“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 cell phones, pagers, laptop computers. And we ask the guests in the gallery to please rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Assistant Pastor of the Victory Temple Church in Springfield.”
“Let us pray. Most gracious and most kind God who art the giver and sustainer of life. For it is You that have made us and not we ourselves. For we are Your people, the very sheeps of Your pasture. For Your are the potter and we are the clay. We ask today, Father, that You would mold us and make us and have Your own way. We ask that we would remain in Your most sovereign hands. And that You would be entrusted with our lives, be entrusted with our minds, be entrusted with our hearts, our bodies. We surrender at this moment to You which You say is our reasonable and precious service. Father, we pray that we might prove that which is the good and that which is the most acceptable will of God, this day and forever more. We pray this in Your son’s name. Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Tenhouse.” Tenhouse et – al: “I pledge of 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.” 09300165.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Once again, only punch your own button. Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Steve Davis and Granberg are excused today.”
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Pritchard and Eileen Lyons are excused today.”
“People, only punch your own button. Only punch your own button. The Clerk shall take the record. There being 104 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk.”
"The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker’s Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room.”
“Mr. Clerk.”
Clerk Mahoney: "Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or joint action Motions was/were referred, action taken on Friday, July 23, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' House Resolution 1092, offered by Representative Grunloh.”
“Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I move to suspend the posting requirements so that Senate Bills 73 and 1046 may be heard in the State Government Administration Committee, Senate 09300165.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 Bill 2287 in J-I, Senate Bill 1737 in Executive and that all five House Appropriations Committees may meet on a subject matter, the Fiscal ’05 budget.”
“You’ve all heard the Lady’s Motion. You’ve all heard the Lady’s Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I’d ask leave that we remove Senate Bills 2205, 6, 7 and 8 from Third Reading to Second for purposes of Amendment.”
“You’ve all heard the Lady’s Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. The Bill shall be put on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Molaro.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of information so I would know whether I’m gonna be at McDonalds or Saputos tonight. Is this a regular Session? Are we getting paid for today or tomorrow? Is there…”
“This is a regular Session and there is no per diem.”
“So, McDonalds instead of Saputos, I would imagine. Thank you.”
“Mr.… Mr. Molaro, maybe you would like to do something productive. You’re the Sponsor of Senate Bill 1737. And… would you like to move that Bill?”
“Yep.”
“1737. I believe…”
“Correct.”
“…this is concerned with quick-take.”
“Yes.” 09300165.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill? 1737.”
Clerk Mahoney: "Senate Bill 1737 has been a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment 2 was referred to committee. Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative Molaro has been approved for consideration.”
“Mr. Molaro on Amendment #3.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #3 adds… It’s… just technical and it talks about the Du Quoin land… land exchange language and that was adopted… or it’s a Floor Amendment.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Amendment. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair.”
“State your inquiry.”
“Yes. On the House Committee schedule that was just put on our desks, this Bill is scheduled to be heard in the Executive Committee at 1 p.m. Is that committee posting in error?”
“The plan is to cancel that committee.”
“Well, let me… let me rephrase my question. What… if… if you cancel the committee and this Bill was scheduled to be heard in committee, where is the Bill currently on the Calendar? Is it active on Second Reading?”
Speaker Madigan: “Mr. Clerk, did you hear the Gentleman’s question?” 09300165.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Senate Bill 1737 is on the Order of Senate Bills Second Reading.”
“All right then… it would be in order then for Members to cross off the Executive Committee in Room 118 at 1 p.m., right?”
“Well, that’ll be fine. We plan to deal with that as soon as we adopt these Amendments. When we finish this Bill on the Order of Second Reading, we’ll go to the order of that blue piece of paper.”
“All right. But… it’s late in July, Mr. Speaker.”
“I know. Hey, I’m with ya.”
“Thi… this movement…”
“I’m with you.”
“I… I’m thoroughly confused.”
“Yeah.”
“But I know we’ll straighten it out in due time. And since this is a quick-take Bill, let’s quickly get to the Bill.”
“Mr. Molaro, I believed you’ve moved for the adoption of Amendment #3?”
“Yes.”
“And… is there any discussion on Amendment #3? There being no discussion. The question is, ‘Shall Amendment #3 be adopted?’ Those in favor say ‘yes’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Amendment is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?”
“Floor Amendment #4, offered by Representative Molaro.” 09300165.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Mr. Molaro on Amendment #4.”
“Yeah… This Amendment was presented by Representative Lang and has to do with the Village of Skokie and their open space in a development of a park.”
“Mr. Molaro moves for the adoption of the Amendment. Those is favor say ‘yes’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #3 is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?”
“No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Put the Bill on the Order of Third Reading. Mr. Molaro, the Bill is on the Order of Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill for a third time.”
“Senate Bill 1737, a Bill for an Act in relation to real property. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“Mr. Molaro.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. So, a quick-take Bill which deals with the Village of Bridgeview, City of East Peoria, Ottawa, Rochester Township Road District, Oakford Terrace, Plainfield, Olge County. It also deals with Du Quoin State Fair and the Village of Skokie. In committee it was presented that all taxing bodies, school districts, everybody who’s involved knows about it. There are no displacement of homes. It corresponds with our House Resolution that it’ll be for public purpose and all questions were asked in committee. And I would be gladly… answer any questions, if there are any.” 09300165.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion. The question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Mr. Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. An additional inquiry of the Chair. Obviously, there’s some… some potential confusion on the Bill. These Amendments… Floor Amendment 3 and Amendment 4 have already been heard in the Executive Committee and were recommended ‘do pass’. That’s… that’s my understanding. Is it… Would the Clerk instruct me if that’s correct?”
“Mr. Clerk, did you hear the question? Could you repeat the question?”
“Yes. Mr. Clerk, it’s my understanding that these Amendments were heard in the Executive Committee. And that they… the Executive Committee recommended ‘do pass’.”
“Both Amendments were recommended for adoption by the committee.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 50 ‘ayes’ and 55 ‘noes’. Mr. Molaro, the Bill shall be put on the Order of Postponed Consideration.”
“Yes. That is my request that we reconsider this later.”
“Chair recognized Mr. Brady. Mr. Brady for the purpose of an announcement.” 09300165.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to you and my colleagues. The House Republicans will caucus in Room 118 immediately upon adjournment. The House Republicans will caucus in Room 118 immediately following our adjournment. Thank you.”
“Representative Younge.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Democrats will meet in Room 114 immediately after Session. Thank you.”
Speaker Madigan: “All right. Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re prepared to go to party caucuses. Democrats in Room 114. Republicans in Room 118. We will not be adjourning. We will just stand at ease. And so… All right… Ladies and Gentlemen, let me draw your attention to the blue committee schedule which has been distributed. So, our plan is to go to party caucus and then after caucus go to committees at 11:30. The purpose of the 11:30 meetings will be for the Appropriations Committees to consider the Budget Bill. And then there’ll be committee meetings at 1 p.m. And as we said earlier the entry on the blue schedule which would provide for the Executive Committee to meet at 1:00, shall be cancelled. So, again, 11:30, the five Appropriations Committees will meet various locations. 1 p.m., Judiciary- I will meet in C-1, State Government Administration 122B. After the completion of those meetings, we shall return to the floor. Mr. Parke.”
“We’re going to return after those committees are over. Do we have a time that we’re going to return?”
“Well, we oughta think in terms, say 1:30.” 09300165.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Okay. Do you have any idea how long we’re planning on being in Session this afternoon and this evening? Any time line?”
“Mr. Parke. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an important question being put by Mr. Parke. It concerns schedule. Now, please understand as usual everything around here is subject to change. The current plan would be as set out on the blue schedule, return to the floor at 1:30. We might have a few items to do at 1:30. Our current thinking is that we would be in some committees this afternoon. We are not thinking that we would be in floor Session into the evening. We are not thinking along those lines. We are thinking that with any kind of luck, we’ll be voting on the major items tomorrow. As I said, everything’s subject to change. Okay. Did that answer your question, Mr. Parke?”
“Partially. Can you give us an idea if we get to substantive language tomorrow, were there any… and we were able to get enough votes for tomorrow on that legislation, do you presume then that we’ll adjourn tomorrow night or will we be still here for Sunday for additional work?”
“Our advice from my office to Members was to come here for today and plan on today, Saturday, Sunday. If all goes well, if all goes real well… maybe we can finish on Saturday. If all goes real well, maybe, we can finish on Saturday but my continuing advice is to plan to be here through Sunday.” 09300165.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Okay. Well, then, obviously I’ve heard you say we’ll adjourn tomorrow night. So, thank you. No… I… I… Okay, we’ll be prepared to be here through Sunday. Thank you.”
“Mr. Delgado.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a personal privilege. Just a quick announcement. We have another birthday in the House today. Representative Eddy Acevedo has a birthday. Let’s give him a wonderful, happy birthday since we have to spend here on this wonderful summer day. Happy birthday, Eddy.”
“All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, if everyone could go to party caucus, now. Thank you.”
“The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports.”
Clerk Bolin: “Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I - Civil Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Friday, July 23, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 2287; Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Friday, July 23, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 73, Senate Bill 1046. Supplemental Calendar #1 is being distributed.” 09300165.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Mr. Clerk on page 9 of the Calendar there appears HJR 90. Mr. Hannig, HJR 90, page 9 of the Calendar. Mr. Hannig.”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Resolution would appoint… Tom Homer as the Inspector General for the Ethics Commission for the Legislative Branch of State Government. We all, I think, know Tom. He served in this chamber very honorably. He served on the bench for a number of years. He’s retired from both of those professions, obviously, but we… we all agree, I think, that he would be someone who could make an outstanding Inspector General for the Legislative Branch of government. And so, I would move for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 90.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. The Chair recognizes Mr. Parke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… to the Resolution. I also serve with Tom Homer in… the period of time he was in the Legislature. I found to be though partisan when he had to, was fair when… it was not partisan. And I would also ask the Body to look favorable upon this recommendation. I think that he will do a good job for us. And will support the Resolution.”
“All right. You’ve all heard the arguments on behalf of the Resolution. Is there any further discussion? No further discussion. Mr. Clerk, what is the vote requirement here? Okay. This will require 60 votes. And Mr. Clerk take the record. Those in favor signify by vo… 09300165.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 voting ‘yes’; those opposed by vote ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 110 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. The House does adopt HJR 90. Mr. Acevedo.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I’d like to invite my colleagues, anybody who’d like to share in a piece of birthday cake, please, it’s being served down here in the front row.”
“Mr. Clerk on the Order of the Supplemental Calendar, there appears Senate Bill 73. What is the status of the Bill?”
“Senate Bill 73, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Put the Bill on the Order of Third Reading. Mr. Clerk what is the status of Senate Bill 1046?”
"Senate Bill 1046, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Senate Bill 2287.”
"Senate Bill 2287, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 09300165.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. On the Supplemental Calendar on the Order of Resolutions, there appears HR 1092. Mr. Grunloh.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Earlier this year on May 25, we passed out of this Body unanimously House Joint Resolution 70 that… that dealt with creating a Methamphetamine Task Force. And it… it has… died in the Senate for some reason or another. So, we have reintroduced House Resolution 1092. It’s exactly the same language as the previous Resolution with the exception there are no Members on the Senate. There is 11 members, one appointed by the Attorney General, one by the State Police, one by the Sheriff’s Association, one by the rechan… Retail Merchant’s Association, two from the House of Representatives and four from the Governor’s Office, one from the Illinois Farm Bureau. I’d be happy to answer any questions and ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion. The question is, 'Shall the House adopt House Resolution 1092?' Those in favor will signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 110 people voting 'yes' , 0 voting 'no'. The House does adopt House Resolution 1092.” 09300165.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We need to… put in the record that Representative Kosel was also excused today when we did the excused absences.”
Speaker Hannig: “The record will so reflect. Thank you, Representative Bost. The Lady from Cook, the Majority Leader Representative Currie, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I rise to move that we suspend the posting requirements so that the Committee on the Executive may have a subject matter hearing on the Budget Implementation Bills in respect to Education and Human Services and so that the House Revenue Committee could give immediate consideration to a subject matter hearing on the Budget Implementation Bills dealing in the areas of revenue and state finance.”
“You’ve heard the Lady’s Motion. Is there any discussion? Then all in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Lady’s Motion is adopted. Mr. Clerk would you read the Committee Reports?”
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on Friday, July 23, 2004, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'direct floor consideration' for Senate Bill 1070 which is referred to Second Reading and 'Motion to table' Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1070 recommended for adoption.” 09300165.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Representative Currie, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I move to suspend the posting notice requirements so that the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 629 can be immediately heard in the Committee on Elections.”
“You’ve heard the Lady’s Motion. Is there any discussion? Then all in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Motion is adopted. The Gentleman from Fayette, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you seek recognition?”
“I move to adjourn.”
“We’re shortly, I think, getting to that. We have a few, little housekeeping items that we still have to do. So, why don’t you…”
“So, you will recognize me for that Motion later?”
“Sure, I’ll do that a little bit later.”
“Outstanding.”
“There’s a committee schedule being distributed to the Members. Would the Clerk, please read the committee schedule to the Members?”
“The following committees will meet immediately upon adjournment: the Elections and Campaign Reform Committee will meet in Room 122B, the Executive Committee will meet in Room 114 and the Revenue Committee will meet in Room 118.”
“The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?” 09300165.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair. Is there… you’re a fellow downstater, is there anyone in the Well today from Chicago that could answer a question? Is Mr. Uhe… where’s Mr. Uhe? Is he around?”
Speaker Hannig: “He’s… he’s floating around the building somewhere.”
“Well, perhaps Mr. Brown could find out for us. I… I… ya know, there’s a hundred rumors when we get to this point in the Session and they’re all very important, I’m sure. But the one that concerns me… is the story that appeared in the Chicago Press. …Mayor Daley is threatening to shut down Wrigley Field because… because when the Cardinals were there this past weekend, they were flowing things and doing things of a bad sportsmanship nature. And some concrete… they jarred some concrete loose from the upper deck. And so, the mayor wants a complete inspection that may take 3 or 4 months. …I don’t know where the Cubs would play but I mean… could you look into that for me? I… I would think… I would think this is just one of those late Session rumors but surely, the mayor would not close… would not shut down Wrigley Field.”
“You… we have a lot of fine facilities here in Springfield that while we’re down here, Representative Black, maybe the Cubs would wanta come down and play.”
“Well, …ya know, years ago we used to… we had a minor league team here and many of us would go out and enjoy those ballgames. And some would say, if the Cubs came here, we’d have Minor League Baseball again in Springfield. 09300165.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 But I… I would not say that. So, if you… if you could look into that, we would… we would appreciate knowing.”
“Yeah. I think Representative McKeon might have the answer for ya.”
“All right. He says he does.”
“Representative Stephens you’re now recognize to make a Motion to adjourn till tomorrow at 9:30. The Gentleman from Fayette, Representative Stephens moves that the House stand adjourn until tomorrow, Saturday, the 24th at the hour of 9:30. On that question, the Gentleman from Sangamon, Representative Poe.”
“Just… I’d like for an announcement.”
“Okay. Proceed.”
“…If any of the Members are looking for something to do tonight in Springfield. Our Springfield Muni Opera is having a show. The show this weekend is Chorus Line. And if anybody needs any instructions or details, I’ll have a little packet I can pass out here at my desk.”
“So, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?”
“Well, an inquiry of my good friend, the Gentleman from Sangamon. What opera is on the playbill this evening? I’ve seen most of them but perhaps… perhaps there’s one I haven’t see. Is it the Phantom of the Opera or the I… I… prefer the mystery of the budget.”
“How about the Chorus Line?”
“The Choru… that’s an Opera, the Chorus Line?” 09300165.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004
“Well, that’s just the name of the facility where they perform plays in Springfield and it happens to be the play they’re doing this week.”
“So, we could go see a Chorus Line…”
“Whatever.”
“Would the… would the Governor and the Office of Management and Budget and the five… four tops are they in the chorus line? That might be worth seeing.”
“…I don’t know… if any of the girls here has tried out for that or not.”
“Well, I… I know two. I won’t mention their name that toured… had a triumph tour in Las Vegas just 2 or 3 years ago. Maybe I can find their picture.”
“I think we’re having fun now.”
“Okay. Mr.… Mr. Speaker, while… while I’m making an announcements. In the morning if anyone’s got any time the Gus Macker Three on Three Tournament’s in Springfield. If we get a little break tomorrow afternoon, downtown Springfield’s, The Taste of Springfield. So, anybody need a little entertainment tomorrow evening, there’s gonna be some available… in the… they blocked off some city streets downtown and they can do that. So… if you need any more information, just give us a holler.”
Speaker Hannig: “Are there any other announcements? Representative Molaro.”
“This was a point of information this morning. I asked if this was just a regular Session or Special Session, to see if in fact, we were gonna get out per diem today. The 09300165.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 Speaker said ‘no’ but he seemed to be in kind of an off mood this morning. So, I don’t know if he was being serious or not. So, I know now that it’s later in the day, we’ve all calmed down. I would just like to ask again, is this a regular Session or Special Session and will we be getting a per diem today or tomorrow? Just so, ‘cause I think my wife is asking.”
“Representative, the House Calendar compiled by our Clerk, Mr. Mahoney. Clerk Mahoney says that this is the 165th Legislative Day. So, that’s regular day. I think that answers your question. Representative Biggins, for what reason do you rise?”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. May… maybe I can help the previous speaker for a question he might have had. Representative Molaro had a question about the per diem. And I thought maybe I’d inquire about the… if there’s… maybe an overnight compensation called the ‘per notte(sic – for the night)’ we might be eligible for. …I inquired about the per notte (sic – for the night) one other time because we really don’t need a per diem during the day, we’re kinda like here. We don’t need to pay to be here but we need to stay… to pay to stay overnight so a per notte would be appropriate. I wonder if that’s an appropriation… an appropriate, a per noche for those who want to sing can call it that. Do you happen to have any knowledge of that to help Mr. Molaro out?”
“Representative Stephens renews his Motion that the House stand adjourn until tomorrow at the 9:30 a.m. 09300165.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 165th Legislative Day 7/23/2004 All is favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the House stands adjourn.”
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. First Reading and Introduction House Bills. House Bill 7316, offered by Representative Watson, a Bill for an Act concerning cemeteries. House Bill 7317, offered by Representative Mitchell, Bill, a Bill for an Act concerning probation officers. First Reading of these House Bills. Having no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned until Saturday, July 24 at 9:30 a.m.” 09300165.doc 20