“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, their cell phones and their pagers. 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 Ronald Baker of the Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Urbana, Illinois. Reverend Baker is the guest of Representative Jakobsson.”
“Let us pray. Oh God, our heavenly Father, the creator and sustainer of the universe. We thank You for blessing us to come today for another Session of the House of Representatives. We pause to ask Your blessing upon the leader of this great State of Illinois, Governor Blagojevich. We pray, Oh God, that You would bless all of our Senators. We thank You for Mr. Madigan, the Speaker of the House. Bless each Representative of this House. Let Your blessings be upon all of them and we pray, Oh God, that You would guide them, lead them in their decision- making process. We know that some decisions are easy but then there are those difficult decisions, controversial. We pray that You would give them Your guidance and Your wisdom that they would make decisions that would be a blessing to all of the constituents of this great State of Illinois and then bring glory unto Your name and the name of the Father and in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Ghost, we pray. Thank God. Amen.” 09300099.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Fritchey.”
“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. Mr. Hannig.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Curry, Representative Capparelli, Representative Younge and Representative John Bradley are all excused today.”
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Jerry Mitchell is excused today.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. There being 110 people responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk?”
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for a point of personal privilege if I may?”
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker, when we left here on Friday we had debated a Bill that a… dealt with the rolling stock exemption. And when I made it to my home I received some letters, a particular letter at my home that I thought would be of interest to the Body. It was addressed to myself, Senator Luechtefeld and Representative Kurt Granberg. It says, ‘Gentlemen, after 19 years and with deep regret, Helen and 09300099.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 I have decided to close H and J Truck Line Incorporated in Nashville, Illinois on Saturday, January 24, 2004. Our reasons for the closures are very simple: (a) Insurance increases to 26 percent this year, deter… deterioration of our economy, deterioration of the workforce, relentless abuse, mandates, especially license fee increases and rolling stock exemption we are currently faced with. Fuel prices and the taxes on that fuel. As our workload winds down I will soon be in the job market and hopefully trying to remain somewhere in the trucking industry. Helen and I thank each of you for your past work and support and God bless you. Yours truly, James Rudolph and Helen Rudolph.’ With them go 18 more jobs from the State of Illinois. Thank you very much.”
“Mr. Daniels.”
“Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday I received a letter from a Pat Parker of 1008 N. Taylor, Oak Park, Illinois and with your permission, Sir, I would like to read the letter. It’s a parent’s response to the Governor’s budget address.”
“Proceed.”
“In his budget address on February 18, Governor Blagojevich made some remarks about services to people with developmental disabilities, which are almost breathtaking in their over simplification.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen. Ladies and Gentlemen. We have begun the Session. Thank you. Mr. Daniels.” 09300099.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Governor Blagojevich made some remarks about services to people with developmental disabilities which are almost breathtaking in there over simplification. Ms. Parker went on to say, ‘He stated the days of social service providers getting blank checks with no questions asked have come to an end. They’ve been receiving taxpayer dollars year after year with few, if any questions. As the parent of a young adult who has multiple disabilities and receives services from a non-profit agency funded through the State, I take great exception to this portrayal. In my experience agencies throughout the State work very hard to provide quality services to people with disabilities despite ever diminishing resources and with ever increasing rules and mandates. These agencies have often gone years without receiving cost of doing business increases and there is none in the new budget, yet they continue to serve the same number of people and as possible try to be responsive to ever growing number of individuals desperately needing services. I am curious as to where the Governor gets the idea that no questions are asked. Perhaps he is unfamiliar with the monitoring roles played by his own Department of Human Services, DHS, or the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission or Equip for Equality. Perhaps the Governor isn’t even aware that DHS already contracts for oversight services with what are known as pre-administration screening pass agencies who regularly visit individuals being served to ensure that they are receiving the services for which community agencies are being paid. Perhaps he is 09300099.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 unaware that agencies receiving these funds are licensed, and must also adhere to countless rules and go through annual reviews and follow-up reviews by a State Fire Marshal, Office of Inspector General, Department of Human Rights, Department of Public Aid, Department of Labor and there are parallels on the federal level including the IRS. Maybe he doesn’t know that social service agencies are also accredited by outside entities like CIRF, the rehab accreditation commission, through peer monitoring by professionals not politicians. Perhaps the Governor isn’t aware that these non-profits are audited annually and must submit costs reports to DHS. And why didn’t the Governor even acknowledge the concept of accountability to people being served? The agency serving my son annually surveys families concerning service quality and satisfaction. While targeting community-based agencies, it is interesting to me that the Governor did not even mention large state-operated facilities for people with developmental disabilities. Are they to be held accountable too? Perhaps he does not know that a lion’s share of state money for developmental disabilities is allocated to and spent by those State institutions not given, not given, to communities agencies. It saddens me, no it angers me, that the Governor seems to be trying to blame social service agencies and perhaps even people with disabilities themselves for the fact that Illinois has done such a poor job of recovering Medicaid dollars. One of the reasons the State hasn’t collected what it should, is the State has failed to upgrade its computer 09300099.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 tracking system. The Governor needs to read the Gettings Report which details why the dollars have been… not been captured and where more dollars could be recovered, instead he wants the community agencies to do the paperwork needed to recover up to $60 million in Medicaid dollars. Are those federal Medicaid dollars to be plowed back into the agencies, or is the Governor planning on taking federal funds intended for services for people with disabilities and using them to balance his budget by putting it in the General Revenue Fund? I agree with the Governor’s statement that by asking questions and demanding accountability we will be able to afford to offer health care and social services to more people who need them. All of us with family members served by community-based agencies will continue to ask questions and will wait for answers from the Governor’s Office. He, too, will be held accountable.’ This is a letter from Pat Parker of 1008 N. Taylor, Oak Park, Illinois. Very well done, Pat. Thank you for sharing. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the time.”
Speaker Madigan: “The Chair recognizes Mr. Molaro for the purpose of an announcement. Mr. Molaro, for the purpose of an announcement.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the purpose of an announcement and these are for all Members who are listening or in their office and people who are coming down. This Thursday at 9 a.m. we will be canceling the Revenue Committee. The Revenue Committee for this week has been canceled and we will repost everything for the 09300099.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 following week. So all the Bills that were posted this week will automatically be reposted for next week. I repeat, the Revenue Committee will be canceled. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“On the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, the Chair recognizes Mr. Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. An inquiry of the Chair if I might.”
“State your inquiry.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, as you know the Republicans have embraced Governor Blagojevich’s concept of doing more with less. And that is why we have allowed the Assistant Clerk of the House to be not only the Assistant Clerk of the House but the Clerk of the House for many many weeks now, doing the work of two people, working harder with less, doing more with less. Not once, not once, Mr. Speaker, did we ask for an increase in pay for the right honorable Brad Bolin. Not once, even though he deserves double pay for having done double work these last two or three months. Highly respected, almost revered on our side of the aisle. And suddenly my wondrous eyes appear someone else in the well, who I have no doubt will attempt to replace the irrepla… the irrepressible and irreplaceable Tony Rossi. Mr. Speaker, if you would I assume you have now after months of national search have reached out and found someone to be Clerk of the House. Could you… could you introduce that gentleman to us? I’m not familiar with the fellow.” 09300099.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Mr. Black, for a change your point is well- taken.”
“Yes, I…”
“For a change.”
“Thank you and a… the gentleman’s name?”
“Is Mark Mahoney.”
“Mark Mahoney.”
“Yes.”
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Clerk.”
“Mark, please stand up on the a…”
“It’s wonderful to finally have someone onboard, after months of Assistant Clerk Bolin doing as the Governor asked us to do, doing more with less. And we were, I might add, Mr. Speaker, proud to do it.”
“On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 3830. Mr. Parke, did you wish to call the Bill? Mr. Parke, did you wish to move 3830? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 3830, a Bill for an Act concerning state finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Madigan: “Third Reading. Representative Dugan? Is Representative Dugan in the chamber? Did you wish to move House Bill 3882? The Bill’s on the Order of Second Reading. Did you wish to move it to Third Reading? Okay. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?” 09300099.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“House Bill 3882, 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. Clerk, the next Bill on the Calendar, is that 3918? So what is the status of 3918?”
“House Bill 3918, a Bill for an Act in relation to veterans. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions filed.”
“The Clerk reports that there is an Amendment which has been assigned to the Rules Committee. Mr. Hannig, did you wish to leave the Bill on the Order of Second Reading? Mr. Hannig.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would you leave this on the Order of Second Reading, pending that Amendment?”
“Thank you. The Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. Representative Gordon. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 3977?”
“House Bill 3977, a Bill for an Act concerning schools. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Madigan: “Third Reading. House Bill 3996. Representative Krause. The Lady indicates she does not wish to move the Bill. House Bill 4016, Mr. Aguilar. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to move the Bill. 09300099.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 House Bill 4020, Mr. Daniels. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4020, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Madigan: “Third Reading. House Bill 4026, Mr. Verschoore. Do you wish to move the Bill? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4026, a Bill for an in relation to townships. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. House Bill 4076. The Lady indicates she does not wish to move the Bill. House Bill 4132, Mr. Leitch. Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 4175, Mr. Mautino. Is Mr. Mautino in the chamber? House Bill 4194, Mr. Hannig. Gentleman indicates he wants to move the Bill. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4194, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. House Bill 4234, Mr. Flider. Is Mr. Flider in the chamber? Mr… The Clerk reports that there has been a request for a note, therefore the Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Flider, 4346. Gentleman indicates he does not wish to move the 09300099.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 Bill. House Bill 4441, Representative Ryg. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4441, a Bill for an Act concerning state mandates. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. House Bill 4462, Mr. Phelps. Mr. Phelps? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4462, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. House Bill 4469, Mr. Smith. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4469, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
Speaker Madigan: “Third Reading. House Bill 4705, Representative Eileen Lyons. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4705, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. House Bill 5045, Mr. Hannig. The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 5067, Mr. Moffitt. Gentleman indicates he does 09300099.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 not wish to move the Bill. House Bill… Representative Hamos, did you wish to move House Bill 4098? It’s concerned with transportation. This was the Bill that was gonna remain in a committee, but now it’s on the Calendar. What is the status of the Bill?”
“House Bill 4098, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Franks. Chair recognizes Mr. Franks.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I’d like to make a Motion to Table House Bill 4362 and recommit it to Rules.”
“You’ve all heard the Gentleman’s Motion. Is there a leave? Leave is granted. The Motion is adopted and the Bill is tabled. The Chair recognizes Mr. Millner.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table House Bill 4398.”
“You’ve all heard the Gentleman’s Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The Motion is adopted and the Bill is tabled. On the Order of House Bills-Third Reading, there appears House Bill 4025. Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 4025, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 4025 is an initiative of Metro Counties and the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. What it does, it allows counties to 09300099.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 collect the cost of collecting fines that have… and judgments that have been in arrears. It allows… right now, they cannot do that. They can’t put the cost of that collection on that fine. I know of no opposition to this Bill. And I’d be glad to take any questions.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed.”
Speaker Madigan: “House Bill 4531, Representative May. Representative May. Lady indicates she does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 4769, Mr. Pritchard. Mr. Pritchard. Did you wish to call the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 4769, a Bill for an Act concerning food animals. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Mr. Pritchard.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. We bring before you a Bill that a… that this Body has debated many times before. It’s a Bill that we have chosen to rename the David A. Wirsing Food Animal Institute in honor of Dave who championed this Bill for many Sessions of the Legislature. We also have changed the 09300099.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 funding source to be a voluntary funding source rather than using State funds. So we hope to have met the objections that were raised in the Senate and also continue the support that this Body has shown for this Resolution (sic- Bill) when it voted a… 117 to 0 on its last appearance before this Body. So, Mr. Chairman, I bring before you this issue and hope my fellow Members will support it.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Representative Lou Jones voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Delgado. Mr. Delgado. The Chair recognizes Mr. Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I move to table House Bill 6867.”
Speaker Madigan: “You’ve all heard the Motion. Is there a leave? Leave is granted. The Motion is adopted and the Bill is tabled. On the Order of Third Reading, there appears House Bill 4831. Mr. Delgado. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 4831, a Bill for an Act concerning community development. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the committee. House Bill 4831 amends the Children and Family Services Act 09300099.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 requiring the Department of Human Services to include in this Act a program that has been in existence a… since the 1920s. The Chicago Area Project or CAP which awards grants to area projects to plan, establish, operate, coordinate and evaluate community service programs. It requires the department to establish eligibility requirements for grants and has set forth procedures for grant awards. And it would be effective immediately. And I’m available for any questions.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor… Mr. Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor yields.”
“Representative, this Bill codifying the rule procedure would tend to… to my way of thinking, correct me if I’m wrong, fly in the face of what the Governor said here just a week ago. And that is that because some entities have been funded does not mean they should automatically continue to receive funds. That in fact they should justify their existence, a… fee for service et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. And it seems like a… in the Chicago Area Project you’re now saying the rulemaking will be codified and it would seem to me that it would give them a leg up in the process for funding as opposed to someone who perhaps isn’t covered under this law, should in fact, it become law.” 09300099.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Right. Representative Black, I would offer it to you that a… actually in reality since this money is there already we’re codifying the procedure of it being able to be done. It’s more technical. If indeed, the money were not available then of course that program would suffer the same fate. However, since the monies are there already and they have been doing it since 1930, we’re really codifying what exists already. But if indeed, this program was to receive a cut back, a reduction, regardless if it was codified or not a… they would still be faced with a reduction. So I think we’re talking two different categories here in terms of future dollars that would be available to this program and indeed would be effective if it was codified or not, verses just codifying it and assuring that with the codification it does the following: It distinguishes what funds go to what program and in actuality would help the Governor’s Office be able to clearly see where the dollars are earmarked to, what type of youth program. And by the way, statewide, where right now he would only see a matrix that is general showing dollars going out to these particular programs. So… so through the negotiated contracts which are written agreements mutually agreed on already, that is… that’s… already written… that’s already written in the policy. So I think to distinguish with your answer is that it doesn’t really fly in the face because it is not adding new dollars. And if indeed, this… if the Governor felt in his 09300099.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 wisdom to cut a program, codified or not, he can still put in a reduction. Would you agree?”
“Well… What confused me was the underlying Bill would seem to continue a contract and that contract may be closed a… to an RFP or someone else bidding. Now, has the Amendment… has the Amendment changed that?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Black, for a… segueing me right into that. A… we were limited with the House Amendment. We deleted the provisions that required the Department of Human Services to determine contract compliance and the effectiveness of services that subsequent contracts may be negotiated and renewed, based on the availability of funds. So it does do exactly what you’re asking.”
“So, if in fact, a community based organization who thought, for whatever the reason, they could do the job more efficiently, more effectively or do a better outreach, they could request a… or… or submit a proposal and be considered then by a… the Department of Human Services for that contract. The contract would not automatically be renewed.”
“That is correct, Mr. Black.”
“Okay. Fine. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Mr. Franks.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor yields.”
“Representative Delgado, I am reading the analysis and I have a question on House Amendment #1.” 09300099.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Yes, Sir.”
“In there it looks like the Department of Human Services had an objection because of a no-bid provision. Could you please explain that?”
“Right. That has been… that objection has been removed.”
“Oh, it has been removed?”
“Yes, Sir, as you know, I chair Human Services and I’ve met with… the language on the no bid was removed and a… that was… we did that earlier on and I did regret not getting it out of the analysis.”
“I appreciate it. Because I was reading the analysis and I read the status and it showed that the Amendment had been adopted in committee but I didn’t see the language. So…“
“Yes, Representative, I tried my best to get to the LIS system and type all that stuff in, but I didn’t get it in.”
“Thank you. You’ve answered my question.”
“Thank you.”
“Mr. Parke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“Sponsor yields.”
“A… Representative is a… is the intent of this legislation just to enable it for another year?”
“That is correct, Sir. Well… to enable these types of programs to exist and it really isn’t just for the one year. With… it… it does help with this year, but really 09300099.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 what it does, it helps us distinguish… since Chicago area… area projects are all over the state. They do a variety of things with youth. We wanted to have a better understanding and accountability as to who gets what and why. What is it that they’re getting? That’s what the essence of it does. But it… it… would codify it for a… an endless period of time. At this point it has no sunset.”
“And what’s the total amount of money that we’re talking about? It’s a… what, a million five?”
“Right. We don’t have that amount only because, Representative Parke, this is a program that’s already in proce… in order, it’s been moving since the 1930’s. That we’ve always done here in Illinois a… through this project. However, I don’t have a fiscal amount on that. At this point, we’re not adding any dollars to anything. All we are doing is codifying the rule into a code so that they’ll distinguish particular programs. A… the monies are already there under the old fiscal year.”
“Who determines who’s in this plan, is it the a… area projects association?”
“Good question. Department of… Department of Human Services are the administrator and they determine if the group, based on their RFP, is a… is qualified or not to be in that category of funds.”
“Now, you list a… probably 20 different groups, 25 different groups. Are these the ones that are all approved and are locked in and we’re gonna fund them if there’s appropriations set up for them or can others be added?” 09300099.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Right. I can’t say… Right. I cannot… I know that they are the supporters of this. So looking at some of the names like Chicago Area Project and are… Illinois Council of Area Projects, I would say those two, yes. But to… to a… to represent to you that everyone of ‘em are eligible for funds, I don’t know that but I know that they support it and could be peripheral supporters.”
“Did you… in committee did anybody object to this?”
“A… no.”
“Do you know of anybody that’s opposed to this?”
“No, Sir, I do not. A… the Amendment removed the only opposition which was the Department of Human Services.”
“And why did they oppose it?”
“A… because of the no-bid provision and now that was removed and now of course everybody is onboard. There was no a… no… no debate on this particular Bill.”
“All right. Now this is a… subject a… we’ve been told the appropriation is $7.1 million. So this is not a little bit of money, this is a lot of money.”
“Representative Parke, I am not appropriating any dollars. These are dollars that are already appropriated for this particular program. And I am not after any additional.”
“So this is the same level as from last year. It was 7.1 and you expect… a comm… you have a commitment from the Governor to resubmit this request again.”
“That’s correct.” 09300099.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“But this is… all this is, is enabling legislation to allow this to continue?”
“That is correct and to be able to have the clarity as to who’s getting what funds.”
“All right. Let me say this…”
“That way you and I would have a better understanding… to be able to look at something and say, oh, I understand where those dollars went. This youth program did X, Y and Z and this other one did X, Y and Z and I think that’s a little bit more detailed. And that’s what we want.”
“All right, Representative, I don’t have a… on the face of this, I don’t have a problem. I think we need to work with our youth and try to provide programs for them. I just don’t understand the ramifications of it. Would you let whoever’s responsible for this initiative to contact me personally? I’d like to talk to ‘em.”
“Absolutely, Representative Parke, I’ll put 'em in touch with your office.”
“Thank you.”
“Mr. Leitch.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Gentleman yield?”
“Sponsor yields.”
“Representative, why is it necessary to codify this?”
“It’s… the necessary to codify it for… Last year we had discrepancies as to how these moneys were appropriated. And there was some confusion as to what groups got what dollars and what were they doing with them. And as I chair Human Services, I’m trying to get more accountability and 09300099.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 know exactly the impacts… feeling that these dollars have in our communities across the state because they’re for disadvantaged youth. So instead of worrying about those individuals who spent all their good dollars on color brochures, we wanted to make sure it was getting to the kids. So these groups themselves came about and said you’re absolutely right. We want to have an ability to distinguish these individual groups that are all supporting. Who are they? What do they do? How do they do it? And then well they will be asked of that more of them and then these dollars we’ll be… we’ll be able… the state side, be able to distinguish who’s getting what and what are they doing with it.”
“I guess I don’t understand. What is the difference between functioning under the regulation and under a law, in this case?”
“Under…”
“What’s the difference?”
“Right. This just gives us a clearer understanding, Representative Leitch, as to…”
“How? How is it clearer when you do it under… when you’re doing it under a regulation? How is it made more clear by doing it under a law?”
“Well, it cross references… well, it cross references to a particular Act and statute. So the statute is codifying it and basically saying the Bill would clarify the statute in terms of referencing this program, which continues to follow the model program established back in 09300099.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 the ‘30s. And appropriations… maybe this will help a little better, Representative Leitch. The appropriation amount was a lump sum, pretty much thrown out there. Now what this does, it acts more of where… how do you break down these dollars. The State will have a better understanding, Human Services will, as to where these dollars are going and actually what… what are those dollars actually doing. I mean that’s the best way I could explain it. It’s already going on now but with a little bit more gray area. With this code we’re… we’re dissecting it a little bit more, if you will, and putting more of the onus on these groups to help us understand at the end of the day that their kids benefit from these dollars.”
“Thank you.”
“The question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 112 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Lyons, for the purpose of an announcement.” Lyons, J.: “Thank you, Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Financial Institution’s Committee at 4:00 p.m. will be canceled. Members of the Financial Institution Committee, our meeting is canceled at 4:00.”
“Representative Hamos.” 09300099.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the Housing and Urban Development Committee scheduled for today is canceled. That committee is canceled. Thank you.”
“Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Resolutions there appears HR697. Read the Resolution.”
“HOUSE RESOLUTION 697. WHEREAS, A vacancy exists in the office of Chief Clerk of The House of Representatives; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that Mark Mahoney is hereby elected Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives for the remainder of the term of the Ninety-Third General Assembly.”
“Mr. Hannig.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I think the Resolution speaks for itself and I would ask that we adopt the Resolution electing Mark Mahoney as our next Clerk.”
“Mr. Hannig has moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. HR697 is adopted. Chair recognizes Mr… Chair recognizes Mr. Black.”
“Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I simply rise in objection at the way that Resolution was rammed through the chamber. I had my speak light on. I think the most 09300099.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 important question before we anoint Mr. Mahoney, I have never had a satisfactory explanation as to what happened to the irrepressible Clerk for so many years, Tony Rossi. Was he unceremoniously dumped or did he move on to bigger things? I don’t know what he could move on to that’s any bigger than being Clerk of the House. But I miss… I miss Clerk Rossi. Where is he? Could we visit him? Visiting hours still every Thursday at 10 a.m?”
Speaker Madigan: “The Clerk is very busy working with the administration.”
“So I’ve heard, yes. Well, we certainly wish Clerk Mahoney well. He comes to us, I believe, out of the Department of Corrections, does he not? See and people say you don’t get a second chance, that’s proof positive.”
“Chair is prepared to adjourn. Representative Hannig moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 12 noon, providing perfunctory time for the Clerk. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The House does stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 12 noon, providing perfunctory time for the Clerk.”
“The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 688, offered by Representative Pankau. House Resolution 689, offered by Representative Hassert. House Resolution 690, offered by Representative Munson. House Joint Resolution 67, offered by Representative Munson. These Resolutions are referred to House Rules Committee. There being no 09300099.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 99th Legislative Day 02/24/04 further business, the House Perfunctory Session now stands adjourned.” 09300099.doc 26