“The House will come to order. Members will please be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Reverend Don Mason of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana in Urbana. Reverend Mason is the guest of Representative Naomi Jakobsson. Our guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and for the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Mason.”
“Let us pray. Thank You, God of the universe, for calling us into this place for the business of this day. Those of us who are Christian praise You for the gift of faith we have received in Jesus Christ. We praise You also for diverse faith among the peoples of this state and of our world. For You have bestowed Your grace that Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others may celebrate Your goodness, act upon Your truth, speak out for those without resources or power, and demonstrate Your righteousness. In this time of international crisis, we ask You, our only hope, our help in times of trouble, to show nations ways to work out differences so that people may agree and settle claims peacefully. Hold back those who are impulsive, lest desire for vengeance overwhelm our common welfare. Strengthen the will of those who work for justice and for peace. Make each State Representative in this room an agent of Your reconciliation and every staff person and assistant an ambassador of hope. Support our Senators, our Governor, and all the people of Illinois in that same way. In wonder and in awe we now approach our 09300027.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 task for this Session seeking Your guidance and blessing. Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Naomi Jakobsson.” Jakobsson – et al: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Speaker Hartke: “Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie, a report on the Democrat side.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have no excused absences to report today.”
“Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that all Republicans are here today.”
“Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 117 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present and we’re ready to do the business of the State of Illinois. Committee Reports.”
“Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 114, offered by Representative Mulligan. House Resolution 115, offered by Representative Ron Stephens. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee. House Joint Resolution 25, offered by Representative Currie. This Resolution is referred to the House Rules Committee. First Reading and Introduction of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 64, offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act in relation to public aid. Senate Bill 66, 09300027.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act concerning schools. Senate Bill 81, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning the judiciary. Senate Bill 83, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. First Reading of these Senate Bills.”
Speaker Hartke: “The Chair recognizes Representative Joe Lyons.” Lyons, J.: “As promised, Speaker, for the purpose of announcement, of course, is why I rise and why I was recognized. But the tradition lives on here. Last year we wonderfully celebrated the African-American Heritage Month and of course, the Irish never to be caught without having their own celebration, of course, we’re having St. Patrick’s Month, or at least the two weeks… the first couple weeks in March. So, we do… compliments of Harrington’s, the standard by which corned beef is measured in Illinois and the universe, 2 hundred sandwiches for Members. Please, enjoy and thank you Harrington’s for letting me do this for seven years running. Enjoy, everybody.”
“Thank you very much, Representative Lyons. We all will enjoy. The Chair would like to make an announcement. We are going to proceed today on Third Reading. We’re gonna be starting where we left off last Thursday. I would advise Members to be prepared to call their Bills and… be prepared. We’d like to move as many Bills as possible. On page 19 of the Calendar, on Third 09300027.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 Reading, appears House Bill 1178. Representative McGuire. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1178, a Bill for an Act concerning preventive services. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative McGuire.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the fact that you picked up where we left off last week. House Bill 1178 has been heard many times in this chamber, as long as I’ve been here. And it amends the Illinois Act on Aging by providing that the vendors of homemaker, chore and housekeeping services shall receive a rate increase of a dollar thirty-seven per hour. The Bill is to be effective July the 1st of this year. And I would try to answer any questions and would ask for your ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Parke. Please, be brief.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield.”
“Yes. Representative, how are you today? Nice to see you today.”
“Good morning, good morning…”
"Good morning.”
"… afternoon, Sir.”
“Now, this is a straightforward increase in the hourly rate. Isn’t that right?”
“Straightforward, is that what you said, increase in…”
“Yes.”
“Yes.” 09300027.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“And this is something that really is needed because the housekeeping services… they wanna increase it 73 percent. Is that right?”
“A dollar thirty-seven an hour, yes.”
“An hour… a dollar thirty-seven…
“Thirty-seven per hour.”
“… per hour. So, that’s a 73 percent raise, right?”
“I believe that’s correct, 73.”
“Representative, do you have any idea what the fiscal impact will be on our budget, if we were to pass this legislation?”
“I have a fiscal note here somewhere, if you could just hang on a second. Yes, I do have a fiscal note.”
“And what do they say?”
“It says for FY04 the gross cost estimate would be about 23.3 million, but the net cost estimate would be about 18.4 million.”
“Where… where do you think we’re gonna get this money, Representative?”
“I’m havin’ a little trouble hearing you with the noise in the chamber.”
“I said, where do you think we’re gonna get the money from? Where’s the money gonna come from to do this?”
“It is… it is our hope that the Governor would put it in his budget this year.”
“What if I told ya we’re not gonna have any growth in the budget this year? Does that make any difference?”
“Well, then I’d say we’re in tough shape.” 09300027.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Yes, we are.”
“But we’re… we’re hopeful.”
“We are in very tough shape.”
“We must be hopeful, Representative Parke.”
“Okay. To the Bill.”
“To the Bill.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, again, we have a Sponsor that has a legislation that’s… on the face of it is worthwhile. These are people that work to try and keep people in their home. I think that’s worthwhile to provide housekeeping in those homes. But the problem is that this year is probably the toughest year in our budget history in modern time. And we continue to put legislation out of this chamber that we absolutely have no money for. And I know it’s well intended and I know all of us have these kinds of Bills and I don’t fault the Sponsor for this. He’s… he’s doing something that he sees as a need. But we, as a Body… it’s time for us to start assuming some responsibility to say, this state is broke. We cannot continue to put all these Bills on the Governor’s desk, ‘cause that’s where they’re gonna end up, on the Governor’s desk. And he’s gonna have to veto ‘em because there’s no money to pay for these Bills. Now, I would ask that this kind of Bill not be presented in this year, that we need to hold a year. We gotta make tough decisions. We’re gonna be lucky if we can pay the bills of the current programs, let alone expanding the programs. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I would ask you to vote ‘present’. I think it’s the difficult Bill 09300027.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 to vote ‘no’ on because the underlying purpose is worthwhile. The Sponsor’s got a good idea. This is something that is absolutely a good idea, but we cannot pay for it. So, why do we keep passing legislation we cannot afford? And everyone of us is guilty of it. It’s not the Sponsor, it’s… I mean, I voted for this too. But I’m askin’ us to vote ‘present’ to simply say this year, above all your years, it’s time for us to hold the line, to not vote for legislation that’s gonna further impact a negative growth budget. Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully ask a ‘present’ vote on this legislation.”
Speaker Hartke: “Further discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Mulligan.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield.”
“Representative McGuire, wasn’t this raise promised last year and then left out of the budget?”
“The Bill was passed last year. I’m sorry about the other part. Did you say what?”
“Sorry. I thought that this was one of the issues that was left out of the budget last year at the end, was the raise for the home care workers.”
“I don’t quite recall, but…”
“I do, ‘cause I spoke to it.”
“You might have a better memory than I, so go ahead.”
“Also, do you know what the hourly rate at McDonald’s is, right now?” 09300027.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“I’m sorry, I can’t hear you with all the background noise.”
“Do you know what the hourly rate is at McDonald’s?”
“No. No, right offhand I don’t.”
“All right. And have you…”
“You have it?”
“… have you tried for a constituent to fill… if a constituent calls you to help them in finding a homecare worker, don’t you normally have a hard time finding someone because there aren’t enough people that are doing this work?”
“I’m sorry, Representative. I can’t hear ya. There’s too much…”
“Shhh.”
“Mr. Speaker, there’s no point in asking questions, if the Sponsor can neither hear nor he can answer. So, I don’t know what the point is of this. But either you fix the system… I’m not asking him to be adversarial, I’m asking him in support of his legislation. But if nobody can hear it and the Sponsor can’t hear it, we cannot carry on a debate.”
“Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Representative Morrow. Representative Morrow.”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. You know, there’s a saying that the late Mayor Harold Washington used to say, promises made, promises kept. We promised this increase to homecare workers over three years ago and we haven’t kept our promise. So, for 09300027.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 us… for some of my colleagues to say that we have no money, well, let me tell you something, Members of the General Assembly, we’re gonna have to cut a lot of programs. And you’ve been told, oh, there would not be no thing as Member Initiative and… and there won’t be add-ons, and there won’t be all that. I tell you what, I got some swampland to sell you in Springfield. Oh, there’s some swampland in Springfield, Representative Flowers. Because as… as we’re cuttin’ programs that are dear to our community, homecare workers are added necessity to our community. I have a godmother, right now, fightin’ with breast cancer that’s gonna need homecare service. My grandmother, who’s now in a nursing home, had homecare service. My mother who passed from… from lung and brain cancer, nine years ago, had homecare service. Homecare service is a needed asset in the working-class community and these people get not only their… to them this is not a just a job. Caring for someone that’s ill is more than a job, it’s something that they love to do. It’s something that they wanna do because they wanna serve. And for someone to sit up here and say we don’t have the money to take care of people that serve is ludicrous, especially when we can find $20 million for a dinosaur. Especially, when, in this budget, once we get the budget, oh, there’s gonna be a whole lot of incentives in this budget that’s gonna be presented August… April 9th. And I hope, Governor Blagojevich, if you’re listening, make this your incentive to find the money to fund House Bill 1178. I wanna see ‘green’ votes on this Bill. Thank you.” 09300027.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
Speaker Hartke: “Further discussion? Chair recognizes Representative Jefferson.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield.”
“First of all, I’d like to commend the Representative on this piece of legislation. I think it’s a good piece of legislation. These people are very much deserving. As we speak on… yesterday I was in one of the homes to observe what some of these people do, the homecare workers in the home. They allow these people to stay in their homes, independent livers, otherwise they would go to the nursing home. This program saves the states millions of dollars every year and we don’t pass any of that savings on to these workers. So, I stand in support of this Bill. I would ask everyone in the chamber to support this Bill. This is a good Bill. These people do a lot of good work to make sure that our senior citizens can live independently in their own homes. So, I would urge you to support this Bill. Thank you.”
Speaker Hartke: “Further discussion? Chair recognizes Representative Bassi. Representative Bassi.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I just wanna reiterate, in spite of my great respect for the Sponsor of this Bill, the cost tag is close to $24 million. There is no question, but… that our people deserve a raise. My concern this year is that we have yet to see the Governor’s budget. I don’t know where he has placed his priorities and I would urge a ‘present’ vote at this time 09300027.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 out of respect for the Sponsor and out of concerns about the cost tag. Thank you.”
“Further discussion? Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Not to belabor the point, I think it’s been made on both sides of the aisle. This is a good Bill. In a perfect world it would be a Bill that many of us would vote for. We all know what these people do. I have shadowed some of these people on their… on their rounds. I’ve gone out with them. I know the job they do, I know how difficult it is. My mother-in-law’s 90 years old. But the… what we’re up against, and I think why you see some resistance… not only the Members on our side of the aisle, but probably some on your side of the aisle. You’re asking us to vote for a Bill that literally puts the cart before the horse and the horse before the cart. You give us… you give us an idea of what it’s going to cost, $18 million or more. There is no budget before us and until this Governor delivers his budget address, I don’t know what his budget priorities will be. And until we get that budget, to vote for 18, 20 million, 30 million dollar spending Bills is irresponsible. My… my ‘present’ vote isn’t based on the merits of the Bill. I have voted for this Bill before. But the fact remains, those of you who continue to vote for spending Bills before we know the Governor’s spending priorities, are putting yourself in a position where you will be the ones that will have to pass the tax increase to pay for everything that you want. And 09300027.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 don’t think that the Governor’s staff won’t keep track of how many dollars you’re voting to spend. And then when he needs those dollars, he’s gonna come to you. I’ll make you this promise, Representative, if the Governor makes this a priority in his budget, if he identifies a funding source through either cuts or redirection of money, if the Governor will do that, I’ll vote for this Bill. But until he does, I cannot, in good conscience, vote for a spending Bill before I even have a plan on how we’re gonna spend the money.”
“Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I know it’s been said here many times today already. There are a lot of our Bills that are being presented from this House Floor this year that I believe in and I would support in any other year, but the problems still exist regardless of whether you… you believe it’s a $3 billion hole or the $5 billion hole. The hole is there and we’ve got to make some tough decisions to weight on this legislation. And a lot of people will say, well, why don’t you have a vision. Why don’t you look up toward the future on what we can provide? And that’s fine. I believe a vision is important, but I think it’s very important also… and I don’t know how many people have ever read any writings from C.S. Lewis, but one of his famous quotes is that a vision is important, but that vision is important… but to a man walking along a path on a mountain slope in the middle of the night, the vision three foot in front him quite often is more important than the vision on 09300027.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 the horizon. Therefore, I think, that a ‘present’ vote would be appropriate at this time, so we could come back later when we can look into the future and we can work with these items like this. Support the idea, yes. But right now, there’s no… no funding stream, we don’t know where the Governor’s at on this. And I would encourage a ‘present’ vote.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative McGuire to close.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“Shhh.”
“I appreciate the comments from both sides of the aisle, particularly those who are in support of the Bill. But I’d… I’d like to remind you that, as Representative Black said, we haven’t even seen the budget. The process here is we have deadlines. We don’t know what’s gonna be in the budget. If we pass Bills, they may get in the budget. If we don’t pass the Bill, it’s like the fella said, he didn’t vote for ya ‘cause ya never asked me. If we don’t pass these Bills and try to impress on the Governor that these are things that should be in the budget, I don’t think it stands a very good chance of being in the budget. I realize if it’s not in the budget, that’s life in the big city; we’ve gone through this before. But I see no problem with passing the Bill to remind the Governor that this is a priority of the Members of the House of Representatives. These people deserve the raise, 09300027.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 you all know that. And I would appreciate your ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
Speaker Hartke: “Representative Black, you have spoken in debate.”
“Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman… or Mr. Speaker. The Gentleman used my name in debate and I’d like to respond, if I could, since he did use my name in debate.”
“Briefly.”
“I will do my very best. Mr. Speaker, it’s somewhat disingenuous… and I have great respect for the Sponsor of this Bill. I have voted for these Bills in the past. Now, get your press releases ready, get your direct mail ready, do all the silly things that we do in politics, but the bottom line is this, the Sponsor of this Bill has been here long enough to know nothing ever dies here, deadline or no deadline. The closest thing you will ever see to eternal life on this planet is a Bill introduced in this chamber. He can come back in mid-April, late May, whenever we’re here and put this language in a Conference Committee Report, after we know the budget. He knows that. He’s been here as long as I have. I have great respect for the Sponsor, but don’t insult my intelligence by saying you vote for the $18 million today or it’s too late. That’s not true and we all know it.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1178?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 09300027.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 who wish? Representative Flowers. Representative Mathias. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 88 Members voting ‘yes’, 4 Members voting ‘no’, and 25 Members voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1179. Representative McGuire. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1179, a Bill for an Act concerning personal care attendants. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative McGuire.”
“Thank you, again, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1179 is a similar Bill. It amends the Disabled Persons Rehab Act and it increases the personal care attendants minimum hourly wage to $8 beginning July 1, 2003 and $9 beginning July 1, 2004. I would like to say that this is similar to the previous Bill. And I would be happy to answer any questions and appreciate your ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And just to repeat what we said… what I said a while ago. These are… these are fine ideas. In any other time we would support them, but a ‘present’ vote is encouraged because we do not have the Governor’s budget. We don’t know what his priorities are. As Representative Black spoke about, we can and we do have other options other than carrying this Bill right now without knowing what the Governor’s proposals and priorities are.” 09300027.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Further discussion? Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. These Bills are introduced at this time for the primary purpose… and I know the Sponsor is sincere. And once again, he can check the record, I voted for the last pay increase for these people, they are deserving of it. He has filed a Bill. At least I give him credit for that and I respect him for that. At least he has an appropriation Bill out there to appropriate approximately $35 million to pay for this, and I… he has my respect for that. But most of these are being run early in the Session, prior to the Governor’s budget address, so that the political machinery on both sides of the aisle can send out mailers, at taxpayer expense, saying who is a friend of the senior, who is a friend of the personal care attendant, who is a friend of everybody, who is a friend of a friend, of a friend, of a friend. And upon the other hand, who are the enemies of those people? Why, those uncaring conservative, vast right-wing conspiracy who hate everybody. I’m so sick and tired of that. Maybe I should have kept walkin’ last spring, you know it. I am just up to here with the political baloney that we continue to let the Leaders slice and cram down our throat. And I’ve talked with people on your side of the aisle, as you have talked with me. Campaigns get dirtier every year. They get more disingenuous every year. And then you wonder why some people don’t wanna run for public office. Well, gee whiz, figure it out. Once again, Representative, my offer 09300027.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 holds true. If this comes back in the Budget Implementation Act, if it comes back in a Conference Committee Report, if it comes back on a Senate Bill as amended, and the Governor has provided for it, I’ll vote for it. I’ll cosponsor it with ya. But I’m not gonna do it until I know what the blueprint is for the fiscal future of this state.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative McGuire to close.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would appreciate your ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1179?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Washington. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 87 Members voting ‘yes’, 2 Members voting ‘no’, and 28 Members voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1185. Representative Reitz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1185, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1185 is in re… a TRS… return-to-work Bill. It’s in… this Bill is trying to 09300027.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 address teacher shortages we have in certain curriculums within our school system. We have set up eligibility requirements to safeguard against retired teachers coming back too early. These… the system will be set up where the schools will designate where they have a shortage area and have this signed off by the regional superintendent of schools, allowing teachers to come back and help teach our kids in places where we really have a shortage. And we have… we have tremendous ones now it seems like, with math teachers, with special education, with… have some come up with superintendents. So, that’s the intent of this Bill. It’s revenue neutral for the state, but it just safeguards the retirement for the teachers that we think that we’ll need in the future. And I’d be happy to answer any questions.”
“Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes Representative Mulligan.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield. Shhh.”
“Representative, does this only apply to downstate teachers?”
“Anyone in TRS, it applies to them.”
“So, they can teach wherever, any part of the state?”
“That would be my understanding. You don’t have to stay in the same school system that you were in. It’s just wherever there’s a shortage and you’re… you have your teaching certificate and they are able to fill in. As far as I know.” 09300027.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“I’m sorry. I had a hard time hearing that. They could teach anywhere in the state as long as they’re under the TRS system?”
“As long as the school district goes through all… all of the requirements that are necessary to show that there is a shortage and it’s signed out by the regional superintendent, yes.”
“Does it spen… expand the hours they’re allowed to teach?”
“Yes. It basically takes out all of the… right now we have they can come back for a certain number of days and teach. This allows them to teach the entire school year, if necessary.”
“I had a similar Bill, but I’m trying to… I held it and… is your Bill backed by any of the teachers’ associations?”
“Yes. The IEA, IFT, the Teachers’ Retirement System, and the Illinois School Management Alliance all support this Bill.”
“Did they give you a number of the teachers they thought would be back into the system with this?”
“No. They… no, they didn’t. But it’s hold harmless for the… for the retirement system, safeguards are set up there. But I don’t think they have a way to really determine the number. It really depends on the number of teachers that are available to… excuse me… to teach in… teachers that are outside of the retirement system. It depends on that number and then it really depends on the 09300027.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 number that are able to come back. So, I don’t think they could probably identify a number right now.”
“All right. So, they’ll be receiving their pension and they can go back and teach. The hours that they teach, will that… will that amount… will they be allowed to add to their pension overall or will it just be straight salary?”
“No, straight salary.”
“That was the difference. I think the Bill that I had would have allowed them to expand several hou… expand their pension a little bit. But I… I support your legislation. I think this is a good idea to try to address the teacher shortage. And I would urge an ‘aye’ vote.”
“Thank you.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative Reitz to close.”
“Well, appreciate it. I think we explained the Bill. It’s just trying to take care of teacher shortages throughout the state and we’d appreciate your help. Thank you.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1185?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Pankau. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional 09300027.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1186. Representative Reitz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1186, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This… this Bill amends the Public Utility Act. It basically takes a form that the… that mobile radio companies or cell phone companies are required to file right now with the Commerce Commission. It’s a form that the Commerce Commission doesn’t want. It’s redundant in a number of aspects. So, do what… no. So… oh no, skip that one. I crossed that one off this. Pull that one out of the record.”
“Take this Bill out of the record. House Bill 1180… excuse me. Representative Smith, for what reason do you seek recognition?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to ask the Body to help welcome the officers of the Illinois Association of the FFA, who are in the gallery. They’ll be testifying this afternoon in committee. We have the state president, Jay Kelley of Princeville; the vice president, Rebecca Yandell of Tunnel Hill; and the state reporter, Emilee Bocker of Lanark. Would you please welcome ‘em?”
“House Bill 1187. Representative Reitz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1187, a Bill for an Act in relation to public utilities. Third Reading of this House Bill.” 09300027.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I should have looked on the board to make sure it was the right Bill. This is House Bill 1187 and this is what I addressed earlier. There’s a report that the Commerce Commission has cell phone companies re… file right now. It’s redundant and it’s… this… this Bill is a move by the companies and the Commerce Commission to basically let them get out of a report that they don’t want. So, be happy to answer any questions.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is… Representative Mulligan.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor indicates he will yield.”
“Representative, what’s the object of removing those reports?”
“What’s the what? The…”
“Well, although they don’t regulate them, aren’t the reports then open to the public, whereas they might not be otherwise, unless you’re a stockholder?”
“Yes. The Commerce Commission testified in committee that they… everything that is… and this is the… the report that they have to file, it’s eight or nine pages. But it basically… everything contained in this report is already contained in other reports. Everything in here is redundant. And they basically, just don’t want this form anymore.”
“But where else is that report filed so that a person from the public could look at it?” 09300027.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“There… it’s still filed either… some on the federal level, but even on… for the Illinois Commerce Commission, there are other reports that are… that are filed by the companies that cover everything that’s included in this report.”
“Don’t you think it’s a problem for them not… not to file what they’re making or have to file open… in open access of a file to see what’s going on with cellular companies? We… we left cellular pretty much out of telecommunications rewrite, so they’re getting a free pass in all areas. Now you’re… now you’re gonna leave it with this, too. I mean, what’s the reason for it?”
“Well, I just… I guess I just take the Commerce Commission basically at their word that they… they do not really need this report anymore, see any need for this report. So, they were supportive of this legislation to just strike this from the record so they wouldn’t be able to have… have to do this reporting anymore in the future.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand you.”
Speaker Hartke: “Shhh. Excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen, please, it’s very difficult to hear on the House Floor. Please, tone it down. Shhh. Proceed.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess, basically, the Commerce Commission will just have to take them at their word that they said this report was redundant, that they basically don’t use this report for any purpose and everything included in it is given to them in some form or fashion in other reports or they have access to this. So, 09300027.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 they… they have no need or don’t really need their staff analyzing these reports because they don’t use them.”
“So, the ICC would have the sum total of this information on other reports?”
“Correct.”
“How would the public then be able to get it? Would they have to pull it out piecemeal or would they be able to get it in an aggregate report from the ICC if they wanted it?”
“That Bill… that wasn’t asked in committee. I would imagine that all of it were there. I don’t know if they’d have to be… all of it would be there. I don’t know if they would have to fill it out piecemeal or if they could request of the Commerce Commission the information that they would need. I would assume they could. Just as easy, they could pull up this report.”
“Thank you.”
Speaker Hartke: “Further discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I, obviously, rise in support of the Bill. If the Governor is listening, one of the ways we could save money in this state, although it’s not applicable to this Bill… the annual reports that are required to be printed and published and mailed to every Legislator and God knows who else in the State of Illinois must cost millions of dollars. I get some of them sent to my office ‘overnight delivery’. And I mean, these… I mean, 09300027.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 I just… I tell ya, I wait for those annual reports to come in with bated breath. I mean, they are… they are best-sellers, there’s no question about that. And most of ‘em end up in the recycling bin. We could… we could go a lot further than this Bill goes on the elimination of annual reports. The reason this Bill is worthy of your support, the report goes to the Illinois Commerce Commission and I daresay, knowing how State Government works, we hire two or three people to read these reports for absolutely no good reason because the Illinois Commerce Commission has absolutely no regulatory authority over the cellular telephone industry. So, why in the world would you have a cell company send a report to the Commerce Commission, all of that costs money, and we pay the… we pay the freight on a higher cell phone bill and the Commerce Commission doesn’t have anything to do with it? But I’ll make ya a bet there’s somebody on the Commerce Commission staff that reads all of these reports and then promptly files them away somewhere. This is a good Bill. It’s long overdue. It’s absolutely ridiculous for us to keep mandating reports that the Commerce Commission gets. And in this case, it’s a waste of time, energy and money because the Commerce Commission cannot, by Federal Law, do anything to regulate the cellular industry. It’s time to get rid of one more silly government program that guarantees somebody a job, reading a report that he doesn’t need to read. Vote ‘yes’.” 09300027.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative Reitz to close.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we’ve explained the Bill enough. Appreciate your help.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1187?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1189. Representative Reitz.”
“House Bill…”
“Mr. Clerk…”
“…1189, a Bill for an Act in relation to vehicles. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I like the Calendar, today. Calendar management, it’s going well. House Bill 1189 is an initiative of the Secretary of State’s Office. It basically allows the secretary to issue a one-time permit for vehicles that are exempt. Currently, they have to… you get a permit every two years to say that they’re exempt from getting stickers. So, it makes sense to cut down on the cost that… that we incur. We have more in paperwork than we do in the permits. Most of these are used for road graders and some farm equipment, things of that nature, 09300027.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 that very seldom are on the road. The Secretary of State would like to issue these permits and basically be done with them so that way people know that these are exempt from getting a license. And be happy to answer any questions.”
“Is there any discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1189?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘aye’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1192. Representative Bradley. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1192, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Bradley.”
“Thank you. 1192 amends the Illinois Insurance Code. It requires insurance issuers to provide loss information for the previous three policy years to the first named insured within 30 days of the insured’s request. This codifies common industry practice and is an initiative of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1192?’ All those in favor signify by 09300027.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Represen… House Bill 1193. Representative Coulson. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1193, a Bill for an Act concerning health improvement. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Coulson.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1193 creates the Statewide Health Improvement Plan Act. This plan is to follow the goals and objectives of Healthy People 2010 and would be helpful in preventing illness or other health behaviors that lead to disease or disability. It will identify, prioritize, and recommend strategies to improve the health of Illinoisans and to improve the public health system.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1193?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Granberg. Davis. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, 0 voting 09300027.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1205. Representative Burke. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1205, a Bill for an Act concerning liens. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Burke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very simply, this House Bill 1205 would extend lien privileges to the profession of naprapathy. It’s consistent with every other profession that is licensed in our state.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1205?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Fritchey. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 116 Members voting ‘yes’, 1 person voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 20 of the Calendar, on Third Reading, appears House Bill 1209. Representative Kosel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1209, a Bill for an Act concerning the Department of Human Services. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Kosel.” 09300027.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill would require the Department of Human Services to contract out to a research entity to compile a cross-disability database. This Bill is very similar to ones that we’ve passed out of the House on multiple other occasions, more commonly known as the waiting list Bill. Many of you that are here have voted in favor of this many times and would ask for your support again.”
“Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Franks.”
“Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor indicates she will yield.”
“Representative, my analysis indicates the Department of Human Services is opposed. Can you tell us why?”
“Yes. The Department of Human Services has been opposed to this Bill since its conception. They believe that it will create an entitlement instead of a planning tool for the department.”
“Is there any cost involved in this?”
“I can’t hear you.”
“Is there any cost involved in this?”
“Yes, there would be a cost. The cost of actually compiling the list.”
“Do we have any idea how much that cost is?”
“We have had estimates of anywhere from a half million to a million and a half for the compiling of the list.”
“Okay. I’ve got one concern with this Bill, when you maintain a database on these individuals. Would there be 09300027.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 any prohibition that this would not be used for private means? I think it’d be really dangerous if this list got into the hands of telemarketers and those types of folks. And I’m just wondering what procedural safeguards we have built into this so that doesn’t happen.”
“This Bill is actually drafted by the people who are supporting this, which are various organizations that support the disability community. They have looked at it. There are no specific… there are no specific safeguards against it, but I believe it is voluntary whether someone can participate in it or not. This is probably the most… the most critical issue to the disabled community, Mr. Franks. This is an issue that I heard about my very first forum on my very first election. Something that we need in the State of Illinois for a planning tool so that we can service those people in a… in a… in a manner that is… you have some planning and forethought to it instead of dealing only with emergency situations.”
“I’m not questioning the validity of why we need this. What I’m questioning is the devil being in the details. And I’d like to support this Bill, but I’d wonder if you would be… if you would have this amended when it gets to the Senate to put a…”
“I will definitely take a look at your concerns and talk about ‘em with some of the people and if you’d like to be part of those discussions, I would invite you to do that.”
“I…” 09300027.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“This has never been brought up in any of the other previous years that this has been debated as a concern from anyone in the disability community.”
“I appreciate it, but I know there’s been a real concern brought up. I’ve filed House Bill 242, dealing with the prohibition of constitutional offices selling personal information, and I think this is something that we should also protect. So, I’d be glad to vote for it now, but I’d like to see that changed…”
“Yeah.”
“…on in the Senate and I’ll work with you.”
“I… I will take a look and see if this change is necessary…”
“Okay.”
“…and I will talk about it with some of the people. This Bill was actually mandated by the Olmstead decision, so…”
“Okay. Thank you, Representative.”
“I’m sure the courts are prepar… protecting those people.”
Speaker Hartke: “Further discussion? The Chair recognizes Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield.”
“Representative, the Bill has an immediate effective date. Is it subject to appropriation?”
“Yes.” 09300027.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Where does it say that in the Bill?”
“I apologize, it does not say ‘subject to appropriation’.”
“In other words, it has an immediate effective date, requires something to be done and assumes that in a… the worst fiscal crisis in the history of the state, not only assumes, it states that you will spend this money. Correct?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative Kosel to close.”
“I would ask for your favorable vote, please.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1209?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 103 Members voting ‘yes’, 2 Members voting ‘no’, and 12 Members voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed.”
“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.”
“The Rules Report.”
Clerk Rossi: “Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the 09300027.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003 following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'to the floor for consideration' House Joint Resolution 25, House Bill… Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 14, Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 184, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 185, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 528, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 1118, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1208, and Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2329. Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed.”
“House Joint Resolution 25. Representative Currie. Mr. Clerk. Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. This is the Joint Resolution establishing tomorrow as the Special Session to hear the Governor’s State of the State message. I urge its approval.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt House Joint Resolution 25?’ 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. Any announcements? The House is preparing to adjourn. Representative Holbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?”
“Thank you, Speaker. The Tourism Committee scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30 in Room 122-B has been canceled. The Tourism Committee tomorrow at 1:30 in Room 122-B has been canceled. Thank you.” 09300027.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Shhh. Representative Currie for a Motion.”
“Thank you, Speaker. It’s a lengthy Motion. This is a Motion to suspend posting requirements so that the following, oh, 153 Bills may be heard in the appropriate committee, the committee to which they’ve been assigned this week. And I’ll read as quickly as I can the Bill numbers. Senate Bill 19. The following Bills are all House Bills: 10, 2282, 3, 82, 106, 111, 126, 129, 178, 79 (sic-179), 180, 189, 190, 225, and 26, and 27, and 28 (sic-and 226, and 227, and 228), 232, 311, 530, 551, 1117, 1234, 1262, 1379, 1456, 1483, 1538, 1576, 2181, 2190, 2193, 2247, 2252, 2281, 2287, 2288, 2294, 2348, 2349, 2357, 2470, 2471, 2475, 2518, 2571, 2765, 2766, 2767, 2768, 2770, 2808, 2821, 2847, 2852, 2861, 2870, 2871, 2878, 2884, 2887, 2893, 2912, 2919, 2921, 2944, 2990, 3007, 3026, 3034, 3083, 3144, 3166, 3178, 3214, 3222, 3301, 3308, 3328, 3400, 3537, 3630, 3631, 3655, 3689, 3696, 3697, 3698. I’d be happy to answer your questions. I know of no opposition to the Motion.”
“Is there leave? There being no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chair would like to announce, of course, we all know that the Governor’s address will be tomorrow. The House will convene at promptly at 11:45. So, committees should be reminded of that to adjourn their committees a few minutes prior to that. The House will convene at 11:45 tomorrow, 11:45 a.m. tomorrow. Please recess your committees. Representative Biggins, for what reason do you seek recognition?” 09300027.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 3/11/2003
“Mr. Speaker, thank you for recognizing me. I have a question regarding tomorrow’s action on the floor. I would… would the screens be very… kept very clean… cleaned again for tonight because I’m looking forward to seeing the Governor and I wanna make sure I get a good view of him. I presume he’s gonna be on remote from Navy Pier or the 11th Ward or something. So, if he’s not gonna be here, I’d like to make sure the screens are clean so I can see his… welcome him back to Springfield, again.”
“Thank you for your insight. Representative Currie now moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 11:45 a.m., March 12th, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. 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.” 09300027.doc 36