Illinois House Floor Debate — March 10, 2005

“This is the day that the Lord has made. The hour of 3:00 having came and went, the House shall come to order. Members are asked to turn off their cell phones and laptops. Mem… people in the gallery are asked to stand 09400028.doc 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 with us as we are led in the invocation today by Reverend Lee Crawford, who’s the Assistant Pastor of Victory Temple Church in Springfield. Reverend Crawford.”

“We shall be led in the Pledge today by the Gentleman from McDonough, Representative Myers.” Myers – et al: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

“Roll Call for Attendance. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you, Speaker. To report that there are no House Democrats who are excused today.”

“We have 116 Members answering the quorum call, a quorum present. We shall proceed with business. The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?”

Speaker Turner: “Let’s welcome the group from Main South. Rules Report, Mr. Clerk.”

“If I may have your attention. Members, it is the plan of the Chair to work for approximately two hours. You can make it… you can make it less than that by being very attentive and voting your switches at the proper time. But it is the plan of the Chair at this point to work approximately two hours. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions.”

“Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Resolutions. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And those Resolutions are adopted. The Lady from Cook, Representative Kelly, for what reason do you rise?”

“Point of personal privilege.”

“State your point.”

“On behalf of Representative David Miller, Will Davis, George Scully, and myself, I would like welcome to all of you Homewood-Flossmoor High School, a blue ribbon school in our district. They’re sitting… stand up, you guys.” 09400028.doc 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

Speaker Turner: “Stand up, Homewood-Flossmoor. Welcome to Springfield. The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Biggins, for what reason do you rise?”

“State your question.”

“We’ll do that, Representative.”

“Okay. The Lady from Lake, Representative May, for what reason do you rise?”

“Yes, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to House Rule 60(b), I move to table House Bill 1553. I have filed this in writing.”

Speaker Turner: “Representative May, are you the primary Sponsor of the Bill?”

“Yes.”

“The Lady moves for the… to table House Bill 1553. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair is the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Bill will be tabled. We’re gonna start on page 19 of the Calendar, if everybody will look at your Calendar. We’re gonna start with Representative Verschoore’s Bill, House Bill 1339, and we’re gonna go down the Calendar in 09400028.doc 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 that order. The first Bill is House Bill 1339. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Verschoore.”

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Assembly. What this Bill does is it’s a… affects the licensing suspension for first-time offenders operating snowmobile and watercraft and it makes it language cleanup for the DNR. It also changes the reporting of an accident on a watercraft from $500… it raises that up to $2 thousand. Like I said, it’s kind of a cleanup and I would be glad to answer any questions.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey, for what reason do you rise?”

“Will the Sponsor yield?"

“He indicates he will.”

“Representative, to the best I understand here, if an individual were to be found to be operating a snowmobile or watercraft under the influence, they would then suspend their automobile driver’s license?”

"No, it would be… suspend them from operating a watercraft or a snowmobile.”

“Solely?”

"Solely.”

“In that case, I have nothing else to ask you. I… I read this differently. My… my con… my concern was that 09400028.doc 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 there were gonna be driving be privileges that were gonna be removed.”

"No, I don’t… it doesn’t apply… if it’s for… if they were operating a snowmobile or a watercraft, it would… it would keep them from doing that, but it wouldn’t keep them from operating an automobile, the way I understand it.”

“I appreciate the answer. Thank you, Representative.”

"Thank you.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1339 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? Representative Dugan. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 1343. Representative Delgado. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 1343 creates the Child Welfare Student Loan Forgiveness Act. It establishes the Child Welfare Student Loan Forgiveness Program to provide loan assistance, subject to appropriations, to eligible students for upper- division undergraduate and graduate study in social work or 09400028.doc 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 human services. Provides that forgivable loans may be awarded for a maximum of two academic years and requires a loan recipient to work in a child welfare at the Department of Children and Family Services, its successor, or contracting agency for at least the number of years for which the loan is received. Such maximum amounts for the loans are $4 thousand for loans awarded at the undergraduate level and $8 thousand for loans awarded at the graduate level. And it contains provisions re… concerning eligibility, repayment, credit, and penalty for noncompliance. And I would ask for your ‘aye’ vote.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“Right. I appreciate the question, Representative Parke. Actually, the Illinois State Scholarship Commission has a variety of loan programs, forgiveness debt programs like this, so there’s no opposition to it. And again, because it also has a provision in it just based on if appropriations is available. But this is something that we 09400028.doc 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 wanna keep our graduates here in Illinois and ISCC… ISSC has similar programs in other areas.”

“Ya know, that’s a good question. I… my question is how do we arrive at that without a figure, a number, of how many possible students would be eligible for this? And I’m not too… and actually, I’m not… because it’s subject to appropriations and realistically understanding how tight this budget is, we wanna put this out there but I will ask for a detailed breakdown of how they arrived at their numbers.”

“All right.”

“Right. To be very frank, at this time, Mr. Parke, I am working on that with the commission and with my staff. At this joint… at this point, we have not identified a revenue stream and I consider this a work in progress and put it in place. But as I learned last year, at the eleventh hour I was able to identify funds, as I do chair Human Services, and work through appropriations to hopefully, through this budget process, have that done. But obviously, the timetable for moving Bills, we’re ahead of the process.” 09400028.doc 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“I do agree with that comment, Representative.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1343 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 110 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, and 6 voting ‘present’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1344. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon.”

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Bill 1344 is a way to protect the consumer by adding the automati… excuse me, Automotive Collision Repair Act to the list of Acts in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act of which a person is prohibited from knowingly violated. This should’ve been done when the Auto… Automotive Collision Repair Act was passed in the 93rd General Assembly. It’s a matter of cross-referencing the information for the consumer and I would ask for your ‘aye’ vote.” 09400028.doc 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“She indicates she will."

"I can’t hear. I’m sorry, I can’t hear you, Representative.”

"They have to show proof of… I’m sorry. They have to show proof that there’s a viola… proof of…”

"Okay.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1344 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, 116 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1358. Representative Lyons. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09400028.doc 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lyons.” Lyons, J.: “Thank you, Speaker, friends and colleagues in the General Assembly. House Bill 1358 amends the Vehicle Code by requiring motor carriers intending to become licensed and to provide transportation along fixed routes to airports must serve notice via certified mail with a return receipt requested in addition to the notice in the publication which already exists to both the existing license holders and the municipality or airport operating the airport. This basically is an initiative of all of the transportation carriers as well as the City of Chicago, affecting both Midway and O’Hare Airports. There are no known oppositions, 9-0 out of committee. I’d be happy to answer any questions.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1358 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 116 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1383. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09400028.doc 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Menard, Representative Brauer.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1383 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? Bradley. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1402. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Smith.” 09400028.doc 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a very simple change at the request of the Associated Firefighters, has to do with the language that current… currently exists for suspensions for disciplinary action. Currently, the law refers to a 72-hour period and as we all know that most full-time firefighters now work a 24-hour shift. This simply would change the law to reflect that. All parties involved are in agreement. It will… this will clarify the original intent of giving a duty day suspension. Again, this is supported by all parties, that would be the Associated Firefighters as well as the Illinois Municipal League.”

“The Gentleman from Cook… Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1402 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 116 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1403. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Smith.” 09400028.doc 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, a firefighter issue. This Bill is an initiative of the Associated Firefighters. It does not impact the current 3-year moratorium that the firefighters have with the Illinois Municipal League. There is no cost involved in this to the state or to local governments. This Bill would reconstitute downstate local firefighter pension boards, effective April of 2006. The new boards would mirror what currently exists for downstate local police pension boards. Currently, a fire department or fire district boards have eight members, city and town boards have nine members, and village boards have nine members. The new proposal would consist of two members appointed by the mayor or the president of the board of trustees of the fire district, two members elected by active-duty firefighters, and one retired firefighter elected from the retirees. We believe that the new boards will more accur… accurately reflect the interests of all the parties involved and at the same time mirror the composition that currently exists in the law for downstate police pension systems. I’d be happy to answer any questions.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Kane, Representative Schmitz, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“No, it… it says that they ‘have’ to.”

“Yes, it does. It… it would streamline the boards. If you’re talking about a… a district, I believe a district board currently would have eight members. Under this, all boards, whether it’s a district, a municipality, would have a five-member board, similar to what the police systems do. Two members appointed by the mayor or the… or the board president, two members elected by the active-duty members, and one elected by the retirees.”

“The number elected by the active duty?”

“I’m not sure of the breakdown, currently, under the eight-member board, I believe it could be a reduction. But… Right. It’ll reduce all the boards down to five, it depends on whether it’s a district board or a municipal board. If it’s an eight-member board chances are we will reduce the number of elected members, but we’re also reducing the number of appointed members. Did you hear that?” 09400028.doc 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“No. No, this does not address that.”

“I haven’t heard from them, no.”

“No.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyer, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“As I said, Representative Meyer, this is an initiative of the Associated Firefighters. And this simply would bring parity between the downstate fire pension boards and the downstate police pension boards. So the board would be constructed the same as for downstate police pension boards. And the belief is that… that the new makeup would more accurately reflect the interests of those participating in that pension system.”

“I think… I think one of the concerns is that it’s different if you’re a fire protection district, it’s different if you’re a municipality, if you’re a municipal department, there are different sizes for those two different categories. Sometimes it can be unwieldy, sometimes one side might have an advantage over the other. We don’t have that problem with the police pension systems so it’s a belief that this would be, as I said, more accurately reflect the interests of the… of the people participating in the pension.”

“Representative, I’m told that… that the percentages will stay the same except in the cases of villages who, in many cases, have the opportunity to appoint the village attorney, and that would not be the case under this unless… I guess unless the mayor wanted that to be one of the two appointees of the village.”

“No, it… it just… ya know, it can give the employer a greater proportion of the members.”

“No. I believe Representative Schmitz asked that and I have not heard from them, Representative.”

“Not from that group, no.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Peoria, Representative Leitch, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“Representative, the… the intent is to provide some parity between the police systems and the… and the fire systems. This is the way the police boards are constituted currently. There’s… there’s different levels of boards depending on current… under current law, whether you’re a fire protection district or whether you’re a municipal department. And so this would, first of all, would reduce the number of members on the board. It would make it the same regardless of whether you’re a district or a department and it would be the same as we have for the cops, which seems to be working very well.”

“No, this… this doesn’t change that. The… the city would still have two appointments to the board. The… the 09400028.doc 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 active employees would elect two. Proportionately, that’s about the same under the existing system, it would just be a smaller number. So, the city… the mayor can still appoint the city treasurer or whomever they wish to serve on the board, the city would have two seats.”

“Well, it… I guess it shouldn’t affect the fund, and certainly in terms of investments or investment policies, ya know, this… this shouldn’t affect that at all. You know, and… and to say that this gives…”

“Well, I guess there’s no guarantee that that wouldn’t happen under the current system. Just because there’s a bigger board doesn’t necessarily mean there are gonna be people with more expertise on the board.”

“If I could just…”

“Representative Smith to close.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could just say this, this legislation has nothing to do with professionals serving on a local fire pension board. If a mayor or the president of the board of trustees wishes to have a financial consulting 09400028.doc 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 professional on the board, they can do that. If they wish to have the… the village treasurer, the city treasurer, as many do currently, they still can do that. This will provide two appointments for the municipality or for the fire protection district, two for active retire… or for active members and one for retirees. And to say that it gives a majority to the… to the firefighters is not necessarily the case. As we all know, active duty members may not always represent the issues of retirees and vice versa. So I would ask for your favorable consideration. I’m pleased to be joined by Representative Black and Representative Bost as cosponsors on this issue and I would ask for your favorable vote.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1403 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… Representative Leitch, you wanna vote? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 82 voting ‘aye’, 33 voting ‘no’, and 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1432. Representative Millner. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Millner.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1432 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, 115 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 1434. Representative Patterson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Patterson.”

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to present for consideration House Bill 1434. House Bill 1434 enhances the penalties for theft of government property. Currently, theft of government property is treated just like an ordinary theft. 09400028.doc 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 House Bill 1434 defines ‘government property’ as ‘funds or other property owned by the state, a unit of government, or a school district.’ Presently, enhanced penalties for theft are required when a theft was committed in a school or place of worship. This Bill simply adds theft of government property to the list. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request a favorable consideration of House Bill 1434.”

“We’ve got a long line here. The Lady from Cook… the Lady from Kane, Representative Lindner, for what reason do you rise?”

“Indicates he will."

"Well, first of all, theft of government property not only steals from the entity of the government, it also steals from all taxpayers throughout the… the State of Illinois. And secondly, the government oftentimes is reviewed… is viewed as an entity with deep pockets. Governments are self-insured and governments must recoup or pay twice the cost of an item that’s stolen in order to have it on the… bring it back to the workplace.” 09400028.doc 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

"No, Representative, I think theft occurs…”

"No, theft occurs all across this state. For… matter of fact, human beings are the most ingenious and clever creatures on the face of this earth. For some humans, no matter what is described as dysfunctional behavior, requires intervention of a certain sort to stop atypical behavior, such as stealing government property. There’s… in need and incentive to make that happen. Accordingly, to cor… to curtail the dysfunctional behavior of stealing government property, House Bill 1434 adds stiffer penalties for such abnormal behavior.”

"Well, I agree, Representative, that there have been theft in the City of Chicago and there are some ingenious, clever people in Chicago, but I disagree that it’s only occurring in the City of Chicago. This is for the entire State of Illinois.”

"No. No, Ma’am. Not at all.”

"Well, government property would be… for example…”

"Yes, it is. Once it’s purchased with taxpayers’ dollars it becomes government property. It is the property of the people. And what happens when someone fraudulently remove or relocate asphalt that’s going to be used for a specific purpose, the government, i.e., the taxpayers, are paying for it twice.”

"Yes, Ma’am.”

"No, it’s not specific to Chicago. It just is an incentive, an inducement, to correct abnormal behavior of stealing government property and the belief that the government entity is a source of deep pockets that can be constantly ripped off.”

"Okay. Thank you, Representative.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

“He indicates he will."

"Yes.”

“Thank you. Representative, just… if… if people couldn’t tell from the last set of questions, this is your first Bill, would that be correct?”

"Yes, it is, Representative.”

“Yeah, I know Representative Lindner tried very hard to be a Bill… Bill Black, she wasn’t too bad at it and she probably deserves some applause. Even I’m not Bill Black. But I… I wonder if you actually read the Bill itself, Representative, or this is one of those things where it 09400028.doc 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 just went to LRB and you introduce the Bill and now we’re out here on the floor.”

"No, I’ve read the Bill, Representative.”

“Okay, good. So on line 7 of page 1, you refer to governmental property and then you say, ‘as used in this part C.’ What part C? I thought you read the Bill, Representative?”

"Yes… yes, I did, Representative.”

“All right. We’ll wait. Is that long enough?”

"It’s a cross… it cross references the section that brought increased incentive, i.e., penalties, for theft of school property and theft from places of worship.”

“Where… where is that? Is that in… in the Bill or is that in some portion of that statute that’s not in the Bill? Let him handle this himself.”

"It’s… it’s in a portion of the statute that’s not in this Bill. This statute refers to the previous statute that provide enhanced penalties of theft from schools and place of worship.”

“Well, are you certain that under the law, statutes, constitution, and regulations of the State of Illinois, you can refer to a part C that isn’t actually mentioned in your Bill?”

"Yes, Sir. I depend upon my colleagues for wise counsel and I’ve been counseled that it does exist and I believe that and it’s also stipulated in the… this current Bill.” 09400028.doc 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“That’s not too bad, Representative. I’m not finished with you, however. So, there’s apparently a growing problem with people stealing government property. It that the point of the Bill?”

"Yes, Representative. But I think the… the real issue is, as I indicated to you… or to the previous Representative, that human beings are some of the most ingenious creatures on the face of the earth.”

“What kind…”

"And so previously…”

“Wa… wait, what kind?”

"The most ingenious and clever.”

“Ingenious.”

"That’s correct.”

“As opposed to what other kind of beings?”

"A snake.”

“Snakes. All right.”

"I mean, we’re above that.”

“Well, yeah ‘cause snakes are down there. Anyway, so how do you… how will you know over a period of time that this Bill is working? And the second part of that question would be, if the Bill’s not working will you be coming back here to making the theft of paper clips a Class X felony?”

"No, I… I’m certain that it will work, Representative, simply because all is needed is an incentive with increased penalties for this aberrant behavior for corrective measure. So oftentimes, when a… at present time it’s a misdemeanor and once we increase the 09400028.doc 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 penalties and the… and the possible thief may realize that it becomes a felony, then that aberrant behavior becomes an intervention by this House Bill 1434 and I do believe it will cease.”

“I notice on my analysis, maybe the Republicans have this on this… their analysis as well, that the Sen… CMS has no position on this Bill. Does that indicate that they don’t think there’s a problem with government thievery?”

"I’m not sure. I would have to have a discussion with the director of CMS.”

“Well, don’t you think you should’ve had that discussion before you came to the floor?”

"Possibly. Had CMS contacted my office relative to the Bill, I probably would have.”

“Well, how ‘bout if you hold this Bill to, let’s say, August or September, we’ll still be here, and perhaps you could be working with CMS during that period of time? Is that an option for you, Representative?”

"No, it’s not, Representative. I think this…”

“Well, all right.”

"…interventive (sic-intervention) measure is needed at the present time.”

“So, do you think that CMS should be in favor of this Bill?”

"Yes, I do. If CMS is over State Government properly, certainly they should be in favor of this Bill.” 09400028.doc 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“So let me ask you one more question. Under the Ethics Act, if you steal $300 worth of paper clips, do you have a worse problem under this Bill or under the Ethics Act?”

"Under… you would have a worse problem under this Bill.”

“And…”

"’Cause previously it was considered a misdemeanor.”

“What if you stole those paper clips and gave them to, let’s say, oh, someone else who’s a Member of the House? Would that create any difficulty for you or that other person?”

"Well, that’s really a question for the courts to decide and talk…”

“No, no, Sir.”

“Okay.”

“Sir, wait, let me stop you. This is a question for you to answer.”

“Okay.”

“This is your Bill. I think we would all agree this is the Representative’s Bill.”

"Okay. Well, Representative…”

“And so, I think…”

"Rep…”

“I think the crowd’s getting hostile.”

"Representative…”

“I think it’s time for you to answer these questions, Representative.” 09400028.doc 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

"Okay. Well, Representative, I think that in this Body, if paperclips were commuted over to the other side of the aisle, I would not… I believe that would just simply be a loan. But I… but however, if those paper… $300 were removed from this building… $300 worth of paper clips were removed from this building to be taken elsewhere, $300 worth of paper clips, in my view, are an awful lot of paper clips. So it’s not a single… it is… it is an offense.”

“Well, the whole Bill’s an offense, Representative. I think we can agree on that. Well, I… I thank you. I’m not really certain, maybe the crowd will disagree, but I’m not really certain you’ve explained your Bill all that well and I’d be asking the Members to take a look very carefully at this Bill. Thank you, Representative.”

"All right. Thank you, Representative.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Colvin, for what reason do you rise?”

“Will the Sponsor yield?"

“He indicates he will."

"Yes.”

“Representative Patterson, I, first of all, want to congratulate you on your first piece of legislation. And I wanted to ask you now, are you aware… so you’re saying that in the city where you represent in Chicago, that… and I saw in the staff analysis that thousands of pounds of asphalt was stolen. Is that right?”

"Well, I’m not personally aware. I think that that was just an example, for ex…” 09400028.doc 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Oh, so this… this didn’t happen?”

"It’s just as if someone asked you a question and you ask an example. I have no firsthand knowledge of missing asphalt.”

“Well, I… I didn’t say you had it, I just said that I thought that I read somewhere that may have… this of… may have happened. I was wondering that that was being in the analysis and all, that was an example that you gave or did staff just make that up or…?”

"I believe it may have come out during committee testimony only as a source of an example, not a real world issue. But theft from government is a real world issue…”

“All right.”

"…and it happens across the width and breadth of this state.”

“Now, I was looking at the provisions for… for criminal punishment and… and I guess I was wondering… First of all, let me ask you, how much is… do you have an… any idea what the value of a thousand pounds of asphalt is?”

"Well, if it’s up to $10 thousand it would be a Class II felony and that would three… be 3 to 7 years.”

“So, whatever the open market was for asphalt on that given day when he was sentenced, ya know, they would figure out what it is and that would be the penalty he’d be subject to.”

"That’s correct, Representative.”

“So, if… what if the guy sold it by the pound and he sold it for maybe a hundred fifty dollars a pound, would he 09400028.doc 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 be subject to just a misdemeanor? ‘Cause he was sayin’, you know, maybe he only got a couple hundred bucks for it.”

"If the…”

“I’m afraid there may be a loophole here where you could maybe take thousands of pounds of asphalt and sell it for 200 bucks and only be guilty of a misdemeanor offense.”

"But their… their issue is it’s the… the act itself of taking a thousand pounds, no matter what you sell it for.”

“Well, Representative, you wouldn’t be willin’… I mean, I just see where, ya know, its value versus what it’s been sold for. I mean, he could probably make an argument in court that, ya know, it’s only worth $200. Do think maybe we should pull this Bill out of the record and wait and figure out how we could tighten up that loophole so that no one would get off and that everyone who stole something of value would be penalized for exactly what the value was it for… was for?”

"No, Representative. And I’ll tell ya why. When the government has purchased an item or items, the taxpayers have paid for that item or items. So, no matter what the thief sells it for, taxpayers’ dollars are allocated to purchase that item. So, there’s a fixed value associated with it. So therefore, that value would be known. So if it’s $300… up to $300, it’s a Class IV felony.”

“All right. Well…” 09400028.doc 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

"If it’s up to $10 thousand, it’s a Class II felony and so on.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I… I read the Bill, Representative. All right, thank you very much.”

"Thank you, Representative.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will all new Members that’s going to call a Bill for the first time please do it Tuesday or Wednesday, not on Thursday. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman asks leave for previous question. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. The Bill’s moved to previous question. Representative Patterson to close. Patterson to close.”

"Thank you, Mr… thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to my colleagues, I’m asking for a favorable vote in consideration of House Bill 1434.”

“You’ve heard the question. All those in favor of House Bill 1434 passing 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? Have all voted who wish? This is the last call. Representative Flowers. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are… there are 115 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On Supplemental Calendar #1, we 09400028.doc 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 have House Resolution 178. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk. House Resolution 178. Representative Smith.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Resolution dealing with support staff positions in our local school districts. There are about 18 thousand support staff workers in the 900-plus school districts in the State of Illinois. Generally, these positions pay a fair salary and benefit package which prevents a high turnover rate in these jobs, which are very important in the delivery of the education to our children. Currently, many school districts are looking at privatizing these services to help solve some of their financial problems, just like privatization of other positions that we’ve looked at in State Government. Privatization does not necessarily mean a cost savings, does not mean a safer product, and it can lead to further costs, oftentimes many unanticipated costs. This Resolution would simply state that this Body discourages the privatization of support staff positions by our local school districts. And I’d ask for you favorable… favorable consideration.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“Representative Parke, as I said in my remarks, many of them are looking at it as a way to… to help them in their 09400028.doc 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 financial difficulties that… that many of our school districts are currently facing.”

“I’m sorry. Is who… is who competent?”

“Well, that… that’s a good question, Representative Parke. I think, ya know, in order to provide the services cheaper, you’re gonna have to… to cut back somewhere. I think this simply says that we recognize the 18 thousand people who are currently employed in these positions do a good job, they provide stability, a low rate of turnover, and that’s really the genesis behind this.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Resolution 178 pass?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. Voting is 09400028.doc 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 now open. Have all voted who wish? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke.”

“We’re gonna stay with the Roll Call, we’ve already started. But you’re right, we did have the option. But we’re gonna stay with the Roll Call. Have all voted who wish? Representative Schock. Representative Wait. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 88 voting ‘aye’, 25 voting ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And the Resolution does pass. On page 19 of the Calendar, Third Readings, we have House Bill 1458. Representative Chapa LaVia. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “Representative La… the Lady from Kane, Representative Chapa LaVia.”

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. House Bill 1458 basically clean… does some cleanup language as far as updates the Civil Service Act, which has not been changed since the Vietnam War and brings the cities in compliance with the Fire Employees Commission Act. There are… there are actually 15 to 20 cities that actually fall under the Civil Service Act, and that’s it. Proponents: the Illinois Fire Chiefs, the Illinois Fire Protection District, and the Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners.” 09400028.doc 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1458 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 115 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Molaro, for what reason do you rise?”

“Well, Mr. Speaker, I just wanna let you know that I certainly did not appreciate in the middle of Third Readings we went to a Resolution, I started putting my coat on, figuring we were done, and then all of a sudden we go back to House Bills. I think it was a tease and inappropriate.”

“We’ll satisfy ya later. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1480. Representative Phelps. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from White, Representative Phelps.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1480 is the same exact Bill as House Bill 4428 of last year, ya… it sailed outta here with 109 votes. All this Bill does is protect the rights of 09400028.doc 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 picketers on a picket line. And I ask for your ‘aye’ vote.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1480 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 111 voting ‘aye’, 3 voting ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Williamson, Representative Bradley, for what reason do you rise?”

“I… I had my button on and it didn’t go. I meant to vote ‘aye’.”

“The record will so reflect your intentions. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1471. Representative Froehlich. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Representative Froehlich.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1471 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. There are 115 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1486. Representative Mautino. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Mautino.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. 1486 is an initiative that’s been worked on for the past 3 years by the Trappers Association of Illinois and would allow the use of cable restraints that are not powered by springs or pulls in trapping of furbearing animals. This would be nuisance traps, for example, like for coyote or fox, to be used on land with the written permission of the landowner and a restructuring of the… of the cable restraints in conformance with basically Missouri law and Wisconsin law, which allow for this type of a set to be used in nuisance trapping. Appreciate an ‘aye’ vote.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?” 09400028.doc 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“He certainly will.”

“Yes, they are.”

“Well, their… their concern is they’re opposed to the use of the cable restraint trap on land. And there’s currently used in water trapping for either beaver and muskrat in an appropriate setting there. And I spoke with the folks from both of these groups and they do remain opposed.”

“Yeah, in the… in the structure and the way it’s been designed within following the Missouri and Wisconsin laws, the traps have been redesigned. These cables, they have to have a swivel in it so that they wouldn’t knot up. It has to be a noo… the noose portion can be no larger than 15 inches and can be reduced down to no less than 2 and a half inches and so, that’s… so it’s a releasing, a relaxing restraint. We also had some concerns from the field trailers and the coon hunters about dogs that may be on the land, companion animals. So, for that reason, we made sure that the… the cables themself must be affixed so they can’t 09400028.doc 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 be dragged. They have to be a set distance from any obstruction, like a fence, so that a dog or a companion animal could not get stuck in there. They’re required to be checked daily and we’re required to have written permission of the landowner in case he allows someone to hunt that property.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1486 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 87 voting ‘aye’, 27 voting ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1487. Representative McCarthy. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McCarthy.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1487 is an initiative of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. It basically says that on the Community College Board, starting in July of 2005, that they should appoint one teacher to this board who works at a public community college in Illinois. It was unopposed in committee. We passed it last year out of here and it was stalled in the Senate. We did this for all the nine 09400028.doc 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 public universities also last year and the Governor has made they appointment. There are four appointments open right now so they won’t have to necessitate removing anyone else to… it goes into the regular appointment process. I’d appreciate your support.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1487 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? Cultra. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1504. Representative Boland. Out of the record. We have House Bill 1511. Representative Tenhouse. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Adams, Representative Tenhouse.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1511 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 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1522. Representative Coulson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Coulson.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks, for what reason do you rise?”

“Will the Sponsor yield?"

“She indicates she will."

“Representative, our analysis indicates that the Illinois Primary Care… Health Care Association is opposed to this Bill. And our analysis indicates that they want an Amendment that would specify that doctors receiving these grants be practicing in a medically underserved area. I remember when this Bill was up last year and that was my criticism of the Bill. Has this been amended?”

“Well, is there any limitation on what kind of physicians would be getting these grants? Do… do we need more plastic surgeons, for instance? With someone who’s gonna be in one of the most lucrative professions practicing plastic surgery, will we be giving them grants to come and make $900 thousand a year?” 09400028.doc 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Well, that’s what I wanted to hear, there’s a rule making authority.”

“And hopefully we could… I wanted to make it clear for the record that we’re gonna be looking for family practitioners, I presume.”

“Ob-Gynies.”

“Right.”

“Well, the devil’s gonna be in the details here, like usual.”

“But… so hopefully we’ll get some… I’d like to involved, quite frankly, on what…”

“…on what rules they’re gonna be making. ‘Cause I think it’s a really good idea and a good way to attract and 09400028.doc 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 retain our physicians that we desperately need. But I also wanna make sure that if we spend the taxpayers’ dollars, we’re doing it appropriately. So, thank you.”

“Thank you.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Hamos, for what reason do you rise?”

“A que… question of the Sponsor.”

“She indicates she’ll yield."

“Well, Representative Coulson, our analysis says that this could… the cost of this could range, it’s a fairly large range, from a hundred twenty-five million to six hundred twenty-five million. Is that possible?”

“Well, if we only set aside, for example, $2 million, how many scholarships would that provide for?”

“Well, Representative Coulson, I don’t want to belabor this point. But really, I think that there are many people who leaving higher education with humungous loans, many of whom don’t have the earning potential to really recoup their loans that they acquired during… during their college years. And I think to select out physicians is okay, a nice idea. But first of all, I’m a little surprised that you and maybe other Republicans are supporting something that has this kind of financial impact when you know that we do have serious budget problems. And I’m also a little leery of selecting out physicians who have actually, in some ways, the highest earning capacity for this kind of loan repayment. So, you know, I… that’s… I guess I wanted to make that statement. And I was surprised to see that you were supporting and sponsoring a pretty hefty price tagged program at this very tough time.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Howard, for what reason do you rise?”

“Will the Sponsor yield?"

“She indicates she will."

“Representative Coulson, am I un… to understand that, unlike the Family Practice Residency Act which provides for physicians to work in underserved areas, that this particular piece of legislation would allow people to work in any area of our state?”

“So your answer is that this Bill does not specify where you have to practice?”

“So you can practice all over the state is… is the point.”

“I… I’m not certain that I see that we should provide that kind of incentive for individuals who, as my other colleague said, are going to be some of the mo… the most highly paid people in the state. Three years you’re asking them to work in the State of Illinois, pay off your debt, and then you can go and do what you wanna do. I’m just not certain that that is a… a good and fair trade. I just think that if we’re going to have a program that provides this kind of incentive, that we should be specifying where people oughta be working, and obviously we have that kind of program already. Another problem that I have is, you know, I have a Bill that I tried to run yesterday that stated the kind of difficulties that individuals are having when they’re not able to find a place to work. And the State of Illinois has given them the right to the funds but has really not been very fair in trying to help them deal with problems that have come up. Are there any kind of special provisions in your legislation that will speak to the kind of problems that I talked about yesterday?”

“So this is up to $25 thousand in total and not per year?”

“This is for the entire time that they’re going to school?”

“Thank you very much.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?”

“She indicates she will."

“Thank you. Representative, I think I understand what you’re trying to do and… and, of course, years of sitting on the Higher Education Committee and on the Elementary Committee and trying to… trying to create a program that will encourage teachers, doctors to stay in Illinois and to practice and to… and to teach. I… I think I understand what you’re trying to do. Well, a couple things that I’m lookin’ that may be a problem with your legislation. One is, and if I’m correct in our analysis’ readin’, that… that if a physician does not fulfill a 3-year time requirement 09400028.doc 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 then he or she must pay three times the amount that they receive from the Department of Public Health, three times. Who came up with the… with the three times measure?”

“Because in… in all of the grants program I’ve seen, maybe there have been some penalties or incentives to make sure that you… you stay in Illinois and practice or teach. But I… I’m just sort of a little leery about the three times amount to repay as a penalty. I would think the individuals that will receive this type of a program or a grant, they are in hardship, number one. Number two, there may be some very hardsip… hardship situations in which individuals will struggle to pay back the loan if it’s just one time. And I’m just concerned about the three-time factor here. I guess, also, if I’m not… if I’m not… I believe I heard you say that there is no peri… parameters or guidelines set as to how the grants will be distributed or decided. I think we have a scope of someone can get a grant for a thousand dollars, some can get up to 25 thousand. What are the requirements that will entail me to get a… instead of gettin’ a $1 thousand grant, to get a $25 thousand grant?”

“And, you know, and I… I think I understand that. I still think when you are… when you have a grant program, and not necessarily a loan, but a grant program, there needs to be some, I guess, some set-in-stone guidelines as to… for if… in order to receive a higher grant you must meet certain requirements in that… in that bracket maybe. I… I just don’t want… I just don’t want politics to get played into the process.”

“And you know, I mean, we’ve all been around here, we know how things are. And someone who really needs the full amount who qualifies actually get the full amount and somebody who really doesn’t need it because they know the assistant director, that they will get a certain amount, a higher grant, instead of someone that… that really needs it. I’m just fearful of that.”

“I understand that, but I think you sort of struck a chord with me with the General Assembly scholarship. That’s something that I’ve always defended that program and I think it’s still a good program today, even though… and that’s part of my concerns is it’s a good program but there is flaws in everything that we do.”

“But of course, when you start appropriating and dividing and giving out grant dollars then, ya know, everything is subject to wrongdoing. So, thank you. Thank you, Representative.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“Is that what you want me to do?”

Speaker Turner: “The Members should be reminded on Short Debate, that means Short Debate. The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise? Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1522 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? Can someone punch Rose’s? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 97 voting ‘aye’, 5 voting ‘no’, 10 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is heredy… hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, and it is the intent of the Chair to go through all of the Third Readings. So Members, you have the Calendar in front of you, we have House Bill 1523. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Gentleman from Cook… the Gentleman from Lake, Representative Mathias.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Simply to support the Gentleman’s Bill. We had another Bill that dealt with exemptions that made them hugely wild and would’ve made it impossible for creditors to get dollars that are owed to them by… by debtors. This is a reasonable attempt to deal with inflation where this number hasn’t been increased in some time. And I think we should give the Gentleman our ‘aye’ votes.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1523 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 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1529. Representative Krause. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Krause.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1529 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? Representative Giles. Representative Poe. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1539. Representative Coulson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Coulson.” 09400028.doc 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1539 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… Molaro. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1549. Representative Holbrook. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Gentleman from St. Clair,…”

“Thank you, Speaker.”

“…Representative Holbrook.”

“Thank you, Speaker. All House Bill 1549 does is update the De… what used to be the Department of Nuclear Safety to the Illinois Emergency Management, IEMA, and provide for the losing of the license if failure to meet child support. It’s one of the ones they missed in the 09400028.doc 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 child support sweep we did a few years ago. I know of no opposition and it passed out of committee unanimously. I’d ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 1549 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? Representative Reis. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1559. Representative Millner. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1559 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? 09400028.doc 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 Have all voted who wish? The Clerk sh… Representative Flowers. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, 114 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 1569. Representative Cross… Krause. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Krause.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1569 pass?’ All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. Voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 09400028.doc 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1574. Representative Flider. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.”

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This legislation provides that all members of a board of health must be residents of the county in which the board of health is located, except that a member who is required to be a physician, dentist, or nurse may reside outside the county if there is no physician, dentist, or nurse who resides in the county who is willing and able to serve. Currently, the statute states that any member of the board of health could live outside the county. And what we want to do is limit it to those that are… that have a special medical designation, like physician, dentist, or nurse. I’d appreciate your support.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1574 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. 09400028.doc 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 On this question, 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1575. Representative Mitchell, Bill Mitchell. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell.” Mitchell, B.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1575 creates the Illinois AgrAbility Act. It provides that the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Illinois’ Extension, shall contract with a nonprofit disability service provider or in… or other entities that assistes… assists disabled farmers. And this came to me from the Easter Seals of Central Illinois. I’d be glad to take questions.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1575 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 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1587. Representative Lang. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09400028.doc 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This deals with the issue of defendant’s fitness to stand trial. Currently, the defendant has to have a reexamination on the matter of fitness not more than 90 days after the court has entered an order for treatment. This Bill simply requires that once a report is issued by the examiner the first hearing date be within 21 days. And I would ask your support.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1587 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 will take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey, for what reason do you rise?”

“Thank you, Speaker. Purpose of the announcement. I like the gavel. Members of the Judiciary I Committee, we are scheduled to have our medical malpractice meeting next Tuesday morning. That meeting will be canceled. We will not have medical malpractice next week. Thank you.” 09400028.doc 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1588. Representative Lang. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a Bill that protects state employees and it adds to the list of… of folks under the aggravated battery statute, state employees and staff of state employees. I would ask your support.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“Yes, I have, Sir.”

“Thank you.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1588 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 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the 09400028.doc 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1589. Representative McGuire. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Will, Representative McGuire.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have House Bill 1589. We’ve had this Bill once or twice before, it’s called the Human Voice Contact Act. And what it does, it requires most State Government offices, not all of them, to have an option to the caller to talk to a human voice. And that’s basically and essentially that’s what the Bill is all about. And I’d appreciate your help. Thank you.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“The people of the State of Illinois who call up and have to wait on the phone line to talk to a menu or can’t get a human to vo… to talk to. And I would say it’s probably primarily the seniors of our citizens of the State of Illinois, the people who pay the bill, cannot get someone to talk to. So it just merely, as I said, requires that there is an option to talk to an adult or a human 09400028.doc 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 voice when they call some of the state offices here in the Springfield or anywhere around the state.”

“No, no, no, no, no. No. No, this is just an option. They will be offered an option.”

“There is no option to speak to a human voice, not… not on… not on the recorded messages or whatever you want to call the menus. There is not an option. There may be an option in some places, but I’d like to make it that the option is available to everyone who calls a state office, other than emergency offices, and knows… that work at… at odd hours in the… of the day or… or night. It’s just…”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear ya.”

“No, I don’t think there’s any penalty. No, I’m just trying to be helpful, not… not have a penalty for anything. I’ve heard from some of the state offices…”

“I realize that, Representative Parke. But you also have to realize that the people who are paying the bills of the State of Illinois, the taxpayers, are the ones who are calling up and can’t seem to get an answer or can’t get someone to talk to them. I’m not saying it’s everybody, but there are enough of those types of people that I think we should have that option. And it merely adds the option, it doesn’t take away from the… the menu or anything at all.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“You’re requesting that I table it, is that what you’re saying?”

“Requesting that we send it to the Senate?”

“I… I could agree with you, Representative Mulligan. I don’t know where you get the million-dollar figure 09400028.doc 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 because no one’s… no one’s contacted me with the cost, and this Bill has been out there for a while.”

“I… I’m agreeable to whatever your suggesting, but I… I just wanted to point that out that I have not heard that figure. But I’ll certainly go along with whatever you’re suggesting.”

“Yeah. Yeah.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard from state offices. I’ve heard from the veterans’ hospitals and some of the other places that say, ‘yeah, we’d like to have that.’”

“Whose office?”

“Yeah, I… I think what…”

“Yeah. Yeah, actually, in the Bill it says it provides a state agency that uses automat… automated telephone answering equipment. So if they don’t use automated…”

“Yeah.”

“You’re right on the money, Representative Mulligan.”

“I certainly… I certainly concur with your recommendation and that’s all right with me.”

“Thank you.”

“I’d like to remind the Members that this Bill and all Bills after this is on Short Debate. The next speaker is Representative Bost from Jackson County. Representative Bost.”

“He indicates he will."

“Sure.”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyers (sic-Meyer), for what reason do you rise?”

“To the Bill.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1589 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, 104 voting ‘aye’, 0… 9 voting ‘no’, 0 09400028.doc 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 1562. 1562. Representative Hoffman. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1562 simply indicates that when you rent a car, if you purchase a damage waiver, which indicates that you would not be liable for damages to that car, and you subsequently damage the car but your blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit of .08, that the… the damage waiver would not be in effect and you would be responsible for the cost.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Molaro, for what reason do you rise?”

“I don’t know if the Sponsor will yield. That sounds pretty good because then… but I guess the insurance company’s off the hook. And then if there’s $3 thousand damage it’s back on the rental car company, right? Because if I’m the guy that’s drunk, they’re gonna have to sue me. So someone’s gonna have to wait for the 7 grand in damage, and it’s either gonna come from the insurance company or the rental car’s stuck with it. And I guess we’re saying let the rental cars company be stuck with it instead of insurance companies, is that it?”

“I apologize, I couldn’t hear the very last part.”

“It was unimportant anyways, so to heck with it.” 09400028.doc 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1562 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 112 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 1 ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2345. Representative Hamos. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Hamos.”

“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. The reason… this is a Bill that will create the Electronic Health Records Task Force. And the reason that I got interested in this… this was brought to me by the family physicians, but… the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. But the reason that this is kind of a significant Bill at this moment in time is because the President has just put $50 million in his budget to those states that are ready and able to look at protocols for electronic health records. So it’s a new concept for Illinois. Many large hospitals and providers are already doing this but the challenge is to be able to integrate and create a system for electronic health records. The task force through the Department of Public Health is intended to bring together all the stakeholders to work this out. As far as I know, there’s no opposition 09400028.doc 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 to this. The Department of Public Health is happy to do it because it is sort of the new wave and the new way that we can improve health care and also reduce medical errors.”

“Seeing…”

“And thank you very much.”

“Seeing no further questions, the que… sorry, the Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?”

“She indicates she will."

“Well, Representative Mulligan, I know you love to ask me these questions every year, this is your favorite shtick with me. The Illinois Health Care Cost Containment Council, to which you refer, was a separate agency. I and everybody else who voted for it on the floor did not believe that it needed to be a separate agency. I’m not creating a separate agency here, it’s a task force of the Department of Public Health, as you very well know. That was the only issue with the Health Care Cost Containment 09400028.doc 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 Council. Some of what they did was useful but not very useable. We’re trying to make sure that that happens as well, more electronically. This has never been done, as far as I know, by the Health Care Cost Containment Council or anybody else. It’s a brand new concept in the health care field.”

“Okay.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2345 pass?’ All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now 09400028.doc 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 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 112 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We’re on page 21 of the Calendar. We’re trying to do about 15 more, they’re all on Short Debate, and you can determine when now is. First Bill on the Calendar is House Bill 2353. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.”

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This legislation amends the Clean Indoor Air Act to authorize hospitals and nursing homes to designate areas immediately outside the vicinity of the nursing homes and hospitals as nonsmoking areas, specifically up to 30 feet away from the entrance. This legislation was brought to my attention by a local hospital in my district and it is supported by the Lung Association, Cancer Society, and the Nurses Association. And I would encourage your support.”

“The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

"That might be a separate issue.”

"Well, I would certainly be interested in working with you on another piece of legislation associated with your idea.”

“Seeing no further question, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2353 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, 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2380. Representative Coulson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Out of the record. Out of the record. On Third Reading, we have House Bill 2386. Representative Gordon. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Grundy.”

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, House Bill 2386 creates lifetime supervision for high-risk sex offenders. This is something that I thank all of the 09400028.doc 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 cosponsors on and something that is desperately needed in our state. It is an initiative of the Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office and is truly a preventative measure. We’re being proactive in this state by not only ensuring public safety but also making sure that sex offenders, which are a known… are a known group to have a high recidivism rate, to make sure that they get the services that they need and that our communities remain safe. I would welcome any questions but I would also urge an ‘aye’ vote.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2386 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, 112 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 1 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2394. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Representative Munson.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Munson.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2394 pass?’ All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. And 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 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2408. Representative Davis. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“The Lady from Cook, Representative Davis.” Davis, M.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2408 creates the Computer Investment Program Fund under the State Finance Act. This fund will be used… it shall be used, subject to appropriation, by the General Assembly by the Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity for computer purchasing grants. These grants will assist low-income families in five digital divide impacted communities. This will give the applicants the opportunity to borrow from banks in their community and the state will subsidize a small amount so that they can place computers in their home and become computer literate. It is for those students 09400028.doc 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 enrolled in schools in our state, those students who receive free or reduced lunch, they must have a passing grade or agree to bring their grade point average up. They have to have a good attendance record, and they have to re… have resided in the state for 6 months. They will also be given computer lessons and Internet service and I urge an ‘aye’ vote.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“She indicates she will."

“Mr. Clerk, take the Bill out of the record.”

“We have House Bill 2435 on Third Reading. Representative Hannig. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 2435 names the current SIU Legislative Undergraduate Intern Program the Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship Program. The late Senator Demuzio attended SIU- Edwardsville and was a strong supporter of the public higher education. Subject to appropriation, the Bill auth… also authorizes SIU to increase their current number of undergraduate internships and to broaden their placement. I’d be happy to answer any questions and I move for the passage of the Bill.”

“Seeing no question, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2435 pass?’ All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. And the voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Giles. Joe Lyons. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have 09400028.doc 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 House Bill 2459. Representative Mathias. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Mathias.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2459 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 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2467. Representative Kelly. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speak…”

“The Lady from Cook…”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2467 would amend the Vehicle Code by 09400028.doc 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 providing for the issuance of new and different license plates for victims of domestic violence. The applicant who requests the plates would have to show that he or she owned the vehicle and had a valid driver’s license and would give up the oath…”

“And the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 2467 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 113 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2490. Representative Miller. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Miller.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2490 formalizes the alternate payees with the department. I ask for a favorable vote.”

“Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2490 pass?’ All those in favor 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 111 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 09400028.doc 89  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill… excuse who? On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 2510. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Madison, Representative Hoffman.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. What this does is it increases the liability coverage that must be carried to $250 thousand per passenger on contract carriers and they must file proof of this for financial responsibility.”

“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?”

“He indicates he will."

“Yeah, it’s my understanding that this is… the Railroad Association is opposed, the United Transportation Union as well as the Brotherhood of… of Locomotive Engineers are in favor.”

“That has… that has nothing to do with… that has nothing to do with collective bargaining. All this says is what happens when you… when you’re on a railroad and you run the ri… you run the rail… the train… at the end of the train… where the train stops, you have to get back to where you started. So, they have these carriers that… that they contract with who drive the people who work on the train back to their original starting spot. What we’re saying is they have to have a minimum amount of liability coverage, just like we say other contract carriers have to have a minimum amount of liability coverage.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t believe it’s an issue… it is not a benefit to working people. It’s…”

“It could be an additional cost if the contract carrier were to pass the cost on to the railroad.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2510 pass?’ All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now 09400028.doc 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 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 86 voting ‘aye’, 26 voting ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, for the record, you should add Representative Bailey and Representative Washington, they both came up and said that their switches was not working on House Bill 2490. Please let the record reflect that they both wanted to vote ‘aye’. We have one more Bill, House Bill 15. Representative Hannig. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill, as amended, authorizes certain water commissions to enter into intergovernmental agreements with counties and municipalities and enter into intergovernmental agreements with any unit of local government to enforce their ordinances.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 15 pass?’ All those in favor should… I’m sorry. Representative Kosel.”

“Representative Hannig.”

“I’d be happy to yield for a question, Representative.”

“We’re talking about intergovernmental agreements that would exist between the water commission and units of local government. In my… and this is primarily for the purpose… this is exclusively for the… well, primarily for the purposes of enforcing the local ordinances of the water commission. And the un… the view is that many of these water commissions… and in my district this could encompass a lake, they might have a picnic area, they might have a camping area, and their attorneys have advised them that they don’t believe that they have the authority to enforce any ordinances on the property that they’re actually obligated to oversee. They’ve asked me to pass this Bill so that they can enter into the county… into an agreement with the county sheriff or a local municipality that might be nearby. It’s been amended in committee to limit the powers very significantly and…”

“I’m not aware of any, Representative.”

Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks, for what reason do you rise?”

“One quick question, if I may. Representative, I understand they want to have police protection. Would this allow the water district to create their own police force?”

“No, that was originally what the Bill would’ve allowed in part, but it was in… amended in… at the request of the committee to only allow these intergovernmental agreements. 09400028.doc 93  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 28th Legislative Day 3/10/2005 So, they could contract with the county sheriff or with the local municipality.”

“Thank you for answering that question.”

“Seeing no further questions, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 15 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, 112 voting ‘aye’, 1 voting ‘no’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lake. I mean, the Gentleman from Lake, Representative Sullivan, for what reason do you rise?”

“State your announcement.”

Speaker Turner: “They all heard it. Representative… the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Joe Lyons, for what reason do you rise?” Lyons, J.: “It’s an announcement worth waiting for, Speaker. Next Tuesday, Members, corn beef from Harrington’s, sandwiches’ll be here.”

“Mr. Clerk, Adjournment Resolution.”

“Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Molaro, satisfaction is here and it’s on you now, bro. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Molaro.”

“In that tone, Mr. Speaker. Now’ve reached the hour of 5:21, Jud-II was gonna meet, but that meeting’s gonna be canceled today. There is no meeting of Jud-II… Jud-II this afternoon. Thank you.”

Speaker Turner: “You’ve heard the Gentleman’s announcement. Now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves that the House does stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 15, at 12 noon. Again, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House will stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 15, the hour of 12 noon. Have a good night and drive safely.”