"The House shall come to order. The House shall come to order. We will be led in prayer today by the Reverend Larry Wise of the Highland Community Church in Highland, Illinois. Reverend Wise is the guest of Representative Stephens. Our guests in the gallery may wish to join us and rise for the invocation."
Reverend Wise: "Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the safety You've granted these men and women as they returned to Springfield from the respective districts after yesterday's voting. We are people who have been blessed by God. And we thank You for the privilege of living in a great country where we have the opportunity to express our opinions through the vote. And although we don't understand all the hows and whys of the conflict overseas, we do want to pause to pray for the safety of those who at this time are serving in Eastern Europe, to protect those interests of freedom. We ask that You would grant peace and comfort to their families. And now I pray for these, our Representatives, that they will be filled by You, with an awareness with the great responsibility they have to serve You, to serve the State of Illinois, but especially to serve the people. Grant them the wisdom to know what is right, the courage to do what is right, and the compassion to see what is right. Grant them wisdom to see the ramifications and implications of their decisions. Fill them with insight into truth and Godliness, and what is acceptable and pleasing to You. We ask that You would fill them with Your love and Your grace, so that they might lead this state in the best interests of the people. Our God, in Your sovereignty, You woke us up this morning, gave us another day. It is my prayer for myself and my prayer for these people that we do recognize how precious today is. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day April 14, 1999 And we use it and live it in such a way that will please You. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen."
Speaker Hartke: "We will be led in the pledge today by Representative Andrea Moore." Moore, A. - 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 Hartke: "Roll Call for Attendance. For what reason does Representative Boland seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My light, oh it's finally working. Okay I'm here. I'm present. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Welcome back, Representative Boland. Absentees on the Republican side, Representative Poe."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representative Bellock is excused absent. Everybody else present."
"Representative Currie on the Democrat side."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Erwin, Morrow, and Lopez are excused because of illness. Representatives Erwin, Feigenholtz, and Schoenberg are excused because of official business. Those last three will be here later in the day."
Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Clerk, take the record. One hundred seven Members answering the call, there is a quorum present. The House is in order. Mr. Clerk for some announcements."
"Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Introduction - First Reading of Bills. Senate Bill 235, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act in relation to fire department promotions. Senate Bill 369, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations to the State Board of Elections. Senate Bill 384, offered by Representative Shirley Jones, a 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day April 14, 1999 Bill for an Act to amend the Public Utilities Act. Senate Bill 385, offered by Representative Shirley Jones, a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Utilities Act. Senate Bill 468, offered by Representative Wait, a Bill for an Act in relation to rolling stock, amending named Acts. Senate Bill 598, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act making appropriations and reappropriations. Senate Bill 617, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Senate Bill 646, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act concerning health care providers. Senate Bill 648, offered by Representative Krause, a Bill for an Act concerning chartered schools. Senate Bill 653, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education, amending named Acts. Senate Bill 782, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act to amend the University of Illinois Hospital Act. Senate Bill 784, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code. Senate Bill 880, offered by Representative Biggins, a Bill for an Act to create the Local Government Taxpayers Bill of Rights Act. Senate Bill 989, offered by Representative Hartke, a Bill for an Act concerning motor carrier safety. Senate Bill 1011, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act in relation to the courts. Senate Bill 1084, offered by Representative Brunsvold, a Bill for an Act to amend the Civil Administrative Code. Senate Bill 1184, offered by Representative Lindner, a Bill for an Act to amend the Housing Authorities Act. First Reading of these Senate Bills. (sic-Introduction - First Reading of Bills. Senate Bill 724, offered by Representative Brunsvold, a Bill for an Act to amend the Wildlife Code. First Reading of these 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day April 14, 1999 Senate Bills.)"
"Mr. Clerk, Rules Committee announcements."
Clerk Rossi: "The House Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
Speaker Hartke: "The Chair recogn... The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Springfield, Representative Poe. For what reason do you rise?"
"Could we have a little order before we do this?"
Speaker Hartke: "Sure. Ladies and Gentlemen, would you please tone it down and give Representative Poe your attention please."
"Yeah, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I think we have a special honor, especially my district, today. We got from the Riverton Middle School, we got Tom Olgdon the Principal, and the Coach Carol Sims, Coach Cris Becker, and Coach Carla Winslow. What's so unique about this is, this is the first time, or only the second time in history that a junior high has a won the state volleyball tournament in both the 7th grade and the 8th grade. So the 7th grade were undefeated this year. They were 24-0. And then the 8th grade went on also to win the state championship and they had a 22-3 year record. So will you help me welcome them. They are up in the Speaker's Gallery. Give them a big hand."
Speaker Hartke: "Congratulations and welcome to the General Assembly. For what reason does Representative Giglio seek recognition?"
"On a point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform the General Assembly that last week, Mr. Bill Osseborn, Mayor of Glenwood, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day April 14, 1999 passed away surprisingly on Thursday. Mayor of Glenwood Illinois. He served as mayor since 1993, and passed away suddenly after a long bout with leukemia. And I would simply ask that the Members show a moment of respect in his honor and wish him peace in eternity where he is. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Thank you, Representative Giglio. For what reason does the Lady from Cook, Representative Jones, seek recognition?" Jones, S.: "Yes, Mr. Speaker I was just letting people know that Public Utilities will be cancelled today. "
"Public Utilities Committee that was to meet this afternoon has been cancelled by the Chairman, Representative Jones. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Clerk is going to make some committee announcements. We have committee meetings this afternoon. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "The following committees will meet at 1:30: Children and Youth in D-1; Transportation and Motor Vehicles in 114; the Public Utilities Committee has been cancelled. At 2:30 the Agriculture and Conservation Committee will meet in D-1; the Constitutional Officers Committee will meet in C-1; the Financial Institutions Committee will meet in 118; and Consumer Protection in 114. At 3:30 the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will meet in 114; the Human Services Committee in D-1; the Judiciary I-Civil Law Committee in C-1; and Executive in 118."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Jersey, Representative Ryder, for an announcement."
"Mr. Speaker, if I could have the attention of the Members of the House, I am surprised to learn that there still are some of these wonderful pastries provided by Treasurer 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 36th Legislative Day April 14, 1999 Topinka, that are on the front of the Democratic side over there. Traditionally, when we announce good food on the floor of the House, some of us are trampled by others who are making a beeline to obtain them. I would draw your attention to the wonderful pastries provided by Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka. And make sure that you take one or two of the dessert because I know that you'll enjoy them. Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Mr. Ryder. Does anyone have any announcements to make? We're preparing to adjourn. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kankakee, Representative Novak."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the attention of the Members of the Energy and Environment Committee that's normally scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the committee will be cancelled. Committee on Energy and Environment is cancelled for tomorrow. Resume our business next week. Thank You."
Speaker Hartke: "No further announcements. Representative Kosel now moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 1:30 on Thursday. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair the 'ayes' have it, and the House does stand adjourned." 6