"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Assistant Pastor of the Victory Temple Church in Springfield. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Bow our heads and elevate and lift our hearts. Most gracious and kind God, Creator of us all, You're merciful and faithful for it is from You for all of our help comes, and is from You that all of our blessings flow. Look upon us gathered here and with Your great favor we ask that You would direct us in all of our actions. We ask that You would grant to us vigilant hearts. Give to us minds to know You, give us the diligence to seek You, and honor us with the wisdom to find You, purify us and cleanse us with Thy great presence, bless us with Your might. We ask that You would assist us with Your great counsel that all of our endeavors may begin with You and through You may we rejoice in Your precious companionship. This we kindly pray, Amen."
Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Brent Hassert."
"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, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Flowers, Giles, and Morrow are all excused today."
"Mr. Bost." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Eileen Lyons is excused today."
"Representative Currie, correct your switch. Mr. Clerk, let the record reflect those excused absences and take the record. There being 114 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measure/s was/were referred in joint action Motions, action taken on November 14, 2000, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: assigned to the Appropriations-Human Services Committee, House Bills 4731 and House Bill 4577. To the Personnel and Pensions Committee, House Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 851. Senate Bill 1047 to the Committee on Revenue, House Bill 4738 and House Bill 4744. Amendatory Veto accept Motions approved for consideration compliance on House Bill 3838. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 839, offered by Representative Brunsvold; House Resolution 842, offered by Representative Andrea Moore; House Resolution 849, offered by Representative Flowers; House Resolution 850, offered by Representative Brosnahan; House Resolution 852, offered by Representative Hultgren; House Resolution 870, offered by Representative Garrett; House Resolution 879, offered by Representative Woolard; House Resolution 883, offered by Representative Hoffman; House Resolution 887, offered by Representative Andrea Moore; House Resolution 888, offered by Representative Tim Johnson; House Joint Resolution 72, offered by Representative O'Connor; and House Joint Resolution 73, offered by Representative Currie." 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Currie. Representative Barbara Currie. Mr. Clerk. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I move that we discharge the Rules Committee from further consideration of House Joint Resolution 73. This is the Resolution calling for a Joint Session of the two Houses tomorrow so that we may hear from the Cuban Ambassador. And I know of no objection and I'd appreciate your unanimous consent."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady has moved that the Rules Committee be discharged of a Resolution to permit the convening of a Joint Session tomorrow. Is there a leave? Leave is granted and the Motion is adopted. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I now move adoption of the Joint Resolution."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Joint Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes the Clerk for the purpose of an announcement."
"Attention Members. A survey is being distributed to all Members. We would ask that you complete the survey and return it to the Clerk's well today. It pertains to the scheduling, the House schedule for 92nd General Assembly and the scheduling of the Easter break. So, if you could complete the survey and return it to the Clerk's well today we'd appreciate it. Thanks."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Klingler for the purpose of an announcement."
"Point of personal privilege. I'd like the Members to recognize in the balcony up here above me the high school class from Auburn, Illinois, from Auburn High School. I'd 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 just like to welcome you. Thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if the Members could take their chairs we have a distinguished visitor from the People's Republic of China who will offer some brief remarks. And so, if the Members could be in their chairs, if the staff could retire to the rear of the chamber. If staff could retire to the rear of the chamber. Mr. Granberg, if you could take your seat. Mr. Hannig, if you could take your seat. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Reitz. Mr. Davis, Mr. Steve Davis, could you take your seat, please. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me put Mr. Hartke in the Chair for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Hartke."
"Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed my pleasure this afternoon to introduce to you Mr. Wei Ruixing who is the Counsul General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago area. He has been the Counsul General since December of 1998, prior to that he was the Deputy Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He joined the Foreign Affairs Service after his graduation from Beijing University and he served in the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom from 1984 until 1988 as a Consular Officer. He later worked with the Deputy Director and Director of Consular Departments of Foreign Affairs in China. He was a visiting scholar at the Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam in 1994. He is married to Mrs. Wei and they have a 17 year-old son. The Consulate General areas of Chicago includes 9 Midwestern States that being: Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Please give a warm General Assembly welcome to Counsul General Wei of China."
"Thank you, very much Representative Hartke, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 Mr. Speaker, Honorable Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to meet with so many friends, old and new, of this House. Over the years, many friends of this House have made positive contributions to the friendship and the mutually beneficial understanding of cooperation between our two peoples and our two countries. I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and deep appreciation to all of you. Mr. Speaker, I know the people of Illinois are very proud of President Lincoln. He is remembered and admired not only as a hero who successfully safeguarded the Union and prevented the separation of the United States, but also as a model whose moral character, self-study spirit and great vision inspired the later generations. Abraham Lincoln is also very well known to and respected by the Chinese people. Some of the stories are even included in the English textbooks for Chinese students. Many Chinese people know his view of 'Government of the people, by the people and for the people'. Of course, the bilateral friendly exchanges between our two countries have a long history of more that 200 years, long before the era of President Lincoln. Back in 1784, the American merchant ship, named the Empress of China, sailed a long way to China. In 1847, Rong Hong, a Chinese scholar and others came to the United States as the first group of Chinese students to study here. Many Chinese helped in construction works in the United States, while a lot of American friends showed sympathy to and supported the national liberation cause of the Chinese people. During the Second World War, our two peoples fought shoulder by shoulder against Japanese invaders and made contributions to the world peace. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 21st 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. During the past 20 years or two decades, of our bilateral relations have been moving forward despite some twists and turns. Our bilateral trade has increased 30 times from $2.4 billion in 1979 to $61 billion last year. The exports from the United States to China have supported more than 400,000 high-waged, high-tech jobs in the United States, and imports from China provided American consumers affordable and fine quality goods. Our bilateral cooperation in many other fields, not only in economic and trade area, but also in other fields like education, culture, science and technology have also continued to expand in scope and become increasingly diversified. History has proved that a healthy and stable China-U.S. relations not only benefits the fundamental interests of our two peoples, but also holds the key to the world peace, development, and prosperity. Mr. Speaker, as China and the United States differ from one another in social system, historical background, cultural heritage, and level of development, it is quite natural that we might not see things all the same from time to time, but what we should do is look at these differences squarely and respect the choices each of us have made. The recent issue of Falun Gong, which is an evil cult in China, for instance, numerous irrefutable facts have proved that Falun Gong is an evil cult, which has committed a host of serious crimes, have preyed on innocent people with their heretical ideas and deceptive ploys, resulting in hundreds of deaths. It was outlawed in China July last year, but some diehards are continuing their activities overseas by changing tactics, portraying themselves as a health-building movement. I sincerely hope that this House and the people of Illinois 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 will guard against this cult and prevent it from harming the American community. As I said earlier, President Lincoln successfully preserved the unity of the United States during his presidency. Just like American people, we the Chinese people have always prized national unity. As you know Taiwan is part of China, but unfortunately, Taiwan has not been reunified with the motherland. The Chinese Government has repeatedly stated that 'peaceful reunification, one country, two systems' is its consistent policy for resolving the issue of Taiwan. With this guideline, we will continue to push forward the cross-Straits relations, so as to realize the reunification of China at an early date. This issue of Taiwan has always been the most important and most sensitive one at the heart of China-U.S. relations. Whenever it is not handled properly, our relationship will stagnate or even retrogress. So, it is our sincere hope that the new administration of the United States will abide by three China-U.S. communiques; adhere to the 'one China' policy recognized by all U.S. Governments, Republican or Democratic, since President Nixon. Mr. Speaker, Honorable Representatives, I am very glad to see that China and Illinois have been enjoying a very good relationship, particularly in the field of economic and trade cooperation. Illinois exports last year reached 1.2 billion U.S. dollars. Many big companies in Illinois such as, Caterpillar, Motorola, ADM, McDonalds, John Deere, et cetera, have entered China's market and have been making impressive returns and enjoying very good and sound operations. Motorola has now become the largest foreign investor in China with its total commitment investment of $3.4 billion. The forthcoming China's entry into WTO I'm 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 sure will offer unprecedented business opportunities and huge economic returns for the business community of Illinois, as China will lower its tariff with large margin for U.S. agricultural products from 31% to 14%, for manufactured products from 25% to 9%. So we welcome more business people to go to China to do business there. About two months ago, Representative Hartke, Representative Poe, Representative Hannig, Representative Black, and Representative Lindner and some other Members of the General Assembly of Illinois paid a visit to China, which was very fruitful and successful. Not like the journey of American merchant ship in 1784, which took 6 months and 7 days to reach China, the delegations spent only 13 hours to cross the Pacific Ocean to get to China. And this visit, their visit, just like the visits during the past few years by Representative Granberg, Representative Novak, Representative Lyons, and Representative Bugielski and many others from the General Assembly, played a very important role not only in enhancing the mutual understanding between our two peoples, but also in exploring trade and investment opportunities in China's potential market for Illinois business community. There is a Chinese old saying, 'seeing is believing'. We welcome more friends from the General Assembly, government and business leadership of Illinois to go to China to visit. My Consulate in Chicago will, as always, offer any assistance we can to ensure the success of your visit. Mr. Speaker, China and the United States are the two great nations. Our two peoples are great peoples. I'm sure in the new century, our two peoples are bound to be good friends and partners, because our common interests are far more than our differences. Therefore, let us join hands and work together to strengthen the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 existing friendly relations between our two countries and two peoples, and let us join hands and work together to bring a more healthy and stabler U.S.-China relations into the new century. Thank you very much. Thank you very much."
Speaker Madigan: "The Chair recognizes Mr. Daniels for the purpose of an announcement. Could you please give your attention to Mr. Daniels."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. First, Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate you on your election and your role as the Chairman of the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois, my congratulations to you, Sir, and to your Members. We are joined today by a new Member of the House as a result of the election of Tim Johnson to the United States Congress. I would like the Members of the House to join me in welcoming Representative Tom Berns, who is now sworn in a Member of the House. Tom Berns."
Speaker Madigan: "On page 4 of the Calendar, on the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions, there appears House Bill 3838, Mr. Bugielski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, I make a Motion to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto on House Bill 3838. If you remember, House Bill 3838 this past Session moved out of the House with 113 'yes' votes and all the Governor did, there was one area in there that related to the credit unions which was a little questionable and we took that out of the Bill. The rest of the Bill stands pat as was passed here in the General Assembly. So, I ask for a 'yes' vote to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto."
"Mr. Skinner."
"Mr. Speaker, my light was on prior to the beginning of 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 this Bill and I have a question. The pictures of Speaker Blair and Speaker Ryan seem to have disappeared from the Speaker's Gallery."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Parke complains that he cannot hear you. Can we turn up Mr. Skinner? Mr. Skinner."
"I am curious as to where the pictures of Speaker Blair and Speaker Ryan went, the ones that were giving us hope that we might be able to elect a Republican Speaker again, sometime this century?"
"All of the pictures in the chamber were removed for the purpose of the renovation and they are available, Mr. Skinner."
"Well, when will they be put back in the Speaker's Gallery?"
Speaker Madigan: "We're working on that. We were very fortunate to be able to use the chamber today, so the construction schedule was such that it finished just on time for today's Session. Mr. Skinner. Mr. Skinner."
"Mr. Speaker, this is not then a plot to demoralize Republicans."
"There are others that do a far better job of that than I. Now, back to Mr. Bugielski's Motion. Mr. Bugielski has moved that the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change. This is final action. Those in favor of the Gentleman's Motion vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. This Motion will require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? This is final action. Mr. Hannig. Have all voted who wish? Mr. McAuliffe. Mr. McAuliffe, did you wish to speak on the Motion? Okay. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk, shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. Of the Motion having received the required 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 Constitutional Majority, the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding the Bill and the Bill is hereby declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing with our International Week, again if the Members could take their seats. Mr. Lopez, take your seat. If the staff could retire to the rear of the chamber. Mr. Pugh, if you could discontinue your telephone call. Mr. Reitz. I was very pleased to put Representative Acevedo in the Chair for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Acevedo."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, before I introduce the Governor, I would like to say a few words. Governor Patricio Martinez Garcia was elected the 112th Governor of the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, in July 1998,and took office in October 1998. Mr. Martinez Garcia was elected Mayor of Chihuahua City and served office from 1992 until 1995. His motto was 'Transformation of Chihuahua', which he really did in each and every imaginable aspect. Former President of the Chamber of Commerce in his native city; founder of a trustee for the reconstruction of damaged zones caused by a storm in September 1990. Well known around the states as a promoter and participant in such areas as tourism, agriculture, editorial, fruit growing, cattle breeder, commerce and industry, member of the board and president of advisory board of different Mexican banks in town. Elected to serve as Federal Congressman in 1997. Patricio was born in the City of Chihuahua, the State Capital, on March 17, 1948. Attended his first school years in Chihuahua but earned a Bachelors Degree in accounting and management for public accountant from the Institute Technology of de Monterrey. Dynamic, well-known and liked person in the community 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 during his period as Governor, Martinez Garcia was best known for his activity in the biggest state of Mexico on topics like highway programs, education, fight against crime, transportation, health care and medical attention for the community, a great tax policy, but probably the main thing being is identification with the youth. He has been married to Patricia since 1979. Martinez has three grown children: Patricia, Patricio and Ivan, and a small girl named Eliza. Ladies and Gentlemen, please help me and give a round of applause for the Governor of Chihuahua, Governor Patricio Martinez Garcia."
"Thank you. Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, of this honorable Congress of the State of Illinois. My wife and myself feel very honored on this occasion, to address such an important body of government. To give you some perspective, the State of Chihuahua has over 3.1 million people who struggle every day to better their lives. One out of every four people in Chihuahua, attend schools which are funded by the state government. In education we spend 52% of the state's budget. Additionally, one out of every three citizens are workers in industry, commerce, services, or rural activities. Our unemployment rate is at the lowest point in our socioeconomical history. Some of our cities are at full employment. At the beginning of my administration, we established a very clear objective: The correct balance between efficient public administration and sound economic development for growth. In only two years, Chihuahua has grown 17% in new direct jobs, which equate to over 110,000 new jobs. This has been attained with zero fiscal deficit, and the payment of 15% of the public debt in addition to a determined policy of no new debt. These actions 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 demonstrate, in addition to a zero tolerance approach, the integrity, dedication, and high degree of responsibility my administration has bestowed upon the efficiency of public service. As in our state, Illinois is also an immigration state where many people arrive seeking the promised land or the 'American dream', as you commonly refer to it. Also Chihuahua is an immigration state. Our cities are experiencing growth of 2, 3, and 3.5% annually, because we have jobs, because our nationals from the south of Mexico see the promised land in our state, where people can find work without having to leave their country. In 1930, Chihuahua had two people in the rural area for every five in the urban area. Today, that ratio has changed to one person in the rural area to five in the urban area, however we still maintain the same 550,000 workers in rural areas. You, in Illinois are the Prairie State, we, in Chihuahua are the largest state in Mexico with many prairies. We share 580 miles of border with the United States, but we are only three hours away from Illinois by plane, and although we are not territorial neighbors, we can expand our long-term partnership by sharing the benefits of our growing regions. Our relationship between our two states is historical. When the 200-year War of the Apaches was over, we were able to initiate our stable and peaceful colonization of our vast territory of 250,000 square kilometers. Back then, at the end of the 19th century, and throughout the 20th century, our lands were worked by International Harvester machines, we received the first John Deere G and D tractors and in the deserts as well as the high lands, we continue to use equipment from Caterpillar. As you can see, we do have a historical common past. We have purchased Illinois products which 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 reflect the ingenuity, work, and pride, as well as the continuous spirit of progress which has been the driving force of this great State of Illinois and its people. The 20th century has left all of us a legacy we share and need to understand, that is, a globalized world economy. It not only makes countries competitors, it also makes regions come into competition. As joint participants under NAFTA, we have to compete against Europe and Asia for world markets. To produce efficiently at lower costs and world quality is also a common task. This is why the many production lines manned by over 310,000 workers, currently in Chihuahua, house some 28 Illinois-based companies, which have found in our workforce the quality and lower production costs needed to compete worldwide. The level of investment by these Illinois companies in Chihuahua is well over $400 million, which has indeed benefited Illinois as well as Chihuahua. In addition, we share your industrial wealth. Chihuahua houses such household names amongst its industrial operations such as: Emerson, Advance Transformer, Honeywell, Allegiance, and Motorola, to name just a few. This is why we must dedicate further efforts in expanding this mutually beneficial equation of our win-win situation. Mexico is an important customer for Illinois. Very soon under NAFTA, it will reach the $280 billion mark. Chihuahua will generate approximately 10% of this trade. You can all see why we have a great deal of common work and potential for Illinois and Chihuahua. Today, before this honorable Body representing the citizens of Illinois, I wish to extend an invitation to you, as I did this morning to Governor Ryan, to work together in expanding this profitable relationship. The advantages of NAFTA are obvious, and the objective of mankind will 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 continue to be to strive for a better world with less poverty and more justice. The harsh realities and manifestations of poverty is something we cannot ignore. This is still much to do in this road to a better world by way of global sociopolitical thinking in a global economy. Democracy is now a universal value, and will become a global way of life. In Chihuahua, we have democracy with an exemplary evolution. I was elected governor, winning with a vast majority over an opposing party, with no allegations from other parties. In Mexico, on July 2nd of this year, Mexico demonstrated its democratic maturity by electing Mr. Vicente Fox from an opposing party, also, by a vast majority, without allegations from the contending parties. Our country is making these changes without social unrest in a stable and peaceful climate, which demonstrates and merits our political system and our people, who aspire to improve their living conditions and a better way of life that will include social justice in this democracy. Our federal system also requires evolution. Chihuahua is actively participating in these changes, as a State of the Union Of Mexico, by helping people help themselves. This is the reason I am here today. Today, in this land of the great Lincoln, I want to say that Chihuahua is a land of hard work, a land of advanced global vision, a land that wishes that this message of peace and friendship, become heavily embedded in your minds and in your hearts, so that you will always think of us as your friends. I have been told that the Native Americans used the word Illinois to mean a 'land of superior people'. For us in Chihuahua, Illinois means a land where people have bettered themselves through hard work, a land of progress, and finally a land of friends. Today I bring you a warm 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 embrace from each citizen of Chihuahua. For the Ladies, a kiss. And for all the Members of this Congress, a warm hug. Muchas gracias."
"Mr. Clerk."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 899, offered by Representative Acevedo."
Speaker Madigan: "On the Resolution, Mr. Acevedo, you have a Resolution? The Clerk informs me this is an Agreed Resolution. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, the Resolution is adopted. Representative Wojcik."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, for the point of personal privilege. I have in the gallery the Thomas Dooley Elementary School, three through sixth grade and they represent the magnet gifted class, and Dooley is from Schaumburg. So, let's give them a warm welcome."
"Mr. McAuliffe."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I stand on a point of personal privilege. Up in the back of the gallery, I have a group from the Austin-Irving Community Council. Can we have a round of applause for them. Thank you."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I move to suspend the posting requirements so that House Bills 4731 and 4577 can be heard in Appropriations-Human Services, so that Senate Bill 1047 can be heard in Personnel and Pensions, and so that House Bills 4738 and 4744 can be heard in the Committee on Revenue. I know of no objections to the Motion."
"You've all heard the Lady's Motion. Is there consent? Consent is granted and the Motion is adopted. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000 The Clerk for the purpose of announcing the committee schedule for this afternoon."
Clerk Rossi: "The following committees will meet immediately after Session: the Appropriations-Human Services Committee in Room 114, the Elementary & Secondary Education Subcommittee on Physical Education in Room 122-B, the Insurance Committee in Room C-1."
"The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Is there anything further to come before the Body?"
Clerk Rossi: "Attention Members. In addition to the committees that I announced that will meet this afternoon, the following committees will meet tomorrow morning at 9:30; the Revenue Committee in Room 114, and the Appropriations-Human Services Committee in Room 118. Both those committees will meet at 9:30 tomorrow morning."
Speaker Madigan: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we'd like to advise you that tomorrow there will be a Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of hearing from the Ambassador of Cuba to the United States of America. And we plan to convene at 10:45 in the morning. So, with that in mind, Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned. And Representative Cowlishaw is seeking recognition."
"Pardon me, Mr. Speaker. I have an inquiry, if I may please? I believe the Clerk just said that the Appropriations-Human Services Committee would meet tomorrow morning at 9:30. Does that mean the 3 p.m. meeting of that committee scheduled for today is cancelled, or is it still being held?"
"The Clerk advises me that both meetings will occur, the one this afternoon and the one tomorrow morning."
"All on the same topic?" 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day November 14, 2000
"Well, it's either one or two things. Either the topic needs a lot of study, or certain people want to talk a lot. Take your pick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Okay. Again, tomorrow morning there'll be a Joint Session to hear from the Cuban Ambassador. The Members should be advised that admission to the chamber will be to authorized people only, and admission to the gallery will be by ticket only. The tickets will be distributed by the Clerk's Office. So again, admission to the chamber to only authorized people, and to the gallery only to those with tickets. Representative Currie moves that the House does stand adjourned until 10:45 a.m. tomorrow morning. Those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed by saying 'no'. The House does stand adjourned until 10:45 a.m."
"(sic-House Perfunctory Session comes to order.) Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4757, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act to amend the Counties Code. First Reading of this House Bill. House Bill 4758, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for appropriations. First Reading of this House Bill. House Bill 4759, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned." 18