“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 the laptop computers, the cell phones and the 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 Pastor Mark Thompson of the Christian Life Assembly of God in Coal City, Illinois. Pastor Thompson is the guest of Representative Gordon.”
“Let’s pray. Father, we thank You so much for this day. We thank You for this great nation and this great State of Illinois. We ask, Father, for Your wisdom and Your guidance today. We thank You, God, for the opportunity to be here. We ask, Lord, that You will guide this… bless, O God, this time and, Father, we wanna give You the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by… by Representative Washington for the Pledge of Allegiance.” 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.”
“…Speaker. Please let the record show that there are no excused absences among House Democrats today.”
“Mr. Bost.” 09300120.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that there’s no excused absences on the Republican side.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. There being 118 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. The Chair recognizes Mr. Pritchard. Pritchard. The Chair recognizes Mr. Pritchard.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker. I rise to a point of personal privilege. I have…”
“State your point.”
“…40 young eighth graders from my district here today as a part of the Farm Bureau trip to learn about legislation. They come from all the ten schools in my district, so I would ask them to stand and be recognized. Thank you.”
“Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner in the Chair.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Lyons, for what reason do you rise?” Lyons, E.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to make a Motion to delay… to suspend the posting requirements for House Bill 2227.”
“We will take that Motion under advisement and get right back to you. The Gentleman from DuPage, Rep… The Lady from Cook, Representative Lyons again.” Lyons, E.: “I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. It’s Senate Bill 2227.”
Speaker Turner: “Thank you. And we will take it under advisement. The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels, for what reason do you rise?” 09300120.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Today is a special day for me because I’m joined, once again, by my daughter, Laurie. But before I introduce Laurie, let me introduce to you a very special friend, the Burgess family from Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We have Abby Burgess and her mother Shannon is here and all the Burgess family and friends are right above me in the gallery here. And…”
“Welcome to…”
“And Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I wanna thank Speaker Madigan and you, of course, for recognizing me and giving permission for two very special people to address the House. Let me first introduce to you Abby Burgess sitting at Representative Churchill’s desk.”
“Mr. Clerk, turn on Abby Burgess.”
“Hi. My name is Abby Burgess. I live in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. I am seven years old and I am a triplet. My two brothers are Ryan and Carl. We were born almost four months early and we each weighed a pound and a half. Our mom and dad and the doctors were hoping we’d stay in our mom’s tummy for a lot longer, but we were excited to explore and see the world. Because we were so small we had to spend four months in the hospital before we could come home. When I was in the hospital, I got very sick with an infection and for a short time I did not get enough oxygen to my brain, because of this I have cerebral palsy. Some things are hard for me because my muscles don’t work like 09300120.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 they are supposed to. To help with this, I been going to Easter Seals, DuPage, for physical therapy and occupational therapy since I was six months old. In therapy, we work on improving my balance and making my muscles stronger. I love my therapist even… because even though they make me work really hard, they also make things fun. There are some things that stink with having cerebral palsy. I need help with things like getting dressed and walking upstairs. I have to wear braces which means I can’t wear pretty shoes with heels on them. Also, I can’t do ballet or be on the same sports teams with my friends, but there are so many things that I can do thanks to all the great programs at Easter Seals and in our community. I use therapy to… which strengthens the muscles I need for balance and is great for my legs. The best part is I get to spend every Saturday with ponies and horses. My dream is to have a horse of my own, but my mom keeps saying our yard is too small. I play buddy baseball in the summer. It’s just like regular baseball except all the kids get a buddy. My buddy helps me if I fall down, but whatever. Most, it’s someone to chitchat with when I’m on the field. Last summer I also took a special ballet class at the park district for kids with physical challenges. I hope they have it again because I love it. The best thing I learned how to do this year was to snow ski. We went to the ski place called Challenge Mountain. Volunteers there helped me learn how to ski with some adaptive equipment, then they taught my mom how to use it with me. After one day, I was able to 09300120.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 use those special skis that point up. It was hard, but I loved it. On the last run, I skied all by myself without falling, that’s more than my dad can say. There are some things that may always be hard for me, but one of the things I love and always have been good at is school. When I was three, I went to our early childhood program. I couldn’t go to a regular preschool with my brothers ‘cause I couldn’t walk yet. In fact, I didn’t start walking ‘til I was over four, so I stayed in early childhood until I went to kindergarten at my neighboring school, Forest Glen. Now, I am in first grade and I’m doing great. My teacher says I’m a terrific student and I’ve got a great report card. The only thing that’s different between me and other kids is that I got a really nice aide. She even taught me nice things like getting around the school safely. My principal also makes sure things work well for me in school. He always calls me ‘Crabby Abby’ which everyone thinks is funny ‘cause I’m always smiling. I like everything in first grade, but my favorite things are art, music, library, gym and of course, I love reading. Thank you for letting me come here to speak today. I also want to thank you for all your work you do here in Springfield and for your support of programs that help kids like me reach their potential and fulfill our dreams.”
Speaker Turner: “Thank you, Abby. And now, the Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage…”
“No, the Gentleman from DuPage.” 09300120.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“The Gentleman from DuPage. No, it’s… it’s the lady we want to hear from, though.”
“That’s correct.”
“That’s correct.”
“You’re right. That was Abby Burgess. Just as a reflection, Abby is at the DuPage Easter Seal Center served by Easter Seal programs as well as goes to school and has our special park district programs. Let’s make no mistake about it, it’s through the work that you are doing here every day in human services and special needs that Abby is able at seven years old to accomplish the many things she has. She didn’t walk until she was four. I first heard Abby speak at the Easter Seal gala in Chicago, Illinois, and was so impressed with her speech and her progress that I wanted her family to come down and join us today and speak to you. My second guest today is a person that you’ve all heard for many, many years now, joined by her friends from the Bethshan Association. If you would just say ‘hello’ to them, they’re over in the gallery on the Democrat side. And with your indulgence and once again thanks to Speaker Madigan for his assistance, once again I’d like to introduce to you, my daughter, Laurie, who lives in a CILA in Orland Park and has, through your efforts and through the efforts of this Assembly and the administration, been able to progress to her maximum potential. Laurie works every day, Monday through Friday, i n a workshop, a greenhouse and an office. And through your programs, she has been able to achieve her maximum 09300120.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 potential. Laurie is here today with Joe Lanenga, the head of Bethshan and Ladies and Gentlemen, my daughter, Laurie Daniels.”
“Hi, there. I glad to be here. I glad be… I glad to be here and I just wanna… I just wanna say, you really guys do a good job for special needs and I just… I just wanna say that it’s hard for me to be like this, but I really thank God for your support. All of you do a good job. I know, when I was younger, I had a little trouble to understand why am I this way. But I said to myself, dad, you give me a good… about livin’. So, when I was born, I had to understand I can’t walk when I was one years old. I said to myself, well, I think my dad proud of me. I give my dad where it could help. So, when I went on and I have my life, I had to go, ‘Dad, this is not bad.’ I can enjoy my brothers and sisters, my friends. I kinda get my support to everybody who is around my life. But I said to myself, I gotta go on. I gotta go on to have a good time even if I can’t sit alone and…. I can’t sit around like, oh, wow, I… we can… we could jump, we could skip, but I said to myself, well, it’s good to have people around me and it’s good to have you guys in Springfield to enjoy handicapped people like me. But I said to myself, well, I go on and be happy in my life. I hope you guys will understand my speech today. I will give you my dreams and my prayers to… to have a wonder to… have a wonderful time to be this way and really wanna thank you in all your support and all your thanks to me. And I wanna thank you 09300120.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 for coming to me, if I have any problems. Have a good time and I really thank you for coming here for my dad and myself and I wish everybody good wishes and good luck on the floor. Goodbye and have a good time and I will see you soon, same myself.”
“Thank you very much, Laurie. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McCarthy, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just… on the subject of Laurie’s remarks, I… we’re always proud when people from our district come down here and every year I look forward to one of my favorite constituents, Laurie Daniels, to come down and address the House. So, I just wanna say to Laurie, she did a wonderful job. We’re proud of her. Her dad is especially proud of her, I heard in her remarks, she was wondering if her dad was proud of her. I can tell her, he couldn’t be any prouder. And I wanna tell Joe and all the people at Bethshan that we’re very, very proud to have them as constituents and we’re proud of all the fine work that they do for the individuals at that group home. So, thank you very much.”
“Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports.”
“Representative Osterman, Chairperson from the Committee on Local Government, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2175, Senate Bill 2442 and Senate Bill 2879. Representative 09300120.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2453, Senate Bill 2683, Senate Bill 2827, Senate Bill 2962, Senate Bill 3083, Senate Bill 3184, Senate Bill 3189, and Senate Bill 3208; ‘recommends be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1914. Representative Brosnahan, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2548, Senate Bill 2731, Senate Bill 2907; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 2901. Representative Saviano, Chairperson from the Committee on Registration & Regulation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2377, Senate Bill 2382, Senate Bill 2756, and Senate Bill 3112; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' is Senate Bill 3069. Representative May, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility (sic-Access), to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2270, Senate Bill 2335, Senate Bill 2381, and Senate Bill 2744. Representative Lyons, Chairperson from the 09300120.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Committee on Financial Institutions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 2710. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2372; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 3111. Representative Boland, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2810. Representative Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2122, Senate Bill 2560, Senate Bill 2620, Senate Bill 2830, and Senate Bill 3211. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation & Motor Vehicles, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2374, Senate Bill 2502, and Senate Bill 2894. Representative Hamos, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing & Urban 09300120.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Development, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 2921, Senate Bill 2988. Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 27, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 1576. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measure/s and/or joint action Motions was/were referred, action taken on April 28, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' is House Bill 5329 and House Resolution 757.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider, for what reason do you rise?”
“A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your point.”
“Yes. Mr. Speaker, if I could have the attention of the Members, I would really appreciate it. Today, ironically, because of a recent explosion here in Illiopolis, just east of Springfield…”
“Excuse me. Could we have… the Gentleman is begging your indulgence? Could we have a moment of peace just for a minute?”
“Today, in Macon County, is a tribute to workers who have died on the job and this is the second annual workers’ 09300120.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 tribute in Macon County. And so, the first was, of course, a year earlier and today, a year later, they are planning on having the memorial service to honor those who have died on the job and those who left their home for their shift and mothers and fathers and uncles who left expecting to return home did not return home. And the irony is that a few days earlier just east of here, in Illiopolis, Illinois, in Representative Mitchell’s district, there was a great explosion that the residents of Springfield, the residents of Decatur and residents from throughout central Illinois felt when that explosion occurred. And right now, as we speak, two people remain critical… in critical condition and four people died from that, three of them in my district and one who used to live in my district. At this time, in Decatur, we mourn the death of Joe E. Machalek, Larry Graves, Linda Hancock and Glenn Lyman of Cornland, formerly of Decatur and we have, again, two people who are critical. And I… I just thought I would ask the Body for a moment of silence in… in remembrance of those fallen workers as we in Macon County, again, honor fallen workers at a tribute later on today at 5:00. And I also believe that Representative Mitchell has some comments, as well.”
“Before we start the moment of silence, let’s hear from Representative Mitchell. The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Bill Mitchell.” Mitchell, B.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I appreciate Representative Flider, my friend 09300120.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 and colleague from Macon County, kind comments on the four people who were killed on Friday night at 10:45 in Illiopolis, Illinois, which is about 12 or 15 miles east of this Capitol building. It’s a tragedy. Senator Brady and I were out at the facility on Monday, we saw the damage. We were in the community, it’s about 950 people here in Sangamon County. We were here at the high school last evening and we had several hundred people that attended that. They mourned with us the passing of those four people, three people from the City of Decatur in Representative Flider’s district, one gentleman from mine in Cornland, Illinois. The people of Illiopolis and around Illiopolis, the communities around there, there are over 30 fire protection districts that came to the aid of this small community. They responded with bravery and I appreciate that. To the people of Illiopolis, right now, who are really in the process of rebuilding and there were 200 people last night, as I mentioned, at the high school. To those people, they’re concerned about their lives and the safety of their family, we can make sure and I appreciate Governor Blagojevich for sending all the… the IEPA, IEMA out there, that were on the job to make sure that the people of Illiopolis and east Sangamon County are safe and healthy. So, I appreciate Representative Flider’s moving tribute to the four people who died and by the way, we have two still critically injured. I would ask us to bow our heads in prayer in silence for those four, brave individuals.” 09300120.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Representative Mitchell and I just want you to know that I know the people of Macon County as they dedicate the workers’ memorial, rededicate it today, will greatly appreciate this moment of silence and it will be a great tribute to all the workers who have died on the job and we definitely here need to continue to do all we can to make the workplace as safe as possible. Thank you.”
“On page 7 of the Calendar is House Bills on Second Reading. We have House Bill 6424. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate (Sic-House) Bill 6424 has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Biggins, has been approved for consideration.”
Speaker Turner: “Represen… The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Biggins on Amendment #1.”
“Okay. Have I got a staff person here to… no. One… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just wait one second while my notes come back to me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. There are many counties in the state that would benefit from the accumulated funds that are not now accessible. This law opens up those funds for accessibility and creates a county revenue stream for a future unclaimed bail bonds. Supported… I don’t know of any opposition to the Bill. It’s proponents include the 09300120.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Illinois Association of Court Clerks. It’s at the suggestion of the DuPage County circuit clerk. I’d be happy to answer any questions.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Amendment… Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6424 pass?’ All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those appas… opposed say ‘no’. The opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #1 is adopted. Further Amendments?”
“No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. On page 7 of the Calendar we have House Bill 6437. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate (sic-House) Bill 6437 has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Pritchard, has been approved for consideration.”
“Yes. Mr. Speaker…”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DeKalb, Representative Pritchard on Amendment #1.”
“Yes. Mr. Speaker. This Amendment becomes the Bill and it deals with cities with populations of less than 50 thousand to elect councilmen-at-large that would exceed the present five to a total of seven so that these councilmen might be able to meet two at a time and not violate the Open Meetings Act. So, this is a process of the League of Women Voters has had community hearings and recommends this Bill. And I’ll be happy to answer any questions.” 09300120.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6437?’ All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. The opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Further Amendments?”
“No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. On page 9 of the Calendar we have House Bill 4501. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. What’s the status of the Bill?”
Clerk Mahoney: “House Bill 4501 is on the Order of Third Reading.”
Speaker Turner: “The Sponsor would like to have the Bill brought back to Second with leave of the Body. Leave is granted. On page 9 of the Calendar we have House Bill 5189. Representative Granberg. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Bill 5189, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5189 increases some of the pension benefits for the sheriff’s law enforcement personnel program. In part, it eliminates the reduction of benefits imposed on a surviving spouse. It removes the two-year service requirement for any new benefits and increases the disability benefit for a surviving spouse and… and the injured person to 66 percent of the final retirement. 09300120.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 These negotiations have been ongoing since 1999. The last time a benefit was received in regard to this fund was 1986. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.”
“Seeing no question, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 5189 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? Have all voted who wish? Representative Sommers (sic-Sommer). Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there 105 voting ‘aye’, 12 voting ‘no’, 1 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Lady from Cook, Representative Mendoza.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I rise on a point of personal privilege. It’s to announce… once again, every year we have this special day then today we are going to be celebrating our Baby Bonita aka Representative Toni Berrios’ 27th birthday. For those of you who thought she’s still 19, she’s 27. And we have, what will forever be known, as of today, as the world’s greatest birthday cake waiting to indulge all of you. So, please walk on down. We’ll be there cutting small slices probably ‘cause everyone’s gonna be fighting for them, but it’s a great cake. Come on down and celebrate Toni’s birthday. And let’s all wish her a happy birthday, Bonita.” 09300120.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Happy birthday, Bonita. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Osterman, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just an announcement. For those that wanna participate in the Senate-House softball game next Wednesday, we’re havin’ a practice tonight at 5:00 at the field near Sacred Heart School at Amos and Washington. It’s 5:00 tonight. They’ll be another practice next Tuesday night. Those that are going to St. Louis with Representative Granberg, go and come out next Tuesday, otherwise, join us tonight.”
“The Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I would just like to add on an extra special happy birthday to Representative Berrios because it just reiterates, once again, I would like to say I am not the youngest person in this room. Thank you very much.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McCarthy, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the purpose of an announcement.”
“State your purpose.”
“Thank you. I’d like the attention of the House for just a second. Yesterday, Director Heller, who’s the director of the Office of Child Support Enforcement for the U.S. Government, came to Illinois to bestow upon the Department of Public Aid’s Office of Child Support 09300120.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Enforcement, the certification of their KID System. That’s the Key Information Delivery System. Many of us who have worked on a lot of child support matters over the years know how confusing and how the system has not worked well in the past. The Office of Public Aid Child Support Enforcement has been working very hard on this and yesterday was given the certificate to say that they have full certification for their system. This will allow us to receive over $7 million in federal money that we weren’t receiving because we weren’t certified in this. So, I wanna con… congratulate the Office of Public Aid and especially the Office of Child Support Enforcement for this wonderful accomplishment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
Speaker Turner: “Thank you. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McAuliffe, for what reason do you rise?”
“Tomorrow’s… Veteran Affairs Committee will be canceled. Tomorrow’s Veteran Affairs Committee will be canceled.”
“Thank you for that announcement. The Lady from Cook, Representative Davis, for what reason do you rise?” Davis, M.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to announce to this Body that… that Taylor… Taylor Collins’ mother’s birthday is today. Representative Annazette Collins also has a birthday. So, we just wanna wish her a happy birthday, also.”
“Okay, Anna. Happy birthday. On page 14 of the Calendar, on the Order of Concurrences, we have House 09300120.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Bill 754. Representative McGuire. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“House Bill 754, a Bill for an Act in relation to schools and is on the Order of Concurrence.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Will, Representative McGuire.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 754 is on concurrence and we have concurred on this Bill, in fact, several months ago. And I would be very appreciative of the Body if they would approve that concurrence today. Thank you.”
“Gentleman moves that the House does concur in Senate Amendment… The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?”
“Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?”
“He indicates he will.”
“Representative, on the Senate Amendment, Senate Amendment 2 becomes the Bill, correct?”
“Yes, I believe so, Representative Black.”
“All right. And are we talking about any school district or all school districts will be able to issue bonds approved by referendum that… as long as it doesn’t exceed 25 percent of their EAV?”
“It… the best of my recollection, Representative Black, it would include any school in the State of Illinois.”
“All right. Now, if… that… that’s what I thought. It… Some people say it only impacts one school district and I… 09300120.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 I… as I read this, it may have a direct or a more… a more immediate impact on one school district, but as I read this it… all school districts would be able to do this should it become law. Is that… that your interpretation, as well?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“All right. Now…”
“There was one school district in particular that we had in mind, at least one.”
“Representative, the only… the only concern I have, if you allow a school district to incur bonded indebtedness up to 25 percent of their EAV, what… in a property poor school district, would that not be a… a relatively steep property tax increase to retire those bonds?”
“In a what school district, did you say, Representative?”
“Well and he… If you have a relatively small school district with a correspondingly small EAV, that’s the… There are districts operating in this state that have a total equalized assessed valuation of less than $25 million. Now, if you’re going to let them sell bonds that can go up to 25 percent of their total EAV, that would indicate to me that it would be a rather high tax rate to retire those bonds. Representative, let me follow up on that. If a district wants to do this, put themselves in this kind of debt, 25 percent of its EAV, I guess the safeguard is that the residents would have to do it by referendum. Correct?”
“I would assume so, yes.” 09300120.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“So, they… they… they would vote… If they wanted to incur this debt and the property tax bill to retire the debt, this has to be done by public referendum. Is that… that right?”
“I believe so. I believe so, yes.”
“There’s no other way… no other way around it. This can’t be a backdoor or a… the…”
“Absolutely correct.”
“All right. Requires a referendum. That’s all I wanted to know.”
“Okay.”
“All right. Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Black.”
“Seeing no further questions, Representative McGuire to close.”
“I would just ask again that the Body concur, no pun intended, in the concurrence that it was almost two months ago and I would appreciate your ‘aye’ vote.”
“The Gentleman moves that the House does concur in Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 754. 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 record. On this question, there’s 69 voting ‘aye’, 48 voting ‘no’, 1 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar we have Senate 09300120.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Bill 1550. Representative Colvin. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate Bill 1550, a Bill for an Act in relation to education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Colvin.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1550 which is a measure that’s identical to House Bill 4688 which we passed out of here approximately five, six weeks ago deals with the issue of teaching and finding qualified teachers in hard-to-staff schools in the State of Illinois. The Bill is a provision subject to… subject to financing only… is a program that would be set up in concert with a private university, several community organizations which could then at that point create a consortium to identify and motivate and support students who will make a commitment to teaching schools. But the most important part of this Bill is that those teachers come from those schools who have a very keen understanding of the different social pressures that may take place in particular communities. It’s a tremendous opportunity to further or attempt to find highly qualified teachers in the State of Illinois but more importantly making sure that some of those qualified teachers are equipped to teaching schools where the need is greatest. I’ll be happy to answer any questions on Senate Bill 1550.”
“The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?” 09300120.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if you’ll take a very close look at this Bill, this is one of the items that the Governor, I think, had in mind when he had his press conference yesterday in Chicago and chastised Members of the General Assembly for creating new programs without an identifiable funding source. I don’t stand in opposition to the intent of this legislation. On the contrary, I think the intent is laudable, but it is subject to appropriation which all of us in this chamber know is not going to happen this year. So, it’s… it’s a Bill that some of you will vote for because it sounds good, some of you honestly believe in… in the… in the topic, but you don’t have to vote on any money because it’s subject to appropriation and that isn’t going to happen. Now, let me tell you why I intend to vote ‘present’ on this Bill. The Governor, in his budget address, eliminated all funding for one of the greatest teacher scholarship programs any state has and that is, as you and I know it, the Golden Apple Scholarship Program that reaches out to minorities, that puts young teachers in underserved schools or in poorer school districts. This program works. It has a proven track record. I have personally talked to three people teaching in school districts, in my legislative district, that are there as a result of the Golden Apple Scholarship Program. The Governor completely eliminated funding for that program and we’re only talking about $4½ million. So, here we come to create a duplicative program that dovetails 09300120.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 with at least six current teacher scholarship programs that are in one… various stages of funding, but the Golden Apple Scholarship Program that has worked and worked well from one end of this state to the other was eliminated. Now, if the Governor can’t find money in his budget for a $4 million scholarship program for teachers that has worked and worked well, particularly for minority groups and underserved or excuse me, in poor school districts, how can you, in good conscience, turn around and vote to create a new teacher scholarship program that you know the minute you vote for it is not going to be funded next year and I doubt seriously whether it will be funded in the immediate future. And how can you go back and look young teachers in the eye that have gotten through school on the Golden Apple Scholarship Program and say, oh, by the way, that program was eliminated and there are over 200 of those recipients currently in institutions of higher education training to be teachers who will get no money. They may be more than halfway through the program and their scholarship for next school year has been eliminated. I don’t think that was a wise decision, but that’s what the Governor did and the Governor made it very clear yesterday, identify a funding source. None is identified, none will be identified in the near future. I cannot go home and face people that were in this program or who have graduated from the Golden Apple Scholarship Program, who are teaching school and explain to them that their program has been canceled, but I voted to create a new program that isn’t even funded. Ladies and 09300120.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Gentlemen, this is a good idea and if money was piling up in the state treasury, it would… I… it would no… and I’m not talking… I’m sure it’ll probably pass anyway. But it would be a program that we could honestly debate and honestly fund. This program will not be funded. It is subject to appropriation and I think it’s… I think it’s a contradiction in terms when you vote to create a new program, knowing it won’t be funded and you have not yet asked the Governor to restore funding to the Golden Apple Scholarship Program that works, has worked and is working very well, but at the end of this fiscal year, more than 200 students in our colleges and universities attending school under the Golden Apple Scholarship Program will be without that financial aid. That isn’t right, it isn’t fair. I urge a ‘present’ vote.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Colvin to close.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, share the concerns of the previous speaker and some of the issues he brought up with respect to the Golden Apple Program and like my colleague, I’ve had visitors, more than three, who are graduates of the Golden Apple Program and those who are currently in that program and there are… there is some… I can see where he thinks there are some elements of being the same type of legislation that currently exists with the Golden Apple. But in addition to the Golden Apple, this program targets individuals who come from communities where there are hard-to-staff schools whereas the Golden Apple 09300120.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Program targets anyone who qualifies for provisions of getting into that program. So, we have already started our conversations and we too were concerned when the Governor zeroed out the Golden Apple Program and it’s our hope that we can find a way to help them. But at the same time, I don’t think that that program reaches far enough to address all the problems of teachers of hard-to-staff schools, otherwise we wouldn’t have the kind of shortages that we do. So, these programs which, even if it was funded, would cost… not cost a lot of money and by the way, that’s a conversation we have ongoing with people in the Governor’s Office and hopefully, one day, we will find the funding because maybe now it won’t be this year, perhaps it’ll be the next year. But this is a worthwhile program and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ‘yes’ if you really care about finding quality teachers and teach ‘em all of Illinois schools. Thank you and I urge an ‘aye’ vote.”
Speaker Turner: “The question is, ‘Shall Senate Bill 1550 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 record. On this question, there are 81 voting ‘aye’, 2 voting ‘no’ and 35 voting ‘present’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Reading we have House… I should say, Senate Bill 2115. Representative Delgado. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09300120.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Senate Bill 2115, a Bill for an Act in regard to schools. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Delgado.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 2115 amends the School Code to increase from 16 to 19 the age of which a school district to a student who’s been dropped out of school could not because of age or lack of credit attend classes during the normal school year. This Senate Bill… and his normal school year and before the twenty-first birthday of the student. It would have provisions allowing the school or school district to deny enrollment to a student who is 16 years of age for one semester for failure to meet minimal academic or attendance standards. Basically, what this does is to keep our kids in school, with such a dropout rate that we have, is putting the burden… and working with the State Board of Education to require to set up performance standards for programs serving enrolled… reenrolled students and this would be taken immediate… this will be effective immediately. And I would ask for your ‘aye’ vote.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall Senate Bill 2115 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 record. On this question, there are 118 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the 09300120.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings we have Senate Bill 2124. Representative Rose. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate Bill 2124, a Bill for an Act in relation to driving offenses. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Rose.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a monumental… this is a monumental Bill. The… In Illinois, the DUI statutes are strung out over six sections of the Traffic Code, the Criminal Code and also somewhere in the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights. It is virtually impossible for any practicing trial attorney, be they a prosecutor or a defense attorney, to understand exactly what’s going on with a Bill or excuse me, with… with a case. It is nearly impossible for a defendant, who stands accused of DUI, to understand what the charges and what the possible penalty outcomes are. I’d like to demonstrate, if I can get assistance here. The Illinois Bar Association and Illinois Department of Transportation have a special committee that for a year has been studying the implications of what happens when you’re charged with a DUI. This keeps going on and on and on. If you’re under 16, it’s one thing; if you’re over 16, it’s another thing. If you got someone under 16 in the car, it’s one thing; if you’re over… if you’ve got someone over 16 in the car, it’s a different thing. And if you’re a school bus driver, it’s one thing; if you’re… if your BAC’s over .16, it’s one thing and so 09300120.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 forth and so on. It is a nightmare, plain and simple. Let me say, Ladies and Gentlemen, this Bill does nothing substantive to change the law. All we’re doing is consolidating the DUI Code into one easy to use statutory reference. This came to us from the Bar Association and the Illinois Department of Transportation DUI Advisory Council. The council’s made up of practicing attorneys, members of MADD, judges, et cetera, et cetera. In fact, the judge that chaired this subcommittee, that drafted this legislation, is from Champaign County, my home county, has been trying DUI cases for almost a decade, over a decade actually. Senator Cullerton sponsored this in the Senate. We do nothing to change the substance laws. Where the State of Illinois has said there’s a penalty for DUI and there’s one penalty here and somewhere else in the Code there’s another penalty here for the same offense, we’ve erred and taken the higher penalty. Where terms were incongruous, we have defined terms. The only thing that can even be considered to be a change from substantive law is we’ve defined what a ‘minor’… the term ‘minor’ is for purposes of transporting school bus children and that we’ve made that one minor change. But that’s about the only thing that can be considered substantive change. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first step. The Criminal Code, the Vehicle Code, this is long overdue for an overhaul. This is the overhaul of the DUI Code. I would ask for an ‘aye’ vote. I’d be happy to answer any questions. And I… I cannot stress to you how confusing it is right now for 09300120.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 anyone in private practice, a prosecutor, a defendant to understand what’s goin’ on with the DUI legislation and we’re here today to make this easy to use and easy to understand for anybody in the court system. I’d ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fayette, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to point out that… that our highly paid staffer on this side of the aisle, someone we affectionately refer to as Vanna, when he helps out with those demonstrations of the, you know, the big display there, Derek Persico. If you study hard, you too, could grow up and be an aide to Chapin Rose. A graduate of the University of Illinois and then a graduate of Northern Illinois University Law… Law School, he… he has attained the epitome of his career now.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“He indicates he will.”
“Representative, I applaud what you’re trying to do here. And I’m looking at the Bill and I actually pulled the entire Bill to look at and you indicated that these… there were no substantive changes. Is that incorrect?”
“The only thing that can be construed as a substantive change and I’ve met with the IDOT advisory committee and in fact, Larry Warrick testified at committee on this point. That the only thing that can be construed as a substantive 09300120.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 change is that we’ve defined ‘children’ for purposes of being on a school bus is to age of 18 or under. Everything else is essentially taking what are already ambiguities in the law and where there is two possible offenses, we’ve erred on the side of the higher offense, but that’s already in current in statute. We’ve eliminated the lesser offense and just went the higher offense.”
“Are there any House Amendments because I’m reading the Senate Bill and possibly you can go to page 6, subparagraph (c-5) and I’ll wait ‘til you get there. Do you have it, Representative?”
“Page 6…”
“Page 6…”
“…(c-5)?”
“…(c-5).”
“Thank you.”
“It says… It starts with a person who violates subsection (a) about transporting individuals under the age of 16. Do you see that?”
“I do. I do. I do, Representative.”
“Okay. It’s my understanding because I’ve got a Bill, House Bill 5417, it’s coming through your committee tomorrow. So, I’m somewhat of familiar with this and the present law indicates that if you’re under 16, the first offense is a mandatory minimum 100 hours of community service and a minimum fine of $500. Now, in this Bill, you’ve changed it to 40 hours of community service and an additional two days of imprisonment. So, this is in 09300120.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 additional penalty and I… wouldn’t it… wouldn’t that be a substantive change or explain that to me, if you can.”
“No, Representative. The penalties contained in (c-5) of this Bill are already existing under current law in subsection (c… subsection (c-3) and paragraph 1 of subsection (c-4) of 625 ILCS 5/11-501 as well as and this is the key, paragraph ‘a’ and paragraph 10 and subsection (c) of 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3. And this is part of the problem, Representative, is…”
“Putting it together?”
“…we have… we have parts of the Traffic Code, Criminal Code and Sentencing Act with incongruous penalties for exactly the same offense. And so what we’ve done, not me, what the committee has done, is where there were two penalties in conflict, they erred on the side of the higher penalty and added that in… into the new, what is gonna be, subsection (c-5).”
“I appreciate that. Now, tomorrow, I presume, we’re gonna get my Bill out of committee, House Bill 5417, which substantially increases the penalty for those who are driving with people under 16 years of age in their vehicle. It may be that we could amend your Bill to put that on. I don’t know it that’s something you’d be amenable to…”
“All right.”
“…or if we could just… ‘cause I’m… ‘cause I know we’re gonna have to somehow reference this Bill because in 5417 it goes to the old sections not to the new sections.” 09300120.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Representative, I think what we’re gonna… I’ll tell you what and in fact, I was afraid this might come up. I tried to do a search and it was probably too cursory of existing DUI statutes that might be in conflict. Can you and I work with that outside the context of this, because this is a pretty monumental rewrite. It’s been in effect… this… committees met for over two years to do this. It’s already passed the Senate. I think the answer to your question is, should the Governor look favorably upon both our Bills, he would need to find… he would need to sign our Bill first…”
“And then do an Amendatory Veto and change the different positions.”
“Exactly and then change the section site in yours. I think that’s the appropriate answer.”
“Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate you bringing this and explaining that.”
“Thank… thank you, Representative.”
“The Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon, for what reason do you rise?”
“To the… to the Bill, Mr. Speaker.”
“To the Bill.”
“Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, everything that the Sponsor of this Bill has told you about the DUI Code and the Sentencing Code is exactly true. There has been actual situations in court where these two sections of law are different and the judge has actually sentenced the offender to the lighter sentence. I absolutely commend him for getting all of this information together and bringing it 09300120.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 before this Body. There should be no reason for anyone to oppose this Bill. Thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “The question is… Representative Rose to close.”
“I’d like to thank Representative Gordon for her comments. This has been a nightmare for anyone in practice and certainly for anyone who stands accused of a DUI. This will make life a lot better for the court system. It’ll make it a lot easier to understand for someone facing these penalties. And… and I would just ask for a favorable vote.”
Speaker Turner: “The question is, ‘Shall Senate Bill 2124 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? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 118 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. If the Chair could have your attention for… minute. The Chair would like to announce… The Chair would like to announce that anyone interested in attending Senator Vince Demuzio’s funeral that the Senate has provided transportation to the funeral on Saturday. If you’re interested in going, you will leave… the buses will leave from the Capitol here Saturday morning at 8:00. Those buses will return to the Capitol Saturday at 3 p.m. If you’re interested in joining your colleagues on the bus going from here to the funeral on Saturday, you should contact the Speaker’s Office so 09300120.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 that they will be able… would be prepared in terms of the number of people riding on the bus. So, if you think you want to go down to the funeral Saturday, the buses will leave from the Capitol and return to the Capitol; leaving at 8, returning at 3. And if you’re interested, you should contact the Speaker’s Office where we can compile the numbers. Agreed Resolutions, Mr. Clerk.”
Clerk Mahoney: “On the Order of Agreed Resolutions: House Resolution 831, offered by Representative Krause. House Resolution 834, offered by Representative Capparelli. House Resolution 835, offered by Representative William Davis. House Resolution 836, offered by Representative Munson. House Resolution 837, offered by Representative Saviano. House Resolution 839, offered by Representative Poe. House Resolution 841, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 842, offered by Representative Daniels. House Resolution 843, offered by Representative McCarthy. House Resolution 846, offered by Representative Sacia. House Resolution 847, offered by Representative Sacia. House Resolution 848, offered by Representative Sacia. House Resolution 849, offered by Representative Krause and House Resolution 850, offered by Representative Pankau. And House Resolution 852, offered by Representative Joyce.”
“The Gentleman asks leave for the adoption of all these Agreed Resolutions except 842. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, House 09300120.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Resolution 842. The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks.”
“No… Rep…”
“State your point.”
“Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Members of the Body. We failed to state… wish happy birthday to another important person who works with us every day. Today is the birthday of Mr. Cross’s spokesperson, David Dring, who’s 31 years old. And we all need to wish David a very happy birthday.”
Speaker Turner: “Happy birthday, Dave. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 842. Representative Daniels.”
“House Resolution 842, a memorial for Shawn C. Edwards, offered by Representative Daniels.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels.”
“Mr. Speaker, could we have the Resolution read. This is a… for a fallen soldier from Bensenville, Illinois, who was killed in the Iraqi War.”
“House Resolution 842. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of U.S. Army PFC Shawn C. Edwards on April 23, 2004 when his convoy hit a roadside bomb in Samarra, Iraq; and WHEREAS, PFC Edwards was assigned to the U.S. Army's 121st Signal Battalion lst Infantry Division; and 09300120.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 WHEREAS, PFC Edwards was born in New Mexico and moved to Bensenville with his family in 1993; and WHEREAS, He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a junior in high school and began service after graduating from York Community High School in Elmhurst in 2002; and WHEREAS, In high school he wrestled and played football and planned to return to college when he completed his military duty; and WHEREAS, He discovered a passion for electronics and computers while in the U.S. Army and hoped to pursue this passion when he returned home; and WHEREAS, PFC Edwards comes from a military family; his father served in Vietnam and his grandfather was in World War II; and WHEREAS, PFC Edwards had previously been stationed in Kitzingen, Germany, and arrived in Iraq in early February; and WHEREAS, PFC Edwards was proud to serve his country and showed his commitment to restoring peace by volunteering for duties in Iraq; and WHEREAS, PFC Edwards strived to be a good soldier and at the young age of 20 embodied the true spirit of a soldier, 09300120.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 being faithful and loyal always to his family, friends, and country; and WHEREAS, We recognize PFC Edwards for his unwavering bravery and service to his country; and WHEREAS, The passing of U.S. Army PFC Shawn C. Edwards will be deeply felt by many, especially his father Glen and devoted mother Elizabeth, his sister and best friend Robin, and dozens of family and friends; 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 U.S. Army PFC Shawn C. Edwards along with all who knew and loved him, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community; and be it further RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of U.S. Army PFC Shawn C. Edwards and his willingness to serve our country which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of U.S. Army PFC Shawn C. Edwards as a token of our deepest sympathy.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Daniels.” 09300120.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004
“Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I’m joined by Representative Saviano, Biggins and Pankau who represent this Legislative District, the home of Shawn Edwards. Shawn went to York High School and graduated in 2002 and he was so devoted to this country and military that as a junior in high school he enlisted in the Army, wanting to serve his country. His loss, our loss, the state’s loss and the country’s loss was brought even more home when my daughter, Christina, who’s a student at Milliken called and said she went to school with Shawn Edwards, knew him and knew him to be a fine young man and was saddened by his loss. Every time you hear about another loss of a life in this country, we always analyze what it has all meant to us and what it meant to the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty and democracy. Shawn Edwards has given his life for us. Shawn Edwards has given his life so that we can enjoy the freedoms of liberty and so that the people of Iraq can enjoy the opportunities of a future with hope and opportunities of freedom of choice and opportunities of freedom of education and to make decisions with their lives and for their lives and for their children. Shawn Edwards was in a foreign land, but he was defending the principles of liberty that those of us in this country know and understand and the basic foundation that this country was founded upon when our forefathers spoke of liberty and the God-given rights of man to seek the pursuit of happiness and liberties. And so today I thank all of our forefathers that have laid down 09300120.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 their lives and in particular, to Shawn Edwards in remembrance of what he has done for us. I pay also careful attention to his father who fought in the Vietnam War and his grandfather who fought in World War II. I spoke to the family and didn’t have the words to express the loss that I felt, but the pride that I felt for this country and that what we do for people that seek liberty, freedom. For that, God bless Shawn Edwards, may he rest in peace, may a grateful nation always remember what he has done for us and may this nation always remember every soldier, every fighter for freedom, men and women, in the history of this great country. God bless America. God bless you, Shawn Edwards.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fayette, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Shawn T. (sic-C.) Edwards. You know, sometimes I think we have a tendency to maybe get complacent. We just keep… we get overwhelmed and sometimes we wanna steel our hearts so that we can’t be hurt anymore. But we have to, we must resist that… that natural, I guess, temptation because every soldier must be remembered as if he were the first with a prayer that he may be the last. And I’d like to remind the Body that somewhere in Iraq, today, some family that is oh, so grateful that we are sending our children to defend and give them freedom. Somewhere some household is putting a black flag in their window and praying that we won’t leave until the job is done. It is hard, it is oh so hard to 09300120.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 look those families in the eye and say that you’ve lost your son and we are grateful. Freedom is very difficult. It is hard to attain, difficult to defend and hard to spread, but that’s what we’re doing in Iraq today and those people there are grateful for us in spite of anything you might see on the news. The overwhelming majority of Iraqis, like all of us in the world, yearn to be free and for people like Shawn T. (sic-C.) Edwards, who gave his life in that cause, I say, God bless you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Resolution 842. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie does move that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, April 29 at 12 noon. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. The opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the House does stand adjourned ‘til Thursday, April 29, 2004, at 12 noon. Thank you.”
“House Perfunctory Session will now come to order. On the Order of First Reading-House Bills: House Bill 7295, introduced by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning ethics. Referred to House Committee on Rules: House Resolution 830, offered by Representative Miller. House Resolution 832, offered by Representative Aguilar. House Resolution 833, offered by Representative 09300120.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 4/28/2004 Flowers. House Resolution 838, offered by Representative Reitz. House Resolution 840, offered by Representative Pihos. House Resolution 845, offered by Representative McCarthy. House Resolution 851, offered by Representative McKeon. House Resolution 853, offered by Representative Bassi. House Resolution 854, offered by Representative Leitch. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09300120.doc 43