Illinois House Floor Debate — May 9, 2002

"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led today in prayer by Pastor Steven Theiss of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbia. Pastor Theiss is the guest of Representative Dan Reitz. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."

"Let's join in a word of prayer for God's guidance and blessing on the endeavors of this Assembly today. Oh, almighty and gracious Father, our Creator, the giver and keeper of life, You who are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We ask that You grant Your wisdom and Your guidance this day to this Assembly, guide the words that are shared, open the ears of those who hear, open the hearts of those who participate to receive from You the gifts that we so desperately need in taking care of the things under our charge as You've called us to be stewards of the resources and the people of this state. We ask You to bless the Representatives with the gift of humility. Give to each of us the awareness and the need to acknowledge our personal failures to live according to Your will, to do those things which You have called us to do and in so doing help us to see the needs and the opportunities You set before us, to share justice in our state, to provide protection for those who have need of it, to be those who establish opportunities for peace, security and prosperity, but in all things to recognize, that these are all gifts from Your hand. As stewards of those gifts, grant us by Your spirit insight into that which not only for the short term, but also for the long term will provide that which is best for all the citizens of our state. You, who provide for us for the gift of this creation the strength, the resources, the very tools that are necessary 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 for the work we do together, grant us today the understanding, the compassion and the strength to do that which is best, not that which is popular, not that which is pleasing to us only, but that which truly accomplishes Your will for the good of the people of the State of Illinois. These things we ask knowing that You have provided for us first and foremost what we need most in the gift of a relationship with You which we ourselves could not provide as You've given to us the gift of Yourself in the person of Your Son, Jesus. It is in his name that we pray, confident You hear us, because of the death and resurrection that we celebrate in Him. Amen."

Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Reitz."

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Boland, Murphy and O'Brien are excused today."

"Mr. Bost."

"Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Durkin is not here today."

Speaker Madigan: "The Clerk shall take the record. There being 113 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."

"Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 884, offered by Representative Delgado, is assigned to the Rules Committee. Committee Reports. Representative Giles, 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, May 8, 2002, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' House Joint Resolution 76. Representative Kenner, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, May 9, 2002, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' House Resolution 527."

Speaker Madigan: "On page 3 of the Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills-Third Reading there appears Senate Bill 2068. Mr. Schoenberg. Mr. Schoenberg."

"Senate Bill 2068, a Bill for an Act concerning toll highways. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2068 is the product of several years of hard work in providing greater accountability on land acquisition by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. The Bill prohibits the Toll Highway Authority from acquiring any land unless there's full disclosure of financial interests. They would be prohibited from entering in any agreement about the acquisition of land intended for any tollway use without that full disclosure and in the case of condemnation proceedings, that holders of any beneficial interests in the land would also have to make full disclosure unless a court would determine that the disclosure would cause irreparable harm to one or more holders of a beneficial interest in the land. The reason why this is necessary is that for a number of years the Toll Highway Authority argued that they were not bound to the same higher standard as the Department of 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Transportation in their land acquisition practices because they said that toll revenues don't legally constitute tax dollars. The Department of Transportation follows a higher and more stringent standard on land acquisition and disclosure and they're bound to do so as the result of Federal Law. I'd be happy to answer any questions. And I urge your support for this Bill."

Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Cross."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a couple questions of the Sponsor."

"The Sponsor yields."

"Jeff, I see the tollway authority supports this Bill, at least that's my understanding. Is that correct?"

"That's my understanding, as well."

"Let me ask you..."

"Yeah. There's no known opposition to this."

"All right. Let me just... and I imagine this Bill's gonna get all 118 votes or how many people are here today, as well it should. The one question I had was as you know there's been an attempt to extend 355 south through parts of Will County or into it through Will down to continue on the existing portions, as I said, south. Would this piece of legislation have any impact on land that's been purchased or condemned... whatever you want... whatever terminology you want to use, for that portion of the roadway south of 55?"

"Mr. Cross, this Bill would be applicable to I... my interpretation of this... is this Bill would be applicable for all acquisitions subsequent to its effective date. So, any new ac... any new acquisitions, whether it's for... any acquisitions made by the Toll Highway Authority whether 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 it's for an extension of 294... an expansion, number of lanes for 294, whether it's for the 355 extension, whether it's for a proposed 53 extension into Lake County, once this Bill were to become law, it would be applicable towards the necessary disclosure..."

"So, only subsequent to the effective date of this Bill?"

"That's my... that's my understanding."

"All right. Again, I'm gonna support your Bill, I just don't want there... someone to come along and say, all right there's a little piece here on to the south portion of 355. You didn't comply, so the whole project's done. But as long as it's clear and it's your intent that this applies to subsequent dealings, I think that's fine. And I'm a supporter of your Bill. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' 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 record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2117, Representative Klingler. Representative Klingler. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2117, a Bill for an Act concerning medical districts. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Thank you very, very much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2117 provides for an Illinois medical district in Springfield which is modeled after the Illinois medical district in the City of Chicago. This district would encompass the area that includes both St. John's Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and the SIU School of Medicine... excuse me... as well as the number of clinics. It is also an area 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 where there are several older neighborhoods that are established and these neighborhoods are concerned about rational growth of medical facilities in their area. The Bill provides for a 16-member commission, seven of which are appointed by the Governor, seven by the Mayor of Springfield, and two by SIU School of Medicine. And this commission would develop a master plan which allows for the rational growth and planned growth for the medical and research facilities and hopefully, would result in bringing a new research and pharmacology businesses to this area. The neighborhood associations are in agreement with this Bill. They were initially concerned, but they feel that they have more protections under this approach than under, for example, one developer at a time approach. And I would urge an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2164, Mr. Hoffman. The Gentleman indicates that he does not wish to call the Bill. Senate Bill 2198, Representative Mulligan. Mulligan. Mulligan, 2198. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2198, a Bill for an Act creating the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This same Bill has passed out of the House two years in a row. This is the Senate version coming back at us. What it does is it amends the 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Illinois Human Resource Investment Council Act to make the transitions required in regard to the Workforce Investment Board because of the federal transition from the Job Training Partnership Act of the Workforce Investment Act. It further amends the statute to establish the number of members of that board and it is the investment... the Bill is the initiative of the Human Resource Council. It also sets the meeting dates."

"The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2204, Representative Stephens. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2204, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Is this Friday? It's Friday. Mr. Speaker, this... Senate Bill 2204 amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Allows that tuition recoupment from soldiers who don't complete military... military service obligations. Mr. Speaker, basically, what this... what we're talking about National Guard, Illinois National Guard soldiers and airmen come into the National Guard with a six-year requirement for completion of their service. After they've completed one year, they are qualified to receive scholarship money, grants of tuition, to Illinois colleges. It's a very good program. It's one that we all support. But we found out that after receiving the benefits, up to four years of education at one of our state 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 universities, some of these folks are, for whatever reason, leaving the National Guard, not fulfilling their commitment of six years service, but then going on to collect the fu... up to four years of scholarship paid for by their taxpayers. Out of respect to those people who keep their commitment, finish their amount of service time, we suggest that the benefits be cut off proportionately to those who... to the amount of time that you have not completed your service. So, Mr. Speaker, I would be glad to answer any questions. And I'm asking your consideration."

"The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Watson."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."

"Proceed."

"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. We have spent some time passing Bills that grant National Guard members the same privileges as if they were on federal duty and I think it's only right that we make sure that Guard members are held to the same standards that those that are on federal active duty, whether it's reserve or National Guard members and Representative Stephens's Bill does this. And I wholeheartedly support it."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting 'yes'; 1 person voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill... The Chair recognizes Representative Howard for a Motion."

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to move that the reporting requirements be waived in order to change the 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Computer Technology Committee hearing from Wednesday, May 15 at 9:30 to Tuesday, May 14 at 11:00."

"You've all heard the Motion to suspend the posting requirements. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The Motion is adopted. Senate Bill 2209, Mr. Beaubien. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2209, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Revenue. It amends the Uniform Penalty and Interest Act and provides that you'll have 30 days from the date of notice when you have a late filing or a late payment. This is a consumer-friendly Bill. It's consistent with the provisions in the sales tax area and the Department of Revenue would like to have this Bill passed because it'll save them a lot of work and is, in fact, consumer friendly."

"The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Colvin voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2211, Mr. Beaubien. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2211, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Mr. Beaubien."

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is another initiative of the Illinois Department of Revenue. What it does is provide for the same enforcement provisions that cigarettes have to other tobacco products including cigars, 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 pipe tobacco, moist snuff, dry snuff, et cetera. I can think of no reasons why these provisions shouldn't be parallel. And I would urge its passage."

Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' 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 record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2211. Senate Bill 2223, Representative Kosel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2223, a Bill for an Act concerning the practice of nursing. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."

"Representative Kosel."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill streamlines the Illinois nurses licensing by an endorsement procedure. Requires that the applicant must provide proof of active unencumbered license for five years, establishes a license pending status. And for legislative intent, I would like to let the Body know that this Bill... I would like the Body to know that this Bill is not intended to effect the rights of any applicant who is obtaining a certificate from the Commission of Foreign Nursing Schools, commonly known as the CS... CGFNS from sitting from nursing exams."

Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2224, Mr. Jerry Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 2224, a Bill for an Act in relation to child support. Third Reading of this Bill."

"Mr. Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I you bring Senate Bill 2224. And basically, this is a technical change to the Department of Public Aid agency. It's a provision that allows the department to disseminate the National Medical Support Notices for the purposes of enforcing an obligation to provide a child support in the form of health care insurance coverage. It makes some other changes which include the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and the Illinois Parentage Act to administratively direct the court-ordered child support payments to be to the Illinois SDU or to the SDU of another state where the court has previously directed the payments to the obligee or the notice of the obligor to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Finally, the Bill would also provide that the department, in 4-D cases, can intervene in the judicial support... child support proceedings and become a party with a right to receive notice of any subsequent proceedings in the case. Be happy to answer any questions. Thank you."

Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting 'yes', 1 person voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 declared passed. On Supplemental Calendar #1 there appears House Resolution 527. Mr. Delgado. 527. Mr. Delgado."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Resolution... House Resolution 527, it's a Resolution urging Congress and the United States Government to fully cooperate in the efforts to determine why money owed to Bracero workers were not paid. Bracero workers were workers who were contracted together with the united States and Mexico back in the '40s and '50s. Many articles have been written about it. Many of these men and women who were brought up on contract to work agricultural fields and on the railroad were on contract to be here to do a job and they did that job. And now, many of them today are citizens of this great country and many of them will live in many of our cities, in Summit, Plainfield and other parts of our wonderful state. Some of them will be here this afternoon and a lot of these folks are trying to determine that there is some back pay owed to them. And what this Resolution does is basically urge Congress to let this play out, let it go into court, let them find out what's going on. Let's do the research and at least, let federal courts decide the merits of this case. And if indeed, if this Resolution serves any purpose, it is the voice of that Illinoisans who are part of this suit to be able to say that Illinois is on board and that Washington, they hear your voice. So, I would ask for an 'aye' vote, Mr. Speaker."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. The Chair recognizes Mr. Acevedo."

"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I'd like to thank Representative Delgado for working hard on this Resolution. The Mexican community, we're very proud 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 people and we believe that in order to survive and in order to support our families we have to work hard. We have no problem working hard and we have no problem in giving our employers a hard day's work, but in return, we expect employers to pay what is rightfully ours. Those workers who came to America in hopes of earning some income to support their families, they came at the time when the United States needed them the most. While thousands of brave men and women were out to fight the war, these brave men and women came here to the United States to help work in US farms and railroads. The Mexican people answered the call that the United States asked. It came with the agreement that for the hard work they would do, they would also get paid. Ten percent was deducted from their pay with the intent that these funds would be given to them when they returned for their resettlement to Mexico. These people came, not to take jobs away from American people, but they came because United States needed them. They came with the hopes to help support their families, to put food in their mouths. But they also knew that when the brave men and women returned from the war, they also knew they would return back to Mexico. They didn't come here to take the jobs. They came here to work hard and help the United States. They were promised the money that they deserved. They're not asking no less, no more. All they're asking is for the money they rightfully earned and deserve. The Mexican community are proud people. Give us the respect and the dignity we deserve. We are not asking for a handout, we are asking for something that is rightfully ours. And I hope you can support House Resolution 527."

Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Delgado moves for the adoption of the Resolution. And those in favor will vote 'yes'; those 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 opposed will vote 'no'. Dump the Roll Call. The Roll Call has been dumped. And the question is, on House Resolution 527, those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. On page 13 on the Calendar there appears HJR58 (sic-SJR58). Representative Feigenholtz."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Joint Resolution 58 creates the Commission on Medical Instruments and they... who will be charged with conducting a review of the availability of sterile syringes in nonmedical settings for purposes of public health promotion and prevention of HIV, hepatitis, and other blood born illnesses. The commission will issue recommendations to the General Assembly on medically appropriate standards for sales of syringe... sterile syringes in Illinois."

Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Resolution. The Chair recognizes Mr. Parke."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield? I presume she's yielding. Representative, I'm not sure I totally understand what this Resolution is going to do. Can you share again one more time, 'cause I had trouble hearing what you're saying? I have trouble hearing what your saying, just like your having trouble hearing."

"Yeah. I'm sorry. What was the question, you're not sure about what?"

"I'm not sure I understand what this Resolution does."

"It creates a commission, Representative Parke, made up of representatives from the following groups: the Allied Waste Industries, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Chicago Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Public Health, Cook County State's Attorney, Illinois 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatricians, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Family Institute, the Illinois Nurses Association, the Ill..."

"I appreciate that, Representative, but what are we going to accomplish with this commission?"

"The commission is going to hold hearings, one in Chicago, one in Springfield. The members are going to serve without compensation. The Department of Public Health is going to provide support and information to the commission. And the commission is going to be charged with reviewing all data and all literature, making... and make recommendations to the General Assembly on appropriate standards for the sale and possession of hypodermic needles and syringes and report to the General Assembly December 1, 2002."

"And is there a... is there a reason for December of 2002, so that we can prepare legislation in the Gen... in the next Session of the General Assembly?"

"I think that this was just a date that everyone thought they could have within this General Assembly something to work off of."

"So, we're going to have two meetings, did you say, two meetings?"

"Right, right."

"One upstate, one downstate."

"Right."

"They're not being compensated, but will their expenses be covered?"

"Right."

"Will they have travel? Will they stay overnight?"

"I don't think so." 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"I'm just trying to get... at this time, you know, we're... our money is so short, I just want to make sure that we're not spending an awful lot of money. I mean, this is a worthwhile... I mean, it's a controversial issue, Representative, as you well know. But I would be interested in the report. But I just don't want to have a lot of expenses to the taxpayers."

"I am sure that due diligence will be exercised to keep the cost to a minimum for the exact reasons you just mentioned."

"When the meeting... when the report's presented, will then this commission be terminated?"

"They probably will."

"That's your intent, Representative, that it terminates at that time? And by the way, you did mention... okay."

"The charge of the commission as you can read in the Resolution, Representative Parke, is to submit a report of its recommendations to the General Assembly."

"Does that mean, each Member will get a copy or only to the Leaders?"

"I'm... I would imagine that there will be one report. So, I think essentially, what would... there are no Legislators on this commission. This is strictly health care..., allied health care professionals. And I believe that if a final report is submitted, it is not likely that the commission will continue to operate, unless this Resolution is amended or another one is filed."

"Do you envision this report to be kind of a in-depth? Will it be 25 pages, 30 pages or... I mean, I'm gonna tell ya, I guess, let me say this another way. Is there... if you're only gonna get one report, maybe to the Speaker, is there a way that Members can access it? Can it be put on 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 the Internet, so that we can access it and read the report ourselves? Because, I... if we're going to do this, I want to see what the results are. I mean, I'd like to see what it is, too."

"Representative Parke, I'm not sure if it's going to be posted on the Internet but it's going to be, of course, a report that all of us who have been looking at this issue for quite some time, will have an opportunity to take a look at the recommendations from people from all corners of the debate."

"Well, I appreciate that, but how do I... how does some Members on my side of the aisle, who may not have expressed a direct interest in this issue to you but may want to consider it for their own legislation in the Spring Session, based on this report, how do we get it?"

"It's open... everybody can attend these meetings."

"Well, you know, I don't think that's good enough, Representative. If this is to be given to the Members of the General Assembly then every Member should get it, both House and Senate."

"Hold on. Mr. Speaker, could we have some order in this chamber. I cannot hear what Representative Parke is saying."

"The Clerk for an announcement."

"Again, I..."

"The Rules Committee..."

"Mr. Parke..."

"... will meet immediately..."

"... just one second."

"...in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room." 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"Okay. Mr. Hartke in the Chair and Mr. Parke."

"Thank you. Just... what I would like to see is all Members to receive a copy of it, unless... unless it's, unless it's a book."

"I will take note of that, Representative Parke."

"Thank you."

"If it is a book, we'll make sure that it is posted on a website somewhere."

"All right. Good. Thank you. If you'd let us know where it is, we'd appreciate it. Thank you."

"Further discussion on the Resolution? The Chair recognizes Representative Black."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor indicates that she will yield."

"Representative, the primary proponent behind this Resolution is the Coalition for Responsible Syringe Policy. How long has that been around?"

"I believe approximately two or three years."

"Two or three years, not two or three months."

"No."

"Oh, okay. This Resolution is in response to a Bill that is always controversial, that simply says, I think was a year or two ago, where I debated this Bill. And somebody comes in and says I want 10 needles, 10 syringes, okay fine, that's... sure you can have it. There was no exchange. There was no requirement that they bring in a Sharps Container with 10 used needles, which was my concern because in my area, sometimes we find these needles and syringes just tossed out of the car along the roadside. And I have some real problems with that. But this Resolution, as I understand it, is to study this issue and 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 then would make recommendations that the General Assembly will act on. The Resolution has no force of law."

"Correct."

"Whatever this recommendation is, will still have to come back here for debate and hearing before it, in fact, becomes law, correct?"

"That is correct."

"Okay. Fine. Thank you very much."

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

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"

"The Lady will yield."

"Representative Feigenholtz, once again, would you tell me the purpose of this Resolution? Because I heard you mention something about AIDS prevention and needles. So, can you tell me again?"

"You want me to tell the purpose of the re..."

"Yes."

"...what the Resolution calls for, Representative..."

"Yes."

"...once again."

"Yes."

"The purpose of Senate Joint Resolution 58 is to create a commission on medical instruments that is going to be charged with conducting a review of the availability of sterile syringes in nonmedical settings for purposes of public health promotion, prevention of HIV, and hepatitis and other blood born diseases. The commission, as you can see, is comprised of a large group of allied health care workers, people involved in the disposal of biological waste, pediatricians, retail merchants, pharmacists, et 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 cetera, so that they can all sit down and work on data and information and answer questions from pe... a lot of questions that you have. All concerns that you have that might address this issue."

"Well, my concern, I don't know if this commission could really address my concern because what I want is not necessarily for people to be able to get needles anytime that they feel like it. Because my concern is how they will dispose of those needles."

"There are and I... and that is what the commission is going to address."

"Well, if... we don't need a commission for that. Because in the ladies' washroom here, I know, that they know what to do all ready because there's a little red box for those types of instruments. So, if that little red box is important enough to be here for our protection, surely the needles on the streets, there must be a place for them. But, but my biggest concern is that you mentioned that the concern and the prevention of HIV and hepatitis and other, but I recall just a few weeks ago we had the Public Health Bill on the floor that would have given over $3 million for the prevention of HIV in the minority community. You voted 'no'."

"No, I did not vote 'no'. That is inaccurate."

"You didn't vote 'no'. Okay, I thought that you voted 'no' and I want you to accept my apology publicly, if I'm in error. But I'm almost positive..."

"Representative Flowers, the day I vote 'no' for HIV funding in any community..."

"Did you vote against the Public Health Budget?"

"No, Ma'am. I voted for it."

"Okay. Well, I want you to publicly accept my apology, 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 if I'm in error in regards to that matter. Because I could not imagine you wanting to pass a Resolution for distributing needles and not dealing with the prevention."

"No, I am very committed to prevention, that's why I am committed to this issue."

"Thank you very much."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes another Lady from Cook, Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor indicates that she will yield." Davis, M.: "Representative Feigenholtz, would you list again those members who will be on that commission?"

"Certainly, I will. The Allied Waste Industries which, of course, will address the issue of disposal. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Cook County Department of Public Health, the Cook County State's Attorneys Office, the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatricians, Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Family Institute, the Illinois Nurses Association, the Illinois Pharmacists Association, the Illinois Public Health Association, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, and the Illinois State Medical Society." Davis, M.: "Representative, isn't it true that some of these organizations have already established a belief that there should be needle give-aways in particular communities in the City of Chicago or other urban areas in our state? I mean, they're not studying, they already have a focus on this is what they would like to have done."

"Representative, there are members on the commission who have not taken a position either way on this issue. And the commission is not about legislation. The 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 commission is about discussion and recommendation based on their interest in syringe availability, whether it be..." Davis, M.: "Representative, are you familiar or did you know that the City of Peoria recently rejected needles in their community being given away? And do you believe that local governments should maintain that control in their communities, whether they have needle exchange or needle give-away programs?"

"Representative Monique Davis, this is not a Resolution about giving away needles, at all. This is a Resolution about a commission that is going to hopefully file a report." Davis, M.: "A report on?"

"And I am not that familiar with what happened in Peoria, but this is not about giving needles away." Davis, M.: "What... it's about doing what with the needles?"

"This is a Bill (sic-Resolution) about a commission that's going to file a report." Davis, M.: "On what?"

"Do you want me to read the intent again?" Davis, M.: "Yes, yes, thank you."

"The commission will be charged with reviewing all scientific literature pertaining to home health care, syringe availability, disease prevention in order to make its recommendations." Davis, M.: "So, syringe availability and the objective is to see if syringes are available to what group or population are we talking about, Representative?"

"Representative Monique Davis, this is a... this is not a Bill. May I remind you that this is not a force of law. This commission is merely going to be charged with studying and submitting a report." 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Davis, M.: "Representative, if the Federal Government is not doing this, the Federal Government is not making a decision about the availability of needles, why are we doing this? Or why would you try to do this in the State of Illinois?"

"First of all, I really don't want to speak to the underlying issue and get tied into a debate about whether syringes should or shouldn't be available. But I believe what you're referring to is a needle exchange program. The Bill that this House voted on two years ago was not about a needle exchange program. It was a free market Bill about whether we as a state must require a prescription to purchase syringes. Right now, Illinois is one of five states who does this, so please..." Davis, M.: "Who does... we're one of five states who do what?"

"We're one of five states who still requires a prescription for sterile syringes, but which means 45 states in the Union do not. But that's not the basis of this Resolution. The basis of this Resolution is to form a commission from a myriad of communities, some who are supportive, some who are concerned, some who want to address the issue of disposal, et cetera, to formulate a report. This is not pushing any law. This is simply a commission." Davis, M.: "Representative, commissions cost dollars. Representative, commissions cost dollars. I know you have stated that they will not be paid. The question is, will they be given dollars for the days in which they meet? Will they have to rent space to meet? What will the cost to the State of Illinois be for this new commission, this addition to government?"

"I already answered that question, Representative Davis, there will be no cost to this. Perhaps, some... a 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 little bit of travel expenses." Davis, M.: "Travel expenses? Travel, Representative, when we're already talking about taking travel away from existing agencies?"

"To the meeting in Chicago and the meeting in Springfield." Davis, M.: "To the Bill (sic-Resolution), Mr. Speaker."

"To the Resolution." Davis, M.: "To the Resolution. First of all, I think this Body has debated needle exchange, needle give-away, needle disposal, proposals by this Representative before. It is very knowledgeable in our state and in our country that heroin is again on the rise. Heroin is making its creepy way back into our college campuses, back into our urban areas. And in order to use that heroin so that it becomes as addictive as it was in the past, one needs syringes. When we claim to want to protect a vulnerable population from AIDS and HIV, we put an even larger vulnerable group in jeopardy. Because they will be exposed to harmfully discarded needles by people who perhaps have not even read what they should be looking at in reference to discarding. Now, I know the claim is that this is a commission, a commission who will only get travel dollars out of a state whose budget is double broke. A commission, who'll get travel when we're removing travel from existing agencies with a proven track record for service to this state. A commission who, most of those involved, have a mind already made up in reference to needles in this state. I represent an area in the City of Chicago that experienced a heroin epidemic about 20 or 30 years ago. I represent an area in which needles were found discarded in the street. Today, if a child or a dog picks up that needle, he or she could 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 be subject to death and AIDS and AIDS, merely because we claim we want to protect a vulnerable population from HIV. What about the innocent who don't have an opportunity to even engage in any behaviors that would bring that about? All they did was find some curiosity about something lying in the street. I don't trust an appointed commission to decide for my community, whether we should have needles and how they should be disposed of in my neighborhood. I believe local governments should maintain that control. This commission will give us a report. And then we'll be basing legislation based upon the results of that commission's report. Those who sell needles would be interested in selling them. Those who are pushing heroin would be making sure the people who need them will get them. Our budget is already broke. Let's not add to any commission or any travel for them, which will eventually grow, because then they'll say, 'now, we need money to do thus... this and that.' It won't end with travel, that's just the beginning. We need no new government agencies in the State of Illinois. The budget is broke. Thank you. Vote 'no'."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Miller, the Gentleman from Chicago... Cook."

"Will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor will yield."

"Representative, is this Resolution and the task force just simply to try to further address the AIDS epidemic in Illinois?"

"It is."

"Are there any other states that do have a task force similar to this?"

"You know what, I really don't know if there are 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 task forces in other states. It's probably working in the five states that still have onerous laws about syringe availability."

"Does... what's the... do you know the increased... increasing population of AIDS cases in Illinois or what demographics are there?"

"Representative, one out of every two new HIV infections would... are resulted from injection drug use. And an estimated 3.9 million Americans have hepatitis C, making this..."

"Okay. Racially, what is that? What I hear is that there have been increases in African-American women with AIDS due to men having sex with men. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Would that be the considered... one of the biggest populations that have increased over the past years?"

"I believe so."

"Okay. And this commission would be simply to try to help understand that not only are the increases in African-American and other women, it's because of their spouse or partner being IV users?"

"Correct."

"And you feel that this commission would help address that problem?"

"That's right. We're just looking for all the parties to sit down and discuss this issue and submit a report to the General Assembly, Representative. As you know, this is a very, very difficult issue. And I believe that it warrants a report to allay fears and to dispel myths and actually formulate some kind of a comprehensive conclusion as to where we should be heading or where..." 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"I don't want to belabor the point, but when you said alleve (sic-allay) fears, is it similar to the fears when AIDS first became prevalent in our society, meaning you couldn't eat off of the plate from an AIDS patient, or a person with AIDS, or you couldn't touch an AIDS... or use the same toilet as an AIDS person? Is this the kind of fears that you're trying to alleviate? Now, we know from scientific research and from information and from these groups that AIDS is not contracted by... from these methods?"

"Somewhat."

"Okay."

"As they pertain to sterile syringe availability."

"Okay. And there's been some discussion it sounds like before that in other states there is some type of syringe legislation that does affect the cases in AIDS. The number of cases in AIDS in those particular states."

"Correct."

"Okay. To the Resolution."

"To the Resolution."

"I stand in strong support of this Resolution. Just simply from some of the comments that the Representative had made earlier and from answering some questions that I've... that she just answered. We've gone a long way with AIDS and the prevention of HIV and AIDS in understanding the disease much further. As we know, that there's a serious population that is exposed to AIDS unwill... unknowingly based on their partners being IV drug users and other things. And so, when we start to look at trying to decrease the numbers, we have to try to prevent the spread of AIDS. And what this task force is simply trying to do is it's trying to address this problem in a more 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 comprehensive manner. I understand there is some concerns about needle exchange, that's true. But at least let's address this problem, because if we don't address the problem, when other drugs of choice become more popular and those who use those drugs do have the propensity of passing AIDS, too, by using hypodermic needles. And so, if we don't address this now, it will become more costly in the future. And I would like to commend the Sponsor and would like to urge everybody to support House (sic-Senate) Resolution 58. Thank you."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Peoria, Representative Leitch."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"

"The Lady will yield."

"Representative, I'm curious as to what standards are to be explored in connection with this Resolution?"

"You mean, what would the commission be charged with... looking at, what kind of data? Is that... I'm not sure I understand your question."

"Well, according to this, it says the commission would recommend appropriate standards for the sale and possession of hypodermic needles and syringes. I'm curious as..."

"I would imagine, Representative Leitch, that what the commission will be charged with doing is taking a look at data that has been put forth on this issue and this matter from the Center for Disease Control, which as you know, supports syringe availability. I think..."

"What is the standard now, I guess would be..."

"In 45 states... 45 states in this country do not require a prescription to purchase sterile syringes. I think that the five states that have been hesitant to implement the same law have had questions around increase 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 in drug use, beginning drug use, and disposal. Those have historically been the three points that have been contentious in the debate in Illinois and probably in the other four states that do not yet have it. The empirical data that has been put forth by states who have implemented or removed the need for a prescription is probably going to be on the table. And I believe that some of the people from the Allied Waste Industries are going to be discussing, along with law enforcement who also has some issues with this, to be taking a look at what the standard is around the country."

"What, I guess my question, though, is what is the present standard in Illinois? Who is entitled to possess or purchase needles, presently?"

"People who have a prescription from their physician to purchase syringes."

"Because one of the... one of the issues recently in our community, which created a tremendous amount of consternation was the weekly appearance of the 'needle lady', who has been arriving in southside neighborhoods on a regular basis and distributing needles from her car. Supposedly, from a grant through, I believe, the health department in Moline. So, it is with more than casual interest that I'm curious how in the world, what are we doing presently? How can this individual just show up in these neighborhoods and start on a routine basis distributing needles in the absence of legal authority or direction from the General Assembly? It seems to me... this has been a very, very upsetting issue because it has been extremely upsetting to the residents because her weekly arrival has become a magnet..."

"Representative... I..." 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"...for addicts from all over the area to show up in their neighborhood, throw away old needles, get new needles. And I think that the... I just, it just causes all of us to wonder what in the world's going on now. And what it is you're proposing to do with this?"

"Right. Right. Well, first of all, let's, let's understand that the reason we're forming this commission is to answer the kinds of questions that you and the community that you represent have."

"See, I just... I just can't imagine by what authority someone in our government is already sending out these couriers with purposes of exchanging them, not going through a hospital, not going through a clinic, not going through some community-based organization. They're just showing up in the neighborhoods throughout the state, passing out needles. And for that reason, I am very, very concerned about the subject and I know colleagues in our area are, as well. And..."

"Well, Representative, one thing that I..."

"... I want very much to see that matter brought to bear, to find and certainly surface for some sunshine."

"Well, that's exactly what we're trying to do with this commission, Representative. And I think that there is, ya know, instead of just scratching our heads and trying to figure out how to deal with responsible syringe policy and at the same time do the best that we can to try to... to deal with the issue of HIV transmission that this..."

"We're all concerned about that. One final question, is this occurring in the city, as well? Is this occurring where public health officials are just going into neighborhoods and distributing needles, not going through 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 clinics, not going through community-based providers, but just having regular street appointments, neighborhood appointments, and pass out needles? Is that occurring in Chicago today?"

"The way you describe it, not that I know of. You said not through community-based organizations. Did you say 'not'?"

"No, just showing up in the neighborhoods, from the back of a car, passing out free needles."

"From the back of a car? I've never seen that."

"But see, that is what is occurring in our neighborhood. And I can't imagine what in the world is going on if that is also... and I would frankly be surprised if it is not occurring in Chicago neighborhoods. Because typically, these practices originate in inner-city neighborhoods before they show up in inner-city downstate communities. And I just really think we have something that needs to be brought under some measure of control. Because..."

"And I think..."

"...it is very destructive to these neighborhoods who are trying to rebuild, to have someone show up like the 'needle lady' and bring all these addicts into their neighborhoods."

"I appreciate your comments, Representative, and again, I assure you that I know that this issue is very complex and that what we should do is to take a look at a myriad of complications and address these issues with this commission."

"Thank you."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Johnson."

"Sponsor yield?" 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"The Sponsor will yield."

"Representative, I appreciate what you're trying to do here and we've, of course, had numerous Bills over the ten years that I've been here, more than one, I think, two or three Bills. And we've had a lot of discussions concerning needles, needles exchanges, et cetera. I'm not going to repeat questions that have been asked by the prior Representatives in here, but I guess I have just one basic one. Why do we need to form a task force to come back here with a report when, in fact, we have a Health Committee that could just be holding subject matter hearings all summer and any of these interested parties could be coming in, as they have in the past, and giving us the information? Why is it that we need to set up a special task force with only select members which, I would submit, the bulk of which have a vested interest in an outcome already? Why would not... we just ask everybody to come before the Health Committee and have subject matter hearings over the summer and avoid a task force? Because again, the policy as I understand it in here, because I've asked for a couple of task forces, is that we're not interested in setting up more task forces. Let's use our standing committees. That's what they're there for. They have staff. They have Members. And anybody can come in and testify. They can give all the data. And we already have staff for those committees."

"Would you like an answer to that?"

"Yes."

"Okay. First of all..."

"Short question, Representative..."

"This is not a task force. It's a commission."

"Well, that's even worse." 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"And second of all, there, I hate to differ with you, but there are people who are on the list of this commission who had major issues and do not have a vested interest. I'm not sure how you define that."

"I'm saying the majority. Because I have reports from virtually everyone of these members from our previous Bills in terms of their positions. In fact, I have a file with just stacks of reports from them. And in fact, they all lobbied me, as they lobbied most of us. Now, why can't we just have a standing committee do hearings only?"

"As you can see, Representative Johnson, this sets... this Resolution began in the Senate."

"Okay. What does that mean?"

"Well, what it basically means is perhaps the Senate would feel a little bit more comfortable with the subject matter once it had a final report delivered to them. And I would submit to them that they may not be a bad idea. And if that's what they want, that's what we should do. Because I think the issue of HIV and transmission of HIV is very serious and should not get caught up in politics, which is why there are no Members of the Illinois General Assembly on this commission. It is strictly a group of allied health professionals, people who deal with the issues of disposal, that are involved in this commission. It is not a law. This does not change the law, Representative Johnson. This is simply a Resolution to establish a commission. Let's not confuse things here."

"Well, Representative, I resent the implication that if this Body, through its standing committees, turns everything into a political show, I don't think that that's the case when we do subject matter. I have a lot more respect for our committees than that. And I've been told 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 by your side of the aisle, who is in control of this chamber, that we are not to set up new commissions. And now when we're in a budget crisis to turn around and staff a new commission, when we have a standing committee and anybody who has an interest in this issue could come before it which they have in the past, it just seems to me that this is superfluous. And to the Resolution. Mr. Speaker, when the time comes, I would request a Roll Call vote on this. Mr. Speaker, I would request a Roll Call vote on this, when and if the time comes."

Speaker Hartke: "Your wish will be granted. The Chair recognizes, Representative Stephens, the Gentleman from Madison."

"Excuse me, Mr. Speaker. The... to the Resolution."

"To the Resolution."

"I hope that everybody's paying attention to the debate here today. I know, that a lot of times we think we're dealing with serious issues and we might be paying attention. I hope there's nobody on the House Floor who thinks that issues like this don't affect their family. If you were operating under that that misinformation, that this is always about somebody else's neighborhood. Well, I used to, I used to think like that on occasion. But you know, a lot of problems come right to home. I want to salute and applaud Representative Feigenholtz for her courage, for her dogged determination to deal with a issue that is surrounded by controversy, very hard to argue the point and go back and say look. Because we... some people demagogue issues like this. And it's very hard for a candidate to continue to go out with a story, a plan that is so important to her and yet raises controversy in your district. Representative, you know, we've sat and talked. 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 We've even cried on each other's shoulder. Because we know, we have learned the hard way that drugs are an abomination. They can sneak up on any family, no one is excused. Wherever you stand on the issue of needle exchange programs, don't make the mistake that I once made, which was to judge someone on the other side of the issue as being less worthy and their arguments less worthy. Representative Feigenholtz knows what she's talking about. This issue touches all of us. We disagree. But I wish that every time I stood in support of an issue that I was as determined, as honest, and as forthright as Representative Feigenholtz. The issue of the commission creating... created by this Resolution, we can differ on whether we think that's a good idea or a bad idea. I won't belabor the fact. I do not support it. But when you vote on this Resolution, you're not making a mistake if you vote 'yes', and you're not making a mistake if you vote 'no' if you understand this. And please, I beg you. Understand that your family and my family are real close to this issue. We all... I know I need to remember that. So, Representative Feigenholtz, I think I'm going to vote 'present' because it's a polite 'no'. I really do admire you."

Speaker Hartke: "Further discussion? Chair recognizes Representative Osmond."

"Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield for questions?"

"Sponsor indicates that she will yield."

"Sara, the only comments I have, I'm proud to be a cosponsor to this Bill. I've been involved in providing emergency medicine to our communities for the past 26 years. I view this whole topic of disease spreading, whether it be hepatitis or AIDS as a health crisis. And I 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 think that whether it's a commission, or whether it's a health committee, whether it's a task force, we need to continue to look at the best ways to provide safety to our emergency medical providers in our communities. I would hope that my colleagues would not be afraid of a group that would explore different options and ideas. If you look at the members that's being proposed on the committee, (sic-commission) it's pretty difficult. You've got physicians. You've got the State's Attorneys Office. You've got the State Police. You know, these are not particularly radical groups. I think we're getting in some pretty sound ideas out of it. The only thing I might suggest on it, is that one of our colleagues had mentioned something like the Diabetes Foundation and having a Representative there or certainly be invited to the commission hearings so that we can get some ideas from their perspective. I would hope that my Members would want to find better ways of disease prevention and that they would support this Resolution. And I ask for a 'yes' support on this Resolution."

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

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the previous question."

Speaker Hartke: "Mr. Scully, there are two speakers left and if they would be brief, I'd like to ignore your response. The Chair recognizes Representative McKeon."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."

"To the Resolution."

"The Resolution, rather. I've been sitting here debating whether I wanted to speak on this topic or not because my colleague, Representative Feigenholtz, has done such a stellar job over the years. But as a person living with 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 HIV and AIDS, I have over the years being a long-term survivor, been able to spend a considerable amount of time in pediatric AIDS units, in shelters for people living with AIDS from all over this state. And even recently here in Springfield, working with a young man, an addict, who is in the final stages of AIDS, who grew up and lived here in this great city and never had the supports that he needed to stay free and clean and sober from his IV drug use and spreading this deadly infection. I've heard some rather specious arguments, mostly based out of lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown. But as this very proposal that is attempting to address some of those fears from disposal, to needle sharing, to the many issues that have been raised on this floor that could help educate us. I think one of the most difficult tasks that I have as a Member of this Body is to remain teachable. And I have some strong feelings about the substance of this Bill (sic-Resolution). But the issues raised by others about disposal, acquisition, authorization, impacts on the community, are all very important issues to be discussed. This commission attempts to discuss those issues and to help educate us, who will obviously make the final decision in this matter. Now, let me speak specifically to some of the rather sloppy economics that I've heard on the floor today. If you come with me to Children's Memorial Hospital to their pediatric AIDS unit, and see one child, one child born to a woman who had sex with an IV drug user or who was an IV drug user, and when you look at those hospital bills and those expenses incurred by that one child, which is either three or four times the cost of this commission to produce its report. If we could prevent that one child, that one mother, that one son, brother, aunt, or uncle from 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 acquiring HIV or hepatitis C or any other life-threatening disease the investment will be well worth it. The cost for that one child is easily two to three quarter... three or four times what this commission would cost the taxpayers of this state. And if we could get one recommendation that might alleviate that hospitalization, alleviate that death, the investment will be well worth it. Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge you to vote 'aye'."

"Final speaker, Representative Mulligan."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also, was hesitant to get up and speak to this. I, too, respect Representative Feigenholtz for her determination to get this passed. Many times, as Legislators, we allow what may be a mail piece rather than a heartfelt conviction not to vote on something that is sound public health policy. Representative Feigenholtz and other Members of this Body before her, Representative Currie, any number of people have worked on this issue. It's been backed up by sound medical professionals, and it certainly is an issue that many people have been afraid to support in the past. Some people have heartfelt convictions, others are just fearful. I think what she's doing here is she's putting forth a sound idea to go ahead and have someone study the issue and come back to us with more things that we can backup convictions of what we think are sound public health policy. The other thing the board does not reflect is that the Senate Sponsor of this Bill is Senator Rauschenberger, or this Resolution, is Senator Rauschenberger, who is the Chair of Appropriations. And I think anyone that sits on Appropriations Committees and hears what goes around with both the costs that Representative McKeon spoke so eloquently about and the issues of increased AIDS 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 infection, which definitely go back to being infected by needle users, would think that this commission is just a minor thing that would help us lend some good sound advice to what have been good public policy that we probably should have voted out of here any number of times. I urge an 'aye' vote on this. I'm sorry that some Members feel compelled to hang people out on a Roll Call vote. But I think that we ought to do this. I think we ought to have a commission and we ought to backup what we've been trying to do with some good sound public health policy and some recommendations. And once again, I commend Representative Feigenholtz for doing this."

"Representative Feigenholtz to close."

"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This debate has been very interesting. And I want to remind everybody that they're not voting on a Bill (sic-Resolution) that's going to change syringe policy in the State of Illinois. What they are doing, is they are voting on a study from the creation of a commission to take a look at this issue and make recommendations and report to us. We deserve that report. As Representative Mulligan mentioned, Senator Rauschenberger who is the Appropriations Chairman, knows what HIV, AIDS treatment costs in the State of Illinois. And we are grappling with serious budget problems. And he is somebody who takes a look at prevention and policy measures very seriously and how much less they cost. The General Assembly deserves this Resolution. They deserve this report, to work hard and take a close look, no matter what the recommendations come out as about what direction we should go. And for that reason, it passed out the Senate with 57 'aye' votes. Please, support this Resolution. I encourage you to vote 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 'aye'."

"The question is, 'Shall the House adopt Senate Joint Resolution 58?' All those in favor of the Resolution will vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Feigenholtz, would you like to vote on this Resolution? Mr. Clerk, take the record. The question on this Resolution, there are 75 Members voting 'yes', 35 Members voting 'no', 2 Members voting 'present'. And the House does adopt Senate Joint Resolution 58. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."

Clerk Bolin: "Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on May 9, 2002, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'direct floor consideration' for House Resolution 776. Supplemental Calendar #2 is being distributed."

"Representative Mendoza, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"I rise on a point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"State your point."

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'd like to draw your attention to some visitors in the gallery up here and right behind me. They are... I'm going to make special mention of some children: Noeh Mendran, Enrique Zavalsa, Pedro Garcia, Rueben Vasquez, and Rosalva Perez. All of these children are here as they will be going to many different Legislatures as well as Washington to talk about an issue that's very near and dear to me which is the transplantation of life sav... life-saving transplantation to children who are undocumented, of organs. They represent the LOTI organization which is the Latino Organ 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Transplant Initiative and I was hoping we could all give them a big round of applause and welcome them with... with... the due welcome that I know we're capable of. Thank you very much."

Speaker Hartke: "On page 5 on the Calendar, on Senate Bills-Second Reading appears Senate Bill 1622. Representative Saviano. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 1622, a Bill for an Act creating the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Saviano, has been approved for consideration."

"Representative Saviano on Floor Amendment #2."

"Mr. Speaker, inquiry of the Chair."

"State your inquiry."

"Were we supposed to table Amendment #1? I have filed a Motion..."

"Table Amendment #2..."

"I made a Motion to Table Amendment #1."

"Please make your Motion to Table."

"I would ask that Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1622 be tabled, please."

Speaker Hartke: "You've heard the Gentleman's Motion to Table Amendment #1. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. Amendment #1 is tabled. Further Amendments?"

Clerk Bolin: "Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Saviano, has been approved for consideration."

"Representative Saviano."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1622 becomes the Bill. This is the Fire Sprinkler Contractor's Licensing Act. We've been 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 working with the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, the Local 130, the Plumber's Union, the City of Chicago, the Illinois Homebuilders. And this is a culmination of probably two years worth of work to come up with a piece of legislation that everybody's agreeable with. And I would ask that Floor Amendment #2 be adopted to Senate Bill 1622."

Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Seeing no one is seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House adopt Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1622?' 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. Further Amendments?"

"No further Amendments."

Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. On page 6 on the Calendar appears Senate Bill 1690. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Senate Bill 1690, a Bill for an Act in relation to professional regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."

Speaker Hartke: "Third Reading. On Supplemental Calendar #2 appears House Resolution 776. Representative Dart. Mr. Clerk."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House."

"Mr. Dart."

"I move to adopt House Resolution 776. What this would do is it would recognize May 10 as Mother in Prison, Children in Crisis Day. We have done this before and it's an attempt to bring focus to the explosion in our prison population, the females and the problems it's caused for the children as well. And I'd appreciate your support."

Speaker Hartke: "Is there any discussion? Being none, the 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 question is, 'Shall the House adopt House Resolution 776?' All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Whiteside, Mr. Mitchell. For what reason do you seek recognition?" Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."

"State your point." Mitchell, J.: "Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I have four young people from Dixon High School: Hayley Westart, Ryan Mackey, Paul Slezak, and Megan Renne, all from the great hometown of former President Ronald Reagan. They're all here paging on the Republican side today along with their sponsor, Diane Westart, who's up in the gallery. Please give 'em a warm House welcome. Thank you."

"Thank you. Welcome to the House. The Chair recognizes Representative Bellock. For what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have filed a Motion to Discharge House Resolution 659. And I move to suspend the House Rule 58, so that the Motion to Discharge can be heard immediately."

"You've heard the Lady's Motion. All those in favor signify by... Representative Bellock, would you restate your Motion?"

"Should I restate it? I have filed a Motion to Discharge House Resolution 16... 659 and I move to suspend the House Rule 58, so that the Motion to Discharge can be heard immediately."

"This Motion is to discharge from committee? But the Motion is to suspend the House Rules so it can be 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 heard. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Motion carries. Representative Bellock, now on the Motion to Discharge."

"I make a Motion to Discharge."

Speaker Hartke: "The Lady has moved to discharge from committee House Resolution 659. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Motion is adopted. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 659. The Chair recognizes Representative Howard."

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to move to suspend the posting requirements... requirement for House Resolution 638, so that it can be heard in the Computer Technology Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 14."

"Is there any discussion? Being none, with leave of the Body, the House does suspend... Is there leave? Leave is granted. Agreed Resolutions."

Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 880, offered by Representative Delgado; House Resolution 881, offered by Representative Schoenberg; House Resolution 882, offered by Representative Crotty; House Resolution 883, offered by Representative Crotty; House Resolution 886, offered by Representative Jonathan Wright; House Resolution 887, offered by Representative Steve Davis; and House Resolution 888, offered by Representative Kosel."

Speaker Hartke: "You've heard the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, the Adjournment Resolution."

Clerk Bolin: "Senate Joint Resolution #79 offered by 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 Representative Barbara Flynn Currie. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 79 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, May 9, 2002, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 13, 2002, at 4:00 p.m.; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 14, 2002; and the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at 2:00 p.m."

Speaker Hartke: "You've heard the General... the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Supplemental Calendar distribution... Supplemental Calendar 3. On Supplemental Calendar #3 appears House Resolution 659. Representative Bellock. To the Resolution, Representative Bellock."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This is House Resolution 659 and what this Resolution does is to ask that the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania be entered into NATO. We would send this Resolution on to the United States... to the Congress in support of those states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania being entered into NATO. I would appreciate your support. There is over 200 thousand Lithuanians that live in the State of Illinois and over a million who live in the United States and they are all in support of this."

"You've heard the Resolution. Any discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Rutherford, the Gentleman from Livingston."

"Will the Sponsor yield?" 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002

"The Sponsor will yield."

"What language do they speak in Estonia?"

"Lithuanian."

"In Estonia?"

"I don't know. I've never been there, Rep..."

"What language do they speak in Latvia?"

"Latvian."

"I would encourage support of this Resolution."

"The Chair recognizes Representative Lang."

"I'd like to say that the previous Representative asked my questions, but I didn't understand his questions. Would the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor will yield."

"Representative, some of us don't know the background on why you want to do this. Have they applied for admission into NATO?"

"Yes, in 1994 and they've been trying to get support from the United States. And so that's why there's a large Lithuanian World Center in Lemont and some of the people from that area asked me if I would bring this Resolution. The Senate has passed a similar Resolution and they are having a Conference of Eastern European and Central European Countries in Washington next week and the ambassador is there and they wanted to present him this Resolution from the State of Illinois."

"What is the policy of the Bush Administration on this issue?"

"I'm not really familiar with that."

"What was the policy of the Clinton Administration on this issue?"

"I think that they were in support judging from the information that I have, but they still haven't been let 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 in."

"And so they applied eight years ago for admission into NATO. What has NATO said? Have they said 'no'? Are they having, you know, like summer hearings on it? What status is the application in?"

"They have had support, but they still have not been let in. And they said that asking the different... asking the different states to send in Resolutions in support they felt would help them with the NATO organization recognizing them."

"But why hasn't NATO recognized them? I think we need to know what has delayed the application. Is there some reason? Will it cost NATO and the United States hundreds of millions of dollars to defend these countries and get nothing in return? I'm not necessarily opposed to your Resolution. I just don't know enough background. You're not giving me enough information to determine whether I would want to ask NATO to allow these countries to be members."

"I just have information, in 1990, Lithuania regained its independence and each year it's taken great strides in becoming a political democracy and a free market economy. They... Lithuania applied for NATO membership on January 6, 1994. Its people strongly support Lithuania's participation in NATO. The United States are asking that Lithuania's admission into NATO for reasons of stability in Central Europe and mostly for... more of the reasons here are more on the Lithuanian... Lithuania will never represent any danger to Russia. Lithuanians, being a member of NATO, will increase the stability of the Russian borders. Americans support the Lithuania entry into NATO will further strengthen the United States position and 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 interest in the region and will help the United States foreign trade."

"Who said all those things? You?"

"This is from the Lithuanian American Community and the National Executive Committee. This was sent to me by the people that are part of the World Lithuanian Organization in Lemont."

"I'm not trying to delay passing a Resolution as we're about to adjourn. But I don't understand why... why it's taken NATO... Does it always take NATO eight years to determine whether a country's gonna be a member or not a member?"

"I don't know... I am not familiar with the policy of NATO."

"Well, all right. Maybe I'm the only one that has these questions, but I don't understand how we can possibly vote on a Resolution if we don't have the information. Thank you."

"Further discussion? Representative Bellock to close."

"Thank you very much. I just would appreciate your support on this being that we have 200 thousand Lithuanians who live in Illinois and are asking for us to support this. The Senate approved this unanimously and has already sent it on to Washington, D.C. And I would appreciate your support. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall the House adopt House Resolution 659?' All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, do you have anything further? Does any Member have an announcement? The Chair's preparing to adjourn. Seeing no 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 130th Legislative Day May 9, 2002 one is seeking recognition, Representative Currie now moves, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stand adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14." 49