"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Assistant Pastor of the Victory Temple Church in Springfield. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of the Allegiance. So, if the guests in the gallery would please rise."
"Let us pray. Most gracious and kind Father, we come so humbly before You. Your words said that if my people, which are called by Your name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, then when You hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. Lord, we stand in need of Your healing grace. I pray that You grant to us to make no peace with oppression or compromise with evil no yielding to godless ways. But I pray that Your spirit would fill us with a godly passion to uplift the weak, to sweep away oppression, a passion that would help those who are not as fortunate as we are. So I pray, dear Lord, that You inspire our thoughts with wisdom, pervade our imagination with understandings, suggest all of our decision which in godly directions and order all of our doings with Your ways. Your word said, for good men steps are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in all of his ways. So this we do kindly pray in humble submission. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Wirsing."
Wirsing - et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 Currie. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Boland is excused today."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Bellock is excused today."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 116 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Reports. Representative Julie Curry, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations, Elementary, and Secondary Education, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 536 and House Bill 1712; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 352. Representative Crotty, Chairperson from the Committee on Children and Youth, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1, House Bill 1911, House Bill 1991; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1034. Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Constitutional Officers, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 846, House Bill 1883, and House Bill 1907; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 25; 'be adopted Short Debate' House Resolution 4. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1046 and House Bill 1970. Representative Boland, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 590, House Bill 1713, House Bill 1798, House Bill 1802, House Bill 1803, House Bill 1804, and House Bill 1914. Representative Bugielski, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1030, House Bill 1051, House Bill 1089, House Bill 1903, and House Bill 1956. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability and Access, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 80 and House Bill 980. Representative Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1989; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 933. Representative Shirley Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 916. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 Committee on Transportation and Motor Vehicles, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 900, House Bill 982, and House Bill 1709; 'do pass Standard Debate' House Bill 575 and House Bill 1926; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 180 and House Bill 899. Representative Scott, Chairperson from the Committee on Urban Revitalization, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1935."
"Clerk, Representative Hartke in the Chair. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 93?"
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 93 is on the Order of House Bills Third Reading."
"Move that Bill back to Second for purposes of an Amendment. House Bill 591, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 591 is on the Order of House Bills Third Reading."
"Move that Bill back to Second Reading for purposes of an Amendment. House Bill 594, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 594 is on the Order of House Bills Third Reading."
Speaker Hartke: "Move that Bill back to Second Reading, for the purpose of an Amendment, at the request of the Sponsor. For what reason does Representative Holbrook seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. The Tourism Committee today at 2:00 has been cancelled, everyone should have received notice yesterday. The Tourism Committee today is cancelled. Thank you." 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
Speaker Hartke: "The Chair recognizes Representative May. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Yes, a point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"Yes, thank you. I'd like to introduce Kristen Rickert, from Wheeling High School, is down here with me today. She actually is an exchange student from Gera in Germany, and she's very impressed with all of our buttons and our electronic voting because they vote by paper ballots there. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Welcome to Illinois State Capitol. The Chair recognizes Representative Flowers... Fowler. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman (sic-Speaker). I'd just like to announce that the committee meeting on counties and townships for tomorrow has been cancelled. It has been cancelled. Thank you."
"On page 2 of the Calendar, on Second Reading, appears House Bill 12. Representative Mathias. Sid Mathias. Out of the record. House Bill 28, Representative Black, 28. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 28, a Bill for an Act concerning police and firefighters. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Black, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Black, on the Amendment."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Floor Amendment #1 was suggested by not only Members of the committee, but various veterans' groups. The Amendment would exclude anyone from the underlined Bill who has been dishonorably discharged from the military. Without that Amendment, the underlying Bill would apply to 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 any person who had served at least ten years in the military, regardless of the status of their discharge. I know of no opposition to the Amendment. Would urge your approval."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Seeing no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House adopt Amendment #1 to House Bill 28?' All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk, further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 41, Representative Meyer. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 41, the Bill's been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee..."
Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Clerk, out of the record. House Bill 60, Representative Black. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 60, a Bill for an Act concerning carnivals. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Black, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Black, on the Amendment."
"Mr. Speaker, an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Is Floor Amendment #2... I believe Floor Amendment #2 was just filed today, so it couldn't have been approved by the Rules."
"Mr. Clerk."
"Does the Clerk have Floor Amendment #2?"
Clerk Bolin: "Floor Amendment #2 has been filed and referred to the Rules Committee."
"We need to wait until Floor Amendment #2." 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"Mr. Clerk, take House Bill 60 out of the record. House Bill 128, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 131, Representative Schoenberg. Out of the record. House Bill 151, Turner, Representative John Turner. Out of the record. House Bill 176, Representative Hoffman. Representative Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 190, Representative Hoeft. Out of the record. House Bill 198, Representative Hoffman. Amendment #1 has been approved. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 198, the Bill's been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Hoffman, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Floor Amendment #1 was discuss... we discussed this in committee and I had agreed to amend this to include, for the purposes of the driver's education, not only the issue of insuring that in driver's education classes we have education regarding work zones, but also there is a discussion regarding emergency vehicles and insuring that students know how to properly address situations when there's an emergency vehicle on the road or on the side of the road."
"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor of this Amendment yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield."
"Representative, you've filed this Amendment in an agreement and committee Members in committee when you presented the Bill?" 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"It's my understanding... we talked about... During the debate in committee, Representative Parke, somebody brought up, and I wish I could remember who, but a Member of the committee brought up the situation that potentially we should also have added to any type of work zone education, education and driver's training classes about how to deal with emergency vehicle situations. So, I didn't write down who it was and I can't recall. But at that Member's request, I had this added."
"And this Bill... if this goes on, will you plan on moving this to Third, then?"
"Yes."
"Okay. And don't we teach, currently, this kind of educat... driver's ed. in... currently, or do we want to, with this Amendment, overemphasize it in the education?"
"Currently, it's my understanding that the statute is silent with regard to work safety zones and emergency situations, as it is required in the statute. However, in talking with the Secretary of State's office and talking with the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Education Associations, teachers do indeed... driver's education teachers do, indeed, teach this. But, we just want to make sure that it's stated in the statute that we want this as part of the curriculum."
"I think this is a very good idea. Thank you for doing it, Representative."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion on the Amendment? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is 'Shall the House adopt Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 198?' All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Amendment 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 is adopted. Further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 200, Representative Winkel. Out of the record. House Bill 210, Representative Kenner. Representative Kenner. Out of the record. House Bill 243, Representative Flowers. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 243, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance coverage for pregnancy prevention. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 257, Representative Holbrook. Out of the record. House Bill 274, Representative O'Brien. Out of the record. House Bill 282, Representative Garrett. Out of the record. House Bill 400, Representative Fritchey. Amendment #1 has been approved for... Amendment #2 is in Rules. Out of the record. House Bill 446, Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. House Bill 478, Representative Capparelli. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 478, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 479, Representative Younge. Out of the record. House Bill 572, Representative Kosel. Renee Kosel, House Bill 572. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 572, a Bill for an Act concerning the regulation of professions. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 582, Representative Lang. Out of the record. House Bill 596, Representative Lang. Representative Lang, 596. Out of the record. House Bill 642, Representative Murphy. Representative Murphy. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 642, a Bill for an Act concerning the minimum wage. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. House Bill 776, Representative Cross. Representative Cross. Out of the record. House Bill 795, Representative Scott. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 795, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Hamos, on House Bill 909. Out of the record. House Bill 915, Representative Moore, Andrea Moore. Out of the record. How about 942, Representative Moore. Representative Moore. Out of the record. House Bill 1001, Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1001, a Bill for an Act in relation to alcoholic liquor. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. For what reason does the Lady from Cook, Representative Davis, seek recognition?" Davis, M.: "Representative, I mean Mr. Speaker, we're asking that everyone realize that today is the birthday of Representative George Scully and you're invited to have cake down front. And if George Scully will come into the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 building, we could all wish him a happy birthday."
Speaker Hartke: "Okay. Happy birthday, George. On page 5 of the Calendar, on Second Reading, appears House Bill 1060. Mr. Mathias. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 1060, a Bill for an Act concerning property law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1077, Representative Davis, Monique Davis. Out of the record. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Zickus, for a Motion. Representative Zickus moves to table House Bill 2542, pursuant to House Rule 60(b)."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. That was a duplicate Bill, it was filed twice."
"You've heard the Lady's Motion, is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Motion carries, and the Bill is tabled. The Chair recognizes Representative Saviano, for a Motion. Representative Saviano now moves that the House table House Bill 2543, pursuant to House Rule 60(b). You've heard the Gentleman's Motion, is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House Bill is tabled. Representative Saviano now moves that the House table House Bill 2544, pursuant to House Rule 60(b). All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Bill is tabled. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 371?"
"House Bill 371 is on the Order of House Bills-Third 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 Reading."
"Move that Bill back to the Order of Second Reading, for the purposes of an Amendment. Page 6 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 154. Representative Mautino. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 154, a Bill for an Act concerning scholarships. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mautino."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 154 relates to the MIA/POW scholarships and will add a provision on the residency requirement that says if the veteran was a resident of the State of Illinois at the time of the application of the scholarship, they will qualify. I know of no opposition. The language was written by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, passed out of committee unanimously, and I'd be happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 154?' Representative Black, I'm sorry, I didn't see your light."
"That's all right, Mr. Speaker, I understand. Those glasses get any thicker, I'm worried about you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield."
"Representative, I've read this Bill very carefully and I really don't understand what you're doing. Are you changing the residency requirement to mean that as long as the recipient was an Illinois resident prior to going into the service, even though they now are living somewhere else, they can move back and take advantage of it?"
"Not the intention. As a matter of fact, what the Bill 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 does is, in current law, if you entered the ser... you have to have entered the service and left the service as a resident of the State of Illinois. This applies to those who were killed in action, missing in action, a very small population. When they... In a particular case, I guess by example I can show is, a gentleman from Kentucky entered and left the service there, moved to Illinois, opened a trucking firm here. He died of Agent Orange, a 100% service related disability. His children must now move back to Kentucky in order to receive this veteran's benefit. Other states have a reciprocal, this puts in a reciprocal, as well. And it also staves off a 14th Amendment court case, which they've looked in and said it is discriminatory in these particular instances in four other cases, four other states. And that's where the Bill came from, and that's what it's intended to do."
"Who administers these POW/MIA scholarships, ISAC or the Department of Veterans' Affairs?"
"The Departments of Veterans' Affairs."
"Did they give you any estimate as to how many... If we go to... Are we going to full reciprocity with the other 49 states?"
"In this situation, there's currently... the total eligible population would be about 4500, current utilization is 909. This would put us in compliance with most of the other states."
"Okay, that was what I was getting at. So, assuming that everyone who might be eligible took advantage of it, you're looking at a population of 4500 people?"
"Maximum population."
"Okay, fine."
"Currently it's 909." 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"All right. Thank you very much."
"Thanks."
"Further discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 154?' 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 154, there are 116 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Representative Smith. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a point of personal privilege. In the gallery, I'd like to ask the Body to help welcome the Pekin Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Academy. Welcome to Springfield."
"Welcome to Springfield. The Chair recognizes Representative Brosnahan. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For a purpose of an announcement. The House Disabled Community Committee scheduled for this afternoon will be cancelled. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "On page 6, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 313. Representative Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 313, a Bill for an Act concerning health care facilities. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 313 makes it a provision now for a Class A misdemeanor for inspections, if 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 they are prenotified to the facilities by anyone with the Department of Public Health. This Bill passed out of here 114 to 0 last Session and ended up over in the Senate. It never got moved. I know of no opposition. Health care facilities support this, the consumer advocates, the ombudsmans, the Department of Public Health. Everyone's in support of this Bill. I know of no opposition."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 313?' 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? Clerk, take the record. On House Bill 313, there were 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 293. Representative Beaubien. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 293, a Bill for an Act in regard to vehicles. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Beaubien."
"Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill on behalf of Lions of Illinois. It's your standard license plate Bill which will allow the Lions to raise additional funds for their endowment fund. They have 23,000 members in the State of Illinois. The international headquarters is in Illinois. The Lions was formed in the State of Illinois, and there are 1,470,000 members throughout the world and 43,000 different clubs. And I would urge you to pass this Bill. Where these funds are used, as I think all of you are well aware, for the blind and disabled. There's 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 13 different programs. They work with adults, children, etc., and I urge your support. I know of no opposition."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 293?' 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 293, there are 107 Members voting 'yes', 8 Members voting 'no' and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Representative Scully."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome a couple of my constituents, who've come down here for the day. Kay and Pat Noonan, and a couple of their friends from County Cork, Ireland, Deidra and Chamus O'Neil. Could you please welcome, the House of Representatives."
"Welcome to the Illinois House. On page 6, on the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 449. Representative Hannig. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 449, a Bill for an Act with regard to schools. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill deals with the way we fund our public schools, K-12. We talk about a foundation level and how we might increase it by certain amounts. And what we have to understand is that foundation level is actually a combination of local real estate taxes on the one hand, and general state aid from our State of Illinois on the other hand. And in order to make that calculation, the statutes 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 make certain assumptions about how much of that money comes from local property taxes. What this Bill proposes that we do is that we reduce the amount of money that we assume is coming from the local property tax side and instead shift that burden in the calculation of foundation levels more to the state side. Now, this would benefit all regions of the state. It's something that we, in downstate Illinois, certainly support. But I've had this Bill, in the past, pass this chamber unanimously. And last year, for example, Senator Rauschenberger picked it up over in the Senate, a good suburban Legislator, who moved the Bill through the process to Third Reading before we finally adjourned the Session without calling it. But clearly, it was of interest to that community, to the suburban Legislators, and the City of Chicago would also gain by this Bill. So, this is really, I think, a recognition that we need to shift the burden of school funding more to the State of Illinois and less to the property tax side. We take a step in that direction with this Bill. I'd ask for your 'yes' vote and be happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Excuse me, Mr. Black. Ladies and Gentlemen, could we make it a little bit quiet in here. The Members are having difficulty hearing. Please. Representative Black."
"Thank you very much. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield."
"Representative, this is a sweeping change in many respects and would have tremendous impact on the general 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 state aid formula. And I understand what you're doing, and I have voted to do exactly what you're attempting to do, and that is to move away from the over reliance on local property taxes to fund public education. However, when you change the qualifying tax rate, in your case lower the qualifying tax rate, in the unit district or a high school or elementary district, you increase the amount of state aid that would then have to go to that district. If I'm reading this correctly, you would need what, about $50 million extra..."
"Yes, we..."
"...in the general state aid formula?"
"Our staff calculates 47, so I think that's pretty close, Representative."
"If staff analysis is correct, and ask your staff, if you take that $50 million figure, downstate only gets $12 million of that pot. Chicago gets 16 million, suburban Cook 4, then you take some of the collar counties 3, 3, 2, 1, and 2. The lions share of the money would go into, I'm generalizing, but many of those counties are property rich. And it seems like an inordinate shift, general state aid shift to districts that have property wealth, while only funneling 12 million into downstate districts that often, again generalizing, are property poor."
"Representative, I guess what I would say is that the Bill tries to address the problem that all school districts face in receiving general state aid. And we oftentimes pass a Bill down here that's just good for downstate and we find that it in, oftentimes, it ends up over in the Senate Rules Committee and dies a peaceful death. I think if we address the entire state, as we're trying to do in this Bill, we can... we, as downstaters, can find allies in our 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 suburban friends and our Chicago friends. And hopefully, we can all work together to get this Bill on the Governor's desk."
"How would the formula change in this, Gary? What would it do to the hold harmless? Of course, if we don't roll that over, there's no issue there, anyway. But it would appear that the hold harmless would be... well, you would decrease hold harmless by 8 million. Would the loss in hold harmless be made up by additional state aid dollars?
"Well, Representative, as we give more state aid to the schools, a number of schools who are maybe to the point where they've fallen on this lower cap, this hold harmless floor, I guess is the best way to describe it, it allows some of them to get up off of that floor. And in that sense, it probably would reduce the total amount of state aid or the amount of hold harmless money that we would need, but I'm not certain what that amount would be."
"Staff has a few sentences in here about the ADA, the average daily attendance component. I don't believe there's anything in the Bill that would change the average daily attendance component of the formula, is that your understanding?"
"That's correct, Representative. There's another Bill that's out there to do that, but not in this Bill."
"Yeah, I was gonna say, a three-year average on ADA would certainly help smaller downstate school districts. Did this Bill... was this a recommendation of the funding task force, as headed by former Superintendent Leininger?"
"No, Representative. In fact, this was a Bill that I actually... the idea for this Bill came from some teachers in the southern part of my legislative district and I introduced it last year. It passed the House last year by, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 I think, a unanimous vote. In the Senate, as I said earlier, Representative (sic-Senator) Rauschenberger worked with me and he moved the Bill to Third Reading, but in the end that's where the Bill died. But we're hopeful that this year we can have a little bit better luck."
"Okay. Thank you very much, Representative. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill.
"To the Bill."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it's early in the Session and people are having birthday cake and eating lunch and there are all kinds of visitors on the floor. I would simply caution my Members, you better take a long look at this Bill. Of the approximate $50 million that would have to be added to the general state aid formula, about 38 million of it would go north. I agree with the Representative. At some point regional differences must be, if not eliminated, at least we have to step back and look at what's good for the entire state. I think what's good for the entire state is a considerable change in the way we fund education, but that is currently a minority view in this chamber, as well as the one across the rotunda. I think and my only caution is, you should know before you cast your vote whether your school districts will be happy with the additional state aid money they receive, whether they will be neutral, or whether they could possibly receive less money. There's nothing more complicated than the state aid formula. And I would hate to see anyone vote on this on the basis that I've heard some people say, Mr. Speaker, that this early in the Session we don't call any Third Reading Bills that are controversial. And I don't know where that old story came from, and not to say that this is controversial, but this 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 has implications statewide. And my only caveat, and I don't know how I'm going to vote on this Bill, I really don't, I haven't had time to really get into the facts and figures to see whether my districts would be helped, hindered, or simply no impact. And I would simply ask Members of the Body that they take a long look at this Bill, listen carefully to debate. I appreciate what Representative Hannig is attempting to do because he and I are, I think, traveling the same path, we just may differ on how we best get there."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates that he will yield."
"Representative, why is the State Board of Education opposed to your legislation?"
"The State Board said in committee that they will not support anything that goes beyond the spending proposal that's in the Governor's... I believe, in the Governor's budget. And if this obviously requires some additional money go to our schools.
"And now you said the Governor's budget, which budget? This fiscal year? What's the effect... and what is the effective date?"
"For the '02 budget. So the Governor spoke to us last week, and he has an overall budget that has some proposals for additional state spending on schools, and clearly... you know, that's within the realm of what we're supposed to do down here, is to finalize that budget. And this would actually change the funding of our schools and require that if we're going to meet these foundation levels, that we spend probably an additional $47 million above and beyond 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 what we spent in '01. Now, could we craft that within the perimeters of what the Governor has laid out in his budget? I think the answer is 'yes', but I think the State Board's position is that this is not a proposal that the Governor or the State Board have on their agenda, and so they're opposed to it."
"Is it your intention that this will exceed the 51% that the Governor's committed in funding through new finances of funding education? Will this exceed that and make it 53% or 54%, is that what we'll do?"
"Representative, I think there's two ways you can do it. One, is you can simply say we need to find 47 more million somewhere and put it here, or we can simply try to rearrange from what's in the overall education budget and simply move it away from one portion into another. Now, that is a budget issue that we would... a budget question that we would have to answer, but I think there's many ways we can do this thing. It's not going to reduce the amount of funding that goes to our schools, so clearly we'll still be over the 51% the Governor has proposed, it's just by how much?"
"Thank you. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly, I know that the Sponsor's well intended on this legislation, it's a way of bringing in $50 million more. But the Governor has been a friend of education, he has made a commitment, which he continues to fulfill, of having 51% of new money and he's allocated it. He has presented to us his vision for this new fiscal year and we normally support the Governor, especially on his educational funding issues. This will exceed that. That means that we're gonna take $50 million from some other line item, some other worthwhile cause; mental health, the 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 senior citizens. Somewhere else, we have to come up with this additional 50 million. I'm gonna to say that, though the Sponsor's well intended, we should not allow this attempt to just nickel dime the educational system. I want a comprehensive plan. The Governor has presented his comprehensive plan, it's a good one. I don't think that we should be doing that piecemeal, it should be all together in one concept. I would ask that Representative Hannig go to the Governor's people and ask for them to include his idea in what the Governor's trying to do. But, I would ask the Body to vote 'no' on this legislation, and encourage the Representative to work with the Governor on his educational budget, fund some of what he wants to do, but work within the guidelines established by the Governor's budget. So, I would ask the Body to vote 'no', and I intend on voting 'no'."
"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Whiteside, Representative Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates he will yield." Mitchell, J.: "Representative Hannig, basically what this does is changes the tax rate so that the burden on the local property taxpayer is lower which, when we reach the threshold at a nickel less, it will incur more money from the state which simply changes the dynamics of the percentage of money that is paid for a student in the foundation level to a greater emphasis on the State of Illinois and a lesser emphasis on the local property taxpayer. Is that correct?"
"Yeah, that's correct, Representative. You know, when we talk about raising the threshold or the foundation level by $135, probably everybody assumes that that means that the 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 State of Illinois is gonna ante up $135 more per student. But the truth is, for those areas that have seen growth in their assessed valuation, a good portion of that may very well come from the local property tax. And so, we're not raising general, or money from the State of Illinois, by that much. And I think this helps move in that direction." Mitchell, J.: "And thanks, Representative, for bringing that up. By the way, that $135, which is recommended by the task force, doesn't even get us up to the cost of living. It's about $20 a student below the CPI, so if anybody thinks that all of the recommendations coming from that committee are wonderful, they're dead wrong. Folks, this Bill simply helps everybody by saying we're gonna to put more of the burden on the State of Illinois and less burden on the property taxpayer. This is a property taxpayer friendly Bill. If the people in your district have been unhappy about the high property taxes they pay, it's going to be replaced with state dollars, which is the people's money anyway. This Bill, for one year, would give everybody a nice bump; doesn't take any money away from anybody, it adds money to the education budget. So, I'm recommending, as we did last year, we passed this Bill out of here. Gary's intentions are very good for this particular Bill. It's one way that everyone gets more money and lowers the burden of property taxes on the individual property taxpayer. I recommend an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
Speaker Hartke: "The Sponsor indicates he will yield for a question." 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"Representative Hannig, I... First of all, let me just say, I support the legislation and I think it's a good piece of legislation. It begins to address the problem of lack of funding for our schools. But, if you could help me out for one moment, do you truly feel that this is just a Band-Aid to begin to fix the problem with funding our schools in the State of Illinois?"
"Well, Representative, it's a step in the right direction that helps all the school districts around the State of Illinois. No one is hurt by it. Clearly, it's not, you know, the comprehensive solution that we'd all like to see for our schools. But, you know, I've been down here for a long time, I voted for a Constitutional Amendment that nearly failed that would have made school funding at 51% a constitutional requirement. You know, I voted for Governor Edgar's plan, it was a comprehensive plan. You know, we haven't had any successes with comprehensive plans lately, so we're trying to maybe do some smaller steps in the right direction. And that's what I classify this proposal as."
"Thank you. And Representative, you know, I just want to commend you for doing this, because this is the step in the right direction. But, however, I do feel that this is a Band-Aid to the problem. I think the comprehensive overall plan of funding our schools still have to be addressed, and I think it has to be addressed on the state level. We cannot afford and I was listening to your conversation, where some of the responsibility in this Bill may fall on the taxpayers, on the local government. But let me just say that, there are some local governments just are overburdened at this time. I have my district, the 8th district, as one of the most highest property tax rate in the State of Illinois, and they are already overburdened. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 And I would like for us, and I know this Session is probably going to be a difficult Session, but I want every Legislator to focus their mind on that comprehensive plan. And I truly believe, in the State of Illinois, in order to do that, we must do the right thing. And that is, begin to look at raising the state income tax at some percentage to address all the needs of all the schools in the State of Illinois. So Representative Hannig, in your position, especially in your position, I think that we can introduce some language that will address that issue. And I think, with your expertise, that we can begin to work together and put... continue to address that and push that forward and let that be in the front floor, not on the back burner. Lets continue to push forward. And I plan to support this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Davis, Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Mr. Speaker, is my light on because it's not... something is wrong here. However..."
"Yes, your light is on. We'll get the ..." Davis, M.: "...I will take this opportunity to ask Representative Hannig a few questions."
"Sure, he'll yield." Davis, M.: "Representative Hannig, will this piece of legislation, in any way, provide additional dollars to the Chicago public schools?"
"Yes, Representative, it will." Davis, M.: "For how long, how many years?"
"Well, Representative, it will become part of the permanent formula so that that would be an ongoing... if this... should this become law, would be ongoing." Davis, M.: "Okay. Are you familiar with the Leininger 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 committee..."
"Yes, Representative." Davis, M.: "...and what their proposal is?"
"Yes, I am, Representative." Davis, M.: "You are familiar. How does this relate to that?"
"Representative, this would go beyond what they're proposing. I think I sort of share with Representative Mitchell said earlier, that the Leininger plan, well you know, is sort of a plan that keeps us maybe almost even with inflation, but not very much. This plan actually pushes us beyond that. So, the Leininger plan is sort of a cost of living adjustment plan and this is to actually put a few extra dollars into the state school treasury so they can do more than just maintain what they have." Davis, M.: "I think we need those dollars to do a little more than maintain what we have. Representative, are there any districts that will benefit, perhaps greater than others? You know, I think with the Leininger plan, about 120 counties will benefit."
"Well, Representative, I think every unit in elementary district..." Davis, M.: "Will benefit."
"...will benefit." Davis, M.: "Okay."
"I don't know that there'll be a..." Davis, M.: "Well, Representative, with this additional money that they get, will they be permitted to use those dollars to buy microscopes or other scientific equipment that is not currently available?"
"Yeah, Representative, this will be part of the per pupil allocation that we have in the foundation level. That's the money that goes to the schools that they can use 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 freely, as they feel the need to educate the children. It's not a categorical that's tied to a certain program, it's the money they use to educate children, generally. So, yeah, they could buy microscopes, they could buy books, they could buy whatever they think they need." Davis, M.: "I think it's an excellent piece of legislation, Representative, and I do support it. Thank you very much."
Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? Seeing no one is seeking recognition, Representative Hannig to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill does not increase property taxes, but what it does do is increase the State of Illinois' contribution to our public schools. Now, the Leininger plan, in my view, is not much more than just a cost of living adjustment plan that provides for an additional couple 2, 3% to our schools. This Bill would give our public schools additional money above and beyond that proposal. Now, as I said to Representative Giles, I've been down here before when we've looked at some comprehensive plans. I've voted for comprehensive plans. I've stood up when the going was tough and said, yes, I'll vote to raise taxes if that's what we need to do to help our schools. This is not a comprehensive plan, in that respect, but clearly this is a Bill that is a step in the right direction. It continues to keep the issue alive and keep school funding moving forward. And that's why I would ask for your support. It's something that helps all regions of the state. It's not a downstate solution to the proposal... to school funding; it's not a Chicago solution, strictly, to the proposed problem; it's not a suburban area; it's something that helps all the regions of the state. And in my view, that's the only way we're ever going to get out of our 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 problem with school funding is if we can find solutions that help us all. So, this is a proposal that helps every school district and I'd ask for your 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 449?' 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 449, there were 115 Members voting 'yes', 1 person voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 on the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 208. Representative Curry, Julie Curry. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 208, a Bill for an Act in regard to vehicles. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Curry."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill simply creates or gives the Secretary of State the authority to issue a special license plates in honor of working men and women across this state. It's a special license plate for union members that was brought to my attention and Representative Bill Mitchell's attention from a member, a union member, in our district. And I would appreciate an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor will yield."
"Representative, I see in the analysis, rather than have plates for each trade union or craft union, you intend for 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 it to be one plate that says union member, not identified as carpenters, millwrights, etc. Is that your intent?"
"That's correct, that's my intent."
"Now, when we have special plates we usually create a fund for some purpose, charitable or otherwise. Are you creating the fund in this Bill?"
"No, I am not. The money would go back into the state's General Revenue Fund."
"So, they would have to pay extra, as they always do, on any group that has a specialty plate, generally is a $40 fee above the cost of the plate. That's standard language. Is that in the Bill?"
"There are additional charges for the issuance of the special plate that are in compliance with current state law, yes."
"So, all of the extra money, you're saying, just goes back into the General Revenue Fund? Or would it revert to the..."
"Well, it goes into a fund that the Secretary of State's... a special license plate funds, where all the revenue goes for the creation of these plates... to pay for them."
"Well, I understand that, but most special plates; the environmental plate, the sportsman's plate, we create a fund and the extra dollars over and above the administrative cost go into that fund and then grants are made from the fund to support the causes under the Specialty Plate Enactment Law."
"Representative Black, this Bills... There's no charity that the money would go to it. It just comes back to the state."
"That's very benevolent of you." 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"Thank you."
"And it goes into the Secretary of State's budget?"
"No, it... no."
"I see. Where does it go?"
"It goes, Representative..."
"It goes into the general state aid formula?"
"No."
"Oh, I see."
"I wish it did. You want it to?"
"Well, it would be all right with me. It goes into the Speaker Hartke retirement fund? Where does the money go?"
"As I said to you before, Representative Black, the fees collected from the issuance of these plates go to the Secretary of State's special license plate fund, like they all do. The additional fees."
"Representative, that's not quite accurate. They all don't go there. Most of the fees on a specialty plate go into a fund that is created to assist the entity that is trying to sell the plate to their members. The Prevent Violence Fund Plate, for example, we created a fund in which the extra money goes into that fund and is then distributed to various domestic violence shelters around the state. And so, what I'm trying to get at is, if you're paying extra money for this union plate, and I have no problems with that, you're telling me all of the extra money that I pay for that plate would simply languish in the Secretary of State's budget to be spent on any item that the Secretary of State wishes to spend it on?"
"Representative, the extra fees that are charged, just like any specialty plate that's created, the money will go back to the Secretary of State's office and it goes into a fund that's created for the issuance of these plates, and 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 the money is used to produce these plates. Any fees above that would go back to the State of Illinois."
"Okay, but that is not the way most specialty plates work. That's the point I'm trying to get across. The domestic violence, the PV plate with the dove on it, the environmental plate, all of that extra money, over and above the cost of the plate and the administrative costs, goes into a special fund. And then that fund is administered by usually a group that's in the Bill and they make grants to environmental projects or domestic violence shelters, whatever the purpose of the specialty plate is."
"Maybe, Representative Black, I could clear this up for you."
"Okay, I hope so."
"Yes, I hope so, too. The fees that... the additional fees that are charged when an individual decides to buy a specialty plate are no different, but there are no additional fees above that that would create another fund like these other groups have created. So, when we... This legislation calls for this specialty plate, and all we're charging for is the additional money that would be needed to produce the plates. There's not another fund that's created where additional money would go."
"All right. So, the last specialty plate I remember had a $40 fee over and above..."
"There's not."
"...the 78. You're not doing that?"
"No. No, sir. I guess I didn't understand what you were saying before..."
"Okay. I'm not sure I understood it either."
"...and there's not another $40 fee above this."
"Okay." 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001
"The only additional charges are $15, and a renewal charge of $2 every year."
"And that simply is the administrative overhead of the plate?"
"Correct."
"Okay. Now..."
"And then that money goes into the Secretary of State's special license plate fund.
"Okay."
"I apologize for not making that clear."
"I probably wasn't asking the question correctly. I appreciate your bringing me up to speed on the fact that this plate, then, would be very similar to a veteran's plate, in which we don't create a fund and no appropriations will be made from that fund. And so, it's just the overhead fee that the Secretary of State... and the Secretary of State will administer this?. And he has indicated to you that this is fine with his office?"
"As far as I know..."
"Okay."
"...they haven't told me otherwise."
"All right, thank you very much."
"All right, thank you."
"Further discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, Representative Curry to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 208?' 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 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 208, there are 112 Members voting 'yes', 4 Members voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Acevedo. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Yeah, Mr. Speaker. I just noticed that the Democrats have a caucus immediately after adjournment."
Speaker Hartke: "The Chair recognizes the Representative from Kane, Representative Lindner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus immediately."
Speaker Hartke: "Okay. You will be in Room 118. The Democrats will be in 114. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Brunsvold."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, a week from tonight, we're having the 8th annual sportsman caucus event at the Artisan Building at the fairgrounds. So, all the sportsman caucus members on the floor are asked if they can help find us an auction item, which would help greatly with the funding of the youth and handicapped hunts that the DNR puts on. So, we would appreciate any help and would like to ask everyone to make sure they put next week, March 7th, at the Artisan Building at the fairgrounds, on your calendar. And we'd like to see you all there. Thank you."
Speaker Hartke: "Are there any other announcements? Mr. Clerk, would you please announce those committees that have been cancelled this afternoon?"
Clerk Bolin: "For this afternoon, the Tourism Committee has been cancelled, and the Disabled Community Committee has been cancelled. And tomorrow, the Counties and Townships 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 Committee has been cancelled."
"We're going to adjourn. Republicans will go to Room 118 for a caucus. The Democrats will go to Room 114. Representative Currie now moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 1:00 p.m. tomorrow. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. The House now stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 84, offered by Representative Meyer; House Joint Resolution 14, offered by Representative Smith; House Joint Resolution 15, offered by Representative Younge. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee."
Clerk Rossi: "The House Perfunctory Session shall come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3060, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning environmental protection. House Bill 3061, offered by Representative Lou Jones, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 3062, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 3063, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 3064, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act concerning campaign finance. House Bill 3065, offered by Representative Crotty, a Bill for an Act regarding vehicles. House Bill 3066, offered by Representative Ryan, a Bill for an Act in relation to labor relations. House Bill 3067, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 3068, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 concerning electronic fund transfers. House Bill 3069, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning local governments. House Bill 3070, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning the regulation of professions. House Bill 3071, offered by Representative Wirsing, a Bill for an Act concerning health facilities. House Bill 3072, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 3073, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act in relation to vehicles. House Bill 3074, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 3075, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 3076, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act in regard to juries. House Bill 3077, offered by Representative Wojcik, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxation. House Bill 3078, offered by Representative Dale Righter, a Bill for an Act concerning freedom of information. House Bill 3079, offered by Representative Steve Davis, a Bill for an Act concerning driver's licenses. House Bill 3080, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act in relation to state employees. House Bill 3081, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act in relation to aircraft. House Bill 3082, offered by Representative O'Connor, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 3083, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act concerning public utilities. House Bill 3084, offered by Representative Hamos, a Bill for an Act regarding vehicles. House Bill 3085, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. House Bill 3086, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning joint discussions 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 between physicians, health care providers, and health care plans. House Bill 3087, offered by Representative Jim Meyer, a Bill for an Act concerning pollution. House Bill 3088, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act regarding highways. House Bill 3089, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 3090, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 3091, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 3092, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act in relation to gambling. House Bill 3093, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act in relation to public safety. House Bill 3094, offered by Representative Garrett, a Bill for an Act in relation to controlled substances. House Bill 3095, offered by Representative Poe, a Bill for an Act in relation to aeronautics. House Bill 3096, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning contact lenses. House Bill 3097, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning contact lenses. House Bill 3098, offered by Representative Dart, a Bill for an Act concerning meetings of public bodies. House Bill 3099, offered by Representative Forby, a Bill for an Act concerning special license plates. House Bill 3101, offered by Representative Art Turner, a Bill for an Act regarding exclusive contracts for hospital services. House Bill 3100, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 3102, offered by Representative Art Turner, a Bill for an Act to amend the Medical Practice Act. House Bill 3103, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act concerning reverse mortgage loans. House Bill 3104, offered by Representative Bugielski, a Bill for 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 an Act concerning lending practices. House Bill 3105, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning telecommunications. House Bill 3106, offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act concerning telecommunications. House Bill 3107, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning not-for-profit corporations. House Bill 3108, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning health care. House Bill 3109, offered by Representative Jerry Mitchell, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 3110, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 3111, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act relating to education. House Bill 3112, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act in relation to senior citizens. House Bill 3113, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act relating to higher education student assistance. House Bill 3114, offered by Representative Winters, a Bill for an Act in relation to education. House Bill 3115, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning preventive services. House Bill 3116, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act regarding preventative services administration. House Bill 3117, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning elder abuse. House Bill 3118, offered by Representative McGuire, a Bill for an Act concerning personal care attendants. House Bill 3119, offered by Representative Tenhouse, a Bill for an Act concerning fiscal notes. Introduction and First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3120, offered by Representative Joe Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning telecommunications. House Bill 3121, 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 18th Legislative Day February 28, 2001 offered by Representative Joe Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning telecommunications. House Bill 3122, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell, a Bill for an Act in relation to the State Comptroller. House Bill 3123, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell, a Bill for an Act relating to higher education. House Bill 3124, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act to amend the Election Code. House Bill 3125, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act concerning support. House Bill 3126, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. House Bill 3127, offered by Representative Sommer, a Bill for an Act in relation to the use of social security numbers. House Bill 3128, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act in relation to support. House Bill 3129, offered by Representative Wirsing, a Bill for an Act concerning health facilities. House Bill 3130, offered by Representative Tom Ryder, a Bill for an Act concerning disabled persons. House Bill 3131, offered by Representative Ryder, a Bill for an Act in relation to human services. First Reading of these House Bills. Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 28, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'to the floor for consideration' House Resolution 84. House Perfunctory Session now stands adjourned." 39