“The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. Everybody can stand at ease because the Clerk tells me they’re checking to see if a committee is still meeting. Well, that’s a surprise. The Elementary & Secondary Education Committee is still meeting. So, rest. All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, the educators are finished. The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We ask the Members and our guests in the gallery to turn off their laptop computers, cell phones and pagers. And we ask the guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by the Reverend Denis Hawthorn, of the New Life Church in Decatur, Illinois. Reverend Hawthorn is the guest of Representative Flider.”
“Shall we pray. Our most sovereign God we are so grateful to be in Your presence and to be here today. We’re so grateful to be in America. Thank You, for this nation, Lord God. We invoke Your presence today in this House in all that is said and done. We thank You for freedom and liberty, although it comes at a very high price. We pray for our country, for those who are protecting us and the freedom of others. We pray for our government and we just thank You so much for this place called America. We ask that You would lead and guide and direct and that all things be done to Your glory. We ask these things in Your Son’s name. Amen.” 09300097.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Washington.” Washington – 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. Please let the record reflect that Representative Howard is excused today.”
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Poe is excused today.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. There being 116 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk.”
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 18, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3989 and House Bill 4769. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation and Motor Vehicles, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 18, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4098 and House Bill 4346. Representative Flowers, Chairperson 09300097.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 18, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 3996, ‘do pass Short Debate’ House Bill 4531.”
“The Chair recognizes Mr. Bradley.”
“For purpose of an announcement. Tomorrow’s meeting of the Personnel & Pensions Committee is canceled. Personnel & Pensions tomorrow is canceled. Thank you.”
“Representative Feigenholtz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to ask the Chair on a Motion to recommit House Bill 4193 to the Rules Committee… to table the Bill.”
“The Lady’s Motion is to table House Bill 4193… 4193. You’ve all heard the Lady’s Motion. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Motion is adopted and the Bill is tabled. Representative Flider.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I would like to have the attention of the Body for the purpose of recognition of a visitor from Decatur, Illinois. Today in the gallery above me I have the Executive Director of the Crossroads Community Center from Decatur, as well as the Chairman of the Board of the Crossroads Community Center. Ms. Sharon Sims, the Executive Director and Debbie 09300097.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 Seitz the Chairman of the Board. Please welcome them here to Springfield. Thank you.”
“Mr. Steve Davis.” Davis, S.: “Yes, Speaker… Mr. Speaker, thank you. I rise on a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.” Davis, S.: “I would like to announce to my colleagues that we have a birthday today for one of the tallest Members in the General Assembly, very… Ricca stand up. Ricca Slone’s birthday today, Ladies and Gentlemen. There’s cake down front. Please… please join me in congratulating Ricca.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, if everyone could take their seats and if staff could retire to the rear of the chamber. We’re very pleased to have with us today the representative of the government of Taiwan to the midwest region of the United States. Thomas Cheng is the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. He’s joined us today to offer remarks concerning the relationship between his country and the State of Illinois. So, let me give you Mr. Thomas Cheng.”
Thomas Cheng: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Distinguished… Representatives, I’m honored and privileged to speak to you in this august hall of the Illinois House of Representatives. I bring you the goodwill and the greetings of our people from the Republic of China on Taiwan. In the past few weeks we have witnessed the U.S. democracy in action. The caucuses and primaries for the election of Democratic Party presidential candidates. I 09300097.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 was impressed by the eloquent debates among the aspiring presidential candidates and the fervent participation of the party members. And I was particularly moved by the gracious concession speeches made by the losing candidates. Yes, I was also awed by the power of the media which can make or break a candidate. We in Taiwan are also in the midst of our third direct popular presidential election to be held on March 20th. Our election might go unnoticed but because of a first-ever referendum in Taiwan would be held the same day. It has drawn world attention to our part of the world. China’s leaders in Beijing alleged that Taiwan is creeping toward independence by holding the referendum and they say that this is crossing the so-called red line that the Chinese Red Army will not tolerate. The communist leaders further demand that all countries, particularly the United States, Japan, France and Germany, must pressure Taiwan to call off the referendum. But only crime our people are committing is to be bold enough to exercise our right in a democracy. In fact, the… referendum questions being put before our people are: one, in the face of China’s missile deployment do you agree that the government should acquire more advanced antimissile weapons? And two, do you agree that the government should engage in negotiations with Beijing? As you can see, these questions have nothing to do with the independence issue. We just want to make sure the status quo is maintained. The Chinese hostility toward Taiwan appears even more absurd when you find out that significant Taiwanese contribution 09300097.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 to mainland China’s economic development in recent years. Taiwan’s trade with China was 41 billion U.S. dollars in 2002 which accounts for 70 percent of Taiwan’s total trade last year and China has become Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and second largest export market. In addition to trade Taiwan’s investment in China has been growing steadily and has shifted from labor intensive to high-tech information industries. In 2002 a proof investment project amounted to 3.9 billion U.S. dollars. For the last decade the estimated value of Taiwan’s investment in China amounted to 50 billion U.S. dollars. Some reports suggest that that figure… figure could be well over 100 billion U.S. dollars. Representing more than 50 thousand investment projects covering all provinces in mainland China. We wonder why the Chinese would prefer to kill the goose that lays golden eggs. Ladies and Gentlemen, Taiwan’s largest trading partner is the United States. Our bilateral trade stood at 51 billion U.S. dollars in 2002. From the U.S. sites Taiwan was America’s eighth largest trading partner; its ninth largest export market and the sixth largest market for U.S. agricultural products. Between 1978 and 1993, Taiwan sent 18 agricultural procurement missions to the United States resulting in the purchase of U.S. agricultural products worth 12 billion U.S. dollars. In recent years, Taiwan has sent, has bought as much as 98 percent of its corn and 80 percent of its soybeans from the United States, much of it from this prairie state. Taiwan’s agricultural mission 09300097.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 have visit Springfield every other year since 1998. Each time signing a two-year purchase agreement for Illinois feed grain, corn and soybeans. Taiwan is known to be America’s most loyal consumer, having a land area ¼ the size of Illinois and a population of 23 million. Taiwan was second only to Canada in per capita consumption of U.S. agricultural products in 2002. Also, you might be interested to know that there are 350 McDonalds, 100… 119 Starbucks, and 123 KFC franchises dotting Taiwan’s landscape. Yes, I have to report that Illinois’ overall exports to Taiwan have dropped off since speaking in 2000, declining 28 percent in value in 2002. I believe there’s room for improvement and that my office in Chicago with the assistance of leaders in State Government, business… to this Body can help propel the two-way trade upward again soon. Ladies and Gentlemen, last spring Taiwan was hit hard by the SARS epidemic, following SARS outbreaks in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and other parts of the world. It was U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that first came to assist us. The World Health Organization failed to send their experts to help us to fight the fatal disease due to obstruction of the government in Beijing. It is self-evident that disease knows no borders and that people and economy suffer if only one country such as Taiwan is excluded from the world health network. We hope that WHO seriously considers including Taiwan in the World Health system so that the global disease prevention network becomes more comprehensive. It is heartening that the 09300097.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 House of Representatives in the land of Lincoln joined U.S. Government in passing resolutions in support of granting Taiwan, observer status in the WHO in the last two years. On behalf of my government and people, I thank you for your generous support. I also thank the people of Illinois who made contributions to purchase medical masks and supplies for our hospitals in the time of need. Distinguished Representatives, if you wish to see a vibrant democracy in Taiwan continue to thrive, if you wish to see stability in the Taiwan Strait and if you wish to see health and prosperity prevail in the Asia Pacific region I urge you to give your continuing support to Taiwan. I thank you for your time and attention. I cherish opportunity today - on behalf of my government I would like to extend a standing invitation to you to visit my country and see for yourself the country and people committed to the same values of freedom and democracy and a country and people who strive to be your best friend and ally. Thank you very much. Thank you.”
“Mr. Cheng will be up in well if any of you wish to spend time with him. Page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 3865. Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 3865, a Bill for an Act in relation to gaming. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4025.” 09300097.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004
"House Bill 4025, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. McKeon, did you wish to call 4031? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4031, a Bill for an Act concerning alcoholic liquor. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Bradley, did you wish to call 4106? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4106, a Bill for an Act concerning fees. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Saviano. Mr. Clerk, 4157, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4157, a Bill for an Act concerning professional regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, on… page 3 of the Calendar there appears Agreed Resolutions. Read the Resolutions.”
Clerk Bolin: “Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 678, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 682, offered by Representative Kosel. House Resolution 683, 09300097.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 offered by Representative Morrow. House Resolution 684, offered by Representative Granberg and House Resolution 685, offered by Representative Granberg.”
“The Clerk has read the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Currie moves that the House adopt the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say ‘yes’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Motion is adopted and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Concurrence, there appears House Bill 1017. Do you have a Motion relative to that Bill?”
"The Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #1 has been approved for consideration.”
“Mr. Clerk, who is the Sponsor of the Bill?”
"Representative Feigenholtz.”
“Mr. Clerk… Chair recognizes Mr. Parke.”
“Mr. Speaker, I recently this morning filed a change of Sponsor, Chief Sponsor on that Bill. And I now am the Chief Sponsor as soon as the paperwork is processed.”
“Mr. Clerk, is Mr. Parke the Sponsor?”
"Representative Parke is the Sponsor of the Bill.”
“All right. Mr. Parke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I would move for concurrence of House Bill 1017. It is the Pet Trust Bill. I’m very pleased so many Members of the General Assembly have joined with me in cosponsoring this legislation. This Bill in essence as it came back from the Senate simply allows a… an adult in the State of Illinois to leave financial assets to a pet in a pet trust 09300097.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 in the event that they die before the pet does and that the remainder left after the pet passes on is passed on to the heirs per stirpes.”
Speaker Madigan: “The Gentleman moves to concur in Senate Amendment #1. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Barbara Currie voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 116 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I rise for purposes of an announcement. You… may remember that the Adler Planetarium is in town today. They’re going to show us three dimensional images of the planet Mars in Room 115 between 1:00 and 3:00 o’clock this afternoon. You also will be able to uplink with the scientists at the Adler Planetarium so they can explain to you in detail what you are seeing. So, I’m reminding you of that opportunity, Room 115 in the Capitol Building today between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. I hope we’ll see you all there and you’ll all enjoy seeing Mars.”
Speaker Madigan: “All right, you’ve all heard the Lady’s announcement. The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Chair recognizes Representative Mendoza.” 09300097.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Members of the Conference of Women Legislators, just a quick reminder that we’re going to be meeting today to go over our legislative agenda. At 5:30 p.m. is the meeting in the Rathskellar, in the little back part of the cafeteria area. Thank you, 5:30.”
“Mr. Giles.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For an announcement. In lieu of Black History Month since we have an audience here, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will be having a African- American soiree next Wednesday, February 25 at the Governor’s mansion. I believe the timeframe is from 6:00 ‘till 9:00 p.m. You will get an official notice or flyer on your desk or in the mail. We want all Members to… to… to come and enjoy yourself. Also, we ask that you will… if you have African garments in your closet to bring ‘em out and to celevate… celebrate this joyous event with us at the Governor’s mansion. If you do not have any African garment see Representative Turner or Representative Colvin. We will make sure that you get fully dressed and… and vested for this event and if you have any other questions you can also see me. So, that, once again that event will be next Wednesday, at the Governor’s mansion. That’s the 25th, I believe from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. And all is invited including staff as well. Thank you.”
“Mr. McGuire.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table the Bill, Mr. Speaker. House Bill #4749.” 09300097.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004
Speaker Madigan: “The Gentleman moves to table House Bill 4749.”
“Yes.”
“4749.”
“4749.”
“You’ve all heard the Gentleman’s Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The Bill is tabled. Good job. Mr. McCarthy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for the purpose of an announcement, please.”
“State your announcement.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House I have… I want to announce the cancellation of two different committees. The Higher Ed Committee that was supposed to meet at 2:00 o’clock today and the special committee on the Illinois State Toll Highway that is supposed to meet at 10:00 o’clock tomorrow morning. Both of these committees will be canceled due to the Sponsors wi… withdrawing their Bill for this week. So it’s the Higher Education Committee today and the Illinois State Toll Highway Committee tomorrow will be canceled. Thank you.”
“Mr. Molaro.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the purpose of an announcement.”
“Proceed.”
“Thank you. It is not on our Calendar but the House Revenue Committee for those Members who may have left 09300097.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 early, the House Revenue Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 114 tomorrow, Friday morning. Thank you.”
“Mr. Smith.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, on a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I’d like to ask the Members of the Body to recognize anothe… another one of our Members who celebrated their birthday yesterday and I understand he had cake over in the Stratton Building. But Representative Don Moffitt, I believe had a birthday yesterday and I think we should all… should wish him a happy birthday.”
Speaker Madigan: “Again, the Chair is prepared to adjourn. Anything further? Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday at 11:00 a.m., providing perfunctory time for the Clerk. Those in favor say ‘yes’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The House does stand adjourned until Friday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m., providing perfunctory time for the Clerk.”
"House Perfunctory Session will come t o order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 677, offered by Representative Black. House Resolution 679, offered by Representative Flowers. House Resolution 680, offered by Representative Gordon and House Resolution 681, offered by Representative Kosel. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee. The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 686, offered by Representative Yarbrough. This 09300097.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 97th Legislative Day 2/19/2004 Resolution is referred to the House Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09300097.doc 15