“The hour of 2:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. The Members will please be in their seats. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Bishop William Bonner with Greater Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ in Aurora. Bishop Bonner is the guest of Representative Chapa LaVia.”
“Thank you. Let us pray. My heavenly Father, the Creator of the ends of the earth and the maker of all mankind, what thanks can we render under Thee for the many blessings that You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for life and a reasonable portion of health and strength. We thank You for our Governor and this House, the blessed Representatives, the people bring who bring forth the law of our state. Dear God, we thank You. We ask You for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to do the job that has been assigned to our hands to do for the betterment of every human being, every town, and every city. Dear God, make us instruments of Your divine virtue. Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where there is injury, pardon if You please. Where there is doubt, faith. And where there is despair, hope. And dear God, where there is sadness, joy. And where there if fear, let us sow courage. And where there is defeat, let us show victory. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior, thank God. Amen. Thank you.”
“Representative Monique Davis, will you lead us in the Pledge?” 09400087.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 Davis, M. - 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.”
Speaker Hannig: “Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie.”
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the excused absences of Representatives Molaro, Patterson, and Smith.”
“Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Lindner is excused.”
“Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 114 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Representative Yarbrough, for what reason do you rise?”
“Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Mr. Speaker and all the Members of the General Assembly, I’d like to remind you that today is the very first day of Black History Month. We will be celebrating all month long and we ask that all of you wear your stoles that we gave you last year in celebration. This is not just celebration for African Americans, it’s a celebration for all people. I’m gonna share with you today black history on the person of Carter G. Woodson. Carter Woodson is considered the ‘father of Negro history’. This African- American writer, educator, publisher, and historian began high school at age 20. He received his master’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1908, his PhD in history from 09400087.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 Harvard in 1912. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in Chicago in 1915 and established the Journal of Negro History in 1916. There had only been sporadic documentation and study of black history when Carter G. Woodson instituted a tradition of Negro History Week on February 7, 1926. He chose the second week of February between the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the Black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This observance evolved into Black History Month in 1968. So, I expect to see all of my colleagues tomorrow and other days throughout the month of February celebrating with us Black History Month. Thank you.”
“Representative Flider.”
"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I just wanted you to welcome here today a guest from Moultrie County, and she’s the retired Circuit Clerk in Moultrie County. We honored her with a Resolution here last year and she’s in the gallery on the right-hand side, Debbie Preston. Debbie Preston, would you please stand? Please welcome Debbie Preston. Thank you.”
“Representative Rose, for what reason do you rise?”
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, U of I now stands as the only 20-win team in the nation.”
“Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports.” 09400087.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
"Committee Reports. Representative McCarthy, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4339. Representative Jefferson, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 801. Representative Mendoza, Chairperson from the Committee on International Trade & Commerce, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4756. Representative McAuliffe, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans Affairs, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 699. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4161 and House Bill 4752. Representative Giles, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following 09400087.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4864; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4414. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4764, House Bill 4789, and House Bill 4805; 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 760. Representative Burke (sic-Bradley), Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II - Criminal Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4121, House Bill 4203, and House Bill 4606; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4132 and House Bill 4438. Representative Delgado, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4242. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4714; and 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4313. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following 09400087.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1371, House Bill 4442, and House Bill 4456; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' House Bill 4813; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4397 and House Bill 4412; 'recommends be adopted' Senate Joint Resolution 43. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I - Civil Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 01, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4383. Referred to the House Committee on Rules are the following Resolutions: House Resolution 869, offered by Representative Granberg and House Resolution 874, offered by Representative Yarbrough.”
“On House Resolution 860, Representative Daniels is recognized.”
“Could the Clerk read this House Resolution which honors the York High School cross country team for winning its 25th State Championship?”
“Yes.”
“And the gentlemen are up here in the gallery. And can you guys stand while they read your Resolution? This is the York High School cross country team.”
“Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution, please.”
"House Resolution 860. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives offer our sincere congratulations to Coach Joe Newton, the 2005 York Community High School Boy's Cross Country Team, and the entire York Community High School on winning the IHSA Class AA Boys State Championship Title; and 09400087.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 WHEREAS, The Dukes' Cross Country team won its 25th State championship in 44 years under Coach Joseph Newton's guidance; and WHEREAS, We congratulate Coach Joe Newton on his fourth straight State championship for a total of 25 championship titles as the coach of the York Community High School Cross Country team; and WHEREAS, Coach Newton's expertise has created a first class cross country program at York; and WHEREAS, We thank Assistant Coach Charlie Kern for his dedication and commitment to the York Boys Cross Country team; and WHEREAS, The Dukes' overall score of 49 led them to victory; and WHEREAS, The Duke's have won a record 25 State championship titles, a feat no high school athletic team in any sport has ever accomplished in Illinois high school history; and WHEREAS, This record accomplishment shows how the combination of superior coaching, talent, and hard work can produce a record setting team; and WHEREAS, During the State meet Eric Dettman finished fifth, Matt Dettman in seventh place, Mike Fry in fifteenth place, Tom Achtein in seventeenth place, David Montgomery in twenty-fifth place, Nick Kuczwara in twenty-sixth place, and Tim Jung in 110th place; and WHEREAS, The Dukes' championship cross country team also included Mike Edwards, Chris Lopez, Mark Sulkin, Steve Sulkin, Mike Rizzo, Rojin Thomas, Doug Herrera, Ron Stefani, and Lionel Montenegro; and 09400087.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 WHEREAS, Also supporting the Dukes drive for victory were Ed Bush, Joey Salveggio, Max McClintock, and Mike Schulte, the team managers; and WHEREAS, We recognize the commitment of the Athletic Director Rob Wagner and the Athletic Department as well as the entire York Community High School in their dedication to train and educate superior athletes and well-rounded students; and WHEREAS, These runners have made countless sacrifices to succeed in their goal of winning a fourth straight Cross Country State Championship; and WHEREAS, The York Community High School, the Elmhurst community, friends, and families are proud of these fine young athletes; and WHEREAS, This title represents the dedication and team unity these young men have shown all season; and WHEREAS, We recognize the talent of these young athletes and their coaches; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby offer our congratulations to Coach Joe Newton and the members of the York Community High School Boys Cross Country Team on their 25th State Championship Title; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Joe Newton, Superintendent Dr. Joel Morris, Principal Diana Smith, Athletic Director Rob Wagner, Assistant Coach Charlie Kern, York Community High School, and the members of the 2005 Class AA Cross Country Championship team.” 09400087.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Representative Daniels.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, 25 state championships in cross country. No high school… no high school in Illinois history has ever met that feat. Now, under Coach Joe Newton… and you’ve all met Joe Newton over the years and he sends his regrets. He’s… he’s got a hip problem after all these years of exercise and running and training that he’s being examined for tomorrow, and he sends his regrets for not being able to join you. But he wants you to know how much he appreciates your honoring this exor… extraordinary team. This is our 25th championship. In fact, three of the young men up here have been here 4 years in a row, which means they’ve won the championship 4 years in a row. Running is a demanding sport. Many of us in this room engage in it off and on, on a regular basis, sometimes not so regular, but many of us do. So I wanna honor today not only this extraordinary team, but also Coach Joe Newton, one of the greatest coaches in the history of high school sports, I wanna honor Assistant Coach Charlie Kern, and of course, our great Athletic Director Ro… Rob Wagner who is here with us today. The principal of York High School, to the Speaker of the House and Tim Mapes used to be an employee of the House Democrat staff. Diana Smith is the principal of York High School in Elmhurst and was one of your employees over the years. So it shows those of us in Elmhurst, we have this bipartisan spirit on how to get things done and bring a winning team. What an extraordinary team we have before us now. These young men have started out in their goals of life, many are moving on to college and will carry this 09400087.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 victory with them. They are honored by being here today and they honor us by their presence. So Representative Biggins and I are very proud to present to you the 2005 York Cross Country Champion, 25 times. Please give them your best. Thank you very much.”
“Representative Daniels moves for the adoption of House Resolution 860. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Daniels.”
“As you know, I’m going to be retiring and I’ve assigned the new responsibility to Bob Biggins for the next 25 years. So let’s see how good he is at it. So…”
“Okay. Okay, so today, as we’ve done for a number of days, we’re going to go through the Calendar, starting on page 2 on the Order of House Bills-Second Reading. So if you have a Bill that you’re ready to go with on Second Reading and Third Reading, we’re gonna be moving right through. So, House Bill 1295, Representative Froehlich. Out of the record. Representative Acevedo on 2414. Out of the record. Representative Flowers, you have 4125. Out of the record. Representative Fritchey, House Bill 4173, from… from Second to Third? No? Okay, out of the record. Representative Schmitz on 4197. Out of the record. Representative Franks, 4205? Out… out of the record. Representative Beaubien on 4293. Okay, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4293, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.” 09400087.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Third Reading. Representative Beiser, you have 4296. Out of the record. Representative Rose. Representative Rose, you have House Bill 4300. Okay, out of the record. Representative Pritchard on House Bill 4322. 40… Representative Pritchard. Representative, do you wish to move this? No? Okay, out of the record. Representative Jefferson on House Bill 4342. Out of the record. Representative Burke, you have 4345. Out of the record. Representative Lang, 4350. Out of the record. Representative Brauer. Out of the record. Representative Wait, you have House Bill 4398. Representative Ron Wait. Okay, out of the record. Representative Bost. Out of the record. Representative Holbrook, you have House Bill 4449. Out of the record. Representative Phelps, you have House Bill 4525. Okay, there’s notes request on that Bill so we’ll hold it. House Bill 4529, Representative Bradley. Oh, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4529, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Jefferson, you have House Bill 4561. Out of the record. Representative Chapa LaVia on 4711. Okay, out of the record. Representative Acevedo on 4719. Out of the record. And Representative Golar on House Bill 4727. Out of the record. We’re gonna return to Representative Rose on House Bill 4300. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Bill?”
"House Bill 4300, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 09400087.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4300… House Bill 4300 is a particular piece of legislation that seeks to…”
“No, Representative…”
“…permit the sale…”
“Representative, we moved it from Second to Third. Is that what you were wishing? Yes. Okay, that’s been… that’s been done. Okay, Mr. Clerk, would you read House Bill 4345?”
"House Bill 4345, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. We’re now on page 3 of the Calendar, House Bills-Third Reading. Representative Boland, do you wish to have House Bill 4137 read? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"House Bill 4137, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“Representative Boland.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What this Bill does… House Bill 4137 amends the Procurement Code to require that all automobiles that will be purchased with state funds must be flexible fuel vehicles, those are ones that can use either regular gasoline or what is called E85, 85 percent ethanol 09400087.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 and 15 percent gasoline. And E85 is now currently available at 98 gas stations throughout the state and increasing all the time. What this would do is help to broaden the market for Illinois corn and… and also hopefully, to provide some more jobs when… when the farmer’s income increase and they can spend more in the small towns, retail merchants and also hopefully, buy more farm implement… implements at places such as John Deere and other places in the State of Illinois and Quad Cities and Peoria and other places such as that. Also, E85 has some additional benefits in that it burns cleaner than regular gasoline and therefore, can help in fighting global warming and the prevention of smog, and also helps those individuals who may have respiratory problems.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of House Bill 4137. This is on the Order of Short Debate. Well, actually, there’s enough interest to move this to Regular Debate, enough Members wish to speak. So Representative Parke is recognized for 5 minutes.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he’ll yield.”
“Representative, is the Illinois Petroleum Mar… Council still opposed to your Bill? And if so, why?”
“I believe they are. I think they have a… what they told me is they have a general opposition toward, ya know, more reliance on ethanol, that they don’t considerate it, ya know, as beneficial as some of the rest of us do.”
“Is it also because they are… they don’t wanna mandate? This is a mandate.” 09400087.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Well, this does not… this mandates that vehicles be flexible fuel. In other words, they can use either E85 or regular gasoline. And depending on where they’re at, ya know, they would use probably whatever is most available.”
“How will… how will this create more jobs?”
“Well, I believe it’ll create more jobs in a couple ways. One, it’ll increase agricultural income for our farmers and, therefore, they’ll be spending more in the small town retail outlets. And also, I believe that there’ll be more… as a greater market for ethanol, there’ll be more of the ethanol plants built. Which, for example, there’s one coming in my district that will provide about 200 to 250 construction jobs and then about 30 to 60 full- time permanent jobs.”
“Well, ya know, the concern that was raised in committee is that maybe in the rural areas they may have pumps that will have this kind of gasoline, but the big cities may not have this. And this is a mandate. What’s the effective date? What is the date that these cars have to have this ability to have this kind of fuel, this alternative fuel?”
“Well, any… any of the cars that would be purchased by the state would have to be able to use E85. That doesn’t mean they would always buy that. E85… the flexible fuel vehicles just means that you can use regular gasoline or you can use E85, either one. So, if you’re in an area where there’s no… no pumps, no E85 pumps, obviously you’re not gonna be buying that… that fuel. But there’s more and more of these… just for example, in my district, 2 years ago 09400087.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 there was one station with one pump. Now there’s four, four stations.”
“Well, I… I appreciate what you’re trying to do. I… ya know, I think the more we can use an alternative fuel, the better we are. The only problem that I have is to make sure that… that if there are stations that are not available, that… that they’re not penalized…”
“Right.”
“…in any way…”
“Yeah. Yeah.”
“…for using regular fuel. But…”
“Yeah.”
“…what is the incentive? Will we have some kind of a patch on the… on the steering wheel saying ‘use E85 fuel’ or… how are we gonna let the driver know who may not always be somebody that understands what’s supposed to happen and just pulls into any gas station?”
“Well, I… I would leave that up, of course, to CMS, which is the purchaser of the vehicles, that they would decide how they wanna educate their drivers or whatever just so, ya know…”
“Okay.”
“…they could do that.”
“Well, it seems to have… ya know, have some merit. And if it is… if it is that they do not always have to use it then I guess we need to start moving in ways that are more… more efficient in the usage of alternative fuels. Last night, our President said that we have to become less dependent on foreign oil. And I hope that the more we can 09400087.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 depend on alternative fuels and using homegrown corn for ethanol, the better off we’re all gonna be in the long run. So, this looks like this is a good step in the right direction. Thank you, Representative.”
“Okay. Representative Dunkin, do you rise in support in response?
“Support.”
“Okay, 5 minutes.”
“I won’t take that long. I just simply wanna point out that the… I think the Representative has grabbed a great Bill, a great concept, and a great step towards the future in our great state here in Illinois with us taking advantage of all the… the natural resources that our farmers produce here in this great state. I’ve had a chance to go throughout Central Illinois, Western Illinois, and a little bit of Southern Illinois to see with my own eyes how effectively our farmers are moving towards efficiency as it relates to fuel and for us stepping in the right direction for good, clean air that’s gonna help all of us here in the end-run. And I think this is a good measure for us to take advantage of right now. And this is the type of legislation that we should be passin’ here in our great House of Representatives. Thank you and I rise in support of this legislation.”
“So… so now Representative Boland, Parke, and Dunkin have spoken in favor. Does anyone wish to speak in response or opposition? Representative Stephens.”
“Well, before we get too far down the road here, literally. We’re talking about buying vehicles that are 09400087.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 more expensive that are intended to buy fuel that is not readily available. You know, we need to be realistic here. The money, the dollars that we’re gonna be spending now on… on vehicles that won’t be using the very fuel that is behind the… the Gentleman’s Bill, the initiative is going to do nothing but cost the State of Illinois more money. Illinois Petroleum Marketers aren’t opposed to the Bill because they won’t be selling these products. They’re opposed for the very practical reasons that if we’re going to turn this whole system over, let’s do that. But just buying and paying more… $700 per vehicle more for state vehicles to burn something that they can’t find at the pumps, just doesn’t seem to make sense to me. So, I… I think there are reasonable reasons to stand opposed to the Gentleman’s Bill.”
“So Representative Stephens has now spoken in opposition. Does anyone else wish to speak in response? In opposition, Representative Durkin, do you wish to speak in response?”
“…Speaker, I’d like to ask if… I… I haven’t decided how I’m gonna vote on the Bill, but I have a couple of practical questions…”
“Okay.”
“…I’d be… like to ask the Sponsor.”
“The Gentleman will yield.”
“Thank you. Representative Boland, now who manufactures these types of cars out of the big three? Do any of them manufacture these hybrids?” 09400087.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Yes, there are. There’s a whole list I would be more than happy to share with you. Ford, for example, has one, two, three, four, five, six by Ford Motor Company. There’s probably eight by General Motors. And of course, by DaimlerChrysler, there is five that are… these are just 2005. And there’s more models coming out in 2006 that will be E85 compatible.”
“Are these the type of cars that we would normally buy or purchase through the… for our… our agencies?”
“Well, there may be some and there maybe not some that fit into it. For example, if… for… the State Police have a different criteria, then they are… they are exempted out in the Bill.”
“Now, my understanding is that the foreign automobile manufacturers had the leg up on the United States manufacturers on manufacturing these types of automobiles. Are they going to be precluded from… are they part of the mix too, if this passes that they would avail themselves to the State of Illinois to sell their cars?”
“No, would… would you repeat that, I had a hard time here.”
“The question I have, I think… from my understandin’ is that the foreign automobile manufacturers have had a leg up on the manufacturers we have out… out of the big three we have here. Are they going to be precluded from bidding and getting involve… to purchase these automobiles?”
“Our foreign ones? No…”
“Yes.”
“…not at all.” 09400087.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“All right. What’s the difference between an automobile, let’s say that if this does become law, a… what’s basically the distinction price wise between one we currently buy and one which we would purchase under this new hybrid… this new hybrid automobile?”
“Well, there’s…”
“Is there any price difference?”
“There’s no price difference. We had several dealers checked and I believe maybe even the automo… automobile dealers. But I know we checked several dealerships in several parts of the state, there was no price difference.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“Now, we’ve had two speak in response. The rules provide for three. Does anyone else wish to speak in response? Represe… Okay. Anyone else? Then Representative Boland to close.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members. I think this is a step in the right direction. We saw the President the other night said that we’re oil addicted. And many other folks have talked about this in the past and it’s time that really we moved ahead. This is a way that we can broaden the market and create more jobs in the State of Illinois, both in the new Ethanol industry and also more jobs through higher agricultural income. Plus, strike a blow for a cleaner environment and less respiratory illnesses. With that, I ask for the Body’s support.”
“So, the question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ All those in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 09400087.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 Have all voted who wish? Representative Lou Jones, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are… there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Black, are you seeking recognition?”
“For about the last 10 minutes, Mr. Speaker.”
“Proceed.”
“Thank you. Did you have your arm on my light…? Let me… Mr. Speaker, I know there were at least three of us on our side of the aisle that wanted to raise some very important questions on the last Bill and I realize the time constraints that the Bill was under. But it’s… it’s interesting to note that identical Bills have passed out of this chamber and never been released from Senate Rules. And it… there are fewer than a hundred retail outlets in the State of Illinois that sell Ethanol 85 percent blend. And I just hope the Gentleman who sponsored this Bill, and I voted for it because I’m corn country, but I hope the Gentleman who sponsors this Bill will take all of the complaints we’re going to get when state vehicles go on the road that are Hondas, Toyotas, Kias, Subaru, and other names I can’t even pronounce. Because don’t think for a minute that that isn’t gonna happen. And on a Bill of this… of this magnitude, I wish we would’ve had more debate and I do apologize to you, Mr. Speaker, I was too slow on my switch, I wanted this to be unlimited debate, but that opportunity has passed.”
“Representative Eddy.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair.” 09400087.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Yes, state your inquiry.”
“Is the light that signifies at the Speaker’s podium that I wish to speak on a Bill working?”
“It is, Representative, and I just took ‘em order. So, I went down the list in order.”
“Again, I had my light on from the very beginning of that, maybe they were all on at the beginning. I don’t know, I’m sure you have…”
“Well, you… you’ll recall…”
“…a system that looks at that.”
“…the Bill was on Short Debate.”
“I understand.”
“And immediately a number of lights came on and so I said let’s put it on Standard Debate.”
“I understand.”
“And I went down the line.”
“I understand. I would’ve… I would’ve also have appreciated the opportunity to speak on the Bill because the exact language in this Bill went out on House Bill 473 last spring and there was a fiscal note attached to that before it went out. There was objection from CMS. There was objection from the State Police. There was objection from several state departments as to the effect of this Bill. And I think that this type of a Bill if we’re gonna… we’re gonna be fair in this chamber and we’re gonna discuss issues that are important and we’re gonna bring all of the aspects, that some of those points needed to be brought out. Hopefully, the Bill will not suffer the same fate that House Bill 473 suffered and that is to sit in Rules. I doubt that 09400087.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 will happen, but I would appreciate in the future the opportunity to bring up concerns that I have that are legitimate related to Bills like this.”
“Representative Feigenholtz, you have on page 3 of the Calendar, House Bill 4302. Out of the record. On… Excuse me… oh, I’m sorry, Sara, I didn’t see you. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
“House Bill 4302, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
Speaker Hannig: “The Lady from Cook, Representative Feigenholtz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4302 amends the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Essentially what this Bill is, it is a wrap for a population of approximately 250 to 300 people who are currently on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. The Federal Government has told the states that we have to move these people over… over to Medicare Part D. What this Bill does is create a wrap to assure that none of them lose the current benefits that they receive from our very generous ADAP Program. I’d be glad to answer any questions.”
“This Bill’s on the Order of Short Debate. And in response the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?”
“She indicates she’ll yield.”
“Representative, it shows here that DHFS opposes this. With your Amendments, do they still oppose it?”
“I’m sorry.” 09400087.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Do they still oppose your legislation?”
“You know what, I believe that the department opposes it for fiscal reasons.”
“Well, good. Can you tell us what those fiscal reasons… is it still about $880 thousand in…”
“885.”
“Oh… so this is a… an additional cost…”
“Representative Parke…”
“…of 800. Where… where we gonna get the 800? That’s almost…”
“That’s about 2 hours…”
“…that’s almost a mill…”
“…on the payment cycle from my estimation.”
“What kind of cycle?”
“The… the… Representative, the Federal Government does not allow us to move our ADAP money from the Department of Public Health over to HFS. There… on paper there really is a significant cost savings. However, we are not allowed to transfer that money from Public Health over to HFS.”
“Well, I will tell you, Representative, that ever since I’ve been here every piece of legislation saves us money. Yet, we are desperately in need of finding more money to pay for all these wonderful ideas that you guys have come up with. What is the savings that we’re gonna realize from this and where is coming from?”
“Well, you… Representative Parke, you know that in dollars I think that the savings is significant, because I believe that we save more money… the more clients we move to Medicare Part D, there is a significant savings. One of the 09400087.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 things that is coming of the BASUAH efforts and the testing that we’re doing is… our utilization is increasing. But the… the… on paper the savings is one point… approximately $1.5 million.”
“Okay, Representative. I’m looking for big savings that we can pass on to other worthwhile programs that probably will save us money and we can pass that on to other worthwhile projects. And you know what, we’re gonna have so much money that we’re not gonna know what to do with it. But thank you, Representative, I appreciate it.”
“Representative Feigenholtz to close.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this… I know our… the previous speaker had some concerns about this issue. I will guarantee that this wrap is no different from any other wrap that we have done for other Medicare Part D transferees and there is a cost-savings in the long run. And I would appreciate an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ All in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Cultra and Currie, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting ‘yes’ and 1 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brosnahan, you wish us to… Okay, out of the record. Representative Mendoza, on 4607. Out of the record. Representative Rita… Representative Rita on 4699, 4699. Call the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read…” 09400087.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“House Bill 4699, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Rita.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4699 is an initiative of the Township Officials of Illinois and the Township Officials of Cook County. Under current law when the township road mileage does not exceed four miles in length, the township road district is automatically abolished. What this Bill basically states is that a township can enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the municipality and any other county or state and them… lane miles that they are… will be taken care of will be counted into that equation for the four miles so that the road district does not get abolished. Be happy to answer any questions.”
“This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ All in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative McKeon, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 4300?”
Clerk Mahoney: “House Bill 4300 is on the Order of Third Reading.”
“Okay. Representative Rose requests that that be returned to the Order of Second Reading. On page 4 of 09400087.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 812, Representative Dunn. Okay, let’s move on down the Calendar. On page 4 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, is House Resolution 813, Representative Miller. Representative Miller. Okay. Senate Joint Resolution 57, by Representative Madigan. Representative Currie, would you… would you handle this Resolution? Representative Currie, on Resolution… Senate Joint Resolution 57.”
“Thank you, Speaker. This is a Resolution intended to focus our attention and educate and inform people about the dangers of glaucoma.”
“The Lady moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 57. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Franks… Okay, we’re gonna go to the… actually the Order of Motions in writing to table Bills. And we have House Bill 572, by Representative Franks. House… House Bill 4114, by Representative Franks. House Bill 4533, by Representative Rita. House Bill 4130, by Representative Mitchell. Representative Ramey has House Bill 5293. Representative Cultra has a Motion to Table House Bill 4802. Representative Krause on House Bill 4330. And Representative Meyer on House Bill 4386. So all in favor of adopting the Motions to Table those Bills say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the motion is adopted and the Bills are tabled. Also… also on page 4 of the Calendar, under the Order of Concurrence, is House Bill 3650. Representative Howard is recognized.” 09400087.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3650, I ask for concurrence. This Bill changes the title of the Community Technology Grant Program to the Community Technology Center Grant Program. It specifies the type of goods and services that the community grants would cover and raises the maximum amount of the grant received from $50 thousand to $75 thousand. It reestablishes a DCEO expenditure of $100 thousand subject to appropriation to launch and administer a statewide community technology center from fiscal year 2001 which… when we started to fiscal year 2006 and each fiscal year thereafter. It increases the size of the Digital Divide Elimination Advisory Committee by two members to be appointed by the director of DCEO and creates the Digital Divide Elimination Working Group and defines its composition and duties. I ask for your support.”
“The Lady moves that the House concur in the Senate Amendment. Is there any discussion? The the question is, ‘Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 on House Bill 3650?’ All in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Chapa LaVia, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3650. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On Supplemental Calendar #1 is Senate Joint Resolution 43, Representative Schmitz.” 09400087.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006
“Thank you, Speaker. Senate Joint Resolution 43 creates a committee for the Midwestern Legislative Conference which is gonna be held in Chicago this year from August 27 to 30. And we’re very happy to be a host state to it and our own Senator Donne Trotter is the new President of MLC this year. And I would ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”
“You’ve heard the Gentleman’s Motion. All in favor of the Gentleman’s Motion vote ‘aye’; opposed vote ‘nay’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Howard, would you like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions.”
“On the Order of Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 860, offered by Representative Daniels. House Resolution 870, offered by Representative Osmond. House Resolution 871, offered by Representative Rose. House Resolution 872, offered by Representative Madigan. House Resolution 873, offered by Representative Howard. House Resolution 875, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 876, offered by Representative Dugan.”
Speaker Hannig: “Okay, Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Adjournment Resolution.”
“House Joint Resolution 94. 09400087.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the House of Representatives adjourns on Wednesday, February 01, 2006, it stands adjourned until Friday, February 03, 2006, in perfunctory session, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Monday, February 08, (sic-06) 2006, in perfunctory session, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 07, 2006, at 12:00 noon; and when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, February 02, 2006, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 07, 2006, at 12:00 noon.”
Speaker Hannig: “Okay, Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. There’s been three additional Motions to Table Bills in writing filed at the well. House Bill 4213, by Representative Tryon, House Bill 4468, by Representative Pritchard, and House Bill 4320, by Representative Pritchard. All in favor of the Motion to Table those Bills say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Motion is adopted and the Bills are tabled. Are there any announcements? Then Representative Currie would mov… Excuse me, Representative Fritchey.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I rise as a point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I’d just like to take the opportunity… I was just fortunate enough and had honor to meet a returning soldier 09400087.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 87th Legislative Day 2/1/2006 from the Iraq conflict, Staff Sergeant Brent Patterson, his wife, Brandy are here visiting the Capitol. Staff Sergeant Patterson was in the Army serving our country in Iraq, he’s back home now. We’re happy to have him not only back home safely but also up in the Capitol. Please give a welcome to Staff Sergeant Patterson and his wife, Brandy.”
Speaker Hannig: “Welcome to Springfield. Any other announcements? Then Representative Currie moves, that allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 7, at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. The Motion is adopted and the House stands adjourned.”
“House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 5569, offered by Representative Sacia, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09400087.doc 30