Illinois House Floor Debate — February 21, 2001

"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Shane Macy of the New Hope Community Church in Harvard, Illinois. Pastor Macy is the guest of Representative Jack Franks. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Representatives. Will you bow your heads with me in prayer? Holy God, our Father, as we acknowledge Your presence, silence is more appropriate than words. We need to hear from You more than You hearing from us. Nowhere in Your Holy Scriptures is the word 'if' associated with prayer, it is always 'when'. And I ask first of all, for the marriages of each person here, that they will be blessed and strengthened. Apart from knowing You, Father, marriage is the most sacred relationship that a man and woman could enter into. It is the foundation of our neighborhoods. It is the very bedrock of our country. Your word warns us that if the foundations are destroyed, even those who desire to do right will have no ground upon which to stand. So, Father, I ask that You will strengthen and that You will bless, You will bind together and You will hold them tight. Lord, protect our children. It is not the same world as when we grew up. It is difficult to watch them being swallowed up by perversion of every kind. And, in order not to offend, we are asked to strip ... and conviction. Help us to love our children, as You too, and to be that example that You have called us to be in our homes, in our communities, and as Representatives. For the decisions to be made here today, I ask for Your providence. I pray that, with clean hands and a clean heart, each has come here to transact their business, which is really Your 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 business. You have ordained government to teach us responsibility and accountability, to care for those who are unable to care for themselves, and to stand watch over those who would take advantage of them. Lord, You have shown us how You feel about the poor, as Your son has fed the hungry. You have shown us how You feel about greed and dead religion, as Your son cleansed the temple, driving out the moneychangers. You have shown us how You feel about overwhelming circumstances, as You sent a young boy named David to challenge Goliath. You have shown us how You feel about forgiveness and restoration, as You chose Moses, a murderer, to lead a nation. You have shown us how You feel about sin, as Your son was spat upon, beaten, and nailed to the cross. You have shown us how You feel, how much You loved us, when Jesus prayed; 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' God, then You showed us Your answer to his prayer when You raised him from the dead, showing us that we too will also rise to give account of our days. You have shown us how to pray, calling upon You, our heavenly Father, to deliver us from the sin in our hearts, petitioning Your help as we face temptation. Today, Governor Ryan will submit his proposed budget for our state. Your servants will be faced with two prominent temptations, money and power. Grant prudence and integrity as they turn a deaf ear to those who would use these men and women for their own gain, advancing their own agenda, and not the conscience of the people they have been elected to represent. Remind us from Your word that when Jesus fed the 5,000, the Disciples were hungry, as well, and they served the people first. Afterwards, 12 baskets full remained, one for each of the Disciples. You displayed provision for the workers and the people alike. 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 All-seeing God help these servants resist the temptation to take from the basket until all the people have been well fed. Lord, deliver from their hearts the temptation to use money for means of influencing and exercising power, help them to recognize that Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the power, forever. They are merely stewards and representatives here on earth. Father, we need Your guidance to know what direction to take. We need Your wisdom to know how to get there, Your forgiveness in our hearts so that it... there will be peace once we arrive. Father, bless and strengthen, be that rod of steel in the backbone of character and of courage. Father, I thank You for the commitment that each has made to be here, it's not easy. Strengthen them, love them, hold them, and let them know You. In Your son's name, we pray. Amen."

Speaker Madigan: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Bellock."

"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 because of illness today."

"Mr. Poe."

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

"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 117 people responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk. On page 5 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading, there appears House 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Bill 171, Representative Julie Curry. The Lady shakes her head as if to say 'no'. On the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 28, Mr. Black. Is Mr. Black in the chamber? Do you wish to call 28? The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. Mr. Black, House Bill 60. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 68, Mr. Lang. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 75. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 126, Mr. Daniels. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 126, a Bill for an Act in relation to controlled substances. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 128, Mr. Schoenberg. Is Mr. Schoenberg in the chamber? Mr. Schoenberg. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 128, a Bill for an Act in relation to balancing budgets. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed. A balanced budget note has been requested on the Bill and has not been filed."

"The Bill should remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 129, Mr. Schoenberg. Do you wish to call the Bill? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 129, a Bill for an Act in relation to the state budget. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 144, Mr. Black. Mr. Black. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?" 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 144, a Bill for an Act in relation to railroads. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 147, Mr. Black. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 147, a Bill for an Act concerning the use of Social Security numbers. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 151, Mr. John Turner. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 156, Mr. Brosnahan. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill? The Clerk advises that the notes have not yet been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 157, Mr. Dart. The notes have not been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 158. The notes have not been filed, the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 176, Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 150 (sic-190), Mr. Hoeft. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 190, a Bill for an Act with respect to schools. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"The Gentleman indicates that he would like to leave the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 196, Mr. Franks. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 196, a Bill for an Act to amend the 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Humane Care for Animals Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 215, Representative Lindner. Representative Lindner. Lindner. We are on House Bill 215, the Lady indicates she does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 226, Mr. Winters. Mr. Winters. Is Mr. Winters in the chamber? Mr. Winters. Representative Julie Curry on 260. Do you wish to call the Bill? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 260?"

"House Bill 260, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 305, Mr. Righter. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 325, Mr. Black. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 335, Mr. Hoffman, 335. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 397, Mr. Fritchey. Is Mr. Fritchey in the chamber? Mr. Fritchey. House Bill 400, Mr. Fritchey. House Bill 427, Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott, on 427. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 427, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 41?"

"House Bill 41 is on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading."

Speaker Madigan: "Put House Bill 41 on the Order of Second 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Reading. Mr. Burke. Mr. Dan Burke. Do you wish to call House Bill 442? The Clerk advises that the notes have not yet been filed, so the Bill would have to remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 445, Representative Kosel. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 445, a Bill for an Act in relation to schools. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 446, Representative Feigenholtz. The Clerk advises that the notes have not yet been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 469, Mr. Lyons. The Clerk advises that the notes have not been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 473, Mr. Acevedo. The Clerk advises that the notes have not yet been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 476, Mr. Black. Mr. Black, 476. Mr. Black. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 480, Representative Younge. Wyvetter Younge. The Lady indicates she does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 494, Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 494, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 573, Representative Barbara Currie, 573. The Clerk advises that the notes have not been filed, so the Bill should remain on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 582, Mr. Lang. Mr. Lang, on 582. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Bill. 583. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill? The Clerk advises that the notes have not yet been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. 591. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. 592. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. 594. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. 596, Mr. Lang, 596. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish call the Bill. House Bill 642, Mr. Murphy. The Clerk advises that the notes have not been filed, so the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. And the Clerk advises that the notes have not been filed on House Bill 654, so that Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. The Chair recognizes Mr. Dale Righter for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Righter."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege. Mr. Speaker, in the gallery up to... above you and to your left is Dr. Jill Nielsen, who is the vice-president for external affairs for Eastern Illinois University, along with a sizable group of students from Eastern here, to lobby on behalf of Eastern and higher education. I ask the chamber to give them a warm welcome, please."

Speaker Madigan: "On the Order of Second Reading, on page 3 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 397, Mr. Fritchey. 397. Do you wish to move the Bill? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 397, a Bill for an Act in relation to presidential and vice-presidential electors. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. House Bill 400, what is the status of the Bill?" 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 400, a Bill for an Act relating to political solicitations and contributions. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Third Reading. On page 3 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 442. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 442, the Bill's been read a second time, previously, and was held on the Order of Second Reading, pending the filing of notes. Those note requests have been withdrawn."

Speaker Madigan: "Put the Bill on the Order of Third Reading. House Bill 469. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"

"House Bill 469, the Bill's been read a second time, previously, and was held on the Order of Second Reading, pending the filing of notes. Those note requests have been withdrawn."

"Third Reading. For what purpose does Mr. Acevedo seek recognition? What did you say, Mr. Acevedo? Mr. Fritchey. Mr. Fritchey."

"Thank you, Speaker. I rise for an announcement. The Consumer Protection Committee scheduled to meet at 5:00 today will not be meeting."

"Thank you, Mr. Fritchey."

"Thank you, Speaker."

"The Gentleman has announced that the Consumer Protection Committee meeting scheduled for this afternoon will be cancelled. The Regular Session will stand in recess. The Chair recognizes the Doorkeeper for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Doorkeeper."

"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Philip and the 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 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 #11, the hour of 12:00 having arrived, the Joint Session of the 92nd General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House and 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."

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

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

Speaker Madigan: "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 certain dignitaries who have joined us today for the Governor's Address. First, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, Corinne Wood. Corinne Wood. The Secretary of State, Mr. Jesse White; the Comptroller, Mr. Dan Hynes; the Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka; the Attorney General, Jim Ryan; Supreme Court Justice, Rita Garman; Auditor General, Bill Holland; Superintendent of Education, Max McGee; Member of the United States House of Representatives, former Member of the House, Mr. Jerry Weller; the Governor's Chief of Staff, Mr. Robert Newtson. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Would the Clerk please read Joint Session Resolution 2."

"Mr. Clerk." 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"JOINT SESSION RESOLUTION #2 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."

"The Chair recognizes the House Majority Leader, Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. I move for the adoption of Joint Session Resolution 2."

"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; 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 a committee to escort the Governor. The appointments to the Escort Committee from the House are Representative Judy Erwin, Representative Calvin Giles, Representative Gwenn Klingler, Representative Rich Myers, Representative Ricca Slone."

"The Senate Members are Senator Evelyn Bowles, Senator Judith Myers, Senator William Shaw, Senator Todd Sieben, and Senator Dave Sullivan."

"Will the Committee of Escort please convene at the rear of the chamber and await his Excellency, the Governor. The Chair would like to announce the presence of two more dignitaries seated in the rear gallery. The wife of the Governor, the First Lady of Illinois, Lura Lynn Ryan; the Chair of the Arts Council, the woman I love very much, Shirley Madigan. Shirley. The Doorkeeper is recognized for an announcement."

"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Illinois, George H. Ryan, and his party, wish to be admitted to this chamber."

"Admit the Honorable Governor."

"Thank you very much for that warm and gracious welcome and good afternoon to all of you folks. I'm delighted to be here. Mr. Speaker, President Philip, Leader Daniels, Leader Jones, my fellow Constitutional Officers that are here with us today, my friends and colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly, Members of the Cabinet, the Supreme Court, guests in the gallery, and my fellow citizens of the great State of Illinois. Last month, I took about an hour of your time to describe for you a new Illinois that is strong and prosperous. I was reminded on several occasions since that speech, by Senator Philip, that it was, in fact, an hour and three minutes. Not that he keeps track. It's a new Illinois that we have created together. And by working hard, uniting our talents and keeping the interests of the people as our top priority, we have done much to retool and reform education, economic development, transportation, health care, job training, public safety, and environmental protection. And over the last two years, we have cut across partisan lines to fashion policies and programs that address the needs and concerns of working families in every part of this state. It was a long speech, but that's because our list of accomplishments is long. And this year, we must rededicate ourselves to bipartisan cooperation and a government that places people before politics. Our list of accomplishments, on behalf of the people, is going to get a little longer. And today I present to you a $49.97 billion state budget for fiscal year 2002 that'll continue to improve our schools, create job opportunity, fix our roads, 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 get our children the health care services that they need, clean our air and water, and help keep our neighborhoods safe. This budget is balanced and requires no tax increase. This budget fulfills our commitment to dedicate at least 51% of all new state revenues to education and job training. That's right, that's a good shot, thanks to you. It strengthens our human infrastructure. It maintains our programs to expand and improve our physical infrastructure, and it allows us to continue the tax relief programs for families that we started last year. This is a balanced and prudent budget that allows us to pay all of the state's bills and put some money away for a rainy day. The total FY '02 budget, including both state and federal funds, is 3.2% larger than the current year's budget. The increases in state spending are absolutely unavoidable. Education, our top priority, is getting an increase of $460 million. Human services and child support coordination is getting $110 million in new money. Corrections is receiving $104 million new dollars and our annual payment to secure health insurance for state employees requires $37 million in new money. That restricts growth in all other state agencies to four-tenths of 1%, less than a half a percent. Agencies under my control will see their allocation for state resources drop by a combined total of $13 million. As I told you in January, we are going to have to make some tough decisions this spring. But this budget allows us to continue making the right decisions for Illinois and its people. According to all predictions, we'll see the national economy and the Illinois economy grow at a slower rate during the coming year. On the whole, our state is still strong and prosperous. About 95% of our workforce is employed and earning a living. And we still expect state 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 revenues to increase by a healthy $900 million. Home sales and new constructions continue to be strong. And in January, consumer spending grew faster than anticipated, especially in home furnishings, building supplies, new cars and trucks. We are not in a recession, and we don't expect to be in one this year. Our economy remains healthy, although it's expanding at a slower rate than we're used to. Therefore, we must adjust our thinking and spending habits to meet the new realities of this year. During the last two years, we made decisions based on a strong economy and a growing prosperity. Past state budgets have been grounded in economic realities, but dedicated to the needs of the future and our desires for tomorrow. And from that position of strength and prosperity, we made the right decision to boost funding for job training and education, so we could give young people and adults the skills that they need to make (sic-meet) the demands of the new economy. From a position of strength, we made the right decision to create Illinois FIRST, a program that is revitalizing our infrastructure and creating more than 50,000 jobs a year. And from a position of strength, we created Illinois VentureTECH to help us expand our growing high tech economy. And from a position of strength, we increased funding for health care and other social services needed by children, the working poor, and the elderly by $1.5 billion. We committed significant new resources to quality and affordable children (sic-childcare), an important key to helping families move from welfare to work. These resources help provide care for 64,000 more children. We expanded KidCare, providing health care for some 100,000 more uninsured young people. We expanded the network of Child Advocacy Centers to help protect an 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 additional 2,100 abused or neglected kids who had nowhere else to turn. And by boosting funds for adoption by 97%, we enabled Illinois to successfully move 11,600 children from foster care into loving, permanent homes. Third year in a row. In the last year alone, we increased our commitment for medical services to 97,000 of the state's most needy citizens by $300 million. We doubled funding for women's health programs and we increased funding for domestic violence programs by two-thirds so we could help 30,000 additional victims with prevention and intervention services. We did all of this together and it was the right thing to do. We've invested in our children, we've invested in training our workforce, we've invested in our communities, and we've given back more than $1 billion to our taxpayers. Yes, $1 billion in tax relief, in spite of all of these other things we've done. We've set aside $225 million in a rainy day fund, and we've maintained a $1.2 billion yearend budget balance. I believe that we've managed, together, the people's money very, very well, and very responsibly. And this year, we are going to need to make some tough decisions. In order to stay on the course we've established over the last two years, we will have to carefully watch our spending. Last year, Illinois and virtually every other state, saw sharp increases in Medicaid costs. And we responded in December by imposing $256 million in cost reductions aimed at the specific cause of the budget problem. Unlike other states, we didn't have to look outside the Medicaid system, to education or other social services, for additional cuts to restore some sense to the Medicaid. Illinois, like many other states, will continue to closely watch Medicaid costs with great concern. And unless we can secure more federal funds for 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Medicaid, we'll need to impose an additional $270 million in cuts. I am confident that we'll not have to impose any cuts in education, corrections, or social services. But still, we'll have to continue to reform government and streamline operations. And we'll have to find new ways to keep costs manageable. We've been realistic and conservative in our budget assumptions. And with this budget, we're still able to move forward with our plan for a new Illinois. For the third year in a row, I am recommending that 51% of all new state revenues be dedicated to education and workforce training. We owe this to our children of this state to maintain that commitment and I'm determined that we are going to do it. With this $460 million increase, we'll have raised state support for our schools in the last three years by $1.4 billion. It's the largest sustained increase in Illinois history. A majority of the new dollars earmarked for elementary and secondary education will go directly to school districts to improve instruction and services in our classrooms. There are resources for a substantial increase in general state aid to raise the per pupil foundation level beyond the current $4,425. I support the recommendation of a state advisory board chaired by former State School Superintendent Bob Leininger that calls for a $135 per student increase in the foundation level this year. The elementary and secondary budget also includes, for an unprecedented third straight year, full funding of all categorical programs, as well as student breakfasts and lunches. And we are going to continue to support classroom technology improvements, early childhood education, intensified reading courses, summer bridge programs, and alternative programs for troubled students, and Project 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Impact, that's an initiative that helps students in primarily Hispanic neighborhoods improve daily attendance and their grades. And as I told you last month, I want to begin working with local school districts and parents, organizations and groups, like the Illinois Business Education Coalition, to start developing student testing as a means of ensuring greater accountability. Parents should know the progress their children are making in every school, every year. And while we continue to help school districts meet the needs of students and their parents, we must not ignore improvements that we make in state government. There are changes being proposed by the State Board of Education that'll modernize the agency, improve efficiency, and strengthen its effectiveness. And I applaud State Chairman Ron Gidwitz and State School Superintendent Max McGee for developing a platform and a reform plan that builds on the agency's strengths and puts it more in touch with students, and parents, and teachers, and school officials in each and every community of this state. Superintendent McGee has worked very closely with my Office of Performance Review, to develop a workable plan to retool the State Board. And by the end of next year, the State Board will transfer some programs to other state agencies where the overall coordination is more appropriate and they'll streamline the board's operations, for example, the licensing of private business and vocational schools can be moved to the Department of Professional Regulation. Several child nutrition specialists can be transferred to the Department of Public Health. Oversight of the Illinois Century Network can be switched to the Board of Higher Education. And some staff that are responsible for post-high school student programs can be transferred to the 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Community College Board. And then they can outsource some audits that are now done by the board to private firms. In addition, they'll consolidate some remaining operations, rely more on technology to reduce paperwork, and streamline the management structure. Altogether, this initiative will affect 120 positions at the State Board of Education, either through transfers within state government, annual attrition or just plain downsizing. I'm confident that we can achieve even more efficiencies next year. And lastly, I will create a task force that'll take a good look at rewriting the state school code. Right now, the school code occupies 600 pages of our statutes. Many times, these 600 pages mire districts in red tape and confound them with unnecessary procedures. This new group will focus on laws and regulations that will help create 21st century schools for the next generation of Illinois leaders. I want the school code to concentrate more on the results we demand in our classrooms than on the processes that envelop our schools in red tape. Our goal should be to encourage, not to impede. Our commit (sic-commitment) to higher education in this budget is another record; $3.4 billion this year for state universities, community colleges and private institutions. And we'll maintain and expand support for classroom instruction and important research, as well as initiatives to keep the best and the brightest of our college faculty here in Illinois. We'll continue to expand our scholarship programs for Illinois students. And we'll earmark another $64 million for the Illinois Century Network so we can use technology to link every school, every college, every university, every library, and every museum in this state. And I hope, that by the end of this calendar year, every school in this state, every school, 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 will be connected to the Century Network so that every child has an opportunity to use the latest in technology to improve their grades. This budget continues to build our efforts and rehabilitate the infrastructure of our college campuses so that we can meet annual enrollment increases. Over the past two years, thanks to the combined efforts of our regional Capital Program, Illinois FIRST and VentureTECH, we have funded more than $642 million in capital improvements at colleges and universities. With this budget, I propose we double our capital investment in higher education. The largest single component of this new investment will be a $250 million, two-year construction program designed specifically to enhance our 48 community colleges. I'm sure you all know that increasingly, these campuses are the center of community life, as well as a place where students of all ages can improve their talents and skills so they can keep and get good jobs. This new program, combined with local resources, will enable these campuses to replace aging temporary buildings with modern facilities that meet the need of all students who are working to enter or re-enter the workforce. Expanding opportunity for our workforce is a necessity that we must focus on in this state budget. And as I promised last month, we'll not forget those who have recently lost their jobs in Illinois as the economy slows and we'll do all that we can to help people who have been laid off to find a new job. That's important. Our track record shows that we can put people to work and help people get better jobs. And over the last two years, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs market development division has helped firms create more than 60,000 jobs. The Industrial Training Program has helped more than 149,000 workers 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 upgrade their skills and get better jobs. And our support of exports has created more than 3,000 new jobs since 1999. In this budget, we will earmark a total of $1.3 billion for economic development activities, job training, business expansion, help for small firms and exports. This budget focuses on one of our strengths as a state, the convergence of new technologies with older business needs. Here in Illinois we successfully mix the manufacturing and service sectors together with high tech ways of doing business. And we'll boost funding to help emerging small businesses capture private loans, provide increased marketing for new high tech products, increase funding to develop the environmentally-friendly use of Illinois coal, and expand promotional resources to increase regional, national, and international tourism. We'll work with business and organized labor to ensure that our unemployment insurance system, our tax structure and our workers' compensation system are fair to all parties and appropriate for the times. To capitalize on Illinois' rank as the fourth largest high-tech economy, this budget builds on the first successful year of the VentureTECH program, dedicating almost $400 million to upgrade our scientific infrastructure, research and education in medicine, biotechnology, physics, and information technology. VentureTECH includes $18 million to help promote new businesses and products that are derived from in-state research as well as ongoing support for the state's medical schools so they can capture waiting federal dollars that'll improve academic medicine. In many cases, our medical schools are the first line of defense for low-income families with health problems. And because of our assistance, we are strengthening that safety net. This 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 budget maintains full funding for the third year of the Illinois FIRST program. And later this spring, I will announce a road construction program that'll spread out $2.3 billion in funding across the state that'll widen highways, repair bridges, relieve congested suburban streets, build new roads for economic development, and put tens of thousands of people to work. One of our top highway priorities will be to continue in the effort to untangle the 'Hillside Strangler', where a lot of people get hung up. The mass transit program, funded by Illinois FIRST in the coming year, earmarks $96 million for new buses and trains, the repair of aging tracks and platforms, as well as the ongoing subsidy of fares for seniors and students who live in the Chicago area. Other building projects that we'll undertake this year have been in the planning and development stages for some time. These projects include $500 million in new funding for construction projects at elementary and high schools. At last count, this will mean, I think, at least 50 new schools in Illinois and somewhere around 5,000 new classroom additions. It means $151 million for assorted rehabilitation and expansion projects at mental health centers, prisons, state parks, historic sites, office buildings, and other state-owned sites throughout Illinois. There's $9 million to create a comprehensive juvenile diabetes center at the University of Chicago. There's $40 million for the new fine arts center at Eastern Illinois University, $32 million for the Siebel Computer Science Building at the University of Illinois, $16 million for the library at Chicago State University, funds for a new engineering building and ethanol research center at Southern Illinois University and $30 million for a new 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 classroom and office, right here in Springfield, at the University of Illinois' campus. This budget also includes $47 million for a new State Police headquarters just north of the Capitol, a new State Police building. And while we tackle these big-ticket items, we must not forget the little needs that can improve a community's quality of life. And we're put... we're working very hard, frankly, to put an end to predatory lending that threatens many neighborhoods. But we still must find a way to meet the needs of taxpayers who want to improve their neighborhoods but can't qualify for traditional loans. We should look to states like Pennsylvania and organizations like the not-for-profit Illinois Facilities Fund right here in Illinois as models. We should investigate new ways of providing loans to not-for-profits that assist in delivering services for people with addictions, mental health problems, developmental disabilities or child care needs. And we'll take the first concrete steps toward increasing the capacity for our air transportation system in northern Illinois. Today, I am directing Secretary Brown to begin buying land in Will County that lies within the proposed construction footprint of the Peotone airport project. If this state is to remain economically competitive, we must increase our air transportation capacity and we must do so now. O'Hare and Midway are at their operational capacity. The flight delays experienced last summer will only get worse. We must act now and we must build this airport now. Nothing says more about our commitment to families and our neighbors than the resources that we dedicate annually to our human infrastructure, the minds, and bodies, and well-being of men, women, and children throughout this great state; and especially those 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 who need our help the most. In this budget, services to strengthen our human infrastructure receive the lion's share of all appropriations, 31%, and the second largest amount of new state resources. That is good. In all cases, our extensive menu of social services strives to achieve three main goals; prevention, protection, and independence. And every day, across Illinois, thousands of brave and caring people help prevent risky behavior and restore a decent quality of life to many, many households. They also work hard to protect people from disease and malnutrition, substance abuse, and living conditions that are not safe. And at the same time, they help thousands of people cope with a disability, poor job skills, medical conditions, drug or alcohol problems, and other circumstances that prevent them from reaching their full potential. This budget does not waver from those three main goals. However, across the nation, costs for social service programs are rising faster than most states can afford. And we're not immune to this in Illinois. All of us would like to spend more on our human infrastructure. But with a slowing economy, it's necessary, this year, that we strike a balance between achieving our social service goals and keeping the price tag under control and I believe this budget strikes that balance for Fiscal Year 2002. The Department of Public Aid is allocated $7.4 billion in state and federal funds to ensure that our most needy citizens are not left behind. Within the public aid budget we see the greatest need to strike an acceptable balance between services and cost. And during the past two years, we have opened the door to health care for more people who would otherwise be left unprotected. Today we provide wide access to quality services. For instance, KidCare 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 enrollments continue to climb, and this is good news. Through last month, 143,000 young people and pregnant women had been enrolled in the program and are receiving necessary health care. But along with increased Medicaid enrollments comes the double-edged sword of promising advances in medicine, new drugs, and modern treatments. And these advantages do save lives, and they lengthen lives, but they also mean higher costs for Medicaid, a strain that threatens the availability of all services unless they're brought under control. And over the last two years, our Medicaid liability increased by more than $1 billion. We can't afford that kind of continuing expansion without suffocating the entire program. Late last year, we made necessary changes to the Medicaid system to address this problem. These changes didn't affect the overall quality or accessibility of medical services, but the changes helped us to keep the Medicaid program intact for thousands of people without any health care. In concert with those necessary changes, I have asked that we seek a substantial supplemental appropriation to the 2001 budget, $200 million to keep Medicaid on track for the rest of the fiscal year. And I will continue to work with you, medical and health care providers, as well as other stake holders to ensure that we do not upend the strong health care system, the net that we have in place. We will also continue to improve the administration of one of our most important services, and that's making sure that child support checks make it into the hands of custodial parents on time. Because the Federal Government decided we had to fix a system that didn't need fixing, the state remains in charge of distributing child support checks to vulnerable families in all 102 counties. In the fall of 1999, some of 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 those families, through no fault of their own, were pushed to the brink when our new disbursement system nearly collapsed. Those payment delays led to other financial hardships. And because these hardships came only a few weeks from Thanksgiving and Christmas, I made the decision to use state funds and to issue emergency checks to families in need. We sent out nearly 33,000 emergency checks averaging $280 each. It was the right thing to do. The disbursement system is now working reasonably well and we'll continue to fine-tune it in order to reach the maximum efficiency. In the meantime, some have suggested that we should recoup the emergency money we issued in 1999. I don't think that'd be right. And with compassion and understanding, this state should not attempt to recoup those emergency payments. The circumstances behind those 33,000 emergency checks led to numerous hardships for innocent families, and we shouldn't create any more hardships for them. This budget allocates $4.9 billion to the Department of Human Services and the majority will be used to help families move from welfare to work and to ensure that services are in place to help families cope with a changing lifestyle, so that no one is longer dependent on public assistance. There'll be more money to support childcare for 3,000 additional youngsters and their parents, as well as an increase in the Great Start Program that helps improve the skills of day care workers. There is more money for the Illinois Workforce Advantage, our comprehensive partnership with the people in distressed communities, which tailors necessary programs for specific needs. There is more money for Teen Research after-school programs. There is more than $30 million to help us to begin to make any changes needed to comply with the United 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 States Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, which protects the rights of persons with disabilities. And there is more money for the hardworking individuals who provide daily direct care services to the developmentally disabled. I have asked you to approve the supplemental to the current state budget, that combined with money in the 2002 budget, will enable us to raise the hourly wage of these workers by $1, beginning on March 1. We also will devote $6 million to bolster mental health services for teen programs, programs that include suicide prevention, depression, and other services that go beyond what most local school districts can provide. And with these programs we dedicate funds toward intervention services for young people to keep them out of juvenile detention facilities. These are kids who can turn their lives around with the right kind of counseling and support. And we'll begin to make these intervention services more available to the juvenile justice system, probation officers, and police at the local level. Some counties offer these services, but many do not. And we must begin to correct this imbalance. The goal is to give troubled teens every opportunity to change the direction of their lives before detention and more severe punishment is necessary. As you know, the Department of Children and Family Services is a national leader in safeguarding children and helping families stay together. This budget includes an increase of $35 million for the coordination of adoption and guardianship services to help the agency move even more children into permanent homes. And because of the hard work of dedicated DCFS employees and a new commitment to funding permanent solutions for young people with troubled backgrounds, we expect the foster care caseload to drop again this year by 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 about 10%. Congratulations, DCFS. We'll spend more for the Department on Aging's Community Care Program, funds that will enable almost 41,000 seniors to remain in their homes. In addition, we'll continue our strong commitment to LIHEAP, the Low-Income Emergency (sic-Heating) Assistance Program, to help hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents meet the rising costs of keeping warm in the winter. Among the states, Illinois leads the nation in the amount of money we dedicate to this program. And I've asked you, this spring, to approve an $80 million supplemental appropriation to the 2001 budget so we can access the state and federal funds that are available for the LIHEAP Program. This budget continues the great strides we've made over the last two years to protect our environment and natural resources while we enhance our vital agricultural economy and help rural Illinois. The budget includes the third $40 million installment of our Open Lands Trust, that's a four-year program that already has placed tens of thousands of acres in public hands. The Open Lands Trust supports the $12 million allocation in the budget for the ongoing Conservation 2000 Program, which helps local communities preserve wildlife habitats. The budget also includes a $10 million investment for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a federal and state initiative to reduce the erosion caused by our rivers. And there is a $5.4 million for Illinois Rivers 2020, an important program being led by Lt. Governor Corinne Wood. That $5 million will allow us to leverage $50 million in federal funds. The budget also includes $2.5 million to support the Illinois Tomorrow Program, which helps cities and villages plan their future growth wisely. We provide the resources for the Department of 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Agriculture to launch a far-reaching enhancement of our agricultural economy, the new Illinois AgriFIRST Program. Agriculture amounts to as much as 20% of Illinois' gross domestic product. And the centerpiece of AgriFIRST is $3 million for grants to enhance and development products that expand the value of our state's raw crops. We must also continue to strengthen and encourage the use of ethanol and other alternative fuels. Illinois is the nation's leader in ethanol production, more than 600 million gallons in a year. This budget includes $2 million for a new alternative fuel incentive program to spread the use of ethanol as a renewable source of energy that doesn't harm the environment. And we must not backtrack on our commitment to environmental protection. We have to encourage and help communities implement energy efficiency programs, waste reduction, and other 'green' initiatives to help the budget, includes $2 million for the Green Illinois Program, which provides incentives to communities, big and small. This budget will do more this year to make sure that all Illinois residents share clean air, clean lands, and clean water. And I'm proposing that we create a $150 million expansion for our existing revolving loan program that'll help more towns and villages fix up aging water systems. There are many, many communities in Illinois that are required to comply with clean water standards, yet they don't have the financial wherewithal to make the necessary upgrades. This year, we'll take the state and federal resources dedicated to our loan program and leverage resources for both wastewater and drinking water upgrades. In addition, there are many communities that do not have sewers at all, and this budget will include funding to help meet the needs of communities without sewers or water 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 systems, a much needed program. I think the last critical concern that's addressed by this budget is public safety. As crime rates continue to slide downward, we shouldn't, and can't, suspend our investment in the Department of Corrections, the State Police, or other agencies and programs that are vital to keeping our communities safe. Nationally, the prison population of the states continues to climb, while crime rates drop. Locking up criminals and helping them mend their ways before they return to society is making a dent in the corruption of our schoolyards and neighborhoods by criminal elements. This new measure of safety, however, doesn't come without a sizable cost. I wish that I could devote more of the resources to the construction of classrooms and schools and clinics, rather than to jails and juvenile detention centers. And we need to do that, if we can. The Department of Corrections' budget includes $104 million in new funding, primarily to open and staff new prisons that we need to keep pace with an inmate population that now exceeds 46,000 adults and juveniles. During the current year, we'll open two new facilities with more than 2,600 beds. And in addition, this budget provides sufficient funding for 3,600 additional beds, which includes a new maximum-security facility in Thomson, the first new maximum-security prison we've built in Illinois in more than 50 years. The budget also finishes a job that we started two years ago, to double the number of parole agents monitoring prisoners released back into society. The State Police budget of $385 million includes two new cadet classes that'll increase the number of officers on patrol by 100 men and women. Since January of 1999, we've funded the hiring and training of some 350 new troopers to keep our highways and 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 communities safer. This budget also includes funds to replace another 275 unsafe, high mileage patrol cars, as well as new money to beef up and improve the agency's important forensic science capabilities. The state budget for Fiscal Year 2002 fulfills the promises that we've made to the people of Illinois. But if we are going to continue to meet the needs of our citizens efficiently and effectively, we must improve the amount of money that we'll receive from the Federal Government. Right now, we pay 5% of the total federal taxes collected, but we get back only 4% of the spending. We continue to rank 46th among the states in federal dollars returned to our taxpayers, and we're working to improve that rate of return. Last year, we realized some moderate successes. Federal spending to Illinois increased by more than $1 billion to almost $56 billion, in part, because we made a decision to invest more state dollars to capture federal matching funds. We received needed resources for Illinois Rivers 2020, the Stevenson Expressway, Wacker Drive, the RTA, and the MetroLink System. We captured more federal dollars for child care services, to reduce school class sizes, to expand low-income heating assistance, and to support an ethanol research facility in Southern Illinois. We rehabilitated Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline. And the time is right for Illinois to capitalize on other federal funds that are waiting to be distributed. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is a native son of Illinois, a former Member of the Illinois House of Representatives. It makes a difference when you can pick up the phone and call the Speaker of the United States Congress and ask for a little help, and be assured that it's probably going to come. Speaker Hastert has been 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 very, very helpful to me, and to you, and to all of us in Illinois. I might add, that along with Senator Dick Durbin, they've worked to unite our congressional delegation to make sure that everyone from Illinois is pulling in the same direction for the state. They work hard at it. Mayor Daley and I have presented a united front in Washington to help secure the Republicans and Democrats, alike, for needed funding, and this strategy has worked. This year we will again seek our fair share from the Federal Government. And in particular, we will work hard to seek an increase in federal formulas that determine how much Illinois is entitled to for numerous social services and education programs. Positive changes in these formulas could go a long way to enhance and stabilize our funding commitment for important programs that serve the families of Illinois. I can't emphasize this point enough. And let me give you an example; Illinois is home to 4.5% of the nation's Medicaid population, yet under the federal reimbursement formula, we receive only 3.5% of the federal matching funds. That one percent, that one percent point, that difference represents a loss to Illinois of approximately $1 billion every year. Our Medicaid recipients still receive all the benefits to which they're entitled, but Illinois taxpayers pay a greater share of the cost of Medicaid than do taxpayers in our neighboring states, and that just isn't fair. The federal reimbursement rate for Illinois is 50%, in Wisconsin it's 59%, in Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa, they're all reimbursed at more than 60%, and our neighbor to the south, Kentucky, is at 71%. That imbalance means that you and I have to allocate more of our state dollars to support Medicaid and allocate less to other worthy programs. We need to change 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 that. But again, a slowing economy heralds new changes that demand our vigilance and attention. The President and the Congress are moving forward with the plans to cut the tax burden on families, and this is welcome news for families who deserve to keep more of what they earn and for an economy in need of stimulation. However, what we must watch is how any tax cut affects the amount of federal money that Congress disperses annually to the states, including Illinois, and we must be cautious. Together, Republicans and Democrats at the state and federal levels have worked well together to win back more from the Federal Government. What we receive now is not enough, and we have to stay on course. The unity that we've worked hard to develop in Washington within our delegation is making other states sit up and take notice. They're becoming increasingly mindful of what Illinois can accomplish, and because we accomplish it together, we must stand together to build our new Illinois together. With this budget, document as a guide, we can make the right choices for Illinois. We'll have to make some tough choices this Session, but together, we're strong enough to weather any tough choices that the future brings. And together, we'll ensure that our State Government does the most good for the greatest number of people. We're in a strong state and this budget for 2002 will make us stronger. So, let's get to work, move forward together for the new Illinois. I thank you for your time and for your patience, and I look forward to working with you in the coming months. May God bless all of you here in the great State of Illinois. Thank you very much."

Speaker Madigan: "Will the Committee of Escort please come forward to escort the Governor to the rear of the chamber? 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 The President of the Senate is recognized for a Motion."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that 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 signify by saying 'yes'; all those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, and the Joint Session will now arise. The Regular Session will come to order."

Speaker Hartke: "Members will please be in their chairs. The House will be conducting business, shortly. Unauthorized personnel are asked to leave the floor. Mr. Doorman, please clear the chamber of unauthorized individuals. Members will please be in their chairs. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 400?"

"House Bill 400 is on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading."

Speaker Hartke: "Move that Bill back to Second Reading for purposes of an Amendment at the request of the Sponsor, Mr. Fritchey. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 198?"

Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 198, a Bill for an Act with regard to education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

"Release that Bill, on the Order of Second Reading, for purposes of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, I believe that Bill is on Third Reading. Correct? Place that Bill on the Order of Second Reading for the purpose of Amendment, at the request of the Sponsor, Representative Hoffman. Ladies and Gentlemen, please, can we clear the chamber, the House is trying to do business. Mr. Doorman, would you please clear the chamber? The Chair recognizes 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke. For what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Yes, Mr. Speaker, I mean is it truly your intent to do Third Reading's with the press on the floor and all the noise?"

"Absolutely not, I've asked that they be cleared of the floor so we can do business. Thank you very much. Representative Black, for what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Poe, would you please take your interview, outside? Representative Black."

"I was just going to say I couldn't see you, Mr. Speaker. There was a reporter blocking my way, and I always like to see who is in the Chair. Good to see you, you look good up there."

"Well, thank you very much, Representative Black. Maybe Mr. McGee would like to continue his interview outside, thank you. Representative Mulligan, would you like to continue your interview outside with the press? Comptroller Hynes, would you please leave the floor and take you interview outside? Thank you, Karen. Senator O'Daniels, Senator Woolard, would you please continue this interview outside? I apologize, Representative Mulligan, it was not you. Looking from the back, it looked like you."

"Thank you, since I was speaking to my Senator, which I thought was important to business for my district."

"Senator Woolard, would you please continue your interviews outside the chamber? The House is trying to do business. On page 4 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 25. Representative Feigenholtz. Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 31. 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Representative McKeon. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"House Bill 31, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."

Speaker Hartke: "Representative McKeon. Shh. Ladies and Gentlemen, can we please have some order here in the chamber, we are conducting business. Representative McKeon."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to move House Bill 31 on Third Reading, which amends the State Finance Act in Medicaid Article of the Public Aid Code, which increases the personal allowance for people receiving Social Security benefits that are primarily in nursing homes and other facilities throughout the state. Since 1978, that personal allowance has not been increased from its present value of... amount of $30. And I would like each of you to think of how you would survive, or a member of your family would survive, in a nursing home or other facility on $30 a month. This time for an increase is long overdue. And, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to defer to my cosponsor, Representative Black, who will respond to any questions from the Members of the House."

"The Chair would like to recognize Representative Black to respond. The Chair recognizes Representative Parke."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Should I... who should I direct the question to? Representative Black, has a fiscal note been filed on this?"

"Representative Black."

"I don't know Representative, I'd have to defer to the Clerk."

Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Clerk, has there been a fiscal note requested on this piece of legislation?" 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"No fiscal note has been requested or filed."

"Representative Black, do you have any concept of what this might cost the State of Illinois, and do you know if the effective date puts it into the next fiscal year?"

"No, the Department of Public Aid, Terry, estimates a cost of $34 million. I question that. And even if that is accurate, one of the things Representative McKeon has done on this Bill, that I have worked on since 1994, is the extra $20 personal needs allowance would come out of the tobacco settlement fund. Now, if we need to amend that in the Senate, Representative McKeon has said we'll do whatever's necessary to tighten it up. But many of these people who are in nursing homes, who have not had a personal needs allowance increase in about 20 years, many of them are there for tobacco related illnesses. So, I think it's a... certainly a reasonable use of the tobacco settlement fund and I, in all due respect to the Department of Public Aid, I don't think it would impact their general revenue budget, at all, on this, because the $30 pass through that the residents get now, they're allowed to keep from their Social Security checks or their Medicaid reimbursement. The additional $20, and the reason I'm pleased to be a cosponsor on this, does identify a funding source, not General Revenue Funds."

"Representative, I appreciate that. My concern is that this is an ongoing... this will be an ongoing appropriation and that the tobacco money is a limited amount. Nobody knows for sure how long, but it's supposedly not more than ten years. So, ten years from now, if we continue to pass all these programs and fund them with tobacco money and those tobacco moneys cease, they'll be a tremendous whack on our overall budget. Does that concern you, or is that 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 something that we'll just let some other legislative Body deal with it?"

"No, I think your point is well taken. And, while I don't want to speak for the Sponsor of the Bill, I think we would not be adverse to a sunset clause, if you would, to be added in the Senate or some protection. It's not our intent to pass this on to a future General Assembly where they might have to decide because the cost would then go on to the General Revenue Fund. Do we keep it, or do we roll it back? You and I both know, very... it's easy to increase items, very difficult to decrease. So, I think Representative McKeon and I would certainly be glad to look at some kind of protection that could be added in the Senate, because, obviously, the tobacco settlement fund will have a limited life, we understand that."

"Well, I think the concept of this legislation has merit. I just will remind the Body that this issue that we're discussing today, on this particular Bill, in terms of the funding, needs to be looked at at all of the legislation that's in the hopper right now for tobacco money. And if we don't start paying attention, that price tag, when we pass all this legislation, well intended as it is, gets to be significant. I like the idea of a sunset, so that it can be revisited. I'm sure it will probably be continued, but we need to be prepared to talk about some kind of a major tax increase if we continue to pass enabling legislation for a long-term financial commitment to the citizens of this state in one form or another. So, we better start making sure that we... somebody does a running tally on how much money of the tobacco money we're spending on all of these funding programs, because one of these days the chicken comes home to roost. And I hope some of the 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Members who are putting this legislation in are around to put in some kind of a tax increase and lead the battle in the House to fund that tax increase to pay for all these programs that they're putting in."

"Further discussion. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield, whichever one can answer the question?"

"I think Representative Black has indicated he will be responding to questions. Representative Black will yield."

"Okay. For the $50, could you break down what of that actually comes from the state and what comes from the Federal Government?"

"Representative McKeon may correct me if I'm wrong, Representative ...The $30 that the state has authorized, currently, is what is established by Federal Law, and that has not changed since that was passed into law in Illinois about 20 years ago. The $20 increase that Representative McKeon has identified, the funding source would be from the tobacco settlement fund. Because the way the Bill is drafted, and I may be wrong, I don't believe the $20 would qualify for federal reimbursement. There may be a way to do that, and Representative McKeon may know better than I. If there is, he and I have talked about this for a number of years, we're willing to do anything necessary to tighten it up, to gain federal reimbursement. But the issue with us is we're not interested in the press release, we'd like to get something on the Governor's desk that he would sign. I think, as one who saw my grandfather spend the last few years of his life in a nursing home, a $30 personal needs allowance, that hasn't been changed in almost 20 years, is 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 no longer sufficient. We've tried... I've been involved in this since '94. I think we finally have a Bill with an identifiable funding source. Whether or not we could access federal funds, Representative, I have to tell you I really don't know, the way the Bill is structured."

"Representative, have either of you examined what other states do in order to possibly recapture some of that money in a needs allowance that would either qualify for matching federal funds or in some way..."

"Perhaps the chief Sponsor could respond. I can tell you, the only material I have read and been interested in in other states, is the fact that they do this and they have allowances that range upwards of $70. So, I apologize for not going into maybe the detail that I should have in preparation. But I think your point is, if other states are doing it, there is no reason why we can't, and if other states are being able to split that cost with federal tax dollars, vis-a-vis the identifiable funding source that we have, I think I can speak for Representative McKeon, we're not adverse to amending this in the Senate in any way, shape, or form to make it workable."

"I tend to agree with you that $30 a month, particularly with the costs of anything that want to buy, personal needs, has gone up so considerably over the last years that $30 seems to be little and $50 seems to be more adequate. But I would hate for us to do anything that would preclude us from looking at how to capture part of this in matching federal funds, as in the Governor's announcement. Although we've known this for years, Illinois tends to sometimes do these things and then find out later that if we'd done it in another manner, we could have gotten that money, part of it at least, reimbursed and 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 that I would hate to do anything that would then preclude us from having that done or from petitioning the Federal Government in order to help us match those funds. So, while I think this is probably necessary, it certainly doesn't seem like that much money to give to someone for some personal needs. On the other hand, I would like to see the Federal Government, certainly, carefully check out what other states do. It seems to me that if they've raised it to $70 in other states, in some ways, that they've figured out how to do this better than we are, and I would like to be able to do that ourselves."

"I am certainly in complete agreement with you. I think the Governor stated that case very eloquently, that we must look for a formula change under which Illinois is reimbursed for Medicaid. There is no question when neighboring states are getting 10, 15, 20% higher funding rate formula than we are, I think Representative McKeon and I would be interested in. If there is a way to maximize returning some federal tax dollars to do this, we certainly would not be adverse to anything we could do that would bring that about."

"I intend to support this. But I would hope that both or all the Sponsors of this Bill, and I'd like to sign on myself, would certainly take a good hard look while it passes to the Senate. Sometimes the Senate tends to be very fiscally conservative and they dismiss these initiatives. And I think it's important for us to follow up on what other states are doing and how we could, perhaps, maximize our federal dollars. Thank you."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey."

"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"The Sponsor indicates he will yield."

"Representative, I've got a quick question. It's more and more out of lack of knowledge than anything else. Is is possible... are there any restrictions on what the personal allowance can be used for?"

"Representative McKeon, check me if I'm wrong. I don't believe there is. I do not believe that there is within this Bill or within the existing law. Some have indicated that they would like to see a prohibition on tobacco."

"Well, it's..."

"And I can understand that. And some homes, obviously, could have a rule or regulation that they are smoke free. I remember my grandfather dearly loved his cigars until the day he died. And I don't think I would want to write something into the law that would say if that's your... if you've been doing that for 60, 70 years, you couldn't use your personal needs allowance to buy one or two cigars a week. I know what you're saying and I think, rather than write it into the law, Representative McKeon and I would much rather rely on the rules of each individual home or facility and/or the family rather than have us tell somebody, who may well have smoked all their life, that well that's fine but now that you're in a nursing home, you aren't going to smoke now."

"As usual, you're a couple steps ahead of me with where I was going with this. And my concern is, while I see the attractiveness in having a funding source for this legislation, I see the possibility down the road that we could be made to look inadvertently foolish by fueling smoking habits out of the Tobacco Settlement Fund. The intention is obviously unassailable. I appreciate the fiscal responsibility of having targeted dollars for this. 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 I'm going to vote 'present' on this, solely because my concern on that, I hope that it can be figured out down the line and I appreciate the fact that you've obviously given thought to this issue already. Thank you."

"Thank you."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from St. Clair, Representative Younge."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield."

"What percentage of people in the nursing homes would you think that this would be the only cash that they would have, the $30 that is reimbursed to them at this point?"

"Representative, I apologize because all I can give you is my gut reaction. In my district, well over 50% of the people in nursing homes would be on Medicaid and this would have a direct impact and that would be all of the money that they would most likely have for their personal use. Obviously, in other parts of the state, in other districts, there may be people who would have, I don't want to say unlimited money, but certainly would have, through their family or through their own means, an opportunity to spend whatever they needed or felt they needed to spend on their personal items like getting a shampoo or getting their hair set. But I would have a hunch, and I may be way off, I'll go out on a limb and say my perception is that probably 50% of the people in nursing homes throughout Illinois would probably qualify for this additional aid."

"I would think that that would be very accurate, and it's probably much higher in other areas. But if there was ever a humanitarian Bill to be filed in this General Assembly, this is it."

"Thank you." 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"Many people, many elderly people, are living on Social Security and when they go to the nursing home then they're trying to exist on $30 a month cash, which is a impossibility. And this would raise it to $50 a month, which is very low, but a much improvement. And I congratulate you on this Bill and I hope everyone will support it because our seniors need it, the people who administer the nursing homes would like to have it, and I think it's an excellent piece of legislation."

"Thank you very much."

"Further discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, Representative McKeon to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Representative Black and my colleagues, with their very good questions. There is currently legislation pending before the United States Congress to increase the federal allotment from $30 to $50. Hopefully, this may come to pass. But in the meantime, as Representative Black has indicated, we'll work with the Senate Sponsor, not only to look at other revenue streams besides the Tobacco Settlement Fund but the actual mechanics of administering this, and possibly sunsetting the Bill with a 3 to 5 year sunset so we don't get ourselves locked into a single source of funding on this Bill. I urge your support and ask for your 'aye' vote."

Speaker Hartke: "The question is, 'Shall House Bill 31 pass?' All those in favor will signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. The voting is open. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is final action, please record yourselves. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 31, there were 115 Members voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no' and 1 person voting 'present'. And this Bill, having 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 4 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 55. Representative... Representative Beaubien, what reason do you seek recognition?"

"I'm rising on a point of personal privilege. I'd like to ask the Members of the House to come forward and enjoy a birthday cake. It's Terry Parke's birthday today. He would not disclose his age, so we will have a pool to try to figure out what it is. But congratulations, Terry."

Speaker Hartke: "Congratulations, Representative Parke. Again, on page 4 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 55. Representative Parke, would you like to proceed with that Bill? Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 61. Representative Feigenholtz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"House Bill 61, a Bill for an Act concerning Pet Friendly license plates. Third Reading of this House Bill."

"Representative Feigenholtz."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 61 is a Pet Friendly license plate Bill. After hearing the Governor's budget address today, I'm happy to report that this Bill might actually make the state a little money. Not only will it do that, but the additional money from the issuance of this plate will be distributed to not-for-profit spay and neuter clinics all across the State of Illinois. I'd be glad to answer any questions."

Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke."

"Thank you. Representative... Will the Representative yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates she will yield." 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"Okay. This..."

"Happy birthday, Representative Parke."

"Thank you. Come and have some cake."

"Maybe by the end of this debate, you'll tell everyone in the chamber how old you are."

"Let them eat cake. I believe I was in a committee when you presented this legislation. Is this the legislation that allows money to go into a fund from these license plates..."

"Yes, the Pet Overpopulation Fund."

"...to provide free neutering of animals? Is that true?"

"Yes, and spaying."

"When this Bill was presented in committee, did anybody speak against it?"

"No, they did not."

"And why do you think that this is going to bring money into the State of Illinois?"

"The states that have already issued this plate, Representative Parke, have brought in significant dollars to do the very same thing to provide dollars for not-for-profit spay and neuter clinics across their states."

"Is this going to be administered by the Secretary of State's office?"

"Yes."

"Did they... did you talk to them, and what was their sense about this legislation?"

"The Secretary of State is supportive of this Bill."

"Do you know how many license plate, special license plates, we have issued so far in this state?"

"I don't know that exact number."

"And this is strictly voluntary? If somebody wants to buy 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 this license plate, they pay a surcharge over and above the normal plate fee and that money goes into that fund?"

"That is correct."

"Okay. Thank you, Representative."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kendall, Mr. Cross."

"Will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates that she will yield."

"Inquiry of the Chair. Is this on Short Debate?"

Speaker Hartke: "Yes, it is. I would like to see it stay there, Representative Cross."

"Well, for now, for now. Representative, what are the qualifications for someone to be eligible for a Pet Friendly plate? Do you have a set... a criteria set out for a qualification criteria?"

"I'm glad you asked that, Representative Cross."

"Well, thank you for that... for letting me."

"I'm sorry."

"Well, I was just thanking you for thanking me."

"Oh, you're welcome. Every plate that is designed in the State of Illinois, in order for it to be fiscally neutral, and cost... cost neutral..."

"I can't... I'm sorry, I cannot hear you. I feel like I'm in a kennel."

"Mr. Speaker, could you restore some order to this chamber?"

Speaker Hartke: "Ladies and Gentlemen, could we please have some order in the chamber, please? Shh."

"I believe an order for the Secretary of State, Representative Cross, to issue a license plate in the State of Illinois, there needs to be a minimum of 850 people who apply for it before that plate is actually pressed. In 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 order... and that is the established limit on what makes a plate cost neutral. Does that answer your question?"

"No, but I... I mean it's a start. But I guess what I'm curious about, are there people, licensed drivers, that are going to have to pass a... are you going to have a set of qualifications or criteria before someone can actually be eligible for this plate?"

"I don't believe so. You mean, do they have to be a pet owner?"

"Pardon me?"

"I don't understand your question."

"I just... I guess I want to know, how do you get one. If all of a sudden someone's been convicted of... where there's some Bills this Session sponsored by very capable Representatives that deal with abuse of dogs. If someone's convicted of a crime under that, hopefully, new section, would they be able to eligible for this plate?"

"There's nothing in this Bill that disqualifies anyone from purchasing this plate."

"I guess along the same lines, just in terms of qualifying, we had a Bill last year and actually for several years that I thought was a very good Bill, that Representative Gash handled, dealing with frog dissection. If you actually dissected a frog as part of a class and didn't follow Representative Gash's Bill, would you be eligible for this plate, Representative?"

"I believe so."

"So you're..."

"If you applied for it."

"You're not inclined to put a list of criteria or qualifications together to apply for this plate? You just think anybody can have this plate?" 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"I am not inclined, that is correct."

"Do you have any ideas of what kind of animal you want on the plate? I mean would you want a frog? Do you want a frog, do you want a dog, do you want a cat, do you want a monkey, do you want an elephant, probably an elephant, want an elephant?"

"I believe that there are a few different artists who've been working on renderings of what this plate should look like and that those decisions would be made down the road. But I would... if you really want elephants on there, Representative Cross, you might want to write the Secretary of State a letter and make some recommendations or perhaps you might want to do a drawing yourself."

"Well Representative, I... you're not... I know at this moment, the Secretary of State's a Democrat. He wouldn't then... you're not asking him to have a donkey as the plate... animal Pet Friendly plate, with a donkey on it."

"No, no, or an iguana. I'm not telling him to have an iguana, either."

"You could have an iguana?"

"Possibly."

"Who makes the final determination whether it's an iguana, a frog, a salmon, a whatever... I mean, is a salmon an animal? I mean if we have..."

"Mr. Cross."

"...definitions of what an animal is."

"Mr. Cross."

"I believe that the authors of this Bill and the ASPCA and the... all of the agencies that are supporting this are focusing on the spay and neutering of dogs and cats. I think that that's their focus, because that is where the huge overpopulation problem is. So I would 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 imagine that, at the end of the day, those would be the two animals on the plate."

"Just a couple more questions, Mr. Speaker. Well, I mean for some of us... I have a pet, a Labrador retriever named Murphy. Would he be eligible to be on the license plate?"

"What kind of... what is he? A dog?"

"He's a yellow Labrador retriever, his name is Murphy. There's some people that, of Irish descent that might be a little concerned about that or might be proud of that, but this is a good dog and I'd like him to be on the plate. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, I don't."

"Okay, thank you."

"Mr. Cross, frogs are amphibians."

"What's a whale?"

"I would say an animal."

"That's an inquiry, I guess, of the Parliamentarian. Would a whale be eligible?"

"I would say so. Further discussion? Seeing none, Representative Feigenholtz to close."

"I would appreciate your support on this Bill and so would the not-for-profit spay and neuter clinics who've been doing a lot of work and let's just vote 'yes'. Thank you."

Speaker Hartke: "The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 61?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there were 105 Members voting 'yes', 11 Members voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 169. Representative Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 169, a Bill for an Act amending the Unemployment Insurance Act. Third Reading of this House Bill."

"Representative Holbrook."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 169 is an Amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Act, which will exempt the election judges that work on election day from unemployment. Having to be have paid by the county, it mirrors the federal statute, which allows states to enact an enabling statute to exempt this classification of work and it is worded verbatim right out of the federal statute. I know of no opposition to this Bill. Labor, business, all are in support of it, as are all of the county clerks that have talked to me and encouraged me to pass this Bill."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 169?' All those in favor will signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 169, there were 116 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no' and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 171. Representative Curry, Julie Curry. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Rossi: "House Bill 171, a Bill for an Act concerning meth (sic-methyl tertiary) butyl ether. Third Reading of this House Bill." 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"Representative Curry."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House and for the Clerk's clarification on the pronouncement of MTBE, it's methyl tertiary butyl ether. This is a piece of legislation that I've been working on, now, for about two years. And it's an important environmental concern that we have here in Illinois and in, actually across the nation. What this Bill does is creates the MTB (sic-MTBE) Elimination Act. Beginning three years after the Bill's effective date, House Bill 171 prohibits the use, sale, distribution, blending, or manufacturing of MTBE as a fuel additive in Illinois. It also directs the Illinois EPA to coordinate its efforts with those of the US EPA, other federal, state, local government agencies, and the private sector to develop improved MTBE ground water testing methodologies and to develop more efficient, cost- effective remediation process for public water supplies and sources contaminated with MTBE. Like I said, this is an effort that we have had the Illinois Farm Bureau involved in, the Corn Growers Association of Illinois involved in, the Renewable Fuels Association involved in, the Illinois Farmers Union involved in, and also the petroleum industry. And for the first time, I had the Petroleum Industry file witness slips as being neutral on this legislation. So you can see, we've come a long way from two years ago, when they were adamantly opposed to any legislation that eliminated the use of this fuel additive here in Illinois. So, I'm proud to bring this to the House Floor today, but send a clear message to the Illinois Senate that this is an action that we should take this year. I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"Is there any discussion on House Bill 171? The 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Chair recognizes the Gentleman from... Mr. Lawfer."

"Thank you very much..."

"JoDaviess."

"...Mr. Chairman, I'm from JoDaviess County, but I rise in support of this legislation. It had the unanimous support of the Agriculture Committee and I believe voting for this is a step in the right direction to improving our environment in the State of Illinois, as well as setting forth a new industry in regard to support of the ethanol industry and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. I urge a 'yes' vote. Thank you."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Madison County, Representative Davis, Steve Davis." Davis, S.: "Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I also rise in support of this legislation. I can tell everybody in this chamber that MTBE is an extremely dangerous and toxic chemical and it only takes 20 parts per billion to contaminate a water supply. And we had a situation in my district, in the Village of East Alton, where some leaking underground storage tanks that contained MTB (sic-MTBE) contaminated gasoline leaked into the aquifer and the cleanup cost for this one project alone is running at well over $2 million and the City of East Alton is still... has a contaminated well because of the leakage of a product that had MTBE's in the product. This is a chemical that is not needed in our gasoline supply. It's a terrible chemical when it comes to any problems within our environment and if MTBE's get into your aquifer, I will tell you, it is a costly project to be able to clean it up. This is a Bill that is long overdue. I commend the Sponsor for the Bill, and I urge my colleagues in the House 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 to give it its full support."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke."

"Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates she will yield."

"Thank you. Representative, in this Bill we noticed that some... silent on transporting fuel that may have MTBE's in it. Let's say that somebody is going to move here from Indiana to Iowa, does this mean that they're forbidden from transporting it from those two states through Illinois?"

"Representative Parke, I think Amendment #1 to this Bill clears up the issue of transportation. We recognize that that was a problem with the original Bill, that until the Federal Government bans the use of MTBE across all states, that we had to take out the transportation provision. So, that issue has been taken care of with Amendment #1."

"Well, it's understanding that, in your legislation, it still says 'distribution'. Can you define that? What do you mean by distribution?"

"The distribution would be, I mean, within the state boundaries. You know, they can't manufacture it or sell it here in this state."

"So, that's your intent?"

"Just, again, distribution of people selling it within the state. That's my intent."

"Okay. Next, it says also that your Bill says there'll be no trace amounts in this... in the gas pipelines. It was our understanding, that last year, that the Department of Ag asked that there might be traces and that that should be in the Bill to make it acceptable. Representative Bill Mitchell has a Bill that does that. Why do you not have or 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 allow for traces in the gas lines of interstate commerce?"

"Representative Parke, you've brought up another good point, but the biggest difference between my legislation and Representative Mitchell's legislation is that my Bill phases out the use of MTBE over a three-year period. We discussed the issue of the trace imbalance with Ag, and with EPA, and frankly, with the petroleum industry that's going to have to comply with this legislation. And the petroleum industry reassured us, on numerous occasions, this issue of trace amount would not be a problem for them. And since they are the party that will be... have to live under this law, you know, we just took their word for it, and Ag and EPA was on board with that."

"So, it's your intent to allow a trace, and that was acceptable?"

"No, that's not my intent. My intent was to listen to the petroleum industry, and Ag, and EPA and the petroleum industry felt that they would be able to have all of this removed from the pipelines within a three-year period. Trace amount is not an issue, but I will tell you that this legislation, since we have three years to... for a complete ban of MTBE, if we find problems along the way, certainly I would be supportive of changes. But right now, the petroleum industry claims that they will not have a problem with this and if they did, I think that they would have spoke up and asked for some language to be put in there and they don't."

"It is on our worksheet from our staff that the IMA, the Illinois Retail Merchants, and the Chemical Industry Council are in opposition. With your Amendments, do you know if they're still in opposition?"

"The IMA is not in opposition to it. In fact, they came 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 to me after the hearing was over with and said that they made a mistake, that they did not want to put a witness slip in opposition to the Bill and they wanted to make sure that I knew that. For the Chemical Industry Council, they... it's more of a philosophical issue with them. There is no company within the State of Illinois that manufactures MTBE. So, you know, I'm sorry that we disagree with this, but we're always going to disagree with that."

"How about the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, do you know if they...?"

"I guess they're still opposed. I haven't heard."

Speaker Hartke: "Excuse me. Mr. Stephens, for what reason are you seeking recognition?"

"Mr. Speaker, we object on the grounds that, as Representative Curry is talking, we have Representative Parke's picture on the screen. It's disconcerting. Now, we've got you up there, and I'm talking. Now, that's even scarier. But back here, we're looking over, Representative Curry's trying to defend her Bill and we've got, look there it is, Terry Parke. We object on the grounds of the video being presented during her speech."

"Mr. Stephens, if you would look over to this other side. Representative Curry's picture was on this screen..."

"Oh, well that's good for you guys, but it's bad for us."

Speaker Hartke: "...and Representative Parke was on that screen. Excuse me?"

"We ate cake, we're nauseated."

"Mr. Stephens, will you sit down and finish your cake?" 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"We want Curry. We want Curry."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? Representative Parke, were you finished with your discussion?"

"Thank you, Representative. By the way, in this Bill, is there anything in here about children crossing over railroad tracks?"

"No, not in this Bill, Sir."

"Okay, I was just curious. So, it's just right now IRMA, the Chemical Compound Council, are still opposed and this is a three-year phase-in..."

"Phase-out."

"...phase-out of the trace amounts and you don't see that that's a problem with this legislation. Now, what if all of a sudden we start finding some, that there are people being fined because there's a trace in it? Will you entertain the idea of coming back and try to accommodate? Because, sometimes, there could be residue in a pipeline or something like that and I'd hate to think that they'd be in trouble with one of the agencies because there was a trace in it."

"Representative Parke, I understand your concerns. But really, we have worked very hard with all the groups that would be concerned about this issue and I really feel confident that what we put together here is adequate. But again, as we progress through the process here in the phase-out over the three-year period, if we find that there are going to be trace amounts or residues or whatever you indicated, then certainly we could back and amend the Act. But I think it's important right now to try to present a reasonable approach to a very serious problem. You know, ten years ago, the Federal Government gave the okay to use MTBE as a fuel additive and the petroleum industry has been 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 utilizing this fuel additive. And now, as research has shown, and water sources are becoming contaminated, we found that this is a very hazardous chemical that's in our water systems. We need to be reasonable, in terms of trying to figure out an approach to remove all this MTBE from the system, and I think that this Bill does that."

"I understand that and I notice one of your Cosponsors on this is Representative Mitchell. And so, I'm pleased to see that, because he also had legislation that was going to do primarily what your legislation was going to do. So, I thank you for the dialogue and it looks like... Oh, one last question, if we don't use MTBE, isn't this sort of required by the Federal Government to try and take care of some of our pollution problem? If we don't use that, what's the alternative? What will we use in Illinois to comply?"

"Well, in Illinois, the nonattainment areas to comply with the Federal Government's requirements with the Clean Air and Water Act, we've utilized ethanol and Illinois is the largest consumer and producer of ethanol. And so the concern in other states has been that there's not enough ethanol available if you don't have MTBE. We're in a perfect position, in this state, to have an additive that's been found to be environmentally friendly and to meet all the requirements of the Clean Air and Clean Water Act."

"So, in essence, this is going to help us use the corn products that many of our farmers grow in this state, to take care of the federal requirements."

"Absolutely. The more ethanol that we use and we produce, the more corn that we sell, the better it is for farmers in this state."

"Thank you, Representative." 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in support of Representative Curry's Bill. I'd like to congratulate the Representative, she's worked long and hard, I had to vote on this Bill in the Agriculture Committee and complimented you on your patience to get this Bill passed. This is a good Bill for Illinois. It's good for the environment, and it's good for agriculture. And so, again, I rise and urge the House to pass this legislation."

"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Grundy, Representative O'Brien."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill, I just want to commend my colleague and very good friend, Julie Curry, for working on this Bill for two straight Sessions, very painful work, and having brought the petroleum marketers to the table and really bringing them into the process and getting an agreed Bill with them, one that really does address the needs... address the real concerns that we have about MTBE getting into the water stream. I know that it is in the water supply in my district, for about 1500 of my residents. And it is a very serious problem when you see it floating in the water and you can no longer drink water from your own residential well. And I think that the Representative has done a great job and I don't think anyone else in this chamber, probably, could have gotten this job done. And I just want to say thank you very much and my constituents thank you, Representative Curry. And I would urge an 'aye' vote."

"Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, Representative Curry to close." 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I think this is probably the most important, environmental piece of legislation that we'll have before the General Assembly in this Session. Illinois could be the 12th state in the nation to ban the use or phase-out of MTBE, so I hope you'll join me today in an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 171?' All those in favor will signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 171, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes the Lady from St. Clair, Representative Younge."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to... everyone to welcome the Mayor of the City of East St. Louis, Ms. Debra Powell. She's doing a wonderful job, lets give her encouragement. Thank you."

Speaker Hartke: "The Mayor ... welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Yes, Mr. Speaker, just trying to be helpful. And in the absence of any specificity on the rules of the video system, I would remind the Speaker that when you give the cut motion to tell somebody to sit down, you're on TV, Sir."

"Thank you very much..."

"I want a picture of that video."

"...I appreciate that." 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"It looked very good, you looked like... Did you star as Captain Hook in the production of Peter Pan years ago? I thought I recognized that."

"No, Sir, but I probably should have."

"Just a warning."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions?"

"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 42, offered by Representative Soto; House Resolution 43, offered by Representative Yarbrough; House Resolution 46, offered by Representative Collins; House Resolution 47, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell; House Resolution 48, offered by Representative Monique Davis; House Resolution 49, offered by Representative Black; House Resolution 50, offered by Representative Black; House Resolution 51, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell; House Resolution 53, offered by Representative Leitch; House Resolution 54, offered by Speaker Madigan; House Resolution 56, offered by Representative Hultgren; House Resolution 57, offered by Representative Yarbrough; House Resolution 60, offered by Representative Cowlishaw; House Resolution 58, offered by Representative Cross; House Resolution 59, offered by Representative Howard; House Resolution 62, offered by Representative Osmond; and House Resolution 64, offered by Representative Winkel."

"Further Agreed Resolutions? All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it, and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Lake, Representative Moore. For what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Moore."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. For purposes of an announcement." 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001

"State your announcement."

"Thank you. The Conference of Women Legislators is meeting for dinner tonight at 6:30 at the Sangamo, Wednesday the 21st, the Conference of Women Legislators is meeting for dinner. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Mautino. For what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Just for the purposes of an announcement. The Insurance Committee will not meet today. We'll go ahead and reschedule for next week, where we will be hearing on the status of Illinois' Comprehensive Health Insurance Policy. A lot of you have had questions on that and we'll get an update from the Governor's Office and CHIP, as well. But, for today, the meeting is cancelled."

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Johnson, Tom Johnson."

"Yes, any Members of this House that is interested in forming a new bipartisan organization called the Conference of Men Legislators are invited to my house tonight and we'll get it going. And I understand we can raise a lot of money, thank you."

Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Clerk, do you have a committee announcement?"

Clerk Rossi: "As a reminder, the following two committees have been cancelled for today; the Insurance Committee, which was going to meet at 2:00 p.m. in 122-B has been cancelled and the Consumer Protection Committee, which was to meet at 5:00 p.m. in C-1 has been cancelled."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, would you please give your attention to Representative Rutherford. He has a statement he would like to make for us all. Please give 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Representative Rutherford your attention."

"Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I've had a number of my House colleagues inquire about our good friend John Maitland. And on Friday, Representative Brady and I had the good pleasure to visit with John. We visited at his home with he and Joanne, and I got to tell you I was walking... prepared to walk in that room for what may not be exactly what any of us would want to have happen. But when Dan and I got in the foyer of their living room, we saw John sitting in his lounge chair with Joanne next to him and as he caught eye of us, this great big grin came across his face. As we sat down and visited with John for about an hour, it was extremely obvious that his mind was totally there. Senator Maitland has complete capacity in his mind, he can not speak full sentences yet, he is able to say words, acknowledge through yes and noes, joke with you. I mean, we talked about the House of Representatives being in Session when the Senate was not, and of course, Senator, it takes us twice as long to get the work done. He got a big old chuckle out of that. John does have complete use of his left hand, he is signing his name now, he does not have use of his right arm. The Senator is walking, he is using a cane now. He is able to get in and out of the car himself, he is going through speech, occupational, and physical therapy everyday. Perhaps the best Valentine's Day that his office could of had was last Wednesday, Senator Maitland went to his Bloomington district office for a brief visit there. And on Saturday, we held a district wide meeting with some of the Senator's colleagues from Central Illinois; Senator Weaver, Senator Donahue, and Senator Madigan. And collectively, we came out unanimous in working on John's legislative agenda, his 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 constituent service to provide the needs of the Senate constituency in the 44th. So, between Representative Brady and I, we will be carrying Senator Maitland's agenda in this chamber, our Senate colleagues will be carrying it in that chamber. John Maitland was not with us that Saturday because, and this is great, he went to St. Louis to celebrate his granddaughter's 4th birthday. So I want to report to you that John, in my heart of hearts and with our collective prayers, I truly do believe that John Maitland will be serving with us here in the General Assembly at some time in the future. And for all of you that have sent him the notes, I can tell you that Joanne has a very large basket next to his easy chair in the living room full of all of the notes and letters that all of you have sent him. She reads them to him as they come in, so thank you for that. Please do feel free to drop John a note and continue to pray for him, because I know John Maitland will be back with us in the General Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

Speaker Hartke: "Thank you very much, Representative Rutherford. If there's nothing more to come before the chamber, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie now moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 12:00 noon tomorrow. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House does stand adjourned. Committees will begin at 2:00 p.m., promptly. Thank you."

"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 1992, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1993, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1994, 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1995, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1996, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1997, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1998, offered by Representative Jim Meyer, a Bill for an Act concerning guide dogs. House Bill 1999, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 2000, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act in relation to tobacco. House Bill 2001, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act in relation to tobacco. House Bill 2002, offered by Representative Stroger, A Bill for an Act concerning bottled water. House Bill 2003, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 2004, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 2005, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 2006, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 2007, offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education. House Bill 2008, offered by Representative Yarbrough, a Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. House Bill 2009, offered by Representative Yarbrough, a Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. House Bill 2010, offered by Representative Hamos, a Bill for an Act creating the Green Illinois Procurement Act. House Bill 2011, offered by Representative Collins, a Bill for an Act in relation to identification. House Bill 2012, offered by 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Representative Yarbrough, a Bill for an Act in relation to identification. House Bill 2013, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 2014, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act in relation to liens. House Bill 2015, offered by Representative Pankau, a Bill for an Act concerning mortgage foreclosures. House Bill 2016, offered by Representative Curry, a Bill for an Act in relation to vehicles. House Bill 2017, offered by Representative Hassert, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 2018, offered by Representative Hassert, a Bill for an Act in relation to airports. House Bill 2019, offered by Representative Davis, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 2020, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act concerning business transactions. First Reading of these House Bills. House Bill 2021, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal procedure. House Bill 2022, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal offenses. House Bill 2023, offered by Representative Jim Meyer, a Bill for an Act concerning solicitation. House Bill 2024, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act in relation to telecommunications. House Bill 2025, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 2026, offered by Representative Johnson, a Bill for an Act concerning adoption. House Bill 2027, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act in relation to housing. House Bill 2028, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2029, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act in relation to employment. House 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Bill 2030, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2031, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2032, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2033, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2034, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2035, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2036, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2037, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2038, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2039, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2040, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2041, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2042, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2043, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2044, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act in relation to foreign trade zones. House Bill 2045, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell, a Bill for an Act concerning State finance. House Bill 2046, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 2047, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act to create the Black Business Investment Board. House Bill 2048, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 appropriations. House Bill 2049, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2050, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2051, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2052, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act in relation to East St. Louis Area economic development. House Bill 2053, offered by Representative Moore, a Bill for an Act concerning an advisory referendum on a tax increase to fund land preservation. House Bill 2054, offered by Representative Moore, a Bill for an Act concerning an advisory referendum on a tax increase to fund land preservation. House Bill 2055, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning probate. House Bill 2056, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 2057, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 2058, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code. House Bill 2059, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 2060, offered by Representative John Jones, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 2061, offered by Representative Zickus, a Bill for an Act in relation to animals. House Bill 2062, offered by Representative Joe Lyons, a Bill for an Act in relation to vehicles. House Bill 2063, offered by Representative Crotty, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 2064, offered by Representative O'Connor, a Bill for an Act to amend the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act. House Bill 2065, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act in relation to urban problems. House Bill 2066, 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2067, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2068, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2069, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2070, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2071, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2072, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2073, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2074, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2075, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2076, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2077, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act in relation to education. House Bill 2078, offered by Representative Wait, a Bill for an Act in relation to children. House Bill 2079, offered by Representative Wait, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 2080, offered by Representative Wait, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. House Bill 2081, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning health benefits for dependents. House Bill 2082, offered by Representative Younge, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2083, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning business transactions. House Bill 2084, offered by Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act in relation to vehicles. House Bill 2085, 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 offered by Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act in relation to the Uniform Commercial Code. House Bill 2086, offered by Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act in relation to civil procedure. House Bill 2087, offered by Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act in relation to minors. House Bill 2088, offered by Representative John Turner, a Bill for an Act in relation to sexually violent persons. House Bill 2089, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act in relation to child care. House Bill 2090, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act concerning services for the aging. House Bill 2081 (sic-2091), offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 2092, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to persons with disabilities. House Bill 2093, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act concerning women's health issues. House Bill 2094, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxation. House Bill 2095, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 2096, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 2097, offered by Representative Hultgren, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. House Bill 2098, offered by Representative Rich Myers, a Bill for an Act regarding vehicles. House Bill 2099, offered by Representative Murphy, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 2100, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 2101, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 2102, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 House Bill 2103, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act concerning property. House Bill 2104, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act in relation to mobile homes. House Bill 2105, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act concerning manufactured housing. House Bill 2106, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 2107, offered by Representative O'Brien, a Bill for an Act concerning manufactured housing. House Bill 2108, offered by Representative Joe Lyons, a Bill for an Act in relation to municipal appropriations. House Bill 2109, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 2110, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education student assistance. House Bill 2111, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education student assistance. House Bill 2112, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 2113, offered by Representative Novak, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxation. House Bill 2114, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning schools. House Bill 2115, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning health care service contracts. House Bill 2116, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2117, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2118, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2119, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2120, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Bill 2121, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2122, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2123, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2124, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2125, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act concerning general obligation bonds. House Bill 2126, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2127, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. House Bill 2128, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. House Bill 2129, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2130, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2131, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2132, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 2133, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act in relation to State government. House Bill 2134, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act in relation to State government. House Bill 2135, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act in relation to State government. House Bill 2136, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act in relation to State government. House Bill 2137, offered by Representative Daniels, a Bill for an Act concerning general obligation bonds. House Bill 2138, offered by Representative Hassert, a Bill for an Act concerning underground utilities facilities damage prevention. House 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Bill 2139, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 2140, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 2141, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act in relation to public utilities. House Bill 2142, offered by Representative Wojcik, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 2143, offered by Representative Klingler, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 2144, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act concerning hunting. House Bill 2145, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning tax increment financing. House Bill 2146, offered by Representative Righter, a Bill for an Act concerning lending practices. House Bill 2147, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning professional regulation. House Bill 2148, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning the regulation of professions. House Bill 2149, offered by Representative Susan Garrett, a Bill for an Act concerning voter registration. House Bill 2150, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act regarding vehicles. House Bill 2151, offered by Representative Terry Parke, a Bill for an Act in relation to park districts. House Bill 2152, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act concerning park districts. Introduction and First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 44, offered by Representative Jerry Mitchell; House Resolution 52, offered by Representative Reitz; House Resolution 55, offered by Representative Younge; House Resolution 61, offered by Representative Capparelli; House Resolution 63, offered by 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 14th Legislative Day February 21, 2001 Representative Klingler; House Joint Resolution 10, offered by Representative Ryan; House Joint Resolution 12, offered by Representative Poe; and House Joint Resolution 13, offered by Representative Parke, are assigned to the Rules Committee. The House Perfunctory Session now stands adjourned." 73