bill 961, House Bill 962, House Bill 963, House Bill 964, House Bill 965, House Bill 966, House Bill 967, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 House Bill 968, House Bill 969, House Bill 970, House Bill 971, House Bill 972, House Bill 973, House Bill 974, House Bill 975, House Bill 976, House Bill 981, House Bill 982, House Bill 983, House Bill 984, House Bill 985, House Bill 986, House Bill 987, House Bill 988, House Bill 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, House Bill 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, House Bill 1010, House Bill 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1051, 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1060, 1083, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094, 1095, 1096, 1101, 1113, 1117, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127, 1128, 1129, 1130, 1131, 1135, 1139, 1142, 1144, 1157, 1169, 1170, 1171, 1172, 1173, 1174, 1178, 1179, 1181, 1204, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1220, 1222, 1223, 1226, 1227, 1231, 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, 1239, 1240, 1241, 1250, 1251, 1266, 1267, 1273, 1284, 1295, 1296, 1297, 1318, 1332, 1342, 1344, 1346, 1347, 1348, 1349, 1351, 1364, 1376, 1379, 1384, 1385, 1395, 1397, 1406, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1415, 1423, 1444, 1445, 1451, 1454, 1460, 1466, 1471, 1482, 1483, 1484, 1485, 1486, 1487, 1488, House Bill 1489, 1490, 1491, 1492, 1493, 1494, 1495, 1506, 1507, 1518, 1520, 1521, 1522, 1523, House Joint Resolution 2, House Joint Resolution 3, House Joint Resolution 4. Correction to Resolutions reported from House Executive Committee. The following Resolutions were reported House Joint Resolution 2, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #2, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #3, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #4. Also reported, 'do pass, Short Debate' House Bill 515, House 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 Bill 552, House Bill 819, House Bill 999, House Bill 1365. 'do pass, Standard Debate' House Bill 661. 'do pass as amended, Short Debate' House Bill 727, House Bill 851, House Bill 1177. Representative Sara Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 24, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 57, House Bill 616, House Bill 755, House Bill 803, House Bill 931, House Bill 1147, House Bill 1247, House Bill 1249, House Bill 1283, House Bill 1306, House Bill 1307, House Bill 1312, and House Bill 1443; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 385, House Bill 631, House Bill 923. Tabled pursuant to House Rule 22(g), House Bill 454. Representative Larry Woolard, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 25, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 795, House Bill 897, House Bill 924, House Bill 1193, House Bill 1269, House Bill 1290, House Bill 1291, House Bill 1417, House Bill 1476, House Bill 1501, House Bill 1502, House Bill 1516, House Bill 1536; 'do pass Standard Debate' House Bill 1264."
Clerk Rossi: "Representative Tom Dart, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I - Civil Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 25, 1999, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 421, House Bill 504, House Bill 574, House Bill 658, House Bill 721, House Bill 779, House Bill 852, House Bill 855, House Bill 1061, House Bill 1115, House Bill 1244, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 17th Legislative Day February 25, 1999 House Bill 1299, House Bill 1334, House Bill 1370, House Bill 1396, House Bill 1403, House Bill 1432; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1252; 'do pass Standard Debate' House Bill 210. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 22, offered by Speaker Madigan, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Senate Bill 81, offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act to amend the Civil Administrative Code. Introduction - First Reading of Bills. House Bill 2861, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. House Bill 2862, offered by Representative Silva, a Bill for an Act to amend the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned. The House will reconvene, in regular Session, tomorrow at 2 p.m." 28