“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 laptop computers, cell phones, and pagers and we ask our guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Pastor of the Cathedral of Praise Christian Center in Springfield, Illinois.”
“Let us pray. Most gracious and most sovereign God, from whom all life and sufficiency flows, we with humble hearts, Father, this day seek such a great need to trust and to depend upon You. For Your most precious and inspired word has spoken to our hearts that we are to trust in You with all of our hearts and not to lean toward our own understanding. So Father, I pray this day that You would grant to us wisdom to be wise, grant to us an understanding heart to be knowledgeable, grant us a heart to be compassionate, grant us a will to be willing. This we ask in Your Son’s, Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Reitz.”
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Bailey is excused today.” 09400073.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“Mr. Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Pihos and Representative Cross are excused today.”
“The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people responding to the Attendance Roll Call. There is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk.”
"Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motions were referred, action taken on November 04, 2005, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: on the Order of Concurrence 'approved for floor consideration' is a Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814.”
“Mr. Reitz. The Chair recognizes Mr. Reitz for the purpose of an announcement. If you can give your attention to Mr. Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would ask the Clerk… we have House Resolution 730.”
“Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution. Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution.”
"House Resolution 730, offered by Representative Reitz. WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives is pleased to recognize achievements of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, On October 29th, 2005, after a long weekend of playing soccer, the Gibault Catholic High School boys varsity soccer 09400073.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 team, under the leadership of head coach, Jim Corsi, and assistant coach, Chris Kazmierczak, earned the title of 2005 Illinois High School Association Class A Boys Soccer Champions; and WHEREAS, On Friday, the Gibault Catholic High School Hawks defeated Monticello 4-0, with goals by Brett Row, Brandon Weilgus, Drew Nobbe, and Cody Mudd; Saturday morning, the Hawks defeated Wheaton Academy 2-1, with goals by Zach Bement and Tyler Crawford; and WHEREAS, The championship game was the longest championship game in State tournament history; after 4 overtimes with neither team scoring, the game came down to penalty kicks; the Hawks came out with a 5-4 victory after Peter Ottolini, Tyler Beckerle, Drew Nobbe, Tyler Crawford, and Jacob Conrad made their penalty kicks; and WHEREAS, Members of the team who participated in the championship game included Tyler Beckerle, Zack Bement, Kevin Brady, Jacob Conrad, Tyler Crawford, Jake Edwards, Bryan Kennedy, Mike Kentch, Nathan Kremmel, Ryan Mercer, Curtis Mericle, Cody Mudd, Jeremy Neff, Drew Nobbe, Peter Ottolini, Jacob Posey, Alex Rottler, Brett Row, Ty Schutt, Taylor Stumpf, Brandon Wielgus, and Jake Wittenauer; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Gibault Catholic High School boys varsity soccer team on winning the 2005 Illinois High School Association Class A Soccer Championship; and be it further 09400073.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gibault Catholic High School boys varsity soccer team.”
“Mr. Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And appreciate the… the Clerk reading that. And up above me is the Gibault Catholic High School Class A State Soccer Championship’s Coach… Coach Corsi and Coach Kazmierczak are here and the boys are here. The first of many state championships for Gibault High School and I’d appreciate your help in welcoming them and congratulating them to Springfield.”
“On the question of House Resolution 730, Representative Reitz moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. On page 5 of the Calendar, on the Order of Resolutions, there appears House Resolution 509. Representative Currie. Representative Currie on House Resolution 509.”
“Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an initiative of the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Mikva Challenge, Chicago Public Schools. The idea is to encourage schools and communities to work together to improve civic education for our high school students. I know of no opposition and I’d appreciate your support for adoption of the Resolution.”
Speaker Madigan: “The Lady moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. McKeon, did you wish to call HJR 69? It’s concerned with the World AIDS Day in Illinois. Mr. McKeon.” 09400073.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
"Thank you, Speaker. December 1 nationally has been designated as World AIDS Day by Congress and we celebrate that particular day here in Springfield as well as in Chicago. And basically, it is to call attention to the needs here in our communities, in each of your districts with respect to HIV and AIDS, its impact on children, adolescents, women, and the particular crisis that we have of the disproportionate impact on minority communities, particularly communities of color. I’m going to be the keynote speaker at the Chicago event and I ask your support in passing this legislation such that I can present it at that event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall the Resolution be adopted?’ Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. HJR 69 is adopted. Representative Bellock, do you wish to move HJR 61? Representative Bellock.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 61, it urges the Department of Human Services to grant 50 percent of the check-off money to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and grant 50 percent to the American Diabetes Association. Thank you.”
“The Lady moves for the adoption of HJR 61. There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall the Resolution be adopted?’ Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. On page 6 of the Calendar, on the Order of Resolutions, there appears SJR 52. Mr. Giles. Mr. Giles.” 09400073.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Joint Resolution 52 is, once again, every… twice a Legislative Session, during the normal Session and the Veto Session, the State Board of Education make recommendations for certain waiver requests to be denied. In this particular case, the State Board of Education reported 38 waivers application that was subject to review by this Body and we believe that 2 of the requests warrant some serious review and was recommended disapproved. The Clay City School District 10 and Beach Park School District 3 were the only 2 that was recommend to be disapproved. I ask a favorable vote on this Joi… Senate Joint Resolution 52 and I’m willing to stand to try to answer any questions.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of SJR 52. Is there any discussion? There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt SJR 52, a report on the School Code waiver?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Tenhouse voted? Has Representative Krause voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 114 people voting ‘yes’, 1 person voting ‘no’. The House does adopt SJR 52. On the Order… rather, on page 4 of the Calendar, on the Order of Conference Committee Reports, there appears a Conference Committee Report on House Bill 3801. Representative Kelly. Representative Kelly.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Bill 3801 creates the Medical School Matriculant Criminal Background Check Act (sic-Medical School Matriculant Criminal History 09400073.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 Records Check Act). The Bill requires an individual who’s conditionally admitted as a student to a medical school located in Illinois to submit to a criminal history records check for certain felony and sex offenses. This Bill went out of the House with 117 votes before it went to the Senate, but I didn’t concur with some of their changes. Since then, we’ve had a Conference Committee and I will share with you the changes. Now the background check are performed on matriculants, these are individuals that have been conditionally accepted. The background checks are mandatory. We have included civil immunity for the medical schools, except for willful or wanton misconduct. No medical school under the provisions of this Act shall be civilly liable. Section 20 deals with the medical schools’ admissions and decisions. We’ve also added the following offenses from the House Bill as amended: predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, and kidnapping. And this Act does apply to all matriculants but does not apply to all applicants admitted as of the effective date of this Act. We worked with SIU Medical School and also the Illinois Trial Lawyers, and the University of Illinois Medical School is onboard. And we will work with the Med Society on a trailer Bill as they see fit as far as more civil immunities. I can answer any questions.”
“The Lady has moved that the House adopt the First Conference Committee Report on House Bill 3801. On that question, the Chair recognizes Mr. Miller.” 09400073.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“The Sponsor yields.”
“In the Conference Report, does… does the school still has the discretion to admit the person after their background check?”
“Yes.”
“There was some issue in regards to that in initial debate.”
“Yes, they still have the discretion. I forgot to say that part.”
“So this does not mean if something came up under one of these descriptions, that person could still be admitted… could attend medical school?”
“Yes, they could.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“It’s up to the school.”
“Thank you.”
“Representative Monique Davis.” Davis, M.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“The Sponsor yields." Davis, M.: “What about students from foreign countries?”
“It’s any student that applies to a school in Illinois.” Davis, M.: “So the school, they will get a background check just for Illinois law?”
“It will be run through the FBI database.” Davis, M.: “So if students come from a foreign country there will also be a check on their background, is that correct?”
“No, we won’t be able to do it in their foreign country.” 09400073.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 Davis, M.: “So if they have committed…”
“But we will in the United States.” Davis, M.: “If they’ve committed a crime in another country and attend school here, they won’t have a background check.”
“Correct.” Davis, M.: “Just the students who are United States citizens will get background checks, is that correct?”
“It’s any student that’s applying, but it can only be searched in the United States.” Davis, M.: “Okay. I’m just concerned that we don’t allow people from out of America to come and don’t go through the same background check…”
“Um hmm.” Davis, M.: “…to go into certain fields.”
“Um hmm.” Davis, M.: “And I commend you for your legislation.”
“Thank you.”
“Again, the Lady moves… Mr. Black.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“The Sponsor yields."
“Representative, why is this limited to a student applying for medical school? They’ve gone through a very rigolous… very rigorous curricula and they applied to medical school and they have to go through a criminal background check. I mean, how far do you want to extend this? How ‘bout somebody who… who goes to law school? Why don’t we do a criminal background check on somebody who goes to law school?” 09400073.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“You cannot become a lawyer without doing a background check.”
“Well, I don’t think you can become a doctor without… without undergoing a criminal background check, but that… that rests with your employer. You’re… you’re telling a medical school student, somebody who has taken a rigorous curricula and applies to medical school and is accepted, before he or she… as I understand this report, before he or she can even start their medical school training they have to undergo a criminal background check. I’m not aware of any profession in the country that has that requirement.”
“Minnesota does, Representative. And also, when you’re going to medical school you’re in contact with the public sooner than, let’s say, you used the example of an attorney. But as an intern you’re in the hospitals and… as you’re a medical student. And the genesis of this deals with a medical student that murdered someone, as a medical student.”
“Wait a minute, somebody applied to medi… medical school who was a murderer?”
“No, he became a murderer in medical school. But he did have violent felons in his past that were not known.”
“Okay.”
“Again, the Lady has moved for the adoption of the First Conference Committee Report on House Bill 3801. Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. The House 09400073.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 does adopt the First Conference Committee Report on House Bill 3801. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Representative Chavez.”
"Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
"Thank you. Unit… Uni… Unity Junior High School from Cicero are here and I would like the General Assembly to welcome them, please.”
“Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman, page 2 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 1283. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
"Senate Bill 1283 has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Put the Bill on the Order of Third Reading and read the Bill for a third time.”
"Senate Bill 1283, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“Mr. Hoffman.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1283 is a trailer Bill to the Workers’ Compensation agreed Bill that we passed last Session. This would provide the technical changes so that the permanent/partial disability benefits that were part of House Bill 2371 will go into effect on February 1, 2006, which is the same day that the medical fee schedule imposed under House Bill 2371 will go into effect. This is an 09400073.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 agreement between business and labor and I ask for a favorable Roll Call.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Brady.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… to the Bill. I just also want to join with Representative Hoffman in this legislation which is, simply what he said, the cleanup legislation from our many months of negotiations and the rewrite of the Workers’ Compensation Act. And I ask for an ‘aye’ vote as well.”
“Mr. Parke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise in support and commend the Sponsor for a lot of hard work, trying to find an agreement that would work between labor and business. And I think this is a fine example of what we need to be doing in the upcoming years to make sure we provide jobs for all those people who need ‘em. Thank you.”
“The question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. McAuliffe voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 104 people voting ‘yes’, 11 people voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. Mr… Mr. Molaro, on page 3 of the Calendar, on the Order of Concurrence, there appears House Bill 3478. Mr. Molaro.”
“Thank you. This is cleanup language that was actually a drafting error in the original Bill about the 3 percent. This has to do with duty disabilities. There was a drafting 09400073.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 error that we have quickly taken care of with this particular Amendment. And I would ask that we concur with the Motion, Senate Amendment #1.”
“The Gentleman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3478. Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Joe Lyons voted? Has Mr. Scully voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3478. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. On page 3 of the Calendar, on the Order of Concurrence, there appears House Bill 3814. Mr. Sacia.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, many of you helped me get this Bill passed out of here, it was a year-long effort working with the Speaker’s Office. It is the Bill that allows pickup trucks to pull two trailers if they are en route from dealer to dealer. I move that we concur with the Senate Amendment which is simply tighting… tightening the Bill even more to ensure that the vehicles that are being towed are going from dealer to dealer or back to the manufacturer. I ask for your support. Be happy to answer any questions.”
“The Gentleman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814. Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Parke voted? The Clerk… the Clerk shall take the record. On this 09400073.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 question, there are 109 people voting ‘yes’, 6 people voting ‘no’. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 2151. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Having voted on the prevailing side on this Bill, I have filed a Motion to reconsider the vote by which that Bill failed.”
“Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”
"Senate Bill 2151 has been read a second time, previously. Amendments 2 and 3 were adopted on the floor. No Motions filed.”
“Mr. Clerk, is the Bill on the Order of Second Reading?”
"House Bill 2151 is on the Order of Second Reading.”
“All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Black has filed a Motion to reconsider the vote. And those in favor of that Motion will vote ‘aye’ and those opposed will vote ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Stephens voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 89 people voting ‘yes’, 26 people voting ‘no’. The House does adopt the Motion by Mr. Black to reconsider the vote. Mr. Clerk, put this Bill on the Order of Third Reading. Has the Bill been read a third time, previously? Mr. Clerk.”
"This Bill’s been read a third time, previously.” 09400073.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“The Bill is on the Order of Third Reading. The Chair recognizes Mr. Granberg.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I wanna thank my good friend from Danville, Representative Black. There was a little bit of a misunderstanding yesterday. This Bill actually needs 71 votes instead of 60 because of its immediate effective date. We complied with all the rules issued by the House last year and I would simply ask for your ‘yes’ vote.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. One of the easiest things down here is to vote against quick-take. It is a… a process that not all people like, but it is a process in which the property owner is protected by a court of law. Another thing that’s easy to do is if it doesn’t affect your district, we often vote ‘no’. And targets on both sides of the aisle are told to vote ‘no’ and the result of that, often, is someone who is simply trying to represent his or her community in a matter of public interest can’t get the job done. And so, I stand in support of the Gentleman’s Motion and I intent to vote for it. I’ve looked at the… the appraised value of the properties, I’ve seen what the purpose is that he’s trying to do, and I think the purpose is… is… would stand up to scrutiny. And it… rather than just sit here and say, ‘It’s not my job to help someone else in their community,’ there are times when I need your help to do something in my community. I’d like to have your help in passing a Bill 09400073.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 today but I won’t have that opportunity to present it, but that’s neither here nor there. I think the Gentleman has done a good job of… of trying to represent his community in trying to get a public pro… project through the process. The property owners will be protected by a hearing in a court. And it’s for that reason and the reason that we sometimes have to help each other in this process, I intend to vote ‘aye’.”
“Again, Mr. Granberg has moved that the House pass House Bill 2151. Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Saviano? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 80 people voting ‘yes’, 35 people voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, do you have Agreed Resolutions?”
"On the Order of Agreed Resolutions is House Resolution 696, offered by Representative Jefferson, House Resolution 725, offered by Representative Pritchard, House Resolution 726, offered Representative Dunkin, House Resolution 727, offered by Representative Sacia, House Resolution 728, offered by Representative Sacia, and House Resolution 731, offered by Representative Saviano.”
“The Clerk has read the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Adjournment Resolution.” 09400073.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
"House Joint Resolution 72. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, November 04, 2005, they stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 04, 2006, in perfunctory session; and when they adjourn on that day, the two Houses stand adjourned until January 11, 2006.”
“You’ve all heard the Adjournment Resolution. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Adjournment Resolution is adopted. For what purpose does Mr. Acevedo seek recognition?”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, I rise in point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker, I’d like to invite all my colleagues in the House, on December 1 the Latino Caucus will be holding its third annual conference. It’s an all-day event. It’s at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. We invite everyone. You will be receiving in your o… district offices the information on our event. So we’d like to… all… all of you to be invited. Thank you.”
“Mr. Black.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker, if I could have the attention of the Body. While perusing the paper the other day I came across an 09400073.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 obituary. I was shocked because the gentleman was one of the first people I met when I came down to Springfield, was a young man by the name of Robert Lane. Bob Lane was a legislative liaison for the Illinois Commerce Commission for a number of years and he was also an assistant director for the Office of Government Affairs. And I’ve worked with many liaisons over the years, but Bob Lane was the kind of outstanding individual that always tried to help a Legislator with a constituent problem or give you a… an answer to a research question. He was a rare individual. I don’t know if he was a Republican, don’t know if he was a Democrat, don’t care. What difference does it make? He did his job very, very well. And I was shocked to see that he lost his life due to cancer on November 1, 2005, at his residence here in Springfield. His memorial service will be this evening, 5-7 p.m., at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield. I… if any of you had the privilege to work with Bob Lane as I did, I know you’ll join me in giving our condolences to his widow, Jamie, their three children, their two grandchildren. Bob Lane was the kind of person who makes serving in this Body more of a pleasure. Totally apolitical, dedicated to his job, and dedicated to getting you an answer to your question or resolving a problem that your constituent had with the Illinois Commerce Commission. I’m shocked to see that he has departed this life so early, only 55 and just retired a year ago after 30 years of service with the State of Illinois. My heart goes out to his widow and his children. When you have bad days around here, and we all have them, it’s really nice to know that 09400073.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 you’re able to work from time to time with people of the quality of a Bob Lane. Bob, I’ll miss you and I thank you for the work you did on behalf of the people of this state for 30 years, and my condolences to your family.”
“The Chair recognizes Representative Younge on House Resolution 530. Representative Younge.”
“Yes, thank you…”
“House Resolution 530.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 530 would set up a task force on the use or misuse of the ta… taser gun by law enforcement. There have been many injuries and deaths attributed to the misuse of the taser gun and the purpose of the Resolution is to appoint a task force to study and to see whether or not the General Assembly should take any action, legislatively.”
“The Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 530. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. HR 530 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Representative Bellock. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could give your attention to Representative Bellock. This does…”
“Thank you very much, Mr…”
“This does not concern the White Sox, right? Representative Bellock.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today we all know that, probably, is Eileen Lyons’ last day and she did not want to have an official Resolution but we couldn’t let her leave this chamber without a few words of how much we all appreciated her service for the last 11 years in 09400073.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 representing her district and also all the residents and constituents in the State of Illinois. Some say she may be going to Florida to spend a few months to winter there and also to Georgia where she has grandchildren that she loves. But there’s also some rumors around that she might be being recruited by some people on Broadway or even Vegas as a director. And we know that she’ll be a star wherever she goes because she has been a star of our caucus and a star here in this chamber for the 11 years that she’s been here. We all know Eileen to be honest, hardworking, forthright with her opinions and where she stands on legislation, and has served with probably the highest integrity of any Legislator that I have met. I’m proud to be here friend, I’m proud to have had her as a mentor, and proud to have served with her for the 7 years that I’ve been here. But we couldn’t let today go, Eileen, without an official Resolution and we hope that you’ll come back in January and we’ll honor you with that Resolution then. But all of us here want to say ‘thank you’ for your dedication, your hard work, and your love of the job. Thank you.”
“Mr. Joe Lyons.” Lyons, J.: “Well, yitty-ditty-dow warden. In the words of Jimmy Cagney, ‘You’re breaking up the team, Eileen.’ As the junior member of the Lyons’ Lands Team, you’re walking out on me after 9 years together. I just wanna set the record straight, folks, I wanna let you know what I did for this woman out of love. Five years ago, on a stage at the Hilton I slide across the stage and sing a ballot to Pat Lindner from West Side Story for Eileen Lyons. Three years ago, 09400073.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 let’s go a little… a little… a little quicker in history, I fly around like an airplane, criticizing a certain guy who tore up Mieg’s Field for the love of Eileen Lyons. And if that wasn’t enough, last year in the show I present myself naked in a pork barrel portraying Michael J. Madigan for the love of Eileen Lyons. So, Eileen, thanks for my career that you’ve provided me down here on the stage. And in all honesty, it was worth every one of those joyous moments that we had on the stage. For those of you who’ve never been in that COWL program, my God, it is so much fun. And for the camradery between Democrats and Republicans, if we could just let our hair down, have some fun, laugh at each other, and enjoy the process of a friendship. Yeah, I know, okay. I don’t have too much hair to let down. But we had some great times together. Eileen, you will be missed. You are loved. Thanks for the memories.”
“Representative Eileen Lyons.” Lyons, E.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I told many of you the other night, I didn’t want to leave with a lot of fanfare. I wanted to get out under the radar screen because I didn’t wanna get emotional and act like Jim Edgar. So I’m gonna try this. I really think special goodbyes and Resolutions are for special people and… with special talents. I mean, we all can’t be a special leader like Speaker Madigan, Tom Cross. We can’t be great orators like Bill Black or be like Bill Black, and sometimes we’re glad we’re not like Bill Black. I love the guy. And so, we don’t… I… I’ve felt as though my time down here, I did not have any special talents. And I think I told many of you 09400073.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005 the other night that I did not start out with political aspirations at all. And I wanna thank Lee Daniels for recruiting me for this job because without him I wouldn’t be here. And as I said, it’s… it’s… what I wanted to do when I made the decision to get into politics was to change people’s minds about politicians, because I didn’t have a very good view of politicians at all when I started out. And I thought, well, if I could change people’s minds about politicians I will have accomplished something. And I think I did that in my district. And many of you hardworking Legislators have done that too. But our problem is our constituents love us but they say, ‘You’re just one of… you’re unique and that you have to work with all those other crooked politicians.’ So, what I tried to do when I had the chance was to tell people how many wonderful people I have met down here, hardworking Legislators who really wanna do the right thing. I’ve been so impressed by all of you. You have taught me so much. Each one of you have made me, for what it’s worth, a better person. And I’m emerging from here. I have grown so much and you have taught me so much and I wanna thank you for the experience. You have meant so been so much to me and thanks for the memories.”
Speaker Madigan: “Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Resolution 733?”
"House Resolution 733 is on the Order of Agreed Resolutions.”
“So, Mr. Clerk, put that in the record. House Resolution 733. And on that question, the Chair recognizes Representative Berrios.” 09400073.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution is just a congratulatory Resolution for Carmen Alicea-Reyes who worked very diligently in the Logan Square area and I just wanted to congratulate her. That’s all it is. Thank you.”
Speaker Madigan: “The Lady moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Mr… okay. So on the question of the Resolution, those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Stephens.”
“Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I have a meeting downstairs with the Governor and some guy come up to me with an earplug in his ear and sunglasses on and he gave me this wire and I… I… can anybody help me with that?”
“Mr. Clerk, HR 597. Mr. Poe. HR 597. Mr. Poe.”
“Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Resolution asks the… urges the Governor to keep the current policy and allows blind vendors to continue operating vending facilities on state property and not allow corporate sponsorship of these machines. I’d ask for a favorable vote.”
“The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Resolution is adopted. The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Mr. Ramey.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.” 09400073.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 73rd Legislative Day 11/4/2005
"I want to thank everyone in the House for the first two weeks that I’ve been on this floor. They’ve been very helpful, very friendly. As we say ‘goodbye’ to Representative Lyons, I hope I have the tenure she had and you teach me all the things that will help me along and make myself a good Legislator. Thank you very much.”
“Again, the Chair is prepared to adjourn. And Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at 12 noon. Those in favor say ‘aye’; those opposed say ‘no’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The House does stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at 12 noon.”
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Refer… Resolutions referred to the House Rules Committee. House Resolution 724, offered by Representative Moffitt, House Resolution 729, offered by Representative McKeon, and House Resolution 732, offered by Representative Mendoza. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09400073.doc 24