"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Rabbi Jodie Futornick of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation in Crystal Lake. Rabbi Futornick 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 Futornick: "... today poised on the brink of a new millennium, challenging time for secular and religious leaders in the work of creation. Our call is to help God complete that which has previously been unfinished. It is thus, our ... incomprehensible, that in the 21st century, in a time of unprecedented economic prosperity for our country, so many of our fellow Americans live in abject poverty. It is a disgrace that such a large number of people, including millions of children, lack access to ... literacy in the failings of our public school systems in so many parts of the country ... we must address as well, and so the list continues. This is all ... to do the work of legislating the State of Illinois. You are all here today because, as Legislators, you have taken an oath to look out for the best interests of your constituents and to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Illinois. You are all aware that only through shared values and priorities and teamwork will you accomplish your goals. It is for this reason that we stand today firmly, on our common spiritual ground, as Americans and as children of one God, and to pray for that which unites us rather than that which divides us. I urge that we incline our hearts, today, to the words of the prophet Micah. What does God expect of mankind? Only this; love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before your God. If you follow this basic teaching, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 you will not fail to discharge your service responsibly. And since we are in the Land of Lincoln, I ask you also to keep uppermost in your minds the closing of President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. Though written in war time, the sentiment it expresses transcends time and place, and is an equally appropriate charge for today, 'with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.' Today, we thank God for all the miracles of creation and we ask God's guidance to help us today be of loving service to God's people, as instruments of God's will. Amen."
Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Hartke."
"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 we have no reports of excused absences among House Democrats today."
"Mr. Poe."
"Mr. Speaker, let the record reflect that Representative Ron Stephens is excused today."
"Let the record reflect that excused absence. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 115 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports." 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Murphy, Chairperson from the Committee on Personal and Pensions, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 6, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 250 and House Bill 254; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 266. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 6, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 176. Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed."
"On the Order of Supplemental Calendar #1, there appears the Order of House Bill 5-Second Reading, House Bill 176. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of that Bill?"
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 176, a Bill for an Act concerning telephone solicitation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"To answer the Bill, Mr. Hoffman indicates that he'd like to keep the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. But, Mr. Clerk, did you read the Bill for a second time? Thank you. House Bill 250, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 250, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 lost in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 254."
"House Bill 254, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 lost in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001
"Third Reading. House Bill 266."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 266, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.
"Third Reading. Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 24, offered by Representative Osmond; House Resolution 26, offered by Representative Osmond; House Resolution 27, offered by Representative Johnson; House Resolution 28, offered by Representative Leitch; House Resolution 29, offered by Representative Joseph Lyons; House Resolution 30, offered by Representative Mautino; House Resolution 31, offered by Representative Cross; House Resolution 36, offered by Speaker Madigan; House Resolution 38, offered by Speaker Madigan."
"The Clerk has read the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. For what purpose does Mr. Hoffman seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From the Members of the Transportation Committee, we will not be meeting today. The Transportation Committee will not be meeting today, so our committee meeting is cancelled."
"Representative Shirley Jones." Jones, S.: "Mr. Speaker, House Public Utilities will be canceled today."
"Representative Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform is cancelled for today. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 House Elections and Campaign Reform is cancelled for today. Thank you."
"Representative Crotty."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Children and Youth Committee will be cancelled today and Constitutional Officers will also be cancelled."
"Representative Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Agriculture Committee will be cancelled today."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Julie Curry. Representative Julie Curry. Representative Julie Curry. Representative Julie Curry. The light indicates that you're on."
"Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to announce that the House Appropriations Committee for Elementary and Second Grade Education that was scheduled for 2:00 today has been cancelled."
"Mr. Rutherford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since we've got a bit of time here, I was just curious. I've noticed that there's quite a change here in our chamber, and our curtains are green. Is there a specific historical background to the green or is this something perhaps Shirley Madigan or perhaps Speaker himself liked?"
"There was one theory that it spoke to the greatness of Ireland."
"I'm sorry, couldn't hear you."
Speaker Madigan: "There was one theory which said that it would speak to the greatness of Ireland and the impact of the Irish upon America."
"Is it the intent of the Speaker to change the curtains behind the Speaker's podium to the matching green, or are they going to be retained the blue color?" 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001
"That's under review."
"What about the chairs and the carpet, is that going to be green someday, too?"
"Well, I think that's under review also."
"Great. We appreciate it, Mr. Speaker, thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "Ladies and Gentlemen, if we can have your attention. The Chair wishes to announce that the Health Care Committee will cancel its meeting for this afternoon. Is there anything further to come before the Body? There being nothing further to come before the Body, the Chair is prepared to adjourn until 12:00 noon tomorrow morning. Representative Currie moves that the House does stand adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow morning. Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow morning providing perfunctory time for the Clerk."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. First Reading and Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 607, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 608, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning pigeons. House Bill 609, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 610, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act concerning ethics. House Bill 611, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act concerning gas storage. House Bill 612, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 613, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act in relation to insurance. House Bill 614, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 615, offered by Representative Kosel, 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 616, offered by Representative Kosel, a Bill for an Act in relation to education. House Bill 617, offered by Representative Krause, a Bill for an Act in relation to long-term care. House Bill 618, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 619, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act in relation to utilities. House Bill 620, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning tourism. House Bill 621, offered by Representative Persico, a Bill for an Act concerning environmental protection. House Bill 622, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act in relation to utilities. House Bill 623, offered by Representative Julie Curry, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 624, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning natural resources. House Bill 625, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act in relation to bonds. House Bill 626, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act to amend the Metropolitan Civic Center Support Act. House Bill 627, offered by Representative Persico, a Bill for an Act concerning environmental protection. House Bill 628, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning mass transit. House Bill 629, offered by Representative Fowler, a Bill for an Act relating to schools. House Bill 630, offered by Representative Crotty, a Bill for an Act concerning schools. House Bill 631, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act in relation to education. House Bill 632, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act in relation to children. House Bill 633, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act concerning drug treatment. House 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 Bill 634, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act to amend the Open Meetings Act. House Bill 635, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 636, offered by Representative Ryan, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 637, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 638, offered by Representative Howard, a Bill for an Act concerning the Department of Children and Family Services. House Bill 639, offered by Representative Beaubien, a Bill for an Act concerning unemployment insurance. House Bill 640, offered by Representative Capparelli, a Bill for an Act in relation to alcohol. House Bill 641, offered by Representative Julie Curry, a Bill for an Act in relation to child support. House Bill 642, offered by Representative Murphy, a Bill for an Act concerning minimum wage. House Bill 643, offered by Representative Crotty, a Bill for an Act concerning missing children. House Bill 644, offered by Representative Morrow, a Bill for an Act in relation to apprentice programs. House Bill 645, offered by Representative Lindner, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriation Bills. House Bill 646, offered by Representative Lindner, a Bill for an Act with regard to schools. House Bill 647, offered by Representative Julie Curry, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 648, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 649, offered by Representative Scully, a Bill for an Act in relation to environmental safety. House Bill 650, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act in relation to child support. House Bill 651, offered by Representative Zickus, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 652, offered by Representative 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 O'Brien, a Bill for an Act in relation to child support. House Bill 653, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act in relation to child support. House Bill 654, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act in relation to persons with disabilities. House Bill 655, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning educational labor relations. House Bill 656, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 657, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 658, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 659, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to long-term care planning. House Bill 660, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to health facilities. House Bill 661, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning vaccinations in health facilities. House Bill 662, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. House Bill 663, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning community services. House Bill 664, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 665, introduced by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 666, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning airports. House Bill 667, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 668, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 669, offered by Representative Novak, a Bill for an Act concerning pharmaceutical assistance. House Bill 670, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 671, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 672, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 673, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 674, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 675, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning senior citizens and disabled persons. House Bill 676, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 677, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning military leave of absence. House Bill 678, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act relating to schools. House Bill 679, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act in relation to civil procedure. House Bill 680, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning mass transit. House Bill 681, offered by Representative Novak, a Bill for an Act concerning factory built housing. House Bill 682, offered by Representative Hamos, a Bill for an Act in relation to family law. House Bill 683, offered by Representative Brunsvold, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 684, offered by Representative Murphy, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Pension Code. House Bill 685, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 686, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act to create the position of Elderly Service Officer. House Bill 687, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 making appropriations. House Bill 688, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 689, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 690, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning abortions. House Bill 691, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 692, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 693, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 694, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act in relation to economic development. House Bill 695, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 696, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act in relation to school funding. House Bill 697, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 698, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning civil procedure. House Bill 699, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning pharmaceutical assistance. House Bill 700, offered by Representative Lawfer, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 701, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 702, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act regarding taxation. House Bill 703, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. House Bill 704, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxation. House Bill 705, offered by Representative Bugielski, a Bill for an Act concerning credit services organizations. House Bill 706, offered by Representative 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 6th Legislative Day February 6, 2001 Stroger, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 707, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act regarding elections. House Bill 708, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act to revise the law by combining multiple enactments and making technical corrections. House Bill 709, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act in relation to elections. House Bill 710, offered by Representative Leitch, a Bill for an Act in relation to airports. House Bill 711, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 712, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 713, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. House Bill 714, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 715, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act concerning urban rehabilitation. House Bill 716, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act in relation to legislative information. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 4, offered by Representative Black; House Resolution 7, offered by Representative Wirsing; House Resolution 32, offered by Representative Lou Jones; House Joint Resolution #1, offered by Representative Poe; House Joint Resolution #2, offered by Representative Klingler and House Joint Resolution #4, offered by Representative Poe. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned. The House will reconvene in regular Session at noon on Wednesday, February 7th." 12