“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 Father Dean Russell with Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Aurora. Father Russell is the guest of Representative Chapa LaVia.”
“I wanna thank Representative Chapa LaVia for the work that she does with us in Aurora and for inviting me here today to be with all of you. Let us pray. Oh God, comfort all who suffered from the recent storms and those who assist them. In Your wise providence You are glad to bless all human labor, the work of our hands and of our minds. Grant that all who plan and conduct business in this place may, through Your guidance and support, come to right decisions and carry them out fairly. Give them courage of heart and peace of mind. Bless all who join us together in good will. Amen.”
“And Representative Black, will you lead us in the Pledge.”
"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.” 09400107.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
“Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Golar, Jones, Patterson, and Ryg are excused today.”
“And Representative Bost.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that all Republicans are present today.”
“Okay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 113 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports.”
"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 March 23, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' referred to the Order of Second Reading is House Bill 2113 and Senate Bill 509; referred to the… 'approved for consideration' Amendment #1, offered by Representative Smith, to Senate Bill 2579. The following measures are referred to the House Committee on Rules: House Resolution 1038, offered by Representative Delgado. House Resolution 1039, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 1040, offered by Representative McKeon. House Resolution 1050, offered by Representative Feigenholtz. House Joint Resolution 109, offered by Representative Howard. And House… Senate Joint Resolution 78, offered by Representative Watson.”
“Representative Bellock, for what reason do you rise?” 09400107.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“I just wanted to announce to everybody that the parents… there’s 300 parents here of autistic children downstairs in the rotunda. And thank you to all the Legislators who came by the press conference this morning and who spoke. And they are still down there so if anybody wants to take a couple minutes out of their day and go down there and speak to them, they will be in the Hall of Flags for lunch at 1:00, also. So, they’re looking to talk to their Legislators and I appreciate everybody who took the time out of their busy schedule to come and speak to them. Thank you.”
“Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“Joining me today in the balcony is FFA members from the Olney, Red Hill, Carmi, and Clay County FFA chapters that are here for Ag Day. Please give ‘em a nice welcome.”
“Representative Cross is recognized on House Resolution 1035.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber. I… I wanna just take a second and you’ve all had the Resolution and it’s also sponsored by Linda Chapa LaVia. But I’d like to introduce to you a young lady, Dayton LeClercq. Dayton’s right up here in the Speaker’s Gallery, she has her Brownie and Girl Scout uniform on with her 09400107.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 birthday tulips. And she’s with her brother, Evan Thomas, Evan is here with her. But Dayton is a special young lady and she’s a… someone that lives literally just around the corner from me, but she’s here with her mom and dad and aunt. She is… has accomplished quite a feat as a Brownie. She is a member of the Girl Scout Fox Valley Council Troop 981, and Dayton, I know it’s a little crazy in here today, but everybody will read this Resolution. She has earned a hundred and three Try-Its and if you’ll… Dayton move your flowers away. Look at those… look at her… look at all those things on her back. The average Brownie only earns eight Try-Its and you have over a hundred and three. She’s home schooled at… at home by her… by her parents along with Evan. She’s done a remarkable job. She’s learned a lot. And Dayton, we’re all very proud of you. On behalf of the Illinois General Assembly, we wanna thank you for being here and we wanna thank you for what you’ve down as a Brownie and thank you for all you do for our community. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I know you’ll all join me as cosponsors in honoring Dayton. So, thank you, Dayton.”
“So, Representative Cross moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1035. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Cross, you also have House Resolution 1032. Representative Cross, you also have… Okay. Representative Bellock. No. Pihos… Representative Pihos on the Resolution.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the entire General Assembly, I would like to recognize the Lincoln Foundation 09400107.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 for its exemplary efforts to assist Illinois organizations to strive for a performance excellence. Congratulations to all of the recipients. And I’m very proud to have a recipient in my district this year, the Delta Dental and very grateful to the outstanding care they give to constituents in my district.”
Speaker Hannig: “The Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1032. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Chapa LaVia, you have House Resolution 1057.”
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. I’m honored today to have East Aurora High School Navy Junior ROTC’s drill team behind me over here in the gallery. If you can see ‘em posted. They’re here on behalf of an acknowledgment we’ve made to Lieutenant Commander Paul McNabb with… whereas the team led by him completed again… competed against 17 other units from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. And the team placed first in a color-guard unit inspection, third in academic competition and physical trai… and in physical training and fifth in unarmed exhibition. Because of the outstanding work of the individuals which I will name. Up in the gallery today we have: Gerardo Rivera placed third; Maryra Monarez placed fourth; Travis Schwab placed ninth; Joey Salgado placed first in the male sit up competition; Amy Romero placed second in the female sit up competition; and the males push-up category, Rene Salgado earned seventh place and Hector Moncanda received the tenth place. And whereas the General Assembly… The winning area championship 09400107.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 title qualified the team for the national competition in Pensacola, Florida, for the fourth year in a row. The team has earned this opportunity to compete with… with 24 other schools from throughout the nation for the title of national champion. As… as a House of Representatives, we honor them, we give them congratulations and I’m just proud to say that this Junior ROTC group is from eastside of Aurora which I’m very proud and honored to have them there. And under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander McNabb, they were able to come out today and we were able to give a Resolution to ‘em in person. And I’m extremely, extremely honored of everything we produce there, I salute you guys as well. Can I… can everybody congratulate our young leaders. Outstanding job. Thank you.”
Speaker Hannig: “The Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1075. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. …1050… 1057. 1057. And all in favor of the Resolution say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. On Resolution 1052, Representative Leitch.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We’re very honored today with us to have a true Cinderella team that placed second in the Class A boys championships held a couple weeks ago in Peoria. The IVC, Illinois Valley Central High School Grey Ghosts came from nowhere, no one said you could do it. Stand up, guys, in the Speaker’s Gallery. No one said they could go this far, no one predicted them to be able to even hit the… hit the tournament let alone finish second. And with us today are seniors Zach McAllister, Tyler Anderson, 09400107.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Joel Perez, Chris Shindley, John Sprinkle, and Ryan Thornton; juniors Mason Harney, Michael Huenefeld; sophomores Jacob Bjerk, Kevin Duvall, Josh Parr, Wes Wayman; freshman Billy Seiler; manager Jerry (sic-Jeremy) Brown; and their coach Jim Thornton and their assistant coaches Jason Barnes… or Steve Mercer, Jason Barnes, and Brent Fox. These guys really were an inspiration to the entire community and to all of Illinois. And please join me in wel… welco… welcoming this group again, easy for me to say, to the Illinois General Assembly. Thank you, guys.”
The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Okay. We’ve got… Representative Schock, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a moment of personal privilege. I think it’s only apropos that we… after recognizing the IVC team which was an upset in the high school basketball tournament that we turn our focus to the national level where we might have some disappointed U of I fans here in the State of Illinois. But rest assured, there is another Illinois team that is still in the competition in the Sweet 16 and is competing here tonight. And that is Bradley University, the Bradley Braves, which happens to be my alma mater and happens to have its home in Peoria, Illinois. I… I share the distinction of graduating from Bradley with some of my colleagues. I know Representative Smith is a Bradley grad as well as my good friend Robin Kelly, who happens to also be on the Board of 09400107.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Directors at Bradley University. So, I brought some red and white cupcakes and they’re down in front, feel free to help yourself. And I hope you’ll tune in tonight at 6:30 as they take on Tennessee in the NCAA tournament tonight. Thank you.”
“And Representative Schmitz, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
“From my district today I have two very important people and to me… it’s standin’… right behind me my parents, Tom and Nancy. They came down and make sure that I showed up for work today to do the people’s business.”
“Welcome to Springfield. We’re gonna go to the Order… on page 3 of the Calendar, the Order of Senate Bills- Third Reading. First on the list is Senate Bill 918, Representative Flider. Does the Gentleman wish us to read this Bill? Okay. Out of the record. Representative Feigenholtz on Senate Bill 2165, Sara. Okay. Mr… Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"Senate Bill 2165, a Bill for an Act concerning property. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“Representative Feigenholtz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2165 is actually a very simple Bill. It allows people affix religious symbols to their doorposts. There was a little confusion on the Condominium Property Act and this will clarify it. I’d be glad to answer any questions.” 09400107.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
“The Lady moves for the passage of Senate Bill 2165. Is there any discussion? 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 Younge, are you having trouble with your switch? Okay. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Kelly, for what reason do you rise? No. Okay. Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?”
“All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“Yes, state your point.”
“I just wanted to thank Representative Feigenholtz for picking up the torch of Ellis Levin. I’ve… I’ve had a hard time sleeping for years wondering who was going to become the new champion of condominium law. And now, the answer is clear. So, a special thank you to Representative Sara ‘Ellis’ Feigenholtz.”
“Representative Yarbrough, you have House Bill 2400. Out of the record. Representative Fritchey has House (sic-Senate) Bill 2465. Representative Fritchey, do you wish us to read this Bill? Shall we read that one? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"Senate Bill 2465, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.” 09400107.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
Speaker Hannig: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey.”
“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me first start by thanking my Senator for starting this initiative of mine in the Senate which I sincerely appreciate. Senate Bill 2465 would prevent smoking in dormitories. I’m happy to tell you that the overwhelming number of universities presently prohibit smoking in dorms. We do have a situation though that there are a few universities which not only still allows smoking in dormitories but at the same time require freshman to live on campus. Thereby, not giving them an alternative but to live in what can be not only an unhealthy but a dangerous situation, as well. We’ve all had numerous debates about the dangers of smoking. Let me also add into the… into the equation that smoking is the number one cause of dorm fires. And there have been a number of fatalities around the country resulting from this. I know of no opposition to the Bill. This is a very significant step that we can take to make our campuses safer and our college kids healthier. I request an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The Gentleman moves for the passage of Senate Bill 2465. Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I am a confirmed nonsmoker and without abusing the… the phrase, I… I truly do have great respect for the Sponsor of this Bill. However, there comes a time when I believe our job is to leave governance of universities to their board of trustees. To private 09400107.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 colleges, I think they’re perfectly capable of making the decision on whether to ban smoking in dormitories and as the Gentleman said, many schools, public and private, have already done so. College students are adults. The boards of trustees are… at the university, for example, the University of Illinois, and… and the other four… and the other state colleges and universities are appointed by the Governor. This decision is best left to the boards of trustees and the administrative staff of the colleges and universities. I believe they are capable of making the decision. I believe many of them have made the decision, and I’m certain that those who haven’t are examining the… the… this issue and will make a decision based on what they feel is the best practice for that college or that university. I don’t think we need to preempt the authority of the board and the administrative staff of colleges and universities. They are institutions where we encourage freedom of thought, where we encourage freedom of speech, where we encourage academic freedom, and they can debate this for years if they so choose. But it is a… it is a decision best left to institutions of higher education where such decisions can be made in a rational and a reasonable sense and a very a reasonable timeline. It’s for that reason and that reason only I intend to vote ‘no’ on the Bill.”
“Is there any further discussion? Then the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey to close.”
“I… I respect the previous speaker’s comments. I will point out that no universities have reached out to me in 09400107.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 opposition to this Bill. And I do think that it is warranted for us to intervene where we are talking about health… health and safety issues as we are here. I request your support. Thank you.”
“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? Have all voted who wish? Representative Turner, do you wish to be recorded? Representative Bassi, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 85 voting 'yes' and 25 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?” Mitchell, J.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.” Mitchell, J.: “Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it gives me great pleasure and quite an honor to introduce to you from my home district of Amboy, Illinois, the current Illinois FFA President Jake Bonnell is in the gallery. Jake, give us a wave.”
“And Representative Sommer, for what reason do you rise?”
“Personal privilege, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your point.”
“I’d like, also, my colleagues to join me in welcoming the Illi… the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, Heather 09400107.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Miller is a constituent of mine from Bloomington. She’s the forty-seventh Miss Illinois County Fair Queen. She’ll be the official hostess of the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs. She’ll be traveling throughout the state this summer to promote county fairs and state fairs. And I’d like you to welcome Heather and her parents, Robert and Kathi Miller.”
“Representative Fritchey, you have House… Senate Bill 2718. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.”
"Senate Bill 2718, a Bill for an Act concerning title insurance. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Hannig: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey.”
“This Bill has to do with redefinition of monoline insurance. We know of no opposition to the Bill. It came out of the Senate, I believe, unanimously. I request an ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“The Gentleman has moved for the passage of Senate Bill 2718. Is there any discussion? 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? Representative Holbrook, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the top of page 3 is Senate Bill 918 for Representative Flider. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill.” 09400107.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
"Senate Bill 918, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Hannig: “The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 918 amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. The Bill increases the lifetime benefit allowed to be received under the plan from $1 million to $1.5 million. And I would ask for your support.”
“The Gentleman has moved for the passage of Senate Bill 918. Is there any discussion? 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… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions.”
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1036, offered by Representative Tenhouse. House Resolution 1037, offered by Representative Beaubien. House Resolution 1041, offered by Representative Mautino. House Resolution 1042, offered by Representative Mautino. House Resolution 1043, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1044, offered by Representative John Bradley. House Resolution 1045, offered by Representative Osterman. House Resolution 1046, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 1047, offered by Representative Cross. House Resolution 09400107.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 1048, offered by Representative Daniels. House Resolution 1049, offered by Representative Daniels. House Resolution 1051, offered by Representative Madigan.”
“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. Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal inquiry to the Chair.”
“Yes, state your point.”
“What is the status of House Resolution 1005?”
“Mr. Clerk, can you… can you advise us on 1005? I’m advised it’s in the Rules Committee.”
“House Resolution 1005, I understand that we don’t have to have Resolutions out tomorrow, but it deals with the ISAT testing blunders that’ve gone on in our schools. We’re still getting e-mails from schools that still don’t have their information. And the Resolution simply asks that the State Board of Education come in and have a meeting with us and tell us what’s going on so that we can get our teachers some answers. This is tied to No Child Left Behind school funding and we’d just like to have some answers to give back to our superintendents as to what’s going on. So, if we could move that from Rules, we’d appreciate it.”
Speaker Hannig: “Well, I think, Representative, the Rules Committee will take it up at some point. Mr. Clerk, read House Resolution 1058. Okay. This is… this is a Death Resolution. So, Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution.” 09400107.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
"House Resolution 1058, offered by Representative Fritchey. WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with sadness of the death of Ray Meyer, Hall of Fame basketball coach at DePaul University, on Friday, March 17, 2006, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Ray Meyer was born on December 18, 1913, in Chicago, the son of a candy wholesaler and the youngest of ten children; he planned to be a priest but turned to sports after starring in basketball at Chicago's Quigley Prep and St. Patrick's Academy, where he was part of the 1932 Catholic high school national championship team; he later accepted a scholarship to play at Notre Dame, where he was co-captain of the basketball team during his junior and senior years, and where he also began his coaching career as an assistant coach; and WHEREAS, Over the span of a 42-year career of dedication and leadership at DePaul, Coach Meyer compiled a record of 724 wins and 354 losses, placing him fifth in career victories among college basketball coaches; his coaching accomplishments further included 37 winning seasons, 20 postseason appearances, a 1945 National Invitational Tournament championship, 13 trips to the NCAA tournament, including Final Four appearances in 1943 and 1979, and 12 seasons with 20 or more victories; and WHEREAS, The true value of Ray Meyer's coaching skills was evidenced not only by his ability to have young men succeed on the basketball court, but also by his determination to 09400107.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 instill in them the strong personal and family values that would allow them to succeed throughout their lives; and WHEREAS, With the discovery of George Mikan, an unknown 6'10" student who had never even played high school basketball, Ray Meyer invented the role of the proverbial "big man", thereby revolutionizing the sport into what it has become today; and WHEREAS, As the result of his remarkable achievements and contributions to the game, in February of 1979, Coach Meyer joined John Wooden, Adolph Rupp, and Frank McGuire as the only active coaches elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Those who knew Coach Meyer appreciated the fact that his passion for the game was only eclipsed by his boundless love for his wife, Marge, for his sons, Tommy, Joey, and Bobby, each having played for him at DePaul, and for his daughters, Barbara and Patricia; and WHEREAS, DePaul students today, and for generations to come, will continue to participate and thrive in campus athletics at the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center located on a stretch of Belden Avenue, since renamed Ray Meyer Drive; and WHEREAS, The willingness of Coach Meyer to freely give of himself to the community made him an ambassador, not only for DePaul University, but for the game of college basketball and the entire City of Chicago; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Coach Ray Meyer, and we extend our deepest 09400107.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 sympathy to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family and to DePaul University as an expression of our sincerest condolences.”
“Representative Fritchey, did you wish to speak on this Resolution?”
“Briefly. Thank you, Speaker, Members of the Body. It’s very easy to judge a career, especially when in sports by wins and losses and by that measure, Ray Meyer was truly a legend deserving of the accolades that he’s received in the past week. But anybody who had had the opportunity to know of Coach Meyer or to have met him, knows that what really made him shine was that he was so much more than just a basketball coach to those that he came in touch with. He truly understood not just the value of the sport but the value of the character that he could develop in these young men throughout the years. In over four decades, Ray Meyer committed himself and his life to developing men that would go on to succeed in life and what he’s done with that university is really a tribute to that man. It was not about simply building a good basketball team, it was about building a good basketball team that was going to become a part of a great university. DePaul is not only in my district, Alumni Hall while no longer standing, was five blocks from my house. And I’ve watched that university transform from what was a truly essentially a commuter university to something that has become a national model and a tremendous university that has drawn students from around 09400107.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 the country, around the world for academic excellence. And a lot of that was because of the name that Ray Meyer helped build for DePaul University. He was a great coach, he was a great individual, he truly was a great spokesman for that university for the City of Chicago. If we just have a brief moment of silence, I’d sincerely appreciate it. Thank you.”
Speaker Hannig: “Thank you, Representative Fritchey. Representative Fritchey now moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Rose, for what reason do you rise?”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, on… on a happier basketball note. I want to thank Representative Schock for delivering us the Bradley Braves cupcakes today. And I particularly wanna thank Bradley for defeating Bill Self in the first round of the tournament. So…”
“Just so we all understand what remains for the day. Mr. Clerk, would you read the committee schedule for the 12:30 appointments… committees.”
"The following committees will meet at 12:30 immediately following Session: that’s Elementary & Secondary Education in Room 114, Human Services in Room D-1, Judiciary I-Civil Law in C-1, and Approps-Elementary & Secondary Education in Room 118.”
“Are there any announcements? Representative Granberg.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. For purposes of an announcement. Tim Blair from General Assembly Retirement System is in the back in the 09400107.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 107th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Speaker’s Conference Room if anyone has any questions about the… their pension… their own pension benefits or any other pertinent questions.”
“Any other announcements? Then Representative Currie moves, that allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stands adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, March 24 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.” 09400107.doc 20