Illinois House Floor Debate — February 2, 2000

"The House shall come to order. We shall be led in prayer today by Rabbi Jody Fortornic of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation in Crystal Lake. The Rabbi is the guest of Representative Franks. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."

Rabbi Fortornic: "There's an ancient Jewish teaching that says the following: Who is truly wise? A person who learns from all people. Who is truly heroic? One who conquers his/her own instincts. Who is honored? One who shows respect to his or her peers. And who is truly wealthy? One who is satisfied with his or her portion in life. How instructive is this moral teaching, as we think today about what it means to lead a life of public service. What the Rabbis did was to create a paradoxical interpretation of several values as we commonly understand them. These are wisdom, heroism, honor and wealth. When most people think about these concepts, we associate them with the glory that a person can bring to him or herself. But this teaching guides us to an understanding that is more communal and less individual, that tells us that the glory of God ultimately rests upon the person who works for the benefit of others. Those who are truly successful at the task of public service are those who have internalized the essence of this profound Rebenic teaching. They are those who know intuitively that we each have much to learn from all other people, regardless of their race, religion, economic standing, age, gender, or politics. The more we can integrate the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others into our own experience, the wiser and more profound will our own judgments be. One who acts on behalf of the public welfare must so often place the greater good above his or 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 her own needs and desires and even occasionally above those of his or her constituency. And compromise is sometimes the greatest act of heroism. The most well-respected person is often the one who is most humble, showing deference and honor to others and respecting the dignity of all. And finally, a true leader strives to be comfortable with his or her own station in life, striving always for self-improvement and to make the world a better place, but at the same time, appreciating the blessings that God has granted to him or to her. Only one who has found inner peace and contentment can effectively serve the needs of others. Let us take these ancient words of wisdom into our hearts as this Legislative Session begins. May the spirit of God rest upon this legislature today, as you seek to broaden your perspectives and to enrich your public service."

"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Tom Johnson." Johnson, Tom - 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. Please let the record show that Representative Morrow is excused today."

"Mr. Poe. Mr. Poe."

"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that all Republicans are present today."

"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 117 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk." 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000

"Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'to the Floor for consideration' House Joint Resolution #45, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 2909, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3054, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 3205, and Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3315. Representative Woolard, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 2904; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 2977. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass as amended' House Bill 3271 and 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3355. Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Constitutional Officers, to which the following measure was referred, action taken on February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'be adopted' House Joint Resolution 40. Representative Bugielski, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following measure was referred, action taken on February 1, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3431. Representative Mary Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability and Access, to which the following measure was referred, action taken on February 1, 2000, reported the 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3201; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' House Bill 3117. Representative Jay Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation and Motor Vehicles, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 1, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3053, House Bill 3420, House Bill 3476; 'do pass, as amended, Short Debate' House Bill 3256. Representative Vince Persico, Chairperson from the Committee on Electric Utility Deregulation, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass, as amended, Short Debate' House Bill 3027. Representative Tom Dart, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary 1-Civil Law, to which the following measures were referred, action taken February 2, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3046. Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed."

"Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Resolutions, there appears HJR 45, Representative Currie. Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution."

"House Joint Resolution #45, be it resolved... be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 91st General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that the two Houses shall convene in Joint Session on Wednesday, February 2, 2000, at the hour of 12:00 noon for the purpose of hearing his Excellency, Governor George Ryan to present to the General Assembly his report on the condition of the state required by Article 5, Section 13 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois and 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 to hear the Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2001 as required by Chapter 15, Act 20/38 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes."

"Representative Currie moves that the House does adopt HJR 45. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 298. Representative Feigenholtz, do you wish to call your Bill? The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 709, Representative Cowlishaw. Is Representative Cowlishaw in the chamber? Do you wish to call your Bill? The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 1544, Representative Silva. Is Representative Silva in the chamber? Representative Silva. The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 2909, Representative Julie Curry. Representative Julie Curry, do you wish to call your Bill? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 2909, the Bill has been read a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Julie Curry, has been approved for consideration."

"Representative Julie Curry on the Amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 2909 makes some technical changes in the legislation that was originally discussed in committee. It does specifically three things. It provides that the MTBE labeling requirements applies only with respect to motor fuel containing at least 2% by volume of MTBE. In the original Bill, it was 1%. Secondly, the Amendment eliminates the requirement that the MTBE label 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 include a specific percentage of MTBE contained in the motor fuel. This was originally in House Amendment #1. So it eliminates that specific percentage requirement. Third, it provides a provision that expressly provides that this legislation does not require the owner or operator of the retail station to test the fuel shipment received in order to determine the specific amount of ethanol or MTBE. I'd be happy to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."

Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Amendment. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

"Yes, Representative, is it my understanding the thrust of your Amendment is to simply answer some of the concerns expressed in committee that we could not specify a percentage, because that percentage may fluctuate from week to week or month to month? And we don't want the owner/operator to go out and say... have to put a sign on today that says 6% MTBE, next week 4%, the week after that, 1 1/2%. So you're giving constructive notice that the fuel contains or may contain MTBE, but eliminating that requirement that an absolute percentage be posted. Is that what the Amendment does?"

"That's correct."

"Thank you very much."

"Mr. Jay Hoffman."

"Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

"Representative, just so the Members of the committee and everyone else knows, this now ensures the commitment that you made in the committee that there will just be, not 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 a specific percentage on the pump regarding the containment of MTBE, but only that it contains over a certain percentage of MTBE. Is that correct?"

"That's correct, Representative Hoffman."

"I stand in support of the Lady's Amendment. I think that this is an issue that we're going to see much more debate over as time goes on. What Representative Curry is doing here is something that I think makes a lot of sense. What we're talking about here is just a consumer protection label, so the consumers of gasoline here in the state can make an informed decision as to whether they want MTBE to be utilized in their cars. I stand in support of the Lady's Amendment."

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."

Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Representative, do you wish to call your Bill? Do you wish to call your Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill for a third time."

"House Bill 2909, a Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Fuel and Petroleum Standards Act. Third Reading of this House Bill."

"Representative Curry."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This legislation is what I believe to be one of the most important consumer rights information Bills that will be before the Legislature this Session. It's also a very important environmental Bill. This Bill puts in line with laws that were passed nearly 15 years ago when we decided to regulate and label ethanol in this state. Illinois is the largest producer and consumer 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 of ethanol in the nation. With the Phase II Reformulated Gasoline Program that was passed by the U.S. EPA and Federal Government back in 1990, Illinois must comply with the Phase II requirements beginning of January 1 of this year in the nonattainment areas. And that requirement includes allowing the fuel additive known as MTBE allowed to be mixed in fuel. This legislation simply requires that consumers of this state have the right to know what is in the gasoline that they purchase. It puts in line again, specifically, the same requirements that we place on ethanol. I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"The Lady has moved for the passage of the Bill. Are there any questions? There being no questions, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. This is a Third Reading Roll Call. This is a Third Reading Roll Call. Please record yourself. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 116 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3009, Mr. Novak. Is Mr. Novak in the chamber? Mr. Novak. House Bill 3054, Representative O'Brien. Do you wish to call your Bill? The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 3205, Mr. Delgado. Do you wish to call your Bill? The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call his Bill. House Bill 3315, Mr. Delgado. Mr. Delgado, 3315. Do you wish to call that Bill? Mr. Delgado."

"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I understand the Amendment is on the floor. We... Yes, and we should move forward with it."

"Mr. Clerk, is there an Amendment approved by the Rules Committee?" 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 3315, the Bill has been read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Delgado, has been approved for consideration."

"Mr. Delgado."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives. 3315 is a Bill we had introduced in the last Session, and I believe there were some questions from the other side of the aisle, and I do believe those questions have been answered. I would hope that that is confirmed today. But this is the After School Program Bill that would allocate dollars from the Illinois State Board of Education to over 41 school districts in the State of Illinois that would qualify for after school programs. And so at this point in time, I would ask for a positive 'aye' vote."

Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Amendment. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black. Mr. Black."

"Yes, Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

"Representative, I do appreciate the fact that you gave me a copy of the Amendment. We were able to have our staff look at the Amendment. I believe that we will at some point be supportive of your Bill; however, I feel compelled to say that we, on our side of the aisle, feel that we gave you every consideration in committee and helped get your Bill to the floor based on your statements that you would amend the Bill. And you've done so. You're a man of your word. I appreciate that. But what transpired in committee on our side of the Bill when Rep... on our side of the aisle when Representative Cowlishaw had a Bill, a very 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 complex Bill I will admit, somewhat controversial, we asked for the same consideration. Let her Bill come to the floor; we will hold it on Second Reading until we can get an Amendment. But we can't get an Amendment, because the Illinois High School Association, to this point, will not return our calls. And were running out of time. So all we're saying is we're going to withhold our support on the Amendment. I would urge my Members on my side of the aisle to vote 'present'. All we want is a simple consideration for what our Members gave you in committee and then what your Members would not give our Member in committee. And that is the ability to move a Bill, with Representative Cowlishaw's agreement, that it would be held on Second Reading. That's all we're after. And I hate to do this at this point in time. I don't think... Our concerns aren't based on the merit of your Bill. Our concerns are simply based on what we consider to be unfair treatment of our side of the aisle when we acquiesced to a reasonable request from you. If you care to respond, we'd certainly like to listen."

"Representative, absolutely, Representative. I want to just point out that all my dynamics were in place in my Bill. This is for children and after school. I hope that we won't use this particular circumstance..."

Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Delgado. The Chair would suggest that you take this Bill out of the record at this time."

"That is my intention, Mr. Speaker."

"Good."

"I just wanted to respond to his concern. And we will pull it out of the record at this point. But I would like due consideration as to the dynamic."

"Mr. Clerk, take this Bill out of the record. 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 On House Bill 3054. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of that Bill?"

"House Bill 3054, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative o'Brien, has been approved for consideration."

"Representative O'Brien."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Amendment #1 to House Bill 3054 is technical in nature. All it does is it eliminates the word, 'private' each and every time that it appears in the overall Bill. And I would seek an 'aye' vote."

"The Lady has moved for the adoption of the Amendment. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted?' Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?"

"No further Amendments."

"Third Reading. The Chair would ask the Members to take their seats and for the staff to leave the floor. The Chair would ask the Members to please take their seats. Representative Wojcik. Representative Wojcik. Representative Wojcik, could you please take your seat. And could that Gentleman in the aisle please leave the floor. Mr. Black, would you take your seat, Sir. Mr. Rutherford, would you please take your seat. Mr. Acevedo, would you please sit down. Mr. Pugh, retire to the rear of the chamber. If all guests would please take their seat. Those without a seat, please leave the chamber. Director McDonough, would you please take a seat. All unauthorized personnel will leave the floor. The Regular Session will 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 stand in recess. The Chair recognizes the Doorkeeper for an announcement. Mr. Doorkeeper."

"Mr. Speaker, The Honorable President Philip and the Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber."

"Mr. Doorkeeper, please admit the Honorable Senators. As designated in House Joint Resolution #45, the hour of 12:00 noon having arrived, the Joint Session of the 91st General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House, our esteemed guests from the Senate, please take their seats. Mr. Clerk, is a quorum of the House present?"

"A quorum of the House is present."

"Mr. President, is a quorum of the Senate present in this chamber?"

President Philip: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A quorum of the Senate is present."

"There being a quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate in attendance, this Joint Session is convened. The Chair would like to acknowledge the presence of certain dignitaries who have joined us today. If the Members could please give their attention. First, we're pleased to have the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Corrine Wood, Corrine; the Attorney General of Illinois, Mr. Jim Ryan, Jim Ryan; the Comptroller, Mr. Dan Hynes; the Treasurer, Judy Barr Topinka; the Auditor General, Bill Holland; the Superintendent of Education, Max McGee; Governor's Chief of Staff Bob Newtson; the Chair of the Illinois Arts Council, Shirley Madigan; seated in the gallery, the First Lady of Illinois, Lura Lynn Ryan. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie." 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000

"Thank you, Speaker, I move for the suspension of applicable House rules, so that we can immediately consider the adoption of Joint Session Resolution #3."

"You've all heard the Lady's Motion. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Motion is adopted. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Would the Clerk read Joint Session Resolution #3."

"Mr. Clerk."

Clerk Rossi: "Joint Session Resolution #3, resolved that a committee of ten be appointed, five from the House by the Speaker of the House and five from the Senate by the President of the Senate, to await upon the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois and invite him to address the Joint Assembly."

"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to the Resolution, the following are appointed as committee to escort the Governor. The Escort Committee from the House shall be Representative Julie Hamos, Representative Frank Mautino, Representative Coy Pugh, Representative Andrea Moore, Representative Skip Saviano."

President Philip: "Senator Dan Cronin, Senator Judy Myers, Senator Peter Roskam, Senator Terry Link, Senator Ned Mitchell."

Speaker Madigan: "Will the Committee of Escort please convene at the rear of the chamber and await His Excellency, the Governor. The Doorkeeper is recognized for an announcement. Mr. Doorkeeper." 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000

"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois, George Ryan, and his party wish to be admitted to this chamber."

"Admit the Honorable Governor."

"Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Very good. Thank you very much. Thank you. Speaker Madigan and President Philip, Justices of the Supreme Court, my fellow Constitutional Officers, and my partners in the General Assembly, our guests in the gallery, I'm joined today by my wife, my son George, my daughter Joanne, my daughter Jeanette, my son-in-law John and there weren't any more seats left to bring the rest of them in, so, but the ones that are here, we welcome all of you here. Thank you. You know last year when I came to this chamber and stood here, we had one of our fellow Constitutional Officers that was in trouble. Jimmy Ryan had a tough battle against cancer. I came in here today and I'm delighted to see he's got a full head of hair and he's healthy as a bird. We're glad to have you back, Jimmy. Thank you very much for that very, very warm welcome; it's greatly appreciated. It's always a pleasure for me to come back to this House; it will always be my home. The days I spent here will be forever in my memory and the friendship of this House will always be close to my heart. We stand here at the dawn of a new century and the State of Illinois is strong. And just over a month ago for a day and a night, people and families all over the world gathered to greet the new millennium. Remote corners of the world places that most of us only read about were beamed into our homes via the flick of the remote control. And in countless homes all over the world, people paused and prayed and were filled with hope and joy for a better day 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 and a new beginning. I believe we are at the crossroads, and there are generations behind us and monumental change ahead of us. Let us think about what we do in terms of the opportunities of the future. Let's remember who we are regular, ordinary people who have an awesome obligation. I had the opportunity to see some preinterview television before the Super Bowl last weekend. And they interviewed the quarterback Kurt Warner, a former stock boy at a grocery store in Iowa. And they asked him how it felt and he said, 'You know, I'm just an ordinary guy with an extraordinary obligation to play in the Super Bowl and to win.' And I think that pretty much applies to all of us here. We're just regular, ordinary people who struggle through life, good times and bad, and we hope our kids grow up okay. And we're lucky if we can find someone to stand by our side and hold our hand and walk through this adventure called life. Most of us, you and I, are just regular, ordinary folks like Kurt Warner, who sometimes are called upon to do some very important things. This is one of those times. One year ago, I stood before you and I asked that you join me in a partnership to fashion a bold plan to begin a new day for the people of Illinois. Together we made history. Working together, we enhanced education for our children. We created thousands of jobs for people. We provided for the public safety. We increased social services for those among us in need, and we invested in the largest public works program in Illinois' history. And together we balanced the budget. We made a difference. The people of this state will live better lives because of what we accomplished and we did it together. We can debate political action, and we can have great discussions concerning political philosophy. But 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 when a child is hungry, we must provide food. When a senior citizen's health care is needed, we must provide it. And when a woman is battered, we must provide shelter. In Scripture we read, 'Though I have faith, so that I could move mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.' Let me say that any political party or any philosophy of government that loses its heart, loses its purpose for existence. Last year, we had that purpose. When I asked you to give me your hand in partnership for the people, you said, 'George, here is my hand. I am with you.' You don't know how important that was to me, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you. Most of you in this room, Republicans and Democrats, are people I've known and worked with for a long time. Some of you were here when I first came to Springfield some twenty-seven years ago, and others are new. But I meant it when I started my remarks today by noting the special affection I feel for all of you and the place I hold in my heart for this House. Last week I apologized to the people of Illinois about the events that occurred in the Secretary of State's Office. It happened on my watch. It's my responsibility and I accept it. Today, I stand before you, my partners in government, the people who know me best, to convey to you that my focus remains clear and my enthusiasm remains strong. And I'm not going to let anything get in the way of me being the best Governor I can be for the people of this great state. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. And with your help, the business of Illinois and our people will proceed. But because of our bipartisan cooperation that we had last year, our economy is strong. More people are working in Illinois than ever before. Crime rates continue to fall. The teen birth rate 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 is at a lowest level in a decade. And the infant mortality rate continues to drop. Fewer Illinois children grow up in poverty today than they did a decade ago. And I can report to you today that the outlook for Illinois' future is unlimited, and the state of this state is outstanding. We're in great shape, thanks to you. Even with that, we still have a special burden, now more than ever, to look beyond today. To think beyond ourselves and to think about what quality of life we'll give our children and to theirs. We made education our number one priority. We agreed that the basic educational development of our children and the preparation of an internationally competitive workforce in Illinois are the keys to success in the 21st Century. We agreed to earmark 51% of all new revenues to schools and job training. We fully funded categorical grants for the first time in the history of Illinois. We established tougher teacher standards and demanded tougher standards for students learning, because our children must be prepared to compete in a global economy. We made our schools safer to learn by providing $14 million to fund the Attorney General Jim Ryan's Safe to School Initiative. We will make sure that our schools are free from crime and free from gangs and free from guns and free from drugs. And I ask you to join me in thanking Jim Ryan once again for his help in the Safe Neighborhoods and the Schools Act... Safe School Act. Again, acting together, we gave parents throughout the state a greater choice in selecting a school for their children. And we provided new scholarship assistance for adult learners. And we fully funded our merit and veterans scholarship programs for the first time ever. Secondly, we worked on a far-reaching agenda for job creation and economic expansion. And at the 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 heart of that agenda was the EDGE tax credit. Our efforts have already begun to reap some benefits. In the last year, we worked with companies large and small on investment projects to benefit the people of Illinois. Those projects resulted in $4.4 billion in new private investments in Illinois and created or retained 61,000 jobs in our state. Over 750 jobs at Solo Cup, the former United States Seals site in Chicago; 1,100 jobs at Uniforms To You in Bedford Park; 2,300 jobs at Tellabs in Naperville; 1,000 jobs at MUMS in Pinckneyville; 1,200 jobs at Sprint PCS in Bolingbrook; 900 jobs at MCI World Com in Rockford; and 550 jobs at Quaker Oats in Danville. Throughout Illinois, we are putting people to work. And as we open the 21st Century, the first buzz words to enter our culture have been 'e-commerce' and 'the New Economy'. Terms that reflect the on-going evolution of business as the world marketplace keeps pace with technology. Illinois must keep pace with technological advances so we can retain and attract high tech firms and the high-paying jobs that they create. Last year, we accelerated that pace by devoting over 230 million to help expand all aspects of technology development from concept to customer. Together, we also expanded tourism promotion last year, providing the largest tourism promotion budget in the nation to support our $21 billion industry in Illinois. And we took the first step towards establishing the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library here in Springfield, the capstone of our efforts to honor Illinois' most famous son. We expanded Illinois exports through the creation of the Illinois Trade Office. And we reestablished a presence for Illinois in critical overseas markets by opening new Illinois trade offices around the world. And we expanded our horizons by 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 traveling to Cuba on a humanitarian mission to a nation that has been closed to Illinois farmers and Illinois businesses for 40 years. And you and I have enacted a five year, $30 million program to assist distressed communities. And I want to thank Senator Emil Jones for his help with that program. We did it last Session. Last year, we said that we would embark on an historic effort to rebuild our state's crumbling infrastructure, and we did. Through Illinois FIRST we agreed to provide $12 billion over five years to repair aging and deteriorating roads and bridges and to build needed new highway lanes to reduce congestion. We agreed to provide the funds to revitalize our mass transit system, to construct needed classroom space in growing school districts, and to repair aging schools to clean up urban brownfields and to make some other environmental hazard changes, and to upgrade our water and sewer systems and to fund projects that will improve our overall quality of life in this great state. Like you, however, I'm concerned about making sure that these dollars are wisely spent. And I have, therefore, directed the Department of Transportation to impose extra safeguards to make certain that all construction criteria are met. And to oversee this scrutiny... to make sure that the process is open and straightforward, I will appoint a panel of business, labor, and community leaders to oversee the bidding and contracting process and review any problems or complaints. They'll receive my full authority and support. I want schools, bridges and roads to be built; that was the intention of the program. I want the environment to be protected. And I don't care who is selected to do the work, as long as the work is well done. Agriculture continues to be our number one industry and our proudest 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 heritage. And yet, our farm families continue to suffer along with others across the country who grow our food. The truth is that we depend on them and they're counting on us. Last year, we lobbied very hard to Congress of the United States to successfully pass a Federal Farm Bill that increased payments to farmers. And we continued to support ethanol, which is very important to farmers. We said that we would do more to protect our environment and we did that, too. We created the $160 million open lands trust, the largest open space preservation program in Illinois history. We continued to fund the effort to restore thousands of acres along the Illinois River watershed. And we extended and expanded the $100 million Conservation 2000 Program. We earmarked over $57 million for pedestrian and bike trails in Illinois. That's a 79% increase over the two previous fiscal years combined. We protected Illinois land by beginning the cleanup of leaking landfills in Chicago, Mattoon, and Carlinville. And, we budgeted enough money to leverage the maximum federal contribution for the low-interest waste water and drinking water loans to help local governments. You and I will fill the promises we made to the people of Illinois last year about recommitting ourselves to educational excellence, strengthening our economy, rebuilding our communities, and restoring our land. But one of the strongest commitments we made last year, together, was the pact that we made with families throughout Illinois to better protect them from gun violence and crime. We enacted one of the toughest antiviolence laws in the nation by passing the 15-20 and Life Bill. We required longer prison sentences for anyone who uses a gun to commit a crime. We had the wisdom to pass a Child Access Prevention Law that properly balances 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 the right of legitimate gun owners with the safety we demand for our children. I convened a Discrimination and Hate Crime Commission to make recommendations for dealing with these ugly crimes and to ensure legal protections to all of Illinois citizens. Criminal acts committed against any individual because of race, color, creed, sex or sexual orientation can't in any way be tolerated or excused. And I think it is time that we act. Regrettably, one critical anticrime measure was left undone the Safe Neighborhoods Law with the felony gun provision intact. I urge you to fully reinstate a law that worked well for five years to help control gun possessions and reduce gun violence on our streets. And I will continue to work with you on a fair compromise. In the five years the Safe Neighborhood Law was in effect, not a single instance has been found where some innocent citizen has been prosecuted for a felony. The debate was distorted by false fears of law-abiding hunters being swept up by police, and those claims weren't true. This is not an issue about personalities. God knows there's enough of them. It's simply a matter of doing what is right, doing what is right for the people, and what the people want us to do. And I believe the people of Illinois understand that we need to do this. I urge you to do that now, to reenact all, including the felony gun provision, and I want you to understand that we're going to continue to work together to make sure that we get the right law. And if it means compromise, I'm willing to do that. Last year, we also said we would strengthen and protect Illinois families and we did. We enacted landmark HMO reform to protect customers and to provide a Patients Bill of Rights. We established the Futures for Kids Program under the direction of the First Lady to help coordinate, publicize 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 and expand comprehensive prevention and intervention services for young people. I think she's done a great job with that program. Not only has she been a great wife, she's done a good job with that program. Thanks, Lura Lynn. In addition, with the help of school districts, the clergy, business leaders, doctors, organized labor and community activists we have rescued the KidCare Health Insurance Program from mediocrity. Last year at this time, we had only 28,000 children that were enrolled in that program. Today, our enrollment numbers are close to 90,000 and they're growing every day. I congratulate Director Ann Patla, the Department of Public Aid and their partners for their tremendous success in turning this program around. For the second straight year, Illinois led the nation in the number of children placed in permanent homes. In 1999, thanks to your commitment of $46 million more of these services, DCFS placed a record number of children in loving, caring homes. That's a 72% increase from 1998. And I certainly want to congratulate the Department, whose efforts to stabilize the lives of these kids, these 7000 Illinois children. Your ongoing commitment to Illinois' Welfare-To-Work Programs continue to bear fruit. Last year, Illinois was recognized by the Federal Government for leading the nation in finding jobs for welfare clients who had faced significant barriers to employment. In the last year, thousands of welfare families have started making a positive contribution to their lives and to the lives of their families, earning respect for themselves as they loosen the bonds of poverty, 70,000 Illinois families. In the last year, the number of state welfare clients with full-time jobs has grown by 50%. And even more encouraging, over the past three years, scores of people 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 have become former welfare recipients and have worked their way completely off the public aid rolls. It's equivalent to the entire population of Rockford, 100,000 families. What a great record. Last week, I announced my nomination for a new Secretary of Human Services and she's here with us today, Linda Renee Baker. And I have a lot of confidence that she's going to continue to do the job. Linda Renee Baker. You've got fans here, Linda. And there were some other successful ways last year that we were able to help people in need. Together we agreed to strengthen the role of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse within the Department of Human Services to help recommit ourselves to prevention, recognition and treatment of substance abuse in our society. Under the strong leadership of Lieutenant Governor Corrine Wood, Illinois' efforts to address women's health concerns are now recognized as a national model for other states to follow. Corrine, thank you very much for the job that you've done. And once again, thanks to our partnership and thanks to you for the commitment and funding last year, the state expanded cancer screening programs from 50 counties to all 102 counties, a potentially life-saving service to women throughout the state. And in addition, we increased funding for domestic violence prevention programs by 62%, a key element in giving women the strength they need to break free from an abusive relationship for a life of independence. For our seniors... That's good for the women. For our seniors, you and I committed resources to help older Illinoisans maintain a proper level of independence as long as they can. One important element was to increase the wages of community care workers that provide services to seniors in their own homes. And while 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 I am proud to highlight our human services successes from last year, I must also report on our unsuccessful implementation of the federally mandated disbursement unit for child support payments. There was nothing wrong with Illinois' child support disbursement process when the Federal Government mandated the change. And there's nothing easy about taking 102 counties separate and distinct systems and merging them into one. Illinois and its sister states have had great difficulty in making the changeover. That doesn't excuse our lack of success. And, it certainly cannot remove the anger and the frustration of custodial and noncustodial parents or the hardships that some have had to endure. We acted quickly to provide emergency relief, and the situation has improved, but we're not out of the woods yet. We have brought in outside experts to pinpoint what needs to be done to make the SDU work properly. The General Assembly has directed Auditor General Bill Holland to conduct an audit so we can all better understand what broke down and why. And the solutions evident from both studies will be implemented as soon as we get them. The SDU is one of our highest priorities and we need to act now and we are. Overall, we have made some great strides this year to improve the way we manage Illinois State Government. I established the Office of Statewide Performance Review, and I challenged them to look at every program, every regulation in state government. And in this first year of their review, they have already identified 638 pages of the Administrative Code that should repeal. That's 43,000 lines of rules and regulations that can be eliminated. There is several dozen obsolete and inactive boards and commissions that are being recommended for abolition. We're rewriting another 400 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 Sections of the Administrative Code here in Illinois. And it's time for government to speak the way our people do, in plain English. We're determined to make the cuts in government, wherever they are, that need to be done to make this government work better. Our transition to the 21st Century was uneventful in more ways than one. As the calendar turned, the world and our state experienced no dramatic problems or earth-shattering charges. And I want to extend my appreciation to our Chief Technology Officer, Mary Barbara Reynolds and the thousands of state employees who prepared our state for the Y2K rollover. And I want to recognize the 9,000 workers who gave up all, or a portion, of their New Year's Eve celebration to guard the Y2K watchtowers and keep everything running smoothly. They did a great job. And on behalf of them... We thank all of them. We all woke up on January 1st to face the same world that we left behind on December 31st and the same challenges for the future. There are still potholes that need to be filled. The sick and the elderly need to be cared for. Children need to be schooled and protected from harm. Families need health care and clean water and safe neighborhoods. Businesses and farms still need support in marketing their products and creating jobs. And we still need to make sure that the trains run on time. And yes, the Bulls still need a point guard and a center. Hopefully, they'll get it. Our responsibilities haven't changed. Today we need to chart our course for Illinois in this new century. And today I am here to present this General Assembly with my policy agenda and my proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2001 to help us meet our obligations to the people of Illinois. This is a continued bold agenda for this state and another aggressive budget 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 that allows us to continue to fulfill our commitments to the people. I believe it is an affordable agenda, a prudent budget as Illinois continues to be blessed with strong economic growth. Because of our continuing economic prosperity, this budget provides $480 million in tax relief approved by this General Assembly during the last two years. Rather than sending it to Springfield, taxpayers will be able to retain $480 million in their own pockets this year. I know that most of you would like to enact more tax relief measures this year because this is an election year, so there's no shortage of good ideas on tax cuts. And I have advised the Legislative Leaders that if we can reach a concensus on a tax relief plan this spring, an affordable plan within our budget, then I'll certainly consider it. My door will always be open to discuss your ideas. But let me be clear. I don't believe it is in the best state's interest, nor in the best interest of our people, to engage in a bidding war for the affections of voters. And I won't give the store away just to sooth election year anxieties. I also know that a second overriding concern this year will be the question of what we should do with the tobacco settlement money. With this budget, I propose we adopt a five year spending plan only with the basic principle of, 'Spend a little, and save a lot.' Because of continuing uncertainty over the amount and the long term availability of the tobacco settlement monies, this budget proposes that we spend none of the $377 million expected to be received in Fiscal Year 2000. Instead, I propose that we leave all of that money in the Treasurer's investment portfolio as the state's Revenue Stabilization Fund. This fund would keep the interest that it earns and at the end of the Fiscal Year 2005 should 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 contain nearly $500 million. I think we should save it for a rainy day fund. Judy Barr Topinka and Danny Hynes, I think, agree with part of that. I would recommend that 50% of the tobacco settlement receipts for Fiscal Year 2001 through 2005 be deposited in a trust fund to be invested by the Treasurer. The remaining 50% of the total revenues would all be spent on health and human service programs and that money would be used to leverage additional matching funds. With this plan, then, we would spend roughly $970 million of our tobacco funds on programs that would generate nearly $2 billion more in matched spending. That's not a bad lever. We would be able to improve our health and human services infrastructure by nearly $3 billion over the next five years and still have almost $1.4 million in the bank. 'Where should we spend this money to accomplish the greatest good?', I guess is the big question. As with tax relief measures, we have had a number of thoughtful suggestions put forward. And many of these, you in this room, and I acknowledge all of those suggestions that you've sent in. Yet I believe we can best spend this $970 million on programs to improve the health of our society and by planning strategically, we can generate program benefits at roughly three times... three times the size of our investment. I propose that we allocate $217 million over the next five years to gradually expand Medicaid eligibility for aged, blind and disabled. These funds would leverage an additional $350 million in federal funds over the next five years. And by making this investment, the state would increase the funding for the purchase of prescription drugs by our low income elderly and disabled citizens, and our funding of other medical services for our most needy citizens would increase by $300 million. This 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 plan proposes that we spend $40 million over the next five years to allow disabled workers to obtain continued Medicaid coverage by paying a premium. And this year, I suggest a one-time investment of $8 million to hopefully attract an additional 15 in federal funds to finance further KidCare outreach to medically uninsured children in our state. This plan provides $315 million over the next five years to hospitals for serving the most severely ill patients. And I propose that we spend an additional 350 million to nursing homes providing long term care for the elderly. As you know, Illinois currently has 94 local health departments, which are responsible for providing local health assistance needs and aiding in the prevention of communicable diseases. I propose that we provide them with an additional $55 million over the next five years, so they can increase their per capita spending. I propose that we allocate an additional $4.5 million of these tobacco funds for the childhood lead screening program and an additional $5 million for our Women's Health initiative. And I propose we provide nearly $6 million for local governments to establish enforcement programs that reduce youth access to tobacco products. I propose that we allocate $50 million to community-based alcohol and substance abuse services around this state, and I propose $17.5 million to the Youth Smoking Prevention Initiative at the Department of Public Health. I think we need to act today to help protect Illinois kids against substances. I propose that we spend $15 million to establish local, community-based family resource centers, so that government at all levels can provide services to those in need at a single location. I happened to be at one of those last week, in a neighborhood, and they serve the neighborhood 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 very well. People come in and it's like one stop shop. We need to have more of those. I propose that we spend $180 million over five years for grants to major teaching hospitals throughout the state. These grants allow hospitals to develop new treatments and therapies that could benefit and will benefit all of us. And finally, I propose that we allocate $196 million in tobacco funds over the next five years to expand our operations and capital investments in biotechnology in this state. These investments will allow us to leverage an additional $1 billion to improve our biotechnology infrastructure. And I believe that this five year comprehensive plan for our tobacco revenues is a reasonable approach providing for the best and the wisest use of this financial opportunity. I propose allocations that will advance the health and welfare of the people of Illinois while safeguarding our economy and our future. I think it's a good use of our money. The budget, in particular, will address three fundamental areas of our attention this spring: preparing Illinois for the new economy and workforce and technology. The refinement of our human services infrastructure and our continuing commitment to criminal justice and public safety. Last year, I was privileged to be one of only eight Governors named by the National Governors Association to its new task force on the new economy. This new economy is fast knowledge-based and service-oriented. It's driven by technological advances and fueled by skill levels of the workforce. And we must be ready to compete. And I want Illinois to become a recognized leader in this technological revolution and the budget stakes our claim to that leadership. With this budget, our #1 priority continues to be educating our children and preparing our 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 workforce for the jobs of the new economy. This budget honors our commitment to devote 51% of all new general revenue to our schools and to job training programs. This budget proposes 528 million more dollars for education and workforce programs. The largest education funding ever increase proposed in Illinois that doesn't require a tax increase to pay for it. Last year, for the first time in Illinois history, we fully funded mandated categorical programs for local school districts. And with this budget, we can do so again. Every (sic-Early) childhood programs, reading grants and summer bridge programs will get an increase of $53 million to reach more kids. This budget boosts funding for literacy programs, school to work initiatives, and our ongoing campaign to get more parents involved with their children's schools. This budget provides a pilot program based on the successful Israel Arts and Science Academy to improve science and technology instructions in our K through 12 classrooms. And we'll invest $42 million to assist the professional development of our teachers. If we expect our students to do well in the classroom, then we have to provide the resources for their teachers to stay at the top of their game. And in addition, this budget contains $80 million to support and retain the academic talent and research that makes our college campuses among the best in the nation. And I might add here, that we're joined today by some 85 certified teachers, I think in this gallery right here, but I'm not sure. But I want to welcome them. That's right, they're the keeper of our kids. To help open access to higher education, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will receive a budget increase of $39 million to increase its scholarship program to more than 135,000 students. And I 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 propose for the first time in Illinois history, we provide career scholarship grants to high school graduates who choose not to go to college. We'll provide a grant, yes, it's a good program. We want to give a grant of up to $1,000 in support of vocational training, or an apprenticeship, or attendance at a trade school to learn a specific job skill and start down a career path. These grants would be designed to give a helping hand to young people when they need it the most, at the start of their working adult lives. To further bring our workforce up to speed with the new economy, I recommend the coordination of some 18 separate programs from six different agencies to provide for a continuation of education, job training, and lifelong learning. Last month, the State Board of Education voted to transfer the control of their adult education programs to the Illinois Community College Board. I ask you to approve this transfer. I also ask that you approve the proposal of the State's Workforce Investment Board to move the administration of the Federal Job Training Partnership Act from DCCA to the Department of Employment Security. I believe that such a move assists the ability of our locally based employment and training centers to match appropriate workers with available jobs. And while we're reshaping our workforce, I'm asking you to join with me to approve a historic initiative that will rewire Illinois' place in the high new tech. economy. With this Budget, I'm proposing a five-year $1.9 billion commitment of state funds that will assist in the development of over $3.9 billion in technology-related infrastructure throughout Illinois. It's called Illinois VentureTech. It's an investment in our future. A commitment to research and development, biotechnology, 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 health sciences, information technology and advanced physics. And I believe these are investments that we must make if we're to secure our place in the new economy. So I ask for your support to enact the Illinois VentureTECH. It's a five-year plan that will provide $343 million to enable us to build the Illinois Century Network, the state technology backbone that we initiated last year. The Illinois Century Network will link schools and libraries, museums and government offices throughout the state. This five year plan includes nearly $200 million for technology programs in our elementary and secondary schools and over 40 million for technology management initiatives in State Government. This five year plan includes support for engineering equipment grants through Illinois Board of Higher Education. Alzheimer's Disease research, juvenile diabetes and other health services grants, expansion of the Illinois Technology Enterprise Corporation and Accelerator research led by IIT. For technology-related capital projects, I propose $30 million to support the construction of a $200 million biotechnology building at Northwestern University. And I include the $93 million we agreed on last year to build a new medical school for the University of Illinois in Chicago. I propose a $30 million program to provide additional space at the National Center for Computing Applications in Urbana to allow them to compete for potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in new federal funds for technology research. That's where it's at folks. It's in technology and we've got to keep up with the program. This five year program includes a value-added research program for agricultural crops that will be run by the Department of Agriculture. This initiative will provide farmers with matching funds to help them increase 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 the value of their harvest by preparing crops for use in more diverse and lucrative products. And additionally, Illinois VentureTECH will provide Illinois entrepreneurs and technology businesses with over $800 million in critical venture capital investments. Over the next four years, investments made possible because of a historic partnership between State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka, IDFA, DCCA, the State Teachers and the State Universities Retirement Systems, and the Illinois State Board of Investment. Lot of money, Judy. I will invite a group of prominent Illinois-based entrepreneurs and technology experts to advise me on the administration of this Illinois VentureTECH initiative. And one of the leading experts on technology is Andrew Filipowski of Divine Intervention (sic-interVentures). Flip is with us in the gallery today, some place up here. Where are ya, Flip? We read about you, hear about you. Here he is, over here. This is the guy that's leading the charge for the state. We also have in the gallery Lew Collens, who's President of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Welcome, Lew. You and Flip are welcome. And I want you to know, gentlemen, that we appreciate your leadership on technology. You're the folks that know where it is and what it's about and understand how important these projects are. We need and want your help and support. We have the fourth largest technology economy in the nation right here in Illinois. The fourth. And if we're to keep pace, we must make this technology investment now. We can't wait. Along with this focus on technology, we must help small businesses in Illinois, since they're responsible for most of our state's economic growth and job creation. I propose to increase resources for small business incubators, development centers, and 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 international trade centers and to create new business information centers to help growing firms reach their full potential. As I've already mentioned, this new economy is a global economy. And this budget proposes that we increase our commitment to exports and international trade. I propose to use technology to create a virtual trade office, and we propose to use old fashioned shoe leather to help open foreign trade doors by improved marketing through missions and trade shows. We are in the process of opening a new trade office, as promised last year, on the continent of Africa to take full advantage of this emerging market for food, technology and basic consumer goods. And later this year, I plan to lead a mission to the Republic of South Africa to officially open our state's presence in Johannesburg. We have established a commercial office presence in Canada, and we continue to examine potential office locations in China, Israel and South America. The second fundamental premise of this budget is that no one will be left behind as we move forward in Illinois. We'll continue to develop the human service infrastructure we need in this state. This budget proposes that we continue our successful welfare-to-work programs, efforts that have freed more than $200 million in tax money over the last two years that we have been able to use to help other families. I recommend that we further increase funding for state subsidized child care by 30%, providing care for approximately 218,000 children. This budget directs human resource dollars into our neighborhoods and our communities and will establish family resource centers as consolidated service centers providing one stop human service offices with employment and training programs. And we'll increase our commit to fight domestic violence. We'll increase our 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 commitment to the Coalition Against Sexual Assault. And we will provide funding for the Homeless Prevention and Assistance Programs that you created last year. And we'll provide $2 million for community-based Child Advocacy Centers. And we will provide 5 million more for community integrated living arrangements for persons with developmental disabilities and provide an additional 4 million for Family Assistance Programs and Home Based Support Services. Our commitment will include a total of $14 million to expand services to fight abuse and neglect of the elderly and to expand home-delivered meal programs to senior citizens in need. This budget will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to open and staff a new 40 bed Alzheimer's unit at the Manteno Veterans Home and to fully fund 120 beds at the new John Joseph Kelly Veterans Home in Chicago. The success of our efforts to improve the human infrastructure of Illinois would be incomplete without a strong and comprehensive answer to crime and violence, and that is the third fundamental phase of this budget. Providing for the public safety is one of our first duties in government. First, we must update our laws. Each and every year, for decades now, the Legislature has added to our Criminal Code, like putting a house together and adding on. In some ways, the provisions are now inconsistent, and even contradictory. And it's time for a complete overhaul. Accordingly, I will issue an Executive Order creating a commission to rewrite the Illinois Criminal Code and ask knowledgeable citizens to serve to help us bring our criminal laws up to date. And I will work hand and glove with the Attorney General. Earlier this week, I made a difficult, but important decision, relating to the administration of the death penalty in 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 Illinois. First, let me say that I believe that the death penalty is an important tool in our criminal justice system. But no one in our state can ignore the fact that at least 13 people sentenced to death have had their convictions overturned. Clearly, something is wrong. And as the one person who has the final word before an execution is carried out, I can't and won't, in good conscience, allow a flawed system to stand unchallenged. And until I can be sure... Thank you. Thank you. Until I can be sure that no innocent person will be executed, there will be no further executions in Illinois. One year ago, you and I enacted new measures to protect the public. And the centerpiece of our effort was 15-20 and life, the landmark law that significantly raised the stakes for those who would do violence with a gun. I know that law is gonna be effective, but it has to be actively used by our local police and prosecutors to keep our streets safe. I call on all 102 state's attorneys to use this law to punish those prone to do violence and to ensure the deterrent effect of the law. Second, we need to empower the victims of crime. My Commission on the Status of Woman have proposed the Illinois Gender Violence Act to open the doors to justice for women who have been beaten or sexually assaulted and to provide opportunities to seek justice for those whose lives are damaged or destroyed by violence because of their sexual orientation. It is a fair initiative and I support it. Last year, this Assembly passed, and I signed, the Illinois Equal Justice Act. It's a cornerstone piece of legislation for the legal assistance community. With this budget, we devote $1 million to fund this program. And third, we need new technology. Criminals today threaten Illinois with a staggering array of high-powered weaponry 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 and high tech tools. And we need to level the playing field. And I am asking state police Director Sam Nolen to lead a major new initiative to modernize the Illinois State Police and to keep it at the vanguard of law enforcement technology. It's called ISP 2000. It will focus on the newest 21st Century technology to fight crime. I want Director Nolen to assess all the new technologies available and develop a plan of cooperation with local police agencies for the sharing of crime fighting laboratory technology facilities, forensic expertise and manpower. We should all come together in this fight. I want Director Nolen to accelerate and expand the Illinois State Police Partnership with Argonne National Laboratories that has begun the development of a DNA microchip. This technology will solve violent crimes faster and certainly help protect the innocent, as we've seen in the past. I want to develop a plan to create a forensic science institute in connection with the University of Illinois to serve as a consolidated center for forensic crime scene training and to serve as a national focal point for the advancement of forensic technology. And ISP 2000 will continue the improvement in communications technology that we began last year with Illinois FIRST. And fourth, we need to bring the forces of the community decency together. And that's why my office will convene a statewide crime summit later this year to talk about the impact of guns and gangs and drugs on our neighborhoods and our schools and our communities. And finally, we must match our rhetoric with resources. The new laws, technologies and other innovations that I've talked about today will require additional police to ensure that we can bring a new measure of safety to the neighborhoods and communities of Illinois. Thank you. 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 This budget funds two new state police cadet classes that will add 86 new police officers to the force. The budget also funds needed improvements to our statewide communications system, retools the technology and equipment at the state's forensic lab and funds a new initiative to better prepare our state police to thwart and battle potential acts of terrorism. And for the Department of Corrections, this budget fully funds nearly 1,100 new prison bids we ordered last year, enables us to decrease dangerous prison overcrowding by opening up three new facilities that will house 4,400 inmates. We plan to open a new maximum security prison in Thomson, a new medium security facility in Lawrence County, and a needed juvenile facility in Kewanee. In addition, this budget fully funds the pledge that we made last year to double the number of parole agents that are monitoring released felons on our streets. Comprehensive reforms like this require resources, continuity and focus. And I therefore today announce that I'm creating a new post in my Administration, Deputy Governor for Criminal Justice and Public Safety. I have appointed a distinguished former Assistant United States Attorney, Matt Bettenhausen, to serve in this new post. He's right here with us today, Matt. Working with me and reaching out to you and the whole law enforcement community, he will help immeasurably in our effort to make real the issue of public safety and criminal justice. And as we move to make our communities safer from crime, we will also allocate sufficient resources in this budget to address essential quality of life concerns in Illinois. Our populations continue to grow with our economy as families gravitate to the opportunities we have to offer throughout the state. Families everywhere crave open 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 space, natural areas and bike paths and other recreation facilities. And it's our responsibility to make sure that this critical need of our people is met. And with this budget, we do just that. Our land is our greatest resource in Illinois; good for farming, for living, for industry, for recreation. In various, meaningful ways, this budget protects and invests in our land. This budget includes the second $40 million installment of our Illinois Open Lands Trust and $21 million for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development for forest preserve districts to conduct playgrounds, bike trails, and nature preserves. It devotes $13 million to our efforts to clean and restore urban brownfields for redevelopment. And it includes funding to reduce urban sprawl through innovative transportation strategies and business redevelopment incentives. It includes substantial funding for the Department of Natural Resources to help students and families learn more about our rich natural heritage. And thanks to the generosity of Mr. Bill Rutherford and his donation to the people of Illinois of the Wildlife Prairie Park near Peoria. Future generations of Illinoisans will be able to enjoy his unique 1,200 acre natural preserve. This budget contains the resources for DNR to preserve this natural resource gem. We also have with us today, Mr. Bill Rutherford and his wife, Hazel, who are in the gallery with my wife, Lura Lynn. Thanks. Bill has donated 1,200 acres of that great land. I might recommend... All right, Bill, thank you. I might recommend to this Assembly that with the generosity of Mr. Rutherford's 1,200 acre donation that we get a new name for the park called the Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie, and I would wish that you would do this. The quality of life that we enjoy is threatened by the hours 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 that many commuters must endure sitting in traffic congestion on the tollway. And that's got to change, and I've said that was one of my #1 priorities when I came onboard. We've already started and got about a year's work underway on the strangler. We're going to make sure that the Schaumburg Triangle gets straightened out and those other programs. And the Board and the Administration of the Illinois Toll Highway Authority are, as we speak, identifying strategies for us to consider, and I expect to announce a plan of action within the next few weeks about what we do with the toll roads. And we absolutely are going do something to make them work better and to make them work the way the people want them to work. I realize that all of this is a very ambitious agenda, and I recognize your intention to shorten your time in Springfield this spring. But we can accomplish all of this through the Fy 2001 spending plan that I just presented to you. It's a plan to invest in Illinois' future. And this budget sets out a plan guided by educational excellence, expanded health care, renewed public safety and an investment in technology for the new economy. This budget takes a solid step toward strengthening the state for years to come. And this budget addresses our critical human services needs and fills many of the gaps in the lives of families. Together, again, we can make Illinois a better place to live. Because we've stood together last year, we were able to accomplish much. We were able to begin building a new Illinois. I ask and invite you to continue that journey this year. Let's build on our successes, learn from our mistakes, and march confidently together into the 21st Century. I look forward to this year, working with you very closely. Thank you all for your 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 kind, warm reception and God bless each one of you. Thank you."

Speaker Madigan: "Will the Committee of Escort please come forward to escort the Governor from the chamber. The President of the Senate is recognized for a Motion."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Joint Session do now arise."

Speaker Madigan: "The President of the Senate has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Joint Session will now arise. The Regular Session will come to order."

Clerk Rossi: "Attention, Members. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."

"Mr. Clerk, the order before the House shall be House Resolution 485, offered by Mr. McCarthy. The Chair recognizes Mr. Kevin McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy on House Resolution 485."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Clerk please read the Resolution."

"Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution. Read the Resolution."

Clerk Rossi: "House Resolution 485, offered by Representative McCarthy. 'WHEREAS, Illinois has long admired individuals who have gone out of their way to assist others; and WHEREAS, David Benoit is a person well known to friends and families as someone who is always willing to help others; and WHEREAS, David Benoit is the son of Jeannine Benoit and Richard Benoit, one of seven children, and a senior at Tinley Park High School; and WHEREAS, David Benoit, on the evening of September 23, 1999, went to assist a stranded motorist, Debbie Vetter, a person unknown to David; and 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 WHEREAS, During his attempts to assist Mrs. Vetter, David Benoit was severely injured by an oncoming truck; and WHEREAS, David's uncompromising spirit and inspiring drive have assisted him in his recovery from multiple fractures to his pelvic bone, severe injuries to both legs, and amputation of his lower right leg; and WHEREAS, the Illinois House of Representatives is pleased to honor David Benoit as one of Illinois' finest citizens; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor David Benoit on this occasion and wish him health and happiness in the future; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to him as an expression of our respect and admiration.'"

"Would the Members please give their attention to Mr. McCarthy. Would the Members please give their attention to Mr. McCarthy."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution honors a young man from my district that, I think, all of us would be proud to say is a great citizen of the State of Illinois. David is a true 'good samaritan', a young man who went to the help of a stranded female motorist, a woman unknown to him. And during the actions, trying to help her get her flat tire fixed, ended up getting crushed by another vehicle with severe medical injuries, including a broken pelvis, and ended up losing part of his leg. Since that time, I've been able to speak to David and I can tell you the most remarkable thing about the young man is that he has said over and over again that he has no regrets and that he would gladly do it again. I hope that all of us can hear this, because I think this is a person... We honor 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 so many people down here, but whether they be great athletes and great achievements they do, this is our every day citizen, who I think we couldn't do anything... There is no citizen of the State of Illinois who deserves this honor more than David Benoit, so I'm very proud to present him to the floor today. David is standing next to us here with his parents, Rich and Jeannine. So please join with me in congratulating David for this fine act of citizenship."

Speaker Madigan: "The Chair recognizes Mr. Joe Lyons for the purpose of an announcement. Joe Lyons." Lyons, J.: "Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Child Support Enforcement Committee, our Committee will be cancelled today. There was one Bill. The Sponsor of the Bill chooses not call the Bill; therefore, our Child Support Enforcement Committee scheduled for four o'clock will be cancelled. Thank you."

Speaker Madigan: "The Chair recognizes Mr. Holbrook for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook."

"Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, the Tourism Committee today has been cancelled. All the Tourism Committee, please hear that. We're cancelled today. The Representative is not ready with his language at this time for the Bill that's scheduled for a hearing. Thank you."

"The Chair recognizes Mr. Stroger."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Labor and Commerce Committee is cancelled today."

"Mr. Kenner."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like everyone to know that the Committee on State Government Administration has been cancelled this afternoon. Thank you."

"Mr. McGuire." 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Aging Committee has been cancelled for tomorrow. The Aging Committee for tomorrow is cancelled. Thank you, Sir."

"Mr. Harold Murphy."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Personnel and Pension Committee has been cancelled for tomorrow. Personnel and Pension had been cancelled."

Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Black, did you wish to cancel your appearance somewhere?"

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Wouldn't it be easier maybe just to tell us what hasn't been cancelled? Is there anything that hasn't been cancelled? How about Session tomorrow, is it cancelled?"

"Let me tell what has not been cancelled."

"Thank you."

"Our attention to your every word."

"I appreciate that."

"Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow, providing perfunctory time for the Clerk."

"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4143, offered by Representative Biggins. A Bill for an Act to amend the Metropolitan Water Acclamation District Act. House Bill 4144, offered by Representative Lopez. A Bill for an Act in relation to Condominiums. House Bill 4145, offered by Representative Smith. A Bill a for an Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code. House Bill 4146, offered by Representative Smith. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code. House Bill 4147, offered by 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 Representative Winters. A Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code. House Bill 4148, offered by Representative Delgado. A Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code. House Bill 4149, offered by Representative Dart. A Bill for an Act concerning public hospitals. House Bill 4150, offered by Representative Dart. A Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. House Bill 4151, offered by Representative Dart. A Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts in relation to the use of motor vehicles. (sic-House Bill 4152, offered by Representative Schoenberg. A Bill for an Act concerning open access for Internet services.) House Bill 4153, offered by Representative Murphy. A Bill for an Act in relation to public utilities. House Bill 4154, offered by Representative Murphy. A Bill for an Act in relation to public employer retirement benefits. House Bill 4155, offered by Representative Kenner. A Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts in relation to support. House Bill 4156, offered by Representative Kenner. A Bill for Act to create the Access to Health Care Planning Act. House Bill 4157, offered by Representative Bugielski. A Bill for an Act in relation to Tobacco Settlement Proceeds. House Bill 4158, offered by Representative Feigenholtz. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4159, offered by Representative... House Bill 4159, offered by Representative Gash. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. House Bill 4160, offered by Representative Lindner. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4161, offered by Representative Lindner. A Bill for an Act to amend the Nursing Education Scholarship Act. House Bill 4162, offered by Representative Sharp. A Bill for an Act to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act. House Bill 4163, 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 offered by Speaker Madigan. A Bill for an Act making an appropriation to the Office of the Secretary of State. House Bill 4164, offered by Representative Kenner. A Bill for an Act concerning state contracts. House Bill 4165, offered by Representative Biggins. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Horse Racing Act. House Bill 4166, offered by Representative Giles. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. House Bill 4167, offered by Representative Silva. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4168, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act concerning preventive services. House Bill 4169, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4170, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4171, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4172, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4173, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4174, offered by Representative Saviano. A Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure. House Bill 4175, offered by Representative McGuire. A Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4176, offered by Representative Hultgren. A Bill for an Act concerning prescription drug information cards. House Bill 4177, offered by Representative Hultgren. A Bill for an Act concerning economic development. House Bill 4178, offered by Representative Reitz. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Drainage Code. House Bill 4179, offered by Representative Mathias. A Bill for Act to amend the Plat Act. House Bill 4180, offered by Representative Mathias. A Bill for an Act concerning bonds. House Bill 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day February 2, 2000 4181, offered by Representative Mathias. A Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 4182, offered by Representative Winkel. A Bill for an Act to amend the University of Illinois Trustees Act. House Bill 4183, offered by Representative Smith. A Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. First Reading of these House Bills. Senate Bills-First Reading. Senate Bill 677, offered by Representative Andrea Moore. A Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 561, offered by Representative Crotty. House Resolution 564, offered by Representative Woolard; and House Joint Resolution 46, offered by Representative Granberg, are assigned to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned." 47