"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by the Reverend Jack Eggar of the Awana Clubs International in Streamwood. Reverend Eggar is the guest of Representative Terry Parke. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
Reverend Eggar: "Let us pray. Dear Father in heaven, I stand before You in this brief moment as a representative of this honorable Assembly and of the people of the great State of Illinois. Let me begin, Oh Lord, by giving thanks from a grateful heart. Thank you for a nation blessed above all nations in so many ways, of a people ethnically diverse but united in liberty, a land yielding both matchless beauty and abundant food. Thank you, Oh Lord for the freedom to live and to love, to come and go as we please, perhaps even pursue our dreams. Most of all, thank you for extending to all of us freedom to worship according to the dictates of our own hearts. And now on behalf of these good men and women, I ask You to bless them and Lord bless their families. Give them unusual wisdom to carry out their duties with distinction. Help them to serve with humility, to walk in integrity, and to lead others with the conviction to do right. And Oh Lord, because of the tragic events in recent days, perhaps each of us has been given the opportunity to reevaluate our own priorities. In the midst of an uncertain world, where there truly is evil, we ask ourselves what really is important, Oh Lord. And I call on You today, that You would reinforce our values and may they be more and more like Yours, Oh Lord. We esteem highly, Father, the value of our liberty and the life of every individual made in Your image. We raise up the 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 values of honesty, justice, moral virtue, and self-discipline. We ask You to search us, Oh Heavenly Father, and purify our hearts. And I pray, Oh Lord, that You would help us to overcome any prejudice or false pride, perhaps even judgemental spirits toward those who are different than us. And I pray, Oh Lord, the very words that You spoke to Your Prophet Jeremiah 25 hundred years ago, when You said to him, 'Call unto Me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.' May we be willing and may we be humble enough to do just that. And in the name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, we commit these things to You this day. Amen."
Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Parke."
"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: "... Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Kenner and Morrow are excused today."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm very proud to announce that all Republicans are present and accounted for except Representative Poe, who lost his ID card and we'll try to get him in as soon as we can, with your permission of course."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 115 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present and Mr. Clerk... " 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001
"Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measure/s was/were referred, action taken on November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'direct floor consideration for the following measures' House Bill 1973 is referred through the Order of Concurrence. Motion to Concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1973 has been recommended for adoption. House Bill 2742 was referred to Second Reading, Short Debate. Senate Bill 151 is referred to Second Reading, Standard Debate. And Senate Bill 694 is referred to Third Reading, Short Debate. Senate Bill 397 is referred to the Order of Nonconcurrence and the following Motions to accept Amendatory Vetoes have been approved for consideration; Senate Bill 28, Senate Bill 1046, and Senate Bill 1493. Representative Lyons, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 88. Introduction of Resolutions. House Joint Resolution 53, offered by Representative Granberg. This Resolution's referred to the House Rules Committee. Introduction - First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3684, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 3685, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act concerning state employee benefits. House Bill 3686, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act relating to financial services. House Bill 3687, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning municipalities. House Bill 3688, offered by Representative 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Acevedo, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 3689, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 3690, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 3691, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act in relation to firearms. House Bill 3692, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. House Bill 3693, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell, a Bill for an Act in relation to cloning. First Reading of these House Bills."
"... purpose does Representative Kosel seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge... I would like to acknowledge Providence Catholic High School from my district who are the victors in the 6A football championship game on Saturday. They are not here today, and I know that the tradition has been quit often that you will see teams down here. But with the advent of our proceedings being televised over the Internet and their commitment to academic as well as athletic successes, they are watching us at Providence Catholic High School right now. I wanted to tell you a little bit about what this team has done. That not only are they 6A champions, but this is the 20th state championship for this school and their 7th in football. They finished the season 14 and 0. The final game was against Richards High School and the score was 41 to 0, with my deepest regrets to Representative Brosnahan. They held Oak Lawn High School... Oak Lawn Richards High School to 76 yards, which 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 is a new Class 6A record. Matt Gannon caught three interceptions in which is also a 6A record. To top it all off, this team was rated #1 in the State of Illinois by USA ___ _____ and received that recognition yesterday. Today I'd like to commend them and ask for your congratulations to Providence Catholic High School from New Lenox, Illinois. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Clerk, do you have a House Resolution 542? Mr. Clerk, read House Resolution 542."
"House Resolution 542. HOUSE RESOLUTION 542 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize notable achievements in high school sports; and WHEREAS, On November 3, 2001, the Naperville North High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team, the Huskies, won the IHSA State Class AA Cross Country Championship held at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Illinois; and WHEREAS, During their outstanding season, the Huskies also won the DuPage Valley Conference Championship and the IHSA Regional and Sectional Championships; and WHEREAS, The 2001 Naperville North Huskies team consists of Sherri Albus, Lisa Bonistalli, Elizabeth Higgins, Michele Lally, Marie Thomas, Joanna Veth, Christine Wang, and Angie Vargos and alternates Amy Ankenbrandt, Bryn Levitan, and Kate Prazak; their head coach is Dan Iverson and their assistant coach is Jenny Marine; and WHEREAS, During their victorious season, the Huskies displayed outstanding sportsmanship and dedication and represented 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Naperville North High School, their fans, and the Naperville community with distinction; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Naperville North Girls Varsity Cross Country Team on winning the 2001 IHSA Class AA Cross Country Championship; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ross Truemper, principal of Naperville North High School, Dan Iverson, head coach of the Huskies, assistant coach Jenny Marine, and each member of the team."
"... Representative Cowlishaw in the chamber? Representative Cowlishaw on House Resolution 542."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I am pleased to announce that the Cross Country Champions... State Champions of Illinois in the Girls Cross Country are with us today as are their coaches. They are seated to my right in the balcony right here, and I would like them to all stand, please, so that we can give them a round of applause. Mr. Speaker, I am most grateful to you for being willing to take the time of the House to recognize these outstanding women athletes. We need to pay, it seems to me, just as much attention to building healthful lifestyles among young women as among young men. And so I'm particularly proud of the fact that this is a the team of young women who have achieved an really extraordinary amount of records there... they have been successful in so many different ways, academically as well as athletically. I am very, very proud of them. Naperville is very proud of them, and I would submit to you my colleagues, the State of Illinois is proud of them. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Cowlishaw moves for the adoption of House Resolution 542. Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Black, did you wish to share your dulcet tones wish us?"
"Mr. Speaker, I've an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Many of us are concerned, we've noticed that the chandelier... the chandelier on your side of the aisle has seem to have slipped from its moorings and is just hanging there. Will that be fixed or... I'm just concerned about the health and welfare of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I noticed it's fallen several feet below the other three, or perhaps that's some kind of sign from above, I'm not sure."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Black, let me suggest that the Clerk respond to your inquiry. He's better prepared."
"As well he should be."
"Right. Mr. Rossi, the Clerk."
"Representative Black, that, that chandelier is one of the original chan... or a reconfiguration of the old chandeliers to what they looked like when the chamber was originally constructed. So that chandelier right now is hanging at about the original height off of the ceiling. I can assure you that we've had engineers check the cable, the winches, all of that and it should be secure."
"Is there just to be one on your side of the aisle or do we get one, too?"
"Eventually, there... we're going to have all four of them. I think we're gonna go to this one next, and then the one back there..." 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001
"Oh, I see."
"...and then the one directly over your head."
"So, you will have plenty of light and you will keep us in the dark. Well, some things never change, Mr. Clerk."
"Mr. Clerk, read House Resolution 513."
"House Resolution 513. HOUSE RESOLUTION 513 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize notable members of the Illinois General Assembly; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Tom Ryder is retiring as Representative for the 97th District on November 13, 2001; and WHEREAS, Born on May 17, 1949, Tom Ryder graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University in 1971 and received his Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University in 1975; and WHEREAS, In August of 1983, Tom Ryder began serving in the Illinois General Assembly as the Representative for the 97th District; and WHEREAS, Tom Ryder is Deputy Republican Leader of the House and Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; among his many legislative accomplishments are sponsorship of medical malpractice reforms and legislation for the prevention of violence and the deterrence of welfare fraud and abuse; he was the chief sponsor of Conservation 2000; he has also served as co-chair of the Illinois Geographic Information Council and the Midwest Legislative Conference; and WHEREAS, In addition to his service in the General Assembly, 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Representative Ryder has served civic and community organizations as a member of Peace United Church of Christ, chairman of the Jerseyville All-Weather Track Committee, founder of the Jersey Community High School Theatre Friends, former chairman of the United Way, and former co-chairman of the Jersey County Cancer Crusade Bike-A-Thon; in addition, he has served the Council of State Governments as National Chair and as a member of the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and International Committee; and WHEREAS, Representative Ryder has received many awards and commendations, including the Friend of Agriculture award from the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Friend of Education award from the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois State Board of Education, the Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Hospital Association, the Up and Coming Legislator award from Sangamon State University, the Henry Toll Fellowship for 1987 from the Council of State Governments, the Illinois 4-H Alumni Award from the Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, the Legislator of the Year award for 1992 from the Rural Health Association, the Leader for Peace award from the Illinois Council on Violence Prevention, and the Outstanding Legislator award for 2000 from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association; and WHEREAS, Tom and his wife Peggy reside in Jerseyville; they have two sons, Joshua and Timothy; and Tom has accepted the position of Vice President of External Affairs with the Illinois Community College Board; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Representative Tom Ryder for his dedicated service and commitment to the residents of his district as well as all the citizens of the State of Illinois; his presence in the Illinois House of 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Representatives will be dearly missed by members on both sides of the aisle; and be it further RESOLVED, That we wish Tom Ryder well as he takes on his new responsibilities as Vice President of External Affairs with the Illinois Community College Board; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Tom Ryder as an expression of our esteem."
"Daniels."
"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I would of course like to move for the adoption of House Resolution 513 and ask that all Members be joined in this Resolution as we honor a Member of ours who has served with great distinction. I remember well in August of 1983 when Tom Ryder was appointed to the General Assembly. I knew then as to his people back home that he was going to serve with great honor and great distinction in this terrific Body. He said he wanted to be a good Member. He wanted to be a productive Member and he wanted to be a contributing Member. Well, he has accomplished every goal that he set out to accomplish, because not only has he been an outstanding Member on behalf of the Republican Party, but he's been an outstanding Member on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois. For he has always considered their best interests in every action that he has taken. As a matter of fact, as you all know he was our chief negotiator on the budget and many times Tom and I would sit and have budget discussions on how our appropriations should go and what should be our priorities. And in every instance Tom would say we have to do what's right for the people of Illinois, we have to make sure that the people that count on the state's assistance, that need us the most, are 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 always protected and taken care of. And yes, Tom Ryder always fought for the person that relied on government to provide that very necessary essential. So Tom's loss... Tom's departure, is indeed a loss to us on the Republican side and I would suggest a loss in the General Assembly to the people of Illinois. However, as we all know, we all have other roles in life and other accomplishments that we have to move forward on. Tom is joined today on the House Floor by his wife Peggy, his companion of many, many years, who have produced a great team of sons in Josh and Tim and how proud they are of the two of them. Because many times when Tom would sit in our Leadership meetings he would talk about Josh and Tim and what they were doing and what accomplishments they'd achieved in school. And we all smiled with him because we knew that in his achievement as a great father and a great husband, we all shared in those accomplishments that he relished in when he talked about his family with such great love. So as my deputy leader we relied on Tom in many many cases in an expertise and he fulfilled every one of our expectations. He wasn't just our budget leader, he was one of our more articulate champions for education and health care issues. And now today he moves on to serve the community college board and all those people in Illinois that will be relying on a community college education. They have a great advocate in Tom Ryder. We have a great friend in Tom Ryder. Where I'm sorry to see him leave the General Assembly, I am indeed pleased to be able to know that he'll continue to work in governmental service to bring his expertise for the benefit of all of Illinois. So Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it is with deed an honor that I reintroduce to you our former colleague and now a person 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 serving Illinois government in an educational capacity and ask that you join me and stand in saluting a great Member of the Illinois General Assembly, we wish him well, Tom Ryder and his wife Peggy."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to add a few comments about Representative Ryder. It's been my pleasure to serve with him, particularly in the area of appropriations where he's always been the negotiator in the nine years I've been in the Illinois General Assembly. He's always been more than a worthy sparring partner and it's always been fun to talk to him about the budget and to have him in that Leadership position with us. Also, I certainly will miss the wonderful example that he sets to me often on the House Floor and I certainly would given anything to have at least a little bit of the timbre he has in his voice when he speaks on the House Floor. But he's always so calm and dignified, certainly not my style, which he often reminds me. He's moving on to a position, I think community college, where his expertise will certainly be appreciated since I feel that certainly is the future for both the young, continuing education, and the elderly, is in the community college area for education. I'm sure we're all going to miss Tom very much, but I'm sure his talents will be well-used there."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I simply rise to point out what is obvious to all of us but we often don't think about until a time like this. One of the greatest rewards of serving in this Body are the outstanding people you get to meet and some of the giants in public policy that you get to work with. It 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 has been a distinct privilege and pleasure of mine to have not only worked with Tom Ryder, but to have learned a great deal from him. And it's that institutional memory, that expertise and the willingness to share that expertise with other Members that really makes this process work, when on any given day or night in the process many of us think it just doesn't work very well at all. But it's because of people like Tom Ryder and many of those who I've had the privilege and pleasure of serving with over the years who share their knowledge, who don't always let the center aisle become any physical barrier between what is... what we're trying to do and what we're trying to accomplish for the people of Illinois. I think Tom has done that very well. He has shown time and time and time again that he works with Democrats, he works with Republicans, he works with suburbanites, Chicagoans, Central Illinoisans, Downstate Illinoisans. Always keeping his eye on what is best for the people of Illinois and how to make the process work for the people of Illinois. He is in my opinion, a giant in this process, he will be sorely missed. I especially will miss him, because in the old days, Mr. Speaker, when we could file Amendments and would move to the Order of Appropriations, when we would move to the Order of Appropriations it was one of the few times I could leave the floor and kick back a little bit. I miss those days almost as much as I will miss Tom Ryder and I think I will... I think I can speak safely for everybody here. He will be missed. We wish him the very best in his new role. I have already noticed a change in his demeanor. I'm suddenly Representative Black or Mr. Black. So, he is taking to his new role as a lobbyist for the Community College Association. He's not had any learning curve at 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 all. But I know all of us joined together, wish him and his family the very, very best. He is one of the reasons that I've never been ashamed to say I'm a Member of the General Assembly. As long as we can attract people the quality and caliber of Tom Ryder, this will always be an honorable profession. Tom, I wish you the very best."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I just want to underscore the point that it is not just his partisan colleagues who will miss Tom Ryder, but we Democrats will miss him as well. He's been a joy to work with in this House of Representatives, a hard working, budget cruncher. Someone who never raises his voice or uses language that might be termed unacceptable, in fact a man of total affability and courtesy. I'm surprised at what Representative Black just said, because Tom has always called me Representative Currie, or maybe Majority Leader, never on a familiar terms or a first-name basis. Tom also has a wonderful sense of humor and analyzing the political scene with Tom has certainly been good for my understanding of what goes on in the State of Illinois. We wish him and Peggy well in his new life and we're delighted that we'll go on getting to see him on the other side of the committee hearing room when he presents his community college issues to us. So best of luck, Godspeed, and thanks for your hard work, thanks for your strong values, thanks for your commitment to democracy and to the people of Illinois."
"Mr. Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Tom and I share a number of things in this chamber, in this business. He and I share a county back home that we both represent. We sit on the Rules Committee together. But I 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 think the thing that we most have in common, is the common job that we both have for our respective caucuses, or at least Tom had in the past of representing the Republican Caucus on the budget process. And we've had a lot of late night discussions when we were going through that process. Sometimes we were here on Saturdays or Sundays because that's what the job required. But Tom was always there, he always worked very hard on behalf of his caucus. He was always a gentleman and he always had some bright ideas on how to make the process work, when we oftentimes found ourself in a difficult situation. So, he's indeed been a great asset, not only to the Republican side of the aisle, but to all of us in this chamber and to the people of the State of Illinois. He's done a great job for all of us and I'm just happy to have had some opportunity to serve with him over these last few years. We're all gonna miss him, but I think we all wish him well in an opportunity to do some things beyond what we do here in this chamber. So, it's with mixed feelings that we say good-bye, Tom. But indeed we have some great memories of working together with you. You've left some great impressions in this state. You've done some good jobs... done a good job of changing the State of Illinois for the best and we do miss you, but we do wish you well in your new job and we look forward to working with you in that. So, maybe rather than saying good-bye, it's just until we meet again, thank you."
"Mr. Stephens."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe Representative Hannig must have just invited you to a meeting that I'm sure you want to get to. Representative Currie referred to some meetings that obviously the rest of us were not invited to in affable terms and all that. Tom Ryder has 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 been a stalwart for his district. There's no doubt about the fact that the people he represents know the job that he's doing. I wonder if the rest of us now will get more Member initiatives now that Representative Ryder is no longer in the General Assembly. We'll talk to the Members of the other side on the aisle about that. Tom Ryder has been a friend to all here and he represents what a lot of us aspire to and no better evidence of that than to have his bride with him today. Peggy Ryder has, like family members in all of our families have, suffered under the bad times and celebrated the good times, but it's always a sacrifice. We were back here just a while talking... just a moment ago talking about the family and I asked how the boys were doing and how they took the news and in Ryder family fashion those boys who are now in college were not told the news. They were consulted before the fact, it was a family decision. There's not a family that has ever come to the General Assembly that has handled the process better, reflected more positively on all of us, than Tom and Peggy Ryder and their two fine young men, who are their children. I wish you all the best. I hope you spend many more happy hours with the children now and, in not so distant future, maybe a few grandchildren. God bless you both."
"Novak."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, as soon as I can clear out the corral here. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Body I would like too to offer my hearty congratulations to an outstanding Legislator, Tom Ryder. We're really gonna miss him, he's a voice of reason and moderation in this General Assembly. When I first came down in 1987 I met Tom and established a very good relationship with him, and Tom I 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 thank you all the time for those birthday cards you send me in the mail. I mean, that's a... that's quiet a greeting as much as we hate to see these birthdays as our mustaches get a little grayer. But Tom and I have served for a good number of years on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which is one of those seemingly innocuous committees, but in reality it tackles a lot of controversial issues and rulemakings from agencies and his Leadership as a cochair over the years has enabled us to work through some real sticky situations, Tom, and I want to thank you for all your hard work. My best wishes to you and your wife and God bless."
"Representative Erwin."
"Thank you, Speaker. I must say, it's beginning to sound a little bit like a eulogy. I would just like to say for the current, still alive and well, Representative Ryder, that I will echo certainly my colleagues kind words about missing you. But I, for one, am really excited for the community college board and all the community colleges of this state to have you there. I know you know and will... and appreciate more with every day that Illinois is fortunate to have a gem of a community college system in this state. And it is recognized not only nationally but internationally as such, and at least from the Higher Education Committee I know that my cochairman and colleague, Dave Wirsing and all of us in... on the Higher Ed Committee really look forward to working with you to make our gem even polish and shine much brighter. So, congratulations and I'm hap... while it's a loss for us it's a huge gain for the rest of the state."
"Mr. Tenhouse."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 House. You know, Senator Noland, when he was in the House had the perfect description for Tom Ryder. He said all woofers, no tweeters. You had to be there. But you have to understand most of us realizing his deep-bass voice and when it would come on knowing that maybe it is all woofers, no tweeters. But I do think all of us realize the substance that Tom is made of and his abilities are incredible and really his ability to forecast is incredible, as well. I don't know how he knew that the economy was going to go bad two days after he decided to resign, but I was wondering if we could have leave of the House and see if you could bring him back to help with the budget negotiations on the House Republican side. But I doubt if that is going to happen and in the meantime we'd certainly do wish Tom well. I want to really say thanks to Tom and Peg 'cause they were really instrumental in my getting involved in the political process back in... when, you know, Tom came and talked to me and visited with me about the joys of politics and Peg was very, very honest about the impact it has on the family life. I think as others have pointed out earlier, you know, we really owe a thanks to both of them for the contribution they've made and certainly to their two sons, because they've been brought up in this political process and in spite of it have absolutely shown their greatness and I think it's a tribute to Tom and Peg and I just want to say thanks to them and thanks to... look forward to working with them in the future."
"Representative Myers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly rise in support of the Resolution. My colleague to the south has been very, very helpful in my short seven years here in the General 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Assembly and certainly, my wife and I have developed a very good friendship with Mr. and Mrs. Ryder. They've been very helpful all the way along and as well as our children have also developed a good friendship. Many times in our sharing of a county to the south, we worked on their behalf and that county worked very much on my behalf as Mr. Ryder was always quick to point out that many times my fund-raisers were in his district or the attendees at my fund-raisers were in his district. But he was always very generous in sharing the rest of his district with me and to that I will be forever grateful, not only for that but also the help and assistance that you've always provided here in this chamber and in life in general. My congratulations to the both of you on the future and best of luck to you."
"Mr. Daniels to close."
"I would just ask for the adoption of House Resolution 513 and that all Members be entitled to be added to the Resolution, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Daniels has requested that all Members be added as cosponsors of the Resolution. Is there an objection? There being no objection, all Members shall be added as cosponsors of the Resolution. Those in favor of the Resolution signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, the Resolution is adopted. Good luck, Mr. Ryder. Mr. Clerk, have you received a Senate Bill 1269?"
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 1269 is on the Order of Senate Bills First Reading. Representative Burke picked the Bill up today."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Introduction - First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1269, Bill for an Act concerning the State 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 Treasurer. First Reading of this Senate Bill."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Black, have you been advised on this Bill? All right, so the Chair recognizes Mr. Burke for the purpose of moving to suspend the posting requirements so that the Executive Committee can meet immediately after Session to consider Senate Bill 1269. Those in favor of that Motion say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted and the posting requirements are suspended to permit the hearing of Senate Bill 1269 in the Executive Committee immediately after Session. On the Supplemental Calendar on the Order of Concurrence there appears House Bill 1973, Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On House Bill 1973, make a Motion to concur with Senate Amendment #1. Basically, Senate Amendment #1 simply removes the back-door referendum portion of the Bill and just makes it all front door referendum."
"The Gentleman moves that the House concur in the Senate Amendments to House Bill 1973. All right, so there's one Amendment and the Gentleman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment #1. On that question, the Chair recognizes Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, the Senate Amendment changes...it appears to change the levy and tax rate. Am I looking at the correct Senate Amendment?"
"No, it should not change the tax rate. What it should do is... it should simply stop the ability of the tax rate to be moved through a backdoor referendum. All of the tax rate increases will now require a front door referendum." 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001
"Do you have a copy of the Amendment with you? I can give you the LRU or LRB number. It's a... it simply says by replacing line 24 and 25 with the following, 'Section B, the township board may levy the taxes at a rate in excess of 0.125%, but not in excess of;', and on page 4 by replacing lines 4 and 5 with the following, 'from the rate 0.125% to 0.4% of the value of all taxable property within the...', goes on and on. That would appear to be changing the rate."
"It was my understanding, and I may have to... we may have to pull this out of the record to confer with that and confirm that, but it's my understanding the way this language was put together by the Senate staff that it would simply take away the fact that it would require a backdoor referendum, and so that they would have to lower that rate down, because originally the higher rate would have been required a front door referendum, now they all require a front door referendum."
"If you'd be kind enough to take it out of the record, if the Speaker would promise to get back to it. I think we need to have staff look and see if this, in fact, is the Senate Amendment to this Bill, because it... if I'm reading it correctly, it's a change in rate."
"Yeah, I'd be glad to take it out of the record."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Clerk, take this Bill out of the record. Page 2 of the Calendar on the Order of Total Veto Motions, there appears Senate Bill 74, Mr. Holbrook."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 74 is a fairly simple Bill. It allows not-for-profit groups that have had automobiles donated to them to be transferred to people on welfare-to-work programs. Revenue is against the Bill because of the loss of the few dollars, but I don't know of 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 any other opposition and I would move to override the Governor's Veto."
"... Gentleman moves that the House override the Veto of the Governor. The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass, the Veto of the Governor notwithstanding?' The Motion requires 71 votes. This is final action. Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Wyvetter Younge voted, and has Terry Parke voted? ... Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion having received the required Three-fifths Majority, the Motion to override prevails and the Bill is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the Governor's Veto. On the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions there appears Senate Bill 28, Mr. Brosnahan. Mr. Brosnahan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I make a Motion to concur with the Governor's Amendatory Veto to Senate Bill 28. This merely makes a technical change. It was done at the request of the head of the Senate Judiciary, as well as the Senate's Chief Sponsor, Senator Cullerton. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves to accept the Governor's Amendatory Veto. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this pass... Shall this Bill... Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to Senate Bill 28?' This is final action. All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion having received the required Constitutional Majority, the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding Senate Bill 28. Senate Bill 1046, Representative Erwin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Governor's Amendatory changes. The language in his Amendatory Veto does make the insurance regulation consistent with the rest of the Illinois Insurance Code and I think some of the issues in the Amendatory Veto were issues actually that, my personal insurance expert, Representative Tim Osmond, had suggested in the fall... I mean in the spring and we didn't listen to him then, but the Governor did listen to him and that is the change and I move to accept it."
Speaker Madigan: "... Lady moves that the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to Senate Bill 1046. Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. The voting is open. This is final action. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The House does accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change. And the Bill, having received the required Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. ... the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions there appears Senate Bill 1493, Representative Moore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 1493. This only... rolls back the implementation date of the transition from the 12-month eligibility cards to a fiscal year eligibility card, from immediate to January 1, 2002. There are no known opponents. This has all been agreed to. Be happy to 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 answer any questions."
"The Lady moves that the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to Senate Bill 1493. This is final action. All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? ... shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendations for change regarding Senate Bill 1493. On the Order of the Supplemental Calendar, on the Order of Concurrence, there appears House Bill 1973, Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the House for giving us the time to look that Bill... the Amendment over. The Amendment does do exactly what was... what we said and that is simply make it to where all tax increases require a front door referendum. And I'd appreciate the support."
"The Gentleman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1973. Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Lang voted? ... Mr. Granberg voted? ... shall take the record. On this question, there are 87 'ayes', 27 'noes'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1973. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Supplemental Calendar on the Order of Nonconcurrence, there appears Senate Bill 397, Mr. Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Senate Bill 397, I would move to refuse to recede from House Amendments 1 and 2 and 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 request a Conference Committee."
"You've all heard the Gentleman's Motion. Those is favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed by saying 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Gentleman's Motion is adopted. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of Senate Bill 88?"
"Senate Bill 88, a Bill for an Act concerning telecommunications. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. On page 4 of the Regular Calendar on the Order of Resolutions, there appears House Resolution 522 by Mr. McKeon. Mr. McKeon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the passage of House Resolution 522, which urges the University of Illinois administration and the board of trustees to respect the right of graduate employees to organize and bargain collectively by remaining neutral and complying with the decisions of the graduate employees. And what this is... this Bill rather... the right to organize has been recognized by the Educational Labor Relations Board in both the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Court, and I urge your support."
Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it, the Resolution is adopted."
Clerk Rossi: "Attention Members, the Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"... Rules Committee Report."
Clerk Rossi: "Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 measure/s was/were referred, action taken on November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'to the Floor for consideration' Senate Bill 1174 approved for consideration, referred to the Order of Second Reading Standard Debate. Motions to accept the Amendatory Vetoes on Senate Bill 175 and Senate Bill 647. Attention Members, the Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"Representative Leitch. Representative Hartke in the Chair. Recognizes Representative Leitch for a Motion."
"I'd like to suspend the appropriate rules to consider Senate Bill 1264, Mr. Chairman, and have that, what... referred to Rules? What's the appropriate Motion?"
Speaker Hartke: "... Leitch now moves that the posting requirements for Senate Bill 1264 be suspended. ... you heard in committee immediately. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Motion prevails. ... Clerk, Committee Schedule, House Committee Schedule to be read."
Clerk Rossi: "A House Committee Schedule for Committees this afternoon is being passed out. The following Committees will meet immediately after Session: tte Elementary and Secondary Education Committee in Room 118. At 3:30 the Executive Committee will meet in Room C-1. The Revenue Committee in Room 114 and the Appropriations-Human Services Committee in Room D-1. At 4:30 p.m. the following Committee will meet: the Human Services Committee in Room 118."
"...ers prepare to adjourn. Mr. Lang now moves that the House stand adjourned allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, 'til the hour of 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 November the 27th (sic-28th). All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House does stand adjourned."
Clerk Rossi: "The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Ryan, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations - Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' House Resolution 535. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 151. Representative Lyons, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 1264; 'recommends be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2742. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, November 27, 2001, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 1269. Introduction - First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3694, offered by Representative McKeon, a Bill for an Act in relation to appropriations. House Bill 3695, offered by Representative Crotty, a Bill for an Act in relation to public safety. Introduction - First Reading of these House Bills. House Bill 3696, offered by Representative O'Brien, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day November 27, 2001 a Bill for an Act concerning public safety. First Reading of this House Bill. Being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session now stands adjourned." 28