“The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Joe Meyer of the First Assembly of God in Marengo. Pastor Meyer is the guest of Representative Jack Franks. The guests in the gallery… the guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.”
“Let’s bow at this time for a word of prayer. Father, we come to You in Jesus’ name. We thank You, Lord, for this time that we have today, God, to work upon the agenda, Lord, in the business of the state. And I just pray, Father, that You will just endow upon each and every one of these public servants, Lord, the wisdom, Lord, that they need. Father, in light of what our nation faces, in night… in light of what the state faces, in the times in which we live, Lord, we know, God, that there’s something more than our own ability, something more than our own, Father, legislation. We need Your touch today. And I pray, God, that You will just help each and every one of these public servants, Lord, to… to work together in unity, God, to work together for the betterment of the State of Illinois for the people of this state. And so, God, we turn to You, realizing that there are things beyond ourself. Lord, there are problems and situations beyond our own ability that we call upon You this afternoon, God, for Your touch, and Lord, for Your wisdom to be poured into every life and every person here today. And so we ask of these things, Lord, for Your glory. Guide us as a state, 09300028.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 guide us as Your public servants, Lord, we ask. Bless, Lord, this meeting and the agenda of this meeting, we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Hartke.” Hartke – 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.”
“Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Your eyes may be deceiving you, let the record show that all House Democrats are here today.”
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that the Republicans are all present today.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. There being 118 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk. The Regular Session will stand in recess. The Chair recognizes the doorkeeper for an announcement.”
Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Jones and the Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber.”
“Mr. Doorkeeper, please admit the Honorable Senators. As designated in House Joint Resolution #25, the hour of 12 noon having arrived, the Joint Session of the 09300028.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 93rd General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House and our esteemed guests from the Senate please take their seats. Mr. Clerk, is a quorum of the House present?”
“A quorum of the House is present.”
“Senator Jones. Senator Jones. To repeat, a quorum of the House is present. Mr. President, is a quorum of the Senate present in this chamber?”
“Mr. President… Mr. Speaker, rather, a quorum of the Senate is present.”
“There being a quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate in attendance, this Joint Session is convened. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we could begin to take our seats. The Governor is at the door and we are prepared to begin. Senator Viverito, please take a seat. Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. Please take your seats. Let me compliment the Republicans, who’ve complied very nicely. First, we would like to acknowledge certain dignitaries who have joined us today. Beginning with the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, Pat Quinn. Pat, the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, the Secretary of State, Jesse White, the Comptroller, Dan Hynes, the Treasurer, Judy Barr Topinka, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Ann McMorrow. Also, from the Supreme Court, Justice Charles Freeman, Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, Justice Robert Thomas, Justice Tom Kilbride, and Justice Rita Garman. Also, the Auditor General, Bill Holland, the Superintendent of Education, Robert Schiller, 09300028.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 the Deputy Governor, Bradley Tusk, Governor’s Chief of Staff, Juan Monk, former Member of the House and now Recorder of Deeds for the County of Cook, former Representative, Gene Moore. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Would the Clerk please read Joint Session Resolution 1.”
“Mr. Clerk.”
“Joint Session Resolution #1. RESOLVED That a committee of ten be appointed, five from the House, by the Speaker of the House, and five from the Senate, by the President of the Senate, to wait upon the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois and invite him to address the Joint Assembly.”
“The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I move for the adoption of Joint Session Resolution 1.”
“Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to the Resolution, the following are appointed as a committee to escort the Governor. From the House: Representative Lou Jones, Representative Carolyn Krause, Representative Dan Reitz, Representative Cynthia Soto, Representative Jim Watson. President Jones.” 09300028.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
“From the Senate: Senator James Clayborne, Senator Terry Link, Senator Dale Righter, Senator Dale Risinger, and Senator Carol Ronen.”
“Will the Committee of Escort please convene at the rear of the chamber and await his Excellency, the Governor. The Committee of Escort would please retire to the rear of the chamber. The doorkeeper is recognized for an announcement.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, and his party wish to be admitted to this chamber.”
Speaker Madigan: “Admit the Honorable Governor. Mr. Governor.”
“Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Legislature, it is a privilege to be here this afternoon, and I want to thank you for having me. I'd also like to take a moment to recognize Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, who’s here with us today. Pat Quinn. Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Lisa Madigan. She’s especially popular in this chamber. Comptroller Dan Hynes. Secretary of Site… Secretary of State Jesse White. And Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka. My wife, Patti, couldn’t be here today because, as many of you may know, we are expecting a baby just about any day now. Rest assured, Patti and the baby have already heard this speech, and the baby is in no hurry to get here. Carved in granite and marble across this great land is our state motto, as it appeared on the very 09300028.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 first state seal back in 1818; it reads, ‘State Sovereignty, National Union.’ As mottos go, it’s pretty good. But I’ve always thought the unofficial motto of Illinois was spoken more than 100 years ago by the great Chicago architect Daniel Burnham when he said that here in Illinois, ‘we make no small plans.’ This has always been a state and we have always been a people that dreams bigger dreams and tries more daring solutions than just about anywhere else. In Illinois, we didn’t just build skyscrapers, we built the tallest building in the world. We didn’t just produce a president, we gave the world Abraham Lincoln. We didn’t just farm the land, we invented a plow that changed the face of agriculture. We didn’t just stand with working people, we helped spark a labor movement that raised living standards across the globe. And those big dreams were reflected in our families. For two centuries, people like my father came here because they knew that here in Illinois, if you work hard and do a good job, you can make it in America. Those are the dreams that carried us to this day. And the question before us now is, can we still dream big dreams and try daring solutions at a time when our spirit has been dampened, our state has been battered, and our resources have run short. Can we make a new beginning for Illinois? Today, my answer to you is very simple, yes. During previous times… during previous times, my predecessors have come to this chamber during times of war, during times of recession, during times of budget crisis, even during times of ethical crises. But 09300028.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 rarely, rarely have we been called upon to address all four of those things in a single year. We all know… we all know about the misdeeds and missteps that got us into this mess. But I come here much less interested in telling you what kind of state we’re in, and a lot more interested in working with all of you to create the kind of state we can be. I believe that even though, even though we face a $5 billion budget deficit, even though we are suffering through the worst recession in two decades, even though we are still reeling from the worst scandal in more than a century, we can be a state where everyone willing to work hard has the opportunity to earn a decent, honest living. We can be a state where all of our children, no matter what their background, no matter how much money their parents make, can receive a quality education. We can be a state where every person, no matter their age or their tax bracket, has access to the health care and prescription medicine they need. We can be a state whose government is honest and fair and just. A state with integrity, a state we can take pride in. How are we going to get there? Let me start… I hope that’s not the baby. How are we gonna get there? Let me start by telling you how we are not going to get there. We’re not going to get there by pointing fingers at each other. We’re not going to get there with empty promises. We’re not going to get there by cutting corners, or cutting and running. We are only going to get there if we face up to our problems, be honest about our challenges and work together. Work together to make the 09300028.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 tough choices the people of Illinois sent us here to make. Today, I offer a new approach for governing this great state. And I use as my guide… I use as my guide the same guide used by our families and our businesses. When times are tough, what do they do? They focus on the things that are really important. This afternoon, I will detail four areas where I intend to get back to basics. First, jobs. Job creation is the most important thing we can do to move this state forward. Second, schools. Schools, no parent, no parent should ever have to worry their child will not get a fair chance at fulfilling their potential. Third, health care. We will help our elderly afford prescription drug coverage. And fourth… fourth, crime. We will live in a safer and more just Illinois. But before we set a course to get back to these four basics, we must first restore the ethical and fiscal integrity of our state. We must begin by giving the people of this state a reason to start believing again in Springfield. Business as usual will not do. After two months in office, I can tell you that the cleanup of State Government is well under way, thanks to many of the people in this chamber, especially Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan. We appointed a special investigator for employment and personnel, Mary Lee Leahy, to make sure that every state job has only one purpose: to serve the people, not the powerful. We’ve ended late-term patronage appointments. And employees with powerful, political connections but virtually useless jobs were shown the door. We’ve taken on 09300028.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 waste and abuse at state universities. We’ve mandated ethics training for all employees of state agencies. And we’ve put in place… we’ve put in place a whistleblower protection so we can stop corruption as it happens, instead of learning about it after the fact. We’ve created the position of inspector general and restructured the organizational chart so the position reports directly to me. No one is going to get in the way of our quest to clean up State Government. We’re working with Attorney General Lisa Madigan to build on these efforts. And to give ethics initiatives teeth, I am proposing legislation to create a new Ethics Board. This board will make sure that violators get a whole lot more than a slap on the wrist, handing down suspension and firing recommendations swiftly and fairly in cases of unacceptable behavior by any state employee at any level. Restoring integrity doesn’t just mean ethical integrity, it also means fiscal integrity. This is our state’s darkest fiscal hour. Illinois today faces the largest budget deficit in our near… let me say that again. It’s so big it makes me lose my thoughts. Illinois today faces the largest budget deficit in our long history, nearly $5 billion. To give you an idea of how big our budget deficit is today, we could close every single public university and every prison in Illinois, and still not fully close the budget gap. Since I took office two months ago, I’ve directed the Bureau of the Budget to review every state contract and review cost overruns. I’ve begun the process of reforming 09300028.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 our state’s boards and commissions. I’ve ordered administrative cuts of 10 percent on average from every single department and state agency. I’ve instituted a hiring freeze and I’ve halted the practice of buying new cars for state employees. Less than one month from today, I will present to this chamber a balanced budget in full, comprehensive detail. I didn’t create the budget mess we are living through today, but I promise you this, by working together, we can and we will solve it. As we deal… as we deal with the fiscal crisis, we cannot lose sight of our goal of making Illinois a better place. It’s why we serve. I refuse, I refuse to accept the notion that in tough times government must abandon the commitment to give people the tools to build a better life. Times of uncertainty and struggle are when people need us the most. Expanding opportunity and getting back to basics begins first and foremost with creating jobs, and we have our work cut out for us. Last year, our state lost 23,000 manufacturing jobs. If we do nothing, by the year 2008, our projections show that we could lose 150,000 more. Small businesses have been hit hard by the recession and large employers in nearly every sector have had to cut back. In recent years, Illinois has not offered the model of flexibility and efficiency that our economy requires. In the next decade, we anticipate that two out of three jobs will be created by small businesses. No one understands the importance of small business better than Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson. Frank Watson’s 09300028.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 grandfather… Frank Watson’s grandfather opened Watson's Drugs in Greenville back in 1881. That pharmacy is still doing business today. Small businesses are the engine to our growth and we need to bring more of those jobs to Illinois. Working with people like Frank Watson, I know we will. This week, we will introduce legislation to build a 200 million Illinois Opportunity Fund that will attract the private investment our state desperately needs. It will help jumpstart industries and focus on new technologies that have the potential to not only put people back to work, but to create the sort of jobs that will attract young people to our state. I’m going to work with you, the Legislature, to pass this Bill as quickly as possible so we can have the fund up and running within a year. There will be no more missed business opportunities. We sometimes forget… we sometimes forget that it was just over a decade ago that the web browser was created in a lab at the University of Illinois. And yet when you think of the nation’s hi-tech centers, you think of Seattle, you think of Boston, you think of Austin, and you think of the Silicon Valley. So why not here? Illinois should have been and it ought to be the Silicon Prairie and we can start with nanotechnology, which is the manipulation of matter at the atomic level. Now, I know I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already talk about this morning at your breakfast table. Scientists tell us that it may one day allow us to make material that is 100 times stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight, that it can store 09300028.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 all the information at the University of Chicago on a chip the size of a sugar cube or can even detect cancer when it's only a few cells in size. Guess where the center of the nanotechnology universe is today? Right here, in Illinois. Nanotechnology is just one of the many areas the Illinois Opportunity Fund will target. There are contless… countless… there are countless entrepreneurs across this state with good ideas who just need a chance to show what they can do. Today, I am announcing the creation of entrepreneurship centers in six Illinois communities: Rock Valley College in Rockford, the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, the University of Illinois in Chicago, Western Illinois University in Macomb, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Two months from today, the first of these centers will be operational and making an impact. Two years from today, there will be 20. As I promised during my campaign, we are going to equip these centers with funding to provide $5,000 business planning grants to 400 entrepreneurs across the state. We can also create jobs by taking advantage of one of Illinois’ long-standing industries, coal mining. For most of the past century, we were taught to believe that it was impossible… that it was impossible to create jobs and protect the environment at the same time. Because we couldn’t burn coal as cleanly as the law required, over 50 mines and thousands of jobs were lost seemingly forever. But today, technology will allow our power plants to burn Illinois coal again, bringing back 09300028.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 those jobs and revitalizing communities across southern and central Illinois. Illinois… Illinois has the second richest coal reserves in the nation. If new state incentives could persuade just five of our plants to invest in this technology and create mine-mouth generation plants, many coal mines could reopen and we could create 20,000 new jobs. Eight hundred million dollars in incentives are already available. We should work to make it easier for companies to access those incentives. At the same time, there are opportunities to create jobs in the transportation industry, especially through the expansion of O’Hare. More goods and passengers passing through our state could mean as many as 195,000 new jobs and as much as $20 billion in economic growth. It is time we turned the expansion of O’Hare Airport into a reality. And in agriculture, we can use new technologies to turn grain into ethanol and other value-added products. Illinois has the second highest output of corn and soy bean products. Our Illinois Opportunity Fund can help farmers explore new products and new markets for the corn and soybeans that grow here in Illinois in such abundance. Thank you. We are going to raise the minimum wage. A person working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year should not live in poverty. You cannot raise a family, you cannot put food on the table, you cannot put shoes on your children’s feet on $10,712 per year. Raising the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $6.50 an hour at least gives families a fighting chance. And speaking of wages… and speaking of wages, it 09300028.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 is time women receive equal pay for equal work. Can I say that again? Women make up more than our… women make up more than half of our workforce. There is no reason why they should earn just 69 cents for every dollar a man makes. Creating opportunity doesn’t just mean jobs, it also means education. No matter how many jobs we create, none of it matters if we can’t give our children the education they need to make… they need to make it. Every educational expert agrees… every educational expert agrees that the earlier a child begins to learn, in child care and in preschool, the better his or her chances are of succeeding. Today, I am announcing a new initiative that will provide access to preschool for every at-risk child in our state. In an ideal world, preschool for every child would begin tomorrow. But an ideal world doesn’t operate on a $5 billion budget deficit. That’s why we’re going to have to phase in universal preschool. But make no mistake about it… make no mistake about it, the most important thing we can do is get started and we’re going to get started now. And working with Legislative Leaders… and working with Legislative Leaders like Senate President Emil Jones, who has always been a champion of education… yes. And working with some of my old colleagues when I was here in Springfield. When I mean old, I mean old from years ago, perpetually young, like Representative Monique Davis and Mary Flowers and Lou Jones. That is exactly what we are going to do, we are going to improve education in our state. Next to a loving parent, no one is more important 09300028.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 to a child’s upbringing than a good teacher. Without quality teachers, every educational initiative in the world won’t succeed. Illinois will have to fill 44,000 teaching positions over the next four years, relying on the traditional methods of hiring and recruiting will not be enough. That’s why I’m creating a program that will provide $5,000 annual scholarships to juniors and seniors in college who agree to teach in hard-to-fill posts in Illinois public schools for five years. Not one year, five years. For those who can teach subjects like reading and science in communities where there is a shortage of teachers, we will increase the scholarship to $10,000. The final piece of providing our children with the education they deserve comes from inside the home. Speaking as a parent myself, I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed in this world today. Parents worry about the music their children listen to, the movies they see, the television shows they watch, the websites they visit. For all the challenges they face in this world, our kids need our love and our attention and our discipline more than ever. I know every parent needs and wants to be actively involved in their child’s education. With all of the rigors and requirements they face, that’s not always easy. So we are going to help. I will introduce legislation that will expand the amount of leave time parents can take from work so they can attend school activities like meeting with counselors and teachers, to be more in touch with what’s happening in their children’s lives. Currently, the 09300028.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 standard is eight hours a year of unpaid leave. My legislation would increase it to three days. As of today, I’ll start by leading by example, all employees working for my office or state agencies will have those crucial three days to devote exclusively to meeting with their children’s teachers and doing the little things that every parent would like to do, but never somehow seem to get the chance. Our message to parents is unequivocal; we support you. This week, I will sign into effect a proclamation calling on all Illinois schools to adopt the national PTA standards for parental involvement. This proclamation will call upon all of our schools to adopt measures to ensure that communication between home and school is frequent and meaningful. In order to help our schools meet the national PTA standards, I’m also announcing the creation of a new web-base system that will enable parents to better access information about their children’s classroom activities, homework, performance and attendance over secure websites. And finally, we will explore other commonsense solutions, like providing every teacher a voicemail box so parents can leave messages and have their calls returned. The fiscal crisis will make implementing some of this difficult, but we’re going to explore every avenue to make that happen. Just as our children need access to a decent education, our seniors and our working families need access to decent health care. That starts with prescription drug coverage. The phrase… the phrase ‘sticker shock’ doesn’t begin to describe what so many people feel when they go to the 09300028.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 pharmacy to fill a prescription. Working with Speaker Madigan, who has been a tireless fighter and a strong leader on this issue and so many others, we are going… we are going to bring down the price of prescription drugs once and for all. In my campaign, I said we were going to change the system to take advantage of our bulk purchasing power. This week, that change begins. I will sign… I will sign an executive order to create a new special advocate position responsible for getting a much better deal on the nearly $2 billion per year in prescription drugs purchased by this state. Right now, Illinois receives a meager 1.7 percent rebate on drug purchases, the worst in the nation. Jack Franks knows what I’m talking about, he’s been toiling in the vineyards in this… on this issue for years. Other states receive more than ten times that amount. On behalf of our new special advocate, I’ve got a message for the big drug companies, it's time to renegotiate. And as I promised in my campaign, I will work closely with the Legislature to create a prescription drug card. By pooling their buying power, this will allow seniors to buy prescription drugs at reduced rates at no extra cost to the state. And it’s time… it is time finally to expand our Circuit Breaker Program to cover all prescriptions for our most needy seniors. Last year, the Federal Government gave us a head start to provide expanded coverage for most seniors enrolled in this program. This year, I will work with my former colleagues in the Congress, our congressional delegation, to get coverage for more than 09300028.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 50,000 additional seniors. Providing better access to health care doesn’t end with reducing the price of prescription drugs, it also means decent health care. Every parent knows what it’s like when their child gets sick. Today, I am committing to expand the KidCare Program to provide health care to as many as 20,000 more children in the state. I will also commit… I will also commit to a full expansion of the state’s FamilyCare Program within three years to provide up to 300,000 working parents with the health care coverage they need. By failing… by failing to fully invest in these programs, our state has lost over 150 mill… $150 million in federal funding that has been redirected to other states. Not anymore. Getting back to basics means creating jobs. It means better schools. It means better health care. It also means safer streets. This year, a record number of offenders, over 35,000, will be re-released… will be released from Illinois prisons. Half of those released, half, will be re-incarcerated within three years. Ask any former prosecutor, ask Tom Cross, our House Republican Leader and himself a former prosecutor who led the fight on crime in this very chamber and they will tell you that keeping criminals from striking again is just as important as putting them behind bars in the first place. That’s why I am launching Operation Spotlight to tighten supervision, increase how often parolees have to check in with parole officers, and make it easier… make it easier to impose sanctions like electronic monitoring. Illinois… feel free to do that. Thank you. 09300028.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 Illinois… Illinois leads the nation in drug-related crimes. We should lead the nation in drug crime prevention. Today, I am announcing that we will reopen the Sheridan Prison as a national model institution aimed solely at deterring drug crime. Drug addicts return to the streets only to land right back in jail after finding new victims and committing new crimes. Since more criminals are in Illinois prisons for drug-related offenses, the more we reduce drug crime the safer our streets will be. And we will not just stop there. We are going to target club drugs before it becomes an epidemic. The use of ecstasy among teens is up 71 percent since 1999. And yet, Illinois’ current club drug task force is funded purely by federal dollars. Furthermore, the task force has only one Illinois State Trooper on it, just one. Our new initiative, Project X, will not just match federal spending on eliminating club drugs in this state, it will triple it. We are going to use the full force of federal, state and local law enforcement to crack down on the sale, the distribution and use of ecstasy. We are going to develop statewide tracking systems to identify where it is sold and we will target areas… we will target areas where it is used, starting with college campuses. Drugs may be the scourge of our society, but we must never forget that our fight to make Illinois safer cannot end there. Last year, more than 16 women… more than 16 women reported being raped in Illinois on average each day. This is not just a staggering figure, it is an outrage and something no civilized society should 09300028.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 stand for. It’s why I’m supporting Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s effort to establish a program of lifetime parole that says to sex offenders, if you commit a sex crime, we are going to keep tabs on you, every day, for the rest of your life. In our quest to make our streets safe, we have to also take an honest look at all aspects of the criminal justice system. I am a former prosecutor, I have seen the devastation that crime wreaks upon our families. But it’s almost inconceivable… it’s almost inconceivable that at least 13 people were on death row in Illinois and were nearly executed for crimes they did not commit. I support the death penalty, but I also support maintaining the current moratorium. We need a better system. We need a better system. We need a system that works. Together, the Legislature and I will work to reform the system. As we confront the challenges facing Illinois, we cannot forget about the grave challenges facing this nation. As we meet here today, 250,000 American troops stand on the border of Iraq, including many Illinoisans. They are in our thoughts, they are in our hearts, and we all pray for their safe return home. But we know that the threat doesn’t lie solely across the oceans. Terrorism is something we have to think about here at home, too. That’s why I appointed former State Senator Carl Hawkinson to lead our public safety and counter-terrorism efforts. Hopefully, we will never experience a terrorist attack on our soil, but we can’t just rely on hope. That’s why I’m announcing the creation of a statewide terrorism intelligence center right 09300028.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 here in Springfield. We can do more to protect the people of Illinois from a terrorist attack, but it is going to take 24-hour, 7-day-a-week intelligence and teamwork with the FBI, the CIA and the Department of Homeland Security. This center will be a model for how national, state, and local law enforcement can work together to keep us safe. Now, I’ve laid out an ambitious agenda here today. But this agenda and these proposals are not only worthy, they are achievable and they are affordable. In fact, the cost to the state of the proposals I’ve made today totals $88 million. With a nearly $5 billion budget deficit, I don’t propose them lightly. But these are not only investments we can afford to make, these are investments we can’t afford not to make. We will balance the budget without an increase in the income or sales tax because we cannot burden the taxpayers with the full weight of fixing the mess created by those who led them astray. But we also cannot punish the taxpayers by using this crisis as an excuse for inaction. Yes, the budget crisis is forcing us to temper our agenda, but we must move forward. It won’t be easy to balance the budget, it won't be easy to make progress on these tough issues, but we will. Being Governor means making tough choices. It means nee… it means not being able to make everyone happy all of the time. Sometimes it means making some people unhappy. But the citizens of Illinois called for change, and that is what I am going to deliver. That change… that change can come if we work together. I’m reminded of that old Abbott 09300028.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 and Costello routine in which Abbott is in one end of the boat and Costello is in the other end and all of a sudden, the boat springs a leak in Costello’s end. Abbott looks at the audience and says, ‘I sure am glad that leak’s not on my end of the boat.’ Ya know, we’re kind of in the same situation. As Democrats and Republicans, we may be sitting on our own individual sides, but we’re all in the same boat today. We will sink or swim together and that’s… and that’s exactly how it should be. I don’t want to preside as Governor over a Session of this Legislature dedicated to partisanship. I think the people of Illinois want and deserve a Session dedicated to partnership. Only by working together, by putting the interest of our state above the interest of our parties, can we meet the challenges before us. Representative Bill Black once said in debate, right here on this House Floor, in his usual calm, and measured and soft-spoken way, ‘I’ll walk through this chamber in my bare feet on crushed glass if you want.’ Well, I sure hope it doesn’t come to that. But I’ll do whatever it takes to work with all of you to lead Illinois through this crisis and to move our state forward. I want to end today exactly where I began. What I am most moved by as I travel through this state, even though our nation is on the verge of war, with the possibility of terrorist attacks, a recession, and here at home, a budget deficit and a crisis in State Government, what I am most moved by are the number of people I meet, good, honest, and hard- working people, who want a state they can believe in and a 09300028.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 future they can look forward to. They know what we’re going through today, they know the challenges we face. But they want us to do these things. They want first class schools. They want a health system that provides for everyone. They want us to be a state that once again dreams big dreams and tries daring solutions. If we can be as bold as the history that carried us here, as proud as the people who sent us, and as big as the future ahead of us, I believe we will be able to dream big dreams again. We will be proud of this state again and we will make this great place a better place for everyone. Thank you and God bless you.”
“Mr. Governor, thank you very much. Will the Committee of Escort please come forward to escort the Governor from the chamber. The President of the Senate is recognized for a Motion.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Joint Session do now arise.”
Speaker Madigan: “The President has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor signify by saying ‘yes’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Joint Session will now arise. The Regular Session will come to order. Mr. Hartke. Representative Hartke in the Chair.”
“Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports.”
Clerk Bolin: “Representative Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were 09300028.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Standard Debate' for House Bill 3148, House Bill 3149, House Bill 3248, and House Bill 3249. Representative Hamos, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing & Urban Development, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill for 3045; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 1352, and House Bill 2206. Representative Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 2379, House Bill 3522, House Bill 3547, House Bill 3626, House Bill 3656, House Bill 3658, and House Bill 3661; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 1438, House Bill 2358, House Bill 2359, House Bill 2775, House Bill 2776, and House Bill 3162. Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 2313, House Bill 2870, House Bill 3016, House Bill 3299, House Bill 3321, and House Bill 3505; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 2265, and 2509. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on 09300028.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 Transportation & Motor Vehicles, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 374, House Bill 2636, House Bill 2840, House Bill 3061, House Bill 3063, House Bill 3106, House Bill 3210, House Bill 3467, House Bill 3629, and House Bill 3692; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 134, House Bill 361, House Bill 1358, House Bill 2229, House Bill 2587, House Bill 2786, House Bill 3153, and House Bill 3527. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 2887, and House Bill 3107; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 1518; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' for House Bill 2951; recommends 'be adopted Short Debate' Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 230. Representative Brosnahan, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 2378, and House Bill 2441; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' House Bill 3102. Representative Boland, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on 09300028.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 3113, and House Bill 3427; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 2207, House Bill 2544, and House Bill 3112. Representative Joseph Lyons, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 1480, House Bill 1611, House Bill 2458, House Bill 2963, House Bill 3192, and House Bill 3663. Corrected Committee Report. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill for 3060; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill for 343, House Bill 2202, and House Bill 2531; 'do pass Standard Debate' for House Bill for 2268; and recommends 'be adopted Short Debate' House Resolution 93.”
“On page 13 on the Calendar, on the Order of Second Reading, appears House Bill 2624. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 2624, a Bill for an Act concerning bonds. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. And no Motions filed.” 09300028.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
Speaker Hartke: “Leave that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 2625. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 2625, a Bill for an Act concerning bonds. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Hartke: “Leave that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 2626. Mr. Hannig. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 2626, a Bill for an Act concerning bonds. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Hartke: “Leave that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. On page 19 of the Calendar, on the Order of Third Reading, appears House Bill 1235. Representative Davis. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1235, a Bill for an Act in relation to schools. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Davis.” Davis, M.: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. House Bill 1235 is a Bill…”
“Shhh.” Davis, M.: “…that allows the attendance centers professional personnel advisory committee to be renamed the professional personnel leadership committee. The committee will meet with the principal and the local school council to develop an expenditure plan at least twice a year. The principal and the professional personnel leadership committee and the 09300028.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 local school council will report publicly on progress and problems regarding the plan implementation. The principal shall develop a school improvement plan, as already is in the law, in consultation with the local school council. All categories of school staff, parents and community residents will be involved. The professional problems leadership committee will review the finished plan and the local school council will approve it, as they do today. At each attendance center, under this article, there will be a professional personnel leadership committee consisting of seven members elected at each school who are certified school teachers or other certified personnel. The two teachers who are on the local school council and the teacher members will be cochairs or one teacher will be the chair. The purpose of this committee is to develop and formally present recommendations to the principal and the local school council on all matters of educational programs including curriculum, school improvement development and implementation and the budgeting. The principal will convene a public meeting to elect the personal professional leadership committee members. Staff members may vote for seven candidates, but the voting will not be commute… cumulative. I ask for a favorable vote. I stand ready for questions, Mr. Speaker.”
“Is there any discussion on House Bill 1235? The Chair recognizes Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. An inquiry of the Chair.” 09300028.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
“State your inquiry.”
“The situation in the chamber is a little beyond what the normal hubbub is. There’s still Senators on the floor and honored guests. I object to a Third Reading Bill until the chamber is cleared and we have a modicum of order.”
“Would the… would the doorkeeper please remove unauthorized people from the floor. Would Members please be in their chairs. We are conducting business. We are on Third Reading. Shhh… please. Mr. Black, proceed.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate your indulgence. I think any Third Reading Bill should have the attention of the Body. I tried very hard to listen to the speaker over the din and I have read the analysis. It’s my understanding… if the Sponsor would yield, I just have two or three questions.”
“That’s a fact. She will yield.”
“Thank you. Representative, this only impacts the Chicago Public Schools, correct?” Davis, M.: “That is correct.”
“As you know, Mayor Daley was involved in the reform of the Chicago schools, heavily involved I might add, and I’ve always given him credit. I think the public schools of Chicago, at onetime, were condemned as among the worst big city schools in the country and I think many observers from out of the state have now said it’s one of the best. The only thing that I worry about, when we tinker with that Act… I’ve read the proponents and I see no opponents. Has 09300028.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 the mayor indicated any concern or objection with this legislation?” Davis, M.: “The mayor… the mayor has not indicated any concern nor have any of his lobbyists, and the reason is it really doesn’t tinker what he… what he has in place…”
“Right.” Davis, M.: “…already.”
“That’s what I thought when I read this.” Davis, M.: “You know, we… we already have a professional problems committee. We’re changing the name to the professional leadership committee and we’re havin’ them elected rather than appointed. They will not change any of the local school council functions except they, too, will be a part of meeting with the local school council maybe twice a year.”
“Thank you, Representative. I appreciate your answers. I think most of us who were here when we through the Chicago School reform have… have been, not surprised, that’s the wrong word. I think we’ve been gratified and we’ve certainly appreciated the work that the people of the City of Chicago have done to turn around one of the large urban school districts in the country. And I think they… they are visited constantly by people from all over the country from big cities to see how they’ve done it and anything that enables them to continue this reform progress, certainly is worthy of support. And I think the Representative has explained it very thoroughly and very carefully that this does nothing, absolutely nothing to 09300028.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 dismantle that reform movement that was put together in a bipartisan mode. And I appreciate her indulgence.” Davis, M.: “Thank you.”
“Further discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Will, Representative Kosel.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill.”
“To the Bill.”
“This particular piece of legislation now formally involves a group of people who are very committed to the education of the students in Chicago, does not apply to any other part of the state. And… and formalizes some things that have been done informally in some of the school districts, but are in some of the school… local school councils but now will make it available for many. There is no known opposition to this Bill. And I compliment the Sponsor on the piece of legislation.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative Davis to close.” Davis, M.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanna thank the cosponsors and those who’ve worked with us on getting this legislation so that it’s acceptable to all parties. And we ask for a favorable vote. Thank you.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1235?’ 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. Lang. Mr. Granberg. Representative Kelly. Have all voted who wish? Representative Kelly. Have all 09300028.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 118 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’, 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1246. Representative Reitz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1246, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1246 raises the threshold in the Counties Code… County Code for counties under $2 million for purchases of services, materials, or equipment let by contract to the lowest bidder. We currently have a situation. This has not been raised since 1988 and our intent here, it’s an initiative of the County Engineers Association, trying to raise this threshold so that we’re able to purchase such things even as a pickup truck without going out for a competitive bids and things of that nature. So, I’d be happy to answer any questions.”
“Is there any discussion? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1246?’ 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 Soto. Representative Brady. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 92 Members voting ‘yes’, 25 Members voting ‘no’, and 1 Member voting 09300028.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1249. Representative Slone. Representative Slone. Out of the record. House Bill 1254. Representative Feigenholtz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 1254, a Bill for an Act in relation to aging. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Feigenholtz.”
“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1254 has been seen in this chamber before. It is the community care Bill that we’ve all been very supportive of. It changes the asset limit from 10 thousand to 20 thousand dollars so that more seniors can participate in the program. I’d be glad to answer any questions.”
“Is there any discussion on House Bill 1254? Seeing that no one is seeking recognition… Representative Black, the Gentleman from Vermilion.”
“Yeah. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor will yield.”
“Representative, what’s the potential fiscal impact of the… of changing the standard?”
“Representative Black, I got a fiscal note from the Department of Aging and it keeps diminishing. Last year it was, I believe, 44 million; this year it’s in the low 30s. And I beg your indulgence on this. I think that when the community care program was established in 1979, there was never… there has yet to be a change in all these 09300028.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 years as to how many… how much money a person can have in assets. I have been talking to the Bureau of the Budget. I’ve been talking to the Department of Aging about this Bill. There is a lot of interest, a lot of discussion and especially since the Governor is looking toward increasing wages for the homecare workers who provide this service which will afford enough workers into this infrastructure to shore up enough workers to do this work, if we expand it. There’s also discussion that the department can do this by administrative rule as opposed to doing it… moving it from 10 to 20 in statute. And I wanna keep this Bill moving so that we can continue to negotiate with the administration. How’s that for an answer?”
“Very well done. I didn’t understand all of it, but it was… it sounded impressive, I’ll say that. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill.”
“To the Bill.”
“I’ve great respect for the Sponsor and I, under normal conditions, I would vote ‘aye’ on this Bill. It’s interesting to note that the American Association of Retired Persons opposes this legislation, not on its merit, but on its estimated fiscal impact of anywhere from 20 to 36 million dollars GRF. The Department of Aging opposes the Bill, again, not on its merit, but on its fiscal impact. The Governor, today, made a proposal that would add $88 million to next year’s spending, but he gave us some idea, some blueprint of, perhaps, how he intended to raise that money. Yesterday, this chamber alone approved 09300028.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 more than $100 million in spending for FY04. The Governor mentioned 14 times today in his speech that we are somewhere near $5 billion in debt. I will say it to this Sponsor what I said yesterday to another Representative. When I see the blueprint, when I know how we’ll pay for these programs, when I know for certain what the Governor’s priorities will be when he outlines his budget address, if this comes back in the Budget Implementation Act, if it comes back as an Amendment to a Senate Bill, if it comes back in a Conference Committee Report, and we can afford the $36 million, I’ll be a cosponsor. I’ll do whatever the Sp… the Representative wants in order to pass it. But I cannot sit here, as I said yesterday, in good conscience and continue to vote for Bills that have impacts of thirty, fifty, eighty, a hundred million dollars in spending for FY04 when the Governor just said, if I heard him correctly, ‘it’s time for tough choices.’ And when he outlines what those choices will be, then I will stand in absolute support of a Bill like this. I intend to vote ‘present’. On its merit, the Bill is good. I voted for the original threshold. I’d like to vote for this one, but it would be disingenuous of me to say I’ll vote for every spending Bill when the Governor has said we will not raise taxes. You tell me how we’re gonna pay for all this and I’ll vote for every spending Bill you want. But until you tell me how we’re gonna pay for it, I’m not gonna go home and lie to the people who sent me here. They expect more of me than that and they deserve better.” 09300028.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
“Further discussion? The Chair recognizes… since no one is seeking recognition, Representative Feigenholtz to close.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. The previous speaker, who I won’t name because of his calm disposition, and I know he wants it make it to the Cub opener, made some salient points about the cost of this Bill. But as we all know, in Illinois we do not have something comparable to the Congressional Budget Office that could measure cost diversion, which is why I think the Department of Aging’s note on this is… is grossly overstated. If a mere 15 percent of the seniors that use the community care program, due to this Bill, the increased asset limit and avoid being sent to a nursing home, at a minimum this Bill will be cost neutral, at a minimum cost neutral and could possibly save the State of Illinois money in long-term care. This is also a Bill that is about consumer choice. Seniors want to stay in their homes longer. So, I beg your indulgence, Members of the General Assembly, I would like to keep this Bill moving as I continue to negotiate with the Governor’s Office because I think the community care expansion’s time has come. I would appreciate an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1254?’ All those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 83 Members voting ‘yes’, 1 Member voting ‘no’, 34 Members voting ‘present’. And this Bill, 09300028.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1267. Representative McCarthy. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 1267, a Bill for an Act concerning fire protection. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative McCarthy.”
“Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1267 amends the Fire Prote… Protection District Act. It basically removes the requirement… in annexations of 60 acres or less it removes the requirement for a referendum by the voters. It’s an initiative of the fire protection districts of Illinois. I think it’s sensible legislation and I’d appreciate a favorable Roll Call.”
“Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“The Sponsor indicates he will yield.”
“Representative, I… I have a number of fire protection districts in my legislative district, so I’m… I’m always interested in legislation that impacts the fire protection district. If I understand your Bill correctly, this would allow a fire protection district to annex land that is completely surrounded by the district, but there would be no referendum. Is that correct?”
“Absolutely correct.” 09300028.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
“What if the people in the impacted land did not… did not want to be annexed in the fire protection district?”
“Well, this is, of course, for small parcels of land, 60 acres or less. And it would be a vote of the Fire Protection District Board to annex them and it does remove the requirement for the referendum. The fire districts are obligated by law to provide them service, if they call. It’s not taking any land from a… another fire district, it says that clearly in the annexation statute. And I think it’s only fair since the fire district has to provide the service to them that they would be able to annex them. And the main thing is it’s a cost thing. When they have 60 acres or less, not in my area of the state, but especially like in areas such as yours, that may be as little as one or two households. So, having a referendum is a great deal of cost to the fire district with very little gain.”
“Well, Representative, correct me if I’m wrong, the memory isn’t what it used to be. We went through this in the… in Vermilion County, I’d say seven or eight years ago. I don’t remember all of the details but I think the fire protection districts worked out an arrangement where there… there is no more, what we used to call, no man’s land. That all land was somehow either annexed or put into a fire protection district. But as I recall, there was an opt out provision. For example, if a farmer owned considerable land in… in divided up parcels, but only had one farmstead, he or she may not want to pay the tax on every acre. So that there was potentially an opt out for raw acreage, but 09300028.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 then would agree to pay the tax for the farmstead and the outbuildings. Does… does this allow for that?”
“I… I don’t know about the previous legislation you’re referring to. I do know that the fire protection districts have told me there are areas of the state that aren’t in any… any… covered by any fire protection district and they would use this legislation in order to annex that land. In my own fire protection district, we actually have individual parcels that, for one reason or another, were never put on the tax roll for the fire district. I’m talking like one store, one car dealer. And now they’re coming up and saying that they’d have to pass a referendum in order to annex this, even though they’re completely surrounded by our fire district. So, I don’t… I don’t think that… it’s overbroad as far as the removing the referendum requirement for such small parcels.”
“Representative, I… I… I apologize. I wish I could remember more about how Vermilion County handled this because I… I do think there was some kind of provision. In rural areas, you know what the argument is. If there’s a ten cent tax rate for the fire protection district and you own two thousand acres of farm ground, but you have one house, one barn, and one machine shed, you sometimes get a little upset that the ten cents is levied on the two thousand acres that doesn’t have anything on it. You… I… I know I’ve had many farmers tell me they feel like they’re paying more than their fair share, in some cases. I… I’m… I’m a strong proponent of the fire protection districts 09300028.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 because where I live I only have one full-time, paid department, so we rely heavily on volunteers and fire districts. I… I guess I would say, as a cautionary note, to some of the Members of the chamber… and I intend to vote for your Bill. This kind of legislation can be construed by some, and you know how the political paraphernalia works in this chamber as well as I do, as taxing people without their ability to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question. I think the point you make is valid. They are receiving the protection, and in some cases, not paying for it, which I don’t think is fair. But there are some who would argue, you should not have a unilateral agreement that I can annex you, force you to pay my tax rate whether you want to or not. But having… having grown up and lived in a rural district, I intend to vote for your Bill. But there are some people in here who need to look very carefully at the concept that you may be extending a tax on people who do not wish to have the tax extended. So, it’s a… it’s one of those things that you can get smacked alongside of the head if you vote ‘for’, it’s one of those things you can get smacked alongside the head if you vote ‘against’. I intend to vote ‘aye’, but I do want some of my colleagues to understand that not everyone will share our enthusiasm for this Bill.”
“Further discussion? Since no one is seeking recognition, Representative McCarthy to close.” 09300028.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003
“Thank you. I… I do understand the concerns of the previous speaker, but I do think it’s a fine piece of legislation. And I’d appreciate an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House Bill 1267?’ 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? Representative Flowers. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 79 Members voting ‘yes’, 39 Members voting ‘no’, and 0 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lang for an announcement.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Gaming Committee will be canceled today. The House Gaming Committee will not meet today.”
Speaker Hartke: “Representative Stephens, did you have an announcement you wanted to make earlier?”
“I just wanted the Body to know, that just breaks my heart.”
Speaker Hartke: “I’m sure it would. Representative Feigenholtz, for what reason do you seek recognition?”
“I would just like to announce that the Human Services-Appropriations Committee will delay convening ‘til 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.”
“The Appropriations-Human Services Committee will delay meeting until 9 a.m. The House is prepared to adjourn. Representative Lang now moves, allowing 09300028.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 perfunctory… Representative Holbrook for an announcement… for a Motion.”
“I’d like to waive the posting rules for House Bill 3507. We’ve talked to the other side and they approved it.”
“You’ve heard the Gentleman’s Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The posting requirements for 3507 have been waived. Now, Representative Lang now moves, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stand adjourned ‘til Thursday, March 13th, at the hour of 1 p.m. 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.”
“House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House… House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendments. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #15, offered by Representative Rose. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the 09300028.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 adoption of this resolution a proposition to add Section 3.1 to Article IX of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IX REVENUE SECTION 3.1.LIMITATION ON ESTATE TAX AND GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFER TAX (a) No estate tax or generation-skipping transfer tax shall be imposed by the State in excess of the aggregate amounts that may be allowed to be credited upon or deducted from any similar tax imposed by the United States. (b) The General Assembly may impose an estate tax or a generation-skipping transfer tax only so long as and during the time that an estate tax or generation-skipping transfer tax is imposed by the United States against Illinois citizens. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. First Reading of this Constitutional Amendment. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16, offered by Representative Kosel. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 09300028.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 8 of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 8. PASSAGE OF BILLS (a) The enacting clause of the laws of this State shall be: "Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly." (b) The General Assembly shall enact laws only by bill. Except for bills for raising revenue, bills may originate in either house, but may be amended or rejected by the other. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. (c) No bill shall become a law without the concurrence of a majority of the members elected to each house. Final passage of a bill shall be by record vote. In the Senate at the request of two members, and in the House at the request of five members, a record vote may be taken on any other occasion. A record vote is a vote by yeas and 09300028.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 nays entered on the journal. (d) A bill shall be read by title on three different days in each house. A bill and each amendment thereto shall be reproduced and placed on the desk of each member before final passage. Bills, except bills for appropriations and for the codification, revision or rearrangement of laws, shall be confined to one subject. Appropriation bills shall be limited to the subject of appropriations. A bill expressly amending a law shall set forth completely the sections amended. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate shall sign each bill that passes both houses to certify that the procedural requirements for passage have been met.(Source: Illinois Constitution.) SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. First Reading of this Constitutional Amendment. First Reading and Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 3721, offered by Representative McKeon, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 3722, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. First Reading of these House Bills.”
“House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Giles, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, reported the same back with the 09300028.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1441, House Bill 2491, House Bill 2790, House Bill 2835, House Bill 2836, House Bill 2975, House Bill 3232, House Bill 3441, House Bill 3480, House Bill 3487, House Bill 3587, House Bill 3625; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 13, House Bill 470, House Bill 1180, House Bill 2296, House Bill 2797, House Bill 2999. Representative Daniels, Chairperson from the Committee on Developmental Disabilities & Mental Illness, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 74, House Bill 2607, House Bill 2880, House Bill 3438, House Bill 3446, House Bill 3447, House Bill 3455, House Bill 3695; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 192, House Bill 1102, and House Bill 2447. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Agreed List: House Bill 62, House Bill 1456, House Bill 2223, House Bill 2444, House Bill 2573, House Bill 2954, House Bill 2956, House Bill 3036; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1751, House Bill 847, House Bill 1116, House Bill 1458, House Bill 2201, House Bill 2469, House Bill 2470, House Bill 2618, House Bill 2765, and House Bill 2952. Representative Delgado, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following 09300028.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/12/2003 measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3002, House Bill 3134, House Bill 3197, House Bill 3198, House Bill 3316, House Bill 3586, House Bill 3589, House Bill 3608; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 59, House Bill 107, House Bill 2331, House Bill 2390, House Bill 2480, House Bill 3003, House Bill 3021, House Bill 3022, House Bill 3023, House Bill 3062, House Bill 3229; recommends 'be adopted as amended' House Resolution 61. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I-Civil Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1494, House Bill 2356, House Bill 2523, House Bill 2863, House Bill 3309, House Bill 3517, House Bill 3526, House Bill 3597, House Bill 3627, House Bill 3633; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1318, House Bill 1414, House Bill 2566, House Bill 2772, House Bill 3518, House Bill 3552, House Bill 3582; recommends 'be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1400. There being no further business, House Perfunctory Session shall stand adjourned.” 09300028.doc 47