“The hour of 12 o’clock having come, the House shall be called to order. We shall be led today in prayer by the Reverend Festus Umeojiego with the Unity Church in Evanston, Illinois. Reverend Umeojiego is the guest of Representative Coulson. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off their cell phones and pagers and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Umeojiego.”
“It’s certainly a pleasure to be here and bring you greetings from Unity on the North Shore and I’m honored to be the guest of our honorable Rep., Elizabeth Coulson, who I see in the community about so many things to help people. So we give thanks for the work you do here. And now in this time in our history and the time… this time in the world where there is so many difficulties, it is important indeed, as always, that we have a sense of the divine. And so, we invite infinite Spirit, the divine spirit to be in this chamber in a very special way. We’re now in the presence of pure being of God. And we are immersed in the Holy Spirit of life, love and wisdom. We acknowledge Your presence and Your power, bless us spirit in Your divine wisdom You raise our mortal limitations. And bless our work, bless the work of our hands, the work of our minds and the work of our hearts. May the work we do here always represent the best that is in all of us. And may we have this sense of peace and harmony to listen to one another with our hearts, to come together in unity and in strength. Infinite spirit, give us the strength to 09300118.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 honor our diversity, to realize that we are more beautiful and much stronger when we honor the different expressions of God in the human kind. And may we respect people, may we help and work to respect people no matter where we find them across the world to honor the divinity that is in every human being. We give thanks for the opportunity to do this work and everyone that works in this chamber is indeed a minister in their own right, the minister of God, bringing better condition, better sense of community and creating a better world. We give thanks in the name of Your spirit that in dwells each and everyone of us. Thank you, God. It is so and so it is. Amen.”
Speaker Turner: “We’ll be led in the pledge today by Representative Bailey.” Bailey – 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. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Bellock, Millner and Osmond are excused today.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Pleased to ask the record to reflect that Representatives Kelly and Yarbrough are excused today.” 09300118.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“The record will so reflect. We have a total of 113 Members present and a quorum is present, the House will proceed. Mr. Clerk, the Rules Report.”
Clerk Mahoney: “Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measure/s and/or joint actions was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, April 22, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' House Resolution 820, offered by Representative Madigan, and House Resolution 825, offered by Representative Mendoza.”
“Mr. Clerk, Supplemental Calendar.”
Clerk Mahoney: “Supplemental Calendar #1 is now being distributed.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider, for what reason do you rise?”
“Representative, a point of personal privilege and also with reference to House Resolution 748.”
“State your point.”
“Representative… Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I’d like to… I’d like you to join me today in welcoming to the Illinois House of Representatives the Saint Teresa Lady Bulldogs and their coach, Bill Ipsen. And the Lady Bulldogs of Saint Teresa of Decatur, Illinois were the Class A state IHSA champions this year. And not only did they win the state championship, they also completed this season with a perfect 33 and 0 record. And they defeated a… a very… a very tough team from Hampshire, 09300118.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Illinois, Hampshire High School, which is in the district of Representative Schmitz. And ironically, it was Hampshire who had knocked Saint Teresa out of the… out of the playoffs last year. So, this was a very, very sweet victory this year and we’re very proud of them in Decatur. We’re proud of their accomplishments of the Saint Teresa Bulldog’s team and the City of Decatur. And the team is definitely a source of pride and commitment to Decatur, Illinois. And if you could see them, they’re here in the gallery to the… to my right. And I’d like you to extend congratulations, but before we do I would also re… I also know that Representative Bill Mitchell, who is a… an alma mater of a Saint Teresa, has some comments as well.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?” Mitchell, B.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.” Mitchell, B.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I want to thank my colleague from Macon, Representative Flider, for sponsoring House Resolution 748. I believe the Lady Bulldogs are right behind me. And Saint Teresa plays an important part in the life of the City of Decatur and it plays an important part in my family’s life. I’m a graduate of Saint Teresa, my mother and my aunt are a graduate of Saint Teresa and my grandmother was a graduate of the Academy of Saint Teresa when it was an all-girls’ school. So Saint Teresa’s is very important. It’s been a 09300118.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 we… it’s a great sports school when I went to high school, although I didn’t play on the football team, we won four championships. So it’s good that the tradition of sportsmanship is living on in Decatur and Saint Teresa leads the way. I would like to congratulate Mr. Henson, the head coach, as well as the girls. Welcome to the Illinois House.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.”
“Yes, thank you again, Mr. Speaker. In addition to winning the state championship this year, we also want to acknowledge the Coach, Bill Ipsen, who is the coach of the year as voted by the Illinois basketball coaches. Coach Ipsen, will you please stand up? He’s the coach… coach of the year is recognized by the Illinois Basketball Association and he will be heading the south team a… at the IBCA Senior All Star game in Bloomington on June 19, and he was also recognized as the Macon County Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. So once again, I tell you it’s with pride and privilege that I ask you to congratulate our team and our coaches from Decatur, Saint Teresa. Thank you very much for being here today. Thank you.”
“Congratulations again, team and coach. On page 14 of the Calendar we have House Resolutions 715, Representative Fritchey. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Resolution 715 proclaims the removal of Cubs’ Curse and that ‘next year’ has arrived.” 09300118.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey.”
“Thank you, Speaker. House Resolution 715 was done in conjunction with the ceremonies that we had recently back in Chicago to explode a certain ball that played a big role in last year’s demise of our beloved Cubs. We recognize a great history that they’ve given to the city, this state, this country. And we are gonna take whatever steps we can to take the end of last year’s season and turn it into a much better year this year and hopefully bring a world series championship back to Chicago for the first time in all of our lives.”
“The Gentleman move… the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?”
“He indicates he will.”
“Representative Fritchey, if we pass this… this Resolution, can you give me a guarantee that the curse will be removed?”
“I can guarantee without a doubt that we will not meet the same end last… this year that we met last year. Many… many men better than you and I have tried to do what we’re doing today.”
“Representative, could you… could you recall the name of the gentleman, I believe, that intercepted a… maybe a world championship game, do you know that gentleman that intercepted that… that particular ball? What is his name?” 09300118.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“I… I do know his name. I think we… we have tried to take him from being the proverbial goat and to just being a well-intentioned man that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Representative, I just wanna leave this with you. I think the last that I heard that gentleman had a son and I think that gentleman will be taking his place in that… that particular respective seat.”
“The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?”
“Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. With leave of the Body, I… I’m sure that all Members of the House would want to be added as cosponsors to this Resolution. Oh, I… I hear some dissent. Well, Mr. Speaker, in defense of the Sponsor, I don’t know that we can guarantee that the curse will be lifted. I have done my part. Ya know, I love animals and I want you to know that that goat after the barbecue, it was delicious, absolutely delicious. And I… anyone who has been to Wrigley Field, not… not to… certainly not to put down US Cellular Field or Busch Stadium, named after a beer as I recall. But anyway, those are wonderful baseball teams, triple A that they are. But Wrigley Field is without a doubt the… the holy grail of baseball diamonds. I can think of no better place to be on a warm sunny day, unlike opening day when it was 25 degrees below zero, but that’s another story. But when the ivy turns green and Dusty Baker’s young men take the field and we get into the World Series… only five outs away last 09300118.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 year, Mr. Speaker, just five outs away from our first World Series appearance since 1945. And remember, it’s been since 1918 that we have won a World Series on the north side of Chicago. What? I… I can’t imagine that any of you would… would root against us. We have been… we have been absolute gentlemen. The Cubs have let everybody have a chance at winning a World Series. We have deferred constantly to teams that were not as good or didn’t have the personnel. I mean, look at Ernie Banks. Two-time most valuable player, the most gracious person to ever put on a Cub uniform. And simply wanted other teams to have that opportunity. But I… I… think this is the year. I think it’s finally about due. And at my age I can’t afford to wait much longer. But let us hope that the curse is gone. We invite all of you to that beautiful ball park on the north side of Chicago. We look forward to a World Series. And Mr. Speaker, I don’t want to threaten anybody, I know some are gonna ask for a Roll Call. I don’t think you should because I just want you to remember, Secretary of White… Secretary of State, Jessie White, was a member of the Chicago Cubs organization. A ballplayer signed to a professional contract. And I have it from good source if you wanna a Roll Call and you vote against this Resolution, your driver’s license will be subject to a very careful review. So, vote ‘aye’.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fayette, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?” 09300118.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Just a comment that… certainly most of us agree that Wrigley Field is an outstanding venue in which to play the sport of baseball. And it is my utmost hope that someday they get a major league team.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey, to close.”
“Not as if we need any further encouragement, but my district mate, Representative Feigenholtz, has assured me that when the Cubs do go to the World Series her office will provide tickets for all of us, just contact her. I request an ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“The Gentleman asks leave for the adoption of House Resolution 715. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. On page 15 of the calendar we have House Resolution 819. Representative Froehlich… Ryg. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
House Resolution 819. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Marine Pfc. Geoffrey S. Morris on April 4, 2004, in combat with enemy forces near the towns of Fallujah and Ramadi in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq; and WHEREAS, Pfc. Morris was with the weapons company of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force; and 09300118.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 WHEREAS, Pfc. Morris grew up in Gurnee, the big brother of five other siblings; he played football at the Warren Township Center and local high school for eight years; and WHEREAS, He enlisted in the Marine Corps in his last year of high school and began his training soon after graduation in 2003; he was last stationed at Camp Pendleton before being deployed to Iraq on February 15, 2004; and WHEREAS, Pfc. Morris was a man of deep conviction and passion for God, his country, and the Marine Corps; his commitment to the mission of bringing peace and stability to the Iraqi people and the region was unwavering; even at his young age, he was able to embody the spirit of the Marine Corps, being faithful always to his family, his friends, and his country; and WHEREAS, Pfc. Morris loved to hunt pheasants, geese and ducks, and fish for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan with his father and friends; he felt fulfilled when playing paintball in the backyard with his buddies; he was most content teaching chess, playing games and entertaining younger kids, and had built some relationships with local Iraqi children; and WHEREAS, The passing of Pfc. Geoffrey S. Morris will be deeply felt by many, especially his father, Kirk S. and devoted second mother, Vickie (Vander, Werff, Bisk); his siblings, Jennifer, Lauren, Taylor, Austin, and little Dylan; his grandparents, Ralph W. Morris, Virginia Balmes, and Gary L., and Jane Hein; his uncles, Doug and Gary Hein; his grandmother, Helen Lundstrom; his uncles, Christopher 09300118.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Morris, Timothy Morris, and Todd Woods; and his aunt, Melissa Barrett; and WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his mother, Leslie Marie (nee Hein) Morris; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Marine Pfc. Geoffrey S. Morris along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Marine Pfc. Geoffrey S. Morris as a token of our deepest sympathy.”
“The Lady from Lake, Representative Ryg.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, please join me in paying tribute to Private First Class Geoffrey Morris. This loss was significant in terms of the loss to his family, his community and to all of us. And the most incredible thing was that this family was willing to appear on national television and share their grief, because they felt it was important that the nation know that Geoffrey died feeling that he was doing an important thing in service to his country. He had written a letter to his family that said, please know, if anything happens to me I will be happy, I will be with God and I will have died trying to ensure the freedom of the Iraqi people. So we pay tribute to not only Private First Class 09300118.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Geoffrey Morris, but to the family that provided him the values and the morals that so served us well. Thank You.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Churchill.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a young man that I did not know until his demise. But he’s a young man that I learned a lot about over the last few weeks because of the way that the public treated his passing. He was a fine young man. He was a young man who was dedicated to his job, and this was not only a job that was life threatening, but it was a job that he thought was a part of his life. He was a part of a larger community and a part of the family of that community. And the people in the community rose up as a family and were saddened by his premature death in Iraq. And so I say to his family and I say to him, Simper Fi, young Marine.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lee, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?” Mitchell, J.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To Pfc. Geoffrey Morris, from former Corporal Jerry Mitchell and all of the former Marines in this chamber, I wish to extend my sympathies to the family and say how proud we are of Pfc. Geoffrey Morris. Again, to rei… reiterate what Representative Churchill said, from all of us, Semper Fi, job well done and Godspeed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“The Lady from Lake moves for the adoption of House Resolution 819. All those in favor shall say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the 09300118.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 ‘ayes’ have it and House Resolution 819 is adopted. On the Order of Resolutions we have House Resolution 825. The Lady from Cook, Representative Mendoza. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Resolution 825 recognizes the importance of lives of children by naming April 30 ‘El Dia de los Ninos’, Children’s Day.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Mendoza.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. House Resolution 825 is simply a Bill that… I mean a Resolution, I apologize, that will dedicate April 30 as Children’s Day, El Dia de los Ninos, and would celebrate everything… all the wonderful things that children contribute to our lives, to society, to Illinois and to America in general. And I would ask for your adoption.”
Speaker Turner: “The Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 825. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. On page 10 of the Calendar we have Senate Bill 2329. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate Bill 2329 has been read… Senate Bill 2329, a Bill for an Act in relation to housing. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Hold the Bill on Second. On page 9 of the Calendar we have Senate Bill 1271. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09300118.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Senate Bill 1271 has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Hannig, has been approved for consideration.”
“The Gentleman from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, on Amendment #1.”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This strikes everything after the enacting clause and then does three things. It provides for $1.125 million for the Teachers Certification Revolving Fund. It provides $571,700 to the Department of Human Rights so that we can make payroll. And it moves $5 thousand from the… to the… excuse me, Rep… excuse, Mr. Speaker, I need to withdraw Amendment #1.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman asks leaves to withdraw Amendment #1. Further Amendments?”
“Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Hannig, has been approved for consideration.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This is the Amendment that I began speaking about that has the money for the teachers certificates. It has the money for the Department of Human Rights and it moves $5 thousand from the intergovernmental cooperation Springfield office to the Legislative Audit Commission. I’d ask that we adopt the Amendment.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?” 09300118.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“He indicates he will.”
“Representative Hannig, when the 571,700 for the Human Rights Department is paid for payroll and it’s gonna get reimbursed by the Federal Government, where will it be transferred into when it comes back from the feds?”
“Well, Representative, when the Federal Government gives us money it gener… it just goes into the… the General Revenue Fund. And so, all we really have to do is once that money comes from the Federal Government, then we can not make payments with the state money and if there’s… and it will lapse at the end of the year.”
“So it’s sub… it supplants the GRF money?”
“It’s really more of a loan while were waiting for the Federal Government to come forward with the money.”
“Can you just tell the Body, since this is a supplemental appropriation and everybody needs to know what they’re voting on here, how much is this supplemental total? You don’t have to break it all out, but just what’s the total amount?”
“Representative, it’s… it’s… three items. It’s 1.125 and then it’s the 571,7 and then it’s 5 thousand. So that’s about 1.7, of which we anticipate the 571 will come back from the Federal Government.”
“So it’s about 1.7, and so we’re spending 1.2 million with this Bill, in essence, after they transfer back to us?”
“That’s from the Teachers Certification Fee Revolving Fund, so that’s not GRF.” 09300118.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Okay. And that’s out of their own fund?”
“Yes. That’s correct, Representative.”
“And they’re okay with this?”
“Yes, they need to have this money so that we can go forward and address some of these problems.”
“Okay. Thank you, Representative. I don’t see any problem so far with what you’re trying to do. Thank you.”
“The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“He indicates he will.”
“Representative, I… I… let me just focus on the Illinois State Board of Appropriation Supplemental. That’s one and half million dollars to the Teachers Certificate Fee Revolving Fund. Now that was passed a year ago and the Governor vetoed it and I don’t have his veto message. Do you recall why he vetoed the one and half million dollars out of the Teachers Certif… Certification Revolving Fund?”
“I don’t recall, Representative, I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, I don’t recall either. And it made no sense because that is not a direct appropriation. Is it not correct that the certification revolving fund involves money that teachers pay in to renew their certificate?”
“That’s correct, Representative. Yes.”
“So, after all of the histrionics earlier this Session, we’re going to return one and half million dollars to the 09300118.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 State Board of Education. Now, what if the State Board of Education doesn’t exist by the time the check gets there?”
“We… we hope that it does, Representative.”
“Well, ya know, this is a flat… I know that none… I know none of you will pay attention, but this is a classic example of a veto that should not have been made. This is not GRF. It is money that teachers pay to register their certificates. That one and half million dollar cut in money that isn’t our money, it’s… it’s money paid for a service by teachers, as a result there were lay-offs, and as a result of that hundreds of teachers are waiting for their certificates to be renewed for the school year that begins in August. This is a really strange way to run a railroad. And I would hope that somebody on the second floor would just simply pay attention to items that are vetoed. Those that involve General Revenue Funds are certainly fair game and that is the Governor’s job. But this veto has put people at some risk of losing their job because their certificate wasn’t renewed in a timely fashion. There was no reason for this. And for those of you who are squeamish about putting money back into a fund in difficult financial times, this is not general tax revenue dollars. These are dollars paid by public school teachers in order to renew their certificate and get the proper endorsement for the next teaching year. It makes eminent good sense. Had eminent good sense been followed in this practice, we wouldn’t be putting money back in the 09300118.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 budget that doesn’t belong to the… technically, it isn’t tax money to begin with. It deserves an ‘aye’ vote.”
“Representative Hannig to close.”
“I would just ask that we adopt the Amendment.”
Speaker Turner: “Representative Hannig, the House moves… I should say, Representative Hannig moves that the House does adopt Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1271. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #2 is adopted. Further Amendments?”
“No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, call the Bill. Senate Bill 1271.”
“Senate Bill 1271, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, on Sen…”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. The Amendment is the Bill now. So it has to do with the Teachers Revolving Fund for their cert… certif… certification. It has to do with the Department of Human Rights. And it has a $5 thousand transfer on the legislative branch to the Audit Commission. So, I’d ask for your ‘yes’ vote.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Beaubien, for what reason do you rise?”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?”
“He indicates he will.” 09300118.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Yeah, I’d just like to follow up. I think this matter’s been well debated and I would urge everyone to vote ‘yes’ on this Bill. Thank you very much.”
Speaker Turner: “The question is, ‘Shall Senate Bill 1271 pass?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the roll. On this question, there are 111 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 2 voting ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, there’s an organization called the Mikva Challenge. And this a group that has done work with kids from around the state to get them involved in the political and legislative process. Lately, they’ve been trying to do a lot of work and tackle the issue that is hanging over all of our heads of education funding. In any event, a number of these kids and some of the program leaders are back in the Speaker’s Conference Room. And if anybody would like to just go in there and say hi, lend your support, hear what they have to say, I know that they’d greatly appreciate it. They’ll be back there for another hour or so. So maybe when we get done or some point during the day today you could just stop back there 09300118.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 and give a ‘hello’ to the kids from the Mikva Challenge. Thank you.”
“Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions.”
“On the Order of Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 796, offered by Representative Krause. House Resolution 798, offered by Representative Sacia. House Resolution 800, offered by Representative Miller. House Resolution 802, offered by Representative Lyons. House Resolution 803, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 804, offered by Representative John Bradley. House Resolution 805, offered by Representative John Bradley. House Resolution 807, offered by Representative Jakobsson. House Resolution 808, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 809, offered by Representative Gordon. House Resolution 811, offered by Representative Daniels. House Resolution 812, offered by Representative Dunn. House Resolution 813, offered by Representative William Davis. House Resolution 815, offered by Representative Black. House Resolution 816, offered by Representative Biggins. House Resolution 817, offered by Representative Biggins. House Resolution 818, offered by Representative Biggins. House Resolution 822, offered by Representative Dunkin. House Resolution 823, offered by Representative Biggins. House Resolution 824, offered by Representative Poe. House Resolution 827, offered by Representative Franks. House Resolution 828, offered by Representative Osterman. And House Resolution 829, offered by Representative Jefferson.” 09300118.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Representative Lang moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor should say ‘aye’ all those opposed say ‘no’. In opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. The Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Mautino, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Yes, just a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Blagojevich and our IEMA folks for the declaration yesterday of the… the natural disaster sites for LaSalle, Putnam, Will and Kankakee County. It was the… also Mike Chamness, the head of the terrorism task force, who for the first time enacted the state’s terrorism plan. By the time I had arrived up there, there were probably 2 hundred firefighters, emergency workers. There were construction crews. And so, they did a tremendous job for the folks in Utica and in Granville and a lot of the areas that were tragically devastated. So I wanted to express our thank you to those who led at the site and we will now seek help from the Federal Government and I’m sure that we will rebuild Utica and Granville and all those places that were tragically devastated.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Will, Representative McGuire, what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a point of personal privilege, again.” 09300118.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to reiterate that the following speaker… or the preceding speaker, Representative Mautino, spoke about. We got hit in Joliet by the same tornado but not with the devastation there was in Utica, and I think everybody’s aware of what Utica’s devastation amounted to. But I too would like to thank the Governor and the Director Burke from the Emergency Management and all the other people who came to Joliet yesterday. And Senator Walsh and I ran up there yesterday to be with the people because it’s in our hometown… or my hometown, it’s almost in my neighborhood. And I do want to thank the Governor for helping out, and he has offered to help and his help will try to assure federal funding if it’s declared a federal disaster area. And I want to thank you for that.”
“The Lady from Kankakee, Representative Dugan, for what reason do you rise?”
“A point of personal preference, please.”
“State your point.”
“Yes, I too, as my two honored colleagues, want to thank everyone that helped in Kankakee County. We also had quite a bit of damage and we, of course not as bad as the… as the other areas, but we do sympathize with the communities that did have loss of life and thank IEMA and all the people that were right on hand to help our communities.”
“Mr. Clerk, Adjournment Resolution.”
“House Joint Resolution 77. 09300118.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, April 22, 2004, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 1:00 p.m.; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 27, 2004, until 12:00 noon.”
“Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the… the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. On page 7 of the Calendar we have House Bill 6848. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Bill 6848 has been read a second time previously. Amendments #1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions filed.”
“The Lady from Peoria, Representative Slone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Three Amendments to this Bill were recommended for adoption in State Government Committee yesterday. Amendment 3 creates an agency task force. There’s no opposition to it and I would appreciate its adoption.”
“The Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #3 to House Bill 6848. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #3 is adopted. Further Amendments?” 09300118.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Floor Amendment #4, offered by Representative Slone, has been approved for consideration.”
“The Lady from Peoria, Representative Slone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment 4 contains the bulk of the Bill. It contains some provisions for intergovernmental cooperation counsels and planning grants from various state agencies. With the exception of a few remaining tweaks, it has no objections, and those are planned to be handled.”
“The Lady moves for the… the Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #4 to House Bill 6848. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #4 is adopted. Further Amendments?”
“Floor Amendment #5, offered by Representative Slone, has been approved for consideration.”
“The Lady from Peoria, Representative Slone.”
“Thank you. Floor Amendment #5 makes a remaining correction in the text of Floor Amendment #3. It just changes a paragraph that was misnumbered. I would appreciate its adoption.”
“The Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #5. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #5 is adopted. Further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?”
“No Further Amendments, but notes have been filed and not received.” 09300118.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004
“Third Reading. That Bill shall remain on Second Reading. There are note requests. The Lady from Peoria, Representative Slone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding was that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity filed that… those notes. Is there an additional note?”
“Just one moment. I would think that because we just amended the Bill that their notes may not be applicable, but we’ll check and see.”
“Thank you.”
“The request… Representative Slone, the request is based on the fact that you introduced those three Amendments, so we’ll have to go through the process again.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“Okay. On Supplemental Calendar #1 we have House Resolution 820. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Resolution 820, offered by Representative Madigan. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Anthony…”
“This is a death Res… excuse me, Mr. Clerk. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a death Resolution. Could we please have your attention? Members should be in their chairs, staff to the rear of the House. Members in your chairs, staff to the rear of the House. This Resolution is for a former House Member.”
“House Resolution 820, offered by Representative Madigan. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 09300118.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Anthony Scariano on April 17, 2004; and WHEREAS, Mr. Scariano was an attorney who previously served as a State Representative, assistant federal prosecutor, State racing board chairman, Illinois appellate court justice, and head of commissions aimed at improving the judiciary and nominating candidates; and WHEREAS, Mr. Scariano was born January 12, 1918, on Chicago's North Side; he attended Lane Tech High School and graduated from Wells High School; after beginning college, he served as an intelligence officer in the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency, in northern Italy during World War II; and WHEREAS, After the war, Mr. Scariano graduated from Georgetown University's law school; while attending school in Washington, he also worked as a guard at the Capitol and for United States Senator Scott Lucas (D-Illinois); and WHEREAS, From 1949 to 1954, Mr. Scariano served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, where he eventually became head of the civil division; in 1956, he was first elected to the Illinois House from the south suburbs; and WHEREAS, During his tenure as a State lawmaker, which began in the mid-1950s, Mr. Scariano banded with a small group of independent Democrats who practiced what they called common-sense liberalism as they rebelled against the stifling political control of the day to push for government reform; demonstrating his stand against the political status quo, he was one of the architects of the 09300118.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 State's first Open Meetings Act, aimed at providing the sunshine of public disclosure and input into the often-secretive closed-door meetings where government business was transacted; and WHEREAS, In 1985, he was appointed to the State appellate court; he was then elected to a 10-year term on the court the next year; though he retired from the bench in 1996, he remained active in politics and an adamant supporter of selecting judges based on merit appointment rather than Illinois' system of an elected judiciary; in December 2002, Mr. Scariano was among a group of judges who urged then Governor George Ryan to push for dramatic reforms in the State's capital punishment system and urged Governor Ryan to grant clemency to those sentenced to death; and WHEREAS, Mr. Scariano also was a founding member of the Sicilian American Cultural Association, of which he also served as president; and WHEREAS, The passing of Anthony Scariano will be deeply felt by many, especially his wife of 61 years, Leah; his sons, Anthony and John; his two brothers, John and Joseph; his sister, Marie Makowski; and his two grandchildren; and WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Phyllis Scariano; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Anthony Scariano along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community; and be it further 09300118.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Anthony Scariano as an expression of our deepest sympathy.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Scully.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the… of the House. I promise I’ll be brief. Tony was my mentor. He left the House 27 years ago, so you didn’t have a chance to meet Tony. But I was very proud to call myself his State Representative. Tony was a very commanding figure. He was a short man. He didn’t ask me things, he would tell me things. He would call me up about three times a year and say, ‘We’re gonna have lunch. I gotta talk to my State Representative.’ There was mention made in the Resolution about what a progressive thinker he was. He is widely recognized as being one of the fathers of the Open Meetings Act. He joined forces with a group that included Abner Mikva, Robert Marks, Bernie Peskin and Robert Mann to fight for open government. He fought very hard for it. He could also laugh at himself. He referred to this odd combination of Italian and Jewish Members as the ‘kosher nostra’. About 6 years ago the judge sent me this book along with a letter. The book is called, They Only Look Dead, Why Progressives Will Dominate the Next Political Era. I called him up to thank him for the book and he says, ‘Don’t thank me, read it.’ That was Tony Scariano. He came from very humble beginnings on the north side of Chicago, worked in the steel mills in Chicago 09300118.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Heights, worked his way through law school at night. To his family, Leah, his wife Leah, his son, my friend Tony Junior, to his grandson Tony III, I extend my deepest condolences. Losing Tony Scariano, Illinois has lost a great statesman. South suburbs has lost a great community leader. And I lost a friend and a mentor. As I said at the outset, you didn’t get… you didn’t have a chance to… the opportunity to meet Tony Scariano, but I just a… reminded of the Irish poet who wrote, ‘Send not to learn for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.’ Thank you.”
“Representative Scully moves for the adoption of House Resolution 820 and asks leave that all Members be added to the Resolution. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Seeing no further business, Representative Lang moves that the House does stand adjourned ‘til Tuesday, April 27 at the hour of 1 p.m., allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. The House will stand adjourned. All those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. Opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the House does stand adjourned ‘til Tuesday, April 27 at 1 p.m.”
“House Perfunctory Session will now come to order. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate 09300118.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Bill 2320 and Senate Bill 2551. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 5831; Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 5960. Representative Scully, Chairperson from the Committee on Commerce & Business Development, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, April 01, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: recommends 'be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6078. Representative Osterman, Chairperson from the Committee on Local Government, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2151. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6424; Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6437. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2167; ‘do pass Standard Debate’ Senate Bill 2236; ‘do pass as amended Short Debate’ House Bill 7019. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment 3, 4 and 5 to House Bill 6848. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2171, Senate Bill 2424, 09300118.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 Senate Bill 2583. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 5370 and Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 5995. Representative Lang, Chairperson from the Committee on Gaming, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2460. Representative Giles, Chairperson from the Committee on Approp-Elementary and Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Saturday, April 24, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 1550, Senate Bill 2115, Senate Bill 2135, Senate Bill 2444, Senate Bill 2732 and Senate Bill 2769. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6058 and Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6063. Representative Saviano, Chairperson from the Committee on Registration and Regulation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2395 and Senate Bill 2617. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Personnel and Pensions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, April 22, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 5189. Representative McAuliffe, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans Affairs, to which the following measure/s was/were 09300118.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 118th Legislative Day 4/22/2004 referred, action taken on Thursday, April 22, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2526. Representative McGuire, Chairperson from the Committee on Aging, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, April 22, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2530 and Senate Bill 2726; ‘do pass as amended Short Debate’ Senate Bill 2845. Representative Delgado, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II - Criminal Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Thursday, April 22, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2124, Senate Bill 2134, Senate Bill 2164, Senate Bill 2337, Senate Bill 2546 and Senate Bill 2809; ‘do pass as amended Short Debate’ Senate Bill 2607 and Senate Bill 3007. Recommends ‘be adopted’ Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 5416 and Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6200. Referred to the House Rules Committee, House Resolution 821, offered by Representative Bradley, and House Resolution 826, offered by Representative Ryg. There being no further business, the Perfunctory Session now stands adjourned.” 09300118.doc 32