“The hour of 1:00 having arrived and went, the House shall be in order. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Pastor of the Cathedral of Praise Christian Center in Springfield. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and rise for the invocation and for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Crawford.”
“Let us pray as we lift our hearts and our minds before His most precious throne. Most gracious and most kind God, Creator of us all, Father, it is from You for all of our help come and it is from You does all of our blessings flow. Father, we ask that You would look upon us gathered here and with Your favor we ask that You would direct us in all of our actions. We ask that You would grant to us vigilant hearts. We ask that You would give us minds to know You and give us a diligence to seek You and wisdom to find You. I pray, Father, that You would sanctify and cleanse us with Your presence. Create in us a clean heart and renew within us a precious spirit. Bless us with Your might, assist us with Your counsel. That all of our endeavors, that they may begin with You and throughout this day, God, they may end with You that we may rejoice in Your precious companionship. This we pray in your Son’s name. Amen.”
“We shall be led in the Pledge today by the Lady from Cook, Representative Chavez.” Chavez – et al: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09400123.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“Roll Call for Attendance. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representatives Black, Coulson, Daniels, Dunn, Lindner, Osmond, and Pihos are excused today.”
“The record will so reflect. The Gentleman from Macou… from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, for what reason do you rise?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle today are Representatives Chapa LaVia, Representative Colvin, Representative Currie, Representative Lou Jones, Representative Lyons, Representative Patterson, Representative Rita, and Representative Yarbrough.”
“A hundred and three Members answering the call. We do have a quorum and the House is in order. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports.”
"Committee Reports. 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 April 24, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' is Amendment #1 to House Joint Resolution 115 and Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 279.”
“The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Winters, for what reason do you rise?” 09400123.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of illumination, if I could. Make a request of the Chair that we… see if we can find a supply of candles for the House chamber. It seems like we’re losing more lights every week. And if we had a little bit more light in here maybe we could find a state budget that would be balanced without raiding the Pension Funds.”
“Your request will be taken into consideration. The Gentleman from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, for a Motion.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I would ask leave that we waive the posting requirements for the following three Bills: Senate Bill 861 for Representative Parke so that that can be heard in the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee, Senate Bill 2049 for Representative Osterman so that that can be heard in Local Government, and Senate Bill 2654 for Representative Nekritz so that that can also be heard in the Local Government Committee today. It’s my understanding that that’s been agreed to by the other side of the aisle.”
“The Gentleman asks leave to suspend the posting requirements on the aforementioned Bills. All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Bills will be suspended… posting will be suspended on those Bills. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?"
“Inquiry of the Chair, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your inquiry.” 09400123.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Ya know, we were talking about the lights and the concern that we have from it becoming more and more dark all the time and things being taken. Now, I realize that… being without light is one thing, but now they’re starting to take the water cooler. The water cooler from the back of the chamber as… when you go into the men’s restroom, it’s gone now. I mean, putting us in the dark, taking away the water. I mean, what are we trying to do here?”
“Representative… Representative, it sounds like the perfect ingredients for growing mushrooms. Ya keep ‘em in the dark, you don’t give ‘em a lot of water, and you gotta a good product.”
“Well, it’s not the first time that I’ve been treated like a mushroom around here, so that’s all right.”
“The Lady from Lake, Representative May, for what reason do you rise?"
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, purposes of an announcement. The Environmental Health Committee for 10 a.m. tomorrow is canceled. Environmental Health is canceled.”
“Mr. Clerk.”
Clerk Mahoney: "The following are referred to the House Committee on Rules: House Resolution 1230, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1233, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell. House Resolution 1235, offered by Representative Feigenholtz. And House Joint Resolution 125, offered by Representative Yarbrough.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re gonna move to the Order of Senate Bill-Third Readings on page 3 of the Calendar. If you will follow down the Calendar, we’ll be 09400123.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 able to proceed with business in an efficient manner. And on the Order of Senate Bills-Third Readings, page 3 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 94. Representative Mathias. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 94, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Mathias.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you would just give me a moment to finish my file here. Okay. Senate Bill 94 deals basically with special use permits for local zoning. There was a decision in 2002 called the People ex rel. Klaeren v. the Village of Lisle where the Illinois Supreme Court basically stated that zoning functions are similar to administrative hearings and that local municipalities would have to treat them as administrative hearings. And in effect, the boards become almost like administrative judges and they have to follow all those rules. And when it comes to appeal, as they do in administrative hearings, the only issue is what happens at the original hearing before the board. In my capacity as mayor in previous… my previous life, I know that a lot of times residents do not come before the board and almost until it’s too late. And they don’t understand the issues, they come ill-prepared, they don’t understand their rights… their due process rights, and unfortunately, the board then makes their decision. And under the Klaeren decision, the appeal, if the homeowner or resident, next door neighbor wants to appeal that, he’s stuck with the record below. He can’t add new information. 09400123.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 What Senate Bill 94 does is gives that resident another opportunity. It changes the law that basically states… now under this Bill would state that it really becomes a legislative function again, as it should be before the Klaeren decision, and that any appeal of the decision becomes a de novo appeal, which means basically that anyone can add new information. They’re not stuck with the record below. And I believe that’s good public policy to help our residents who really are not trained experts, don’t know when they come to hearings what basic the law is, what they’re rights are because they don’t bring an attorney. So I ask… For legislative intent, let me read this into the record. ‘Special use permits are a distinct type of local zoning relief that apply to uses affecting the public interest and imposing impacts on neighboring properties. Special use permits can ordinarily be granted only by ordinances adopted by the elected representatives of a municipality or county (the ‘corporate authorities’). The corporate authorities of municipalities and counties are primarily lawmaking bodies that operate through the political process. Their legislative decisions have traditionally been subject to de novo judicial review. In the case of People ex rel. Klaeren v. Village of Lisle, the Illinois Supreme Court underscored the importance of ensuring that local zoning processes for special use permits comport with principles of due process and fundamental fairness. The Supreme Court also noted that the ad hoc nature of special use permit determinations give them a quasi-judicial character. While accepting the Supreme 09400123.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Court’s analysis regarding the character of the special use permit process, the General Assembly notes that quasi- judicial proceedings are to be reviewed on the record, which in turn requires such proceedings to be conducted in the manner of a ‘mini-trial’. Given their essentially legislative character, the corporate authorities of municipalities and counties are not well suited to conduct ‘mini-trials’. In order to promote the efficient and effective governance of municipalities and counties, the General Assembly hereby adopts Senate Bill 94. Senate Bill 94 is not intended to question the essential conclusions in Klaeren regarding the legal character of special use permit decisions or due process, but it provides that any special use decision made by a municipality or county shall be treated as legislative decisions subject to de novo judicial review. To provide uniformity in the statutes, Senate Bill 94 also provides that any variance, rezoning, or other Amendment to a zoning ordinance shall be treated as legislative decisions subject to de novo judicial review. Just as it falls within the constitutional power of the Judicial Branch to determine which process is judicial in nature (for example, an administrative process), it falls within the constitutional power of the Legislative Branch to determine how an administrative decision shall be reviewed’, and that’s under the Illinois Constitution of 1970, Article VI, Section 9, ‘Circuit Courts shall have the power to review administrative action as provided by law.’ ‘The General Assembly has already determined that the de novo review by the courts is appropriate for the review of some 09400123.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 evidentiary proceedings, such as those before County Boards of Reviews… County Board of Review or Appeal’, which is un… found in Section 351 ILCS 200/23-15(b)(3). ‘The General Assembly’s determination that the decisions of County Boards of Review or Appeal should be reviewed by the courts de novo has been upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court as a constitutional exercise of legislative authority.’ And that was in People ex rel. Devine v. Murphy, 181 Ill.2nd 522, 693 N.E.2d 349 in 1998. ‘Nothing in Senate Bill 94 is intended to excuse municipalities and counties from conducting their proceedings in a fundamentally fair manner consisten with principles of due process.’ And I ask for your ‘aye’ vote to Senate Bill 94.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“Indicates he will.”
“Representative, can you explain to me and the Body the rationale for treating these pro… a zoning hearing in a different manner than other administrative hearings?”
“Yes. The Legislative Body is consistently, just like our Legislative Body here in the General Assembly, are not considered administrative hearings. We are basically ju… legislative functions, just like the legislative functions that municipalities do in other matters, and they are not administrative hearings. We set out a whole new… ya know, whole different administrative code for special type of hearings for administrative procedures.” 09400123.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“I understand that, but what is it that’s unique about zoning… about a zoning matter as opposed to another type of administrative matter that would qualify for de novo review as opposed to the previous standard?”
“Because that’s basically what the law has been prior to the Klaeren decision, and basically, we’re just trying to put that decision back. Because elected officials basically don’t have the training to be mini… or administrative hearing officers. They still have to follow the rules of due process and… both substantive and procedural, but if there are technical violations that… that would happen, as they would in an administrative hearing, you would have to start all over again without really getting to the substance of the hearing. This way you really get to the essence of the hearing and new matters can still be brought up on an appeal, as they are in a de novo hearing.”
“Well, Representative, from a standpoint of efficiency and from a standpoint of equity, requiring the parties to… one of these proceedings to, in essence, relitigate from scratch does not seem to make a whole lot of sense or fairness from a judicial economy standpoint. Would you agree?”
“Well, it… in fairness, it’s fairer to the homeowner, to the resident, the next door neighbor who unfortunately, in my experience, comes to these proceedings at a late stage without an attorney, he hears… he sees a notice of public hearing, he shows up, he doesn’t know how to cross examine a witness. And basically, the proceeding goes, he gives his objection and that’s it. And then when we get to the 09400123.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Appellate level it’s too late for him really to get a lawyer to fight what could’ve been done on the local level. This way we’re not starting over again, we’re just giving him the… really the right to add new information.”
“But to the extent that you have an objector that may be represented by a counsel, that does know what they’re doing, that nevertheless does not prevail at the underlying hearing, you’re giving them a second bite of the apple without any restraint. So, you’re giving them a second chance to relitigate and to retry this matter, maybe under a new theory, maybe with later found evidence, maybe with a whole new set of facts that should’ve been or maybe were available to them at the time that they decided not to avail themselves of. I just don’t understand why, in this scenario, you would allow somebody to have that proverbial second bite at the apple when it doesn’t exist in other areas.”
“Well, again, that’s how the law has been for many years before Klaeren. And I think it’s… ya know, while there may be fairness or unfairness as to what you just said, yet, just in my experience, the majority of people do not come that well prepared. And this, even though you might think it’s giving ‘em a second bite of the apple, to them it’s really their first bite of the apple. And obviously, they still have to have a valid defense or a valid objection even on the appellate level. If those objections are in fact valid then I think it’s only fair for them to be able to present them.” 09400123.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“But aren’t you really requiring the prevailing party to, in effect, present their case twice, win twice, prove up their case twice, whether they are the proponent or the objector. They will have to… they will have to start from scratch each time.”
“Well, I think in… ya know, in effect, any time you have an appeal that can happen. And, like I say, I don’t think that Legislators… just like we… in our Body, we aren’t held up to the standard of being an administrative hearer… hearing officer when we conduct our hearings in our committees. And I think when there are appeals of our statutes, I believe that’s done also on a de novo basis. And so, I think it’s only fair it should be the same on the local level.”
“While I understand what you’re doing, I think we have a difference of opinion to it. Mr. Speaker, for the record, I have a potential conflict here and, according, will be voting ‘present’ on this matter. Thank you.”
“Seeing no ques… no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 94?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 1 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have Senate Bill 623. Representative Smith. On Senate Bill 623. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.” 09400123.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Senate Bill 623, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Smith.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. This is identical to legislation that we passed earlier this spring that would create a Revolving Loan Fund for the purchase of ambulances by local fire departments, fire districts, and not-for-profit ambulance services. This would set up a Revolving Loan Fund to be jointly administered by the Illinois Finance Authority, the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It is similar to the Revolving Loan Fund that we established a couple of years ago for the purpose of fire trucks. This is the language that would set up the fund. We’re hoping to be able to get the funds available to begin the program. I’d be happy to answer any questions. This is a initiative of the Fire Caucus. I’d be happy to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Knox, Representative Moffitt, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d just like to rise in support of the Bill. This legislation… as you know, the 0 percent loan for fire trucks is extremely popular Bill. This is not a giveaway Bill, this is really self help. And your local communities, one of the largest things they have to purchase, of course, is a… is an ambulance. So, to put a 0 percent loan for that is really helping communities across the state. So I just stand in support of Representative Smith’s Bill. I think the concept is sound. The 0 percent 09400123.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 for fire trucks has been a tremendous success and I know this will too. I think most ambulances are probably over a hundred thousand dollars now, so it’s a big ticket item. So, I just think this is a great piece of legislation and appreciate Representative Smith advancing it. Thank you.”
“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 623?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Chapin on Senate Bill 624. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 624, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Rose.”
“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. I’m bit of a loss here. I’m covering this Bill for Representative Black, so please bear with me if my presentation is inadequate. Senate Bill 624 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Uniform (sic- Unified) Code of Corrections. Anyone who is licensed to operate a motor vehicles in Illinois is convicted of driving without proper insurance will have their license suspended for three months and will be subject to a reinstatement fee of $100 in addition to any other fines or criminal penalties. Ladies and Gentlemen, there’s no secret as to 09400123.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 why this is here. It’s because of the problem we have in this state with… with vehicle accidents involving uninsured drivers. Currently, there is a provision in place that the vehicle’s plates can be suspended and if the driver does not comply with financial responsibility they can have their license suspended. I think what Representative Black and Senator Winkel are trying to do here is provide for a three month automatic suspension as an inducement to people that get insurance to lower the number of uninsured driver accidents. On behalf of Representative Black, I’d ask for this favorable passage.”
“Seeing… the Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will."
“If you come in when you go for the fine with proof of insurance that you’ve gotten, will you still be subject to the fine?”
“Yes. The… the fine is a reinstatement fee. The underlying offense of operating an uninsured motor vehicle calls for a minimum fine of $500 plus court costs. So, we’re not touching the underlying fine in the Illinois Vehicle Code, it’s already there for the offense itself. This is a reinstatement fee of your driver’s license, which would be a hundred dollars.”
“All right. But you have to come in then with proof of your insurance at the time and then you get the $100…”
“Oh, absolu…”
“…fine on top of that.” 09400123.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Absolutely. If you’re in violation of the safety and responsibility law, you wouldn’t be eligible for reinstatement.”
“All right. Thank you.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Flowers, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?”
“He indicates he will."
“Representative, I’m curious about something. Most of us pay uninsured motorist insurance. So, does uninsured motorist constitute insurance for the uninsured?”
“It would be… it would be on your vehicle if you were hit by an uninsured motorist, but that then goes to your policy premium and your policy limits. It’s… and again, I’m here for Representative Black, but what he’s trying to address is the situation of being hit by an uninsured driver in the first place.”
“Thank you.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Graham, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“Indicates he will."
“Representative, I know that you’re standing in for Representative Black, but could you explain this measure to me again?”
“Sure. As I understand it, this Bill would be an automatic three month license suspension for driving without insurance… a conviction for driving without insurance. 09400123.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 There would then be a hundred dollar reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State’s Office to get your license back.”
“Okay, so this is out… if a person gets stopped and they do not have insurance and it’s been determined that they don’t have insurance,
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“…you’re saying this is a… this is a three month suspension and a hundred dollars reinstatement fee.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Now, the underlying offense of driving without insurance requires a minimum $500 fee, but that’s already in state law.”
“Um hmm.”
“That’s the fine amount. The minimum fine amount if 501 plus court costs. So…”
“So if a person simply is indigent, doesn’t have a lot of money, they are already gonna be facing… without a doubt, they should be insured. That’s… that’s without saying. A person driving a car should be insured. But if they don’t have the money… so they now face the $500 fine, which is already in the law, and now you’re implementing a hundred fine on top of the 500 that already exists.”
“The hundred dollar fine would be the reinstatement fee paid to the Secretary of State’s Office for their time and trouble to… to go through the process.”
“Say… say it one more time.”
“The $100 reinstatement fee would be payable to the Secretary of State for their time and trouble, administrative overhead, of suspending a license and then reinstating a license. But, yes, the… I agree with you, 09400123.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Representative, the underlying motor vehicle fine for operating an uninsured motor vehicle is 501 plus costs. And, ya know, that’s a little bit steep, I mean, when speeding itself is usually a $75 ticket, but this Bill doesn’t have anything to do with that and that’s existent law.”
“I guess I have a concern, Representative. Of course I want every person on the road driving a vehicle to be insured, ‘cause I hope not to be hit by an uninsured motorist. I don’t… ya know, that’s not my desire. But I do have a concern for people who are on a fixed income who have met some sort of issue in their life and take those sort of risk and then we just throw these additional fines on… on them.”
“Well, it… ya know, and I share that concern, but then if you can’t afford the insurance you shouldn’t be driving because if you hit somebody…”
“This is true. This is…”
“…you’re… you’re jeopardizing yourself as well.”
“Absolutely.”
“I mean, not only are you creating a serious safety and property risk to whoever you hit, but you’re jeopardizing yourself and your own family or whoever you have in that vehicle.”
“I guess I will… I guess let me say it like this. You and I agree both that we would like to see insured motors on the… on the road.”
“Absolutely.” 09400123.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“But I would hope that this Body would not continue to pile on fines, that we would find better ways to help our constituents who are having a hard time making ends meet and making sure that we have programs out there that make sure that people are insured. And I hope that when we implement this… this additional fine that there’s some sort of payment plan. And God forbid, I would hope an accident wouldn’t happen and that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that, yes, people should be held accountable for doing things that are not exactly responsible, but I don’t know if increasing fines or adding more fines is the answer to… to this particular problem. Thank you, Representative.”
“Thank you.”
“The Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will."
"Representative Rose, will the… will the prosecutor still have the option of… say if the person gets a ticket and on the day they got the ticket for no insurance they did not have insurance, but the day they come to court they’ve since insured their vehicle and the ticket can be amended or… or some type of agreement can be worked out? Will that still be an option or is this automatic with… with no option?”
“No, Representative, this is… as I understand the Bill… and again, this is Representative Black’s Bill. As I understand it, this does not limit the court’s power to grant court supervision or the state’s power to offer court 09400123.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 supervision. So, yes, court supervision would still be an option.”
"Okay. So, all right, then let’s go the other way and if they still don’t have insurance on the day they got the ticket and they say, ‘No, forget it. I’m not getting insurance.’ For whatever reason that may exist, they still have the option of another sentence besides… besides what’s mandated?”
“Representative, I don’t know where you were a state’s attorney. In my county, if you didn’t bring in proof of subsequent insurance the judge wouldn’t consider you for court supervision, nor would the state agree to it.”
“Okay.”
“So, but to answer the basic question you’re asking is court supervision would still be an option in lieu of a conviction to this offense. Although I think at least in my jurisdiction, I would assume probably most jurisdictions would make it a predicate to have valid insurance before that’s ever offered.”
"Okay. Thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Washington, for what reason do you rise?"
“Does the Sponsor yield?”
“Indicates he will.”
“Representative, in the… in the conversation I heard you say something to the effect that, ya know, people shouldn’t drive unless they can… unless they have insurance. Is that correct?” 09400123.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Representative, they’re a danger. I mean, they’re seriously jeopardizing themselves and the occupants of the their car, not to mention whoever they hit.”
“You know, I know what you sayin’ was correct because I’ve had the experience of being… a couple of times had an accident with people who were uninsured. But see, I know there’s not an all… it’s not a one size fit all when we talk about… and that’s what we’re tryin’ to appeal to you from our point of perspective, irrespective of the language, for you to show some sensitivity. Maybe you don’t know what it is to miss a meal. Maybe you don’t know what it is to have a… a bad pair of shoes that you can’t wear for so often. Maybe you don’t know what that feels like. But there are a lot of constituents, even some in your area, I’m willing to bet you… you don’t even know about that this wouldn’t necessarily apply or make a greater economic hardship on those in terms of the fines and the fees that you have set up. I understand the intent of the legislation. To the Bill. I understand the intent of this Bill, but I think as we move forward with it… and I plan to possibly support it. I don’t know between the few minutes between now and pushing the button. But I’m appealing to my colleague to show some sensitivity. Show some greater sensitivity. Everybody don’t have… we got a country of have and have nots. And I think we need to be mindful in that that who we tryin’ to help but who are we hurting. So I think that needed to be point. Thank you.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Will Davis, for what reason do you rise?" 09400123.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Davis, W.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sponsor yield?”
“Indicates he will.” Davis, W.: “Representative, would this be considered a fee increase?”
“Representative, it’s a fee increase if you’re guilty of an offense.” Davis, W.: “Well, I mean, but since there’s already a financial penalty if you’re already caught driving without insurance, would this be considered a fee increase?”
“It’s… there’s… it’s a reinstatement fee to get your driver’s license back, yes. And might I add, I’m carrying this Bill for somebody else. But…” Davis, W.: “Thank you, Representative.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Sullivan, for what reason do you rise?"
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question.”
“The Gentleman asks leave the previous question. The previous question is granted. Seeing no further questions, the question is… Representative Rose, you wanna close? The question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 624?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 97 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 5 voting ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, for what reason do you rise?" 09400123.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a point of personal privilege. I have a group of senior citizens, AARP senior citizens, from Macoupin County that are up in the gallery today and I’d like to welcome them to Springfield.”
“Welcome to Springfield. The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.”
"Yes. I, too, have a group of senior citizens with AARP. They are here from Decatur, Macon County, and they’re here to talk about comprehensive care. Please join me in welcoming them to Springfield.”
“Welcome to Springfield. Let’s do it for mom. The Gentleman from Mitchell… the Gentleman from Lee, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?" Mitchell, J.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point.” Mitchell, J.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I have a group of students, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from Nelson Elementary School. They’re here with two of their teachers and their superintendent, Mr. Greg Lutyens. They’re up to my right in the gallery. If they would stand, please. Give them a warm Springfield welcome.”
“Welcome to Springfield. The Lady from St. Clair, Representative Younge, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A matter of personal privilege.” 09400123.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“State your point.”
“The… there are a group of seniors from East St. Louis representing AARP and have come here. Let’s give ‘em a good ‘ol Springfield welcome.”
“Welcome to Springfield, East St. Louis. Let’s do it for mom and dad. On the Order of Third Readings- Senate Bill, page 3 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 680. Representative Moffitt. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 680, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Knox, Representative Moffitt.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 680 is an initiative of the Illinois Fire Protection Districts Association and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and was brought to the Legislative Fire Caucus. It will have no fiscal impact upon the State of Illinois or local government. It only provides that additional notification requirements by taxpayers appealing their taxes. Currently under law, if someone is gonna get a tax exemption or evalu… evaluation reduced by a hundred thousand or more, they have to give notice to municipalities and community colleges and school districts. This would add fire protection districts to that same requirement. This allows fire protection district to have a better chance to budget knowing if there’s gonna be a big loss in assessed value. I know of no objections. Be happy to entertain any questions.” 09400123.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 680?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Hannig. McKeon. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 1 ‘present’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 4 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 837. Representative Gordon. Read the… read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 837, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, Senate Bill 837 is identical to House Bill 1191, which passed out of this chamber during the last Session without a vote against it, either on the floor or in committee. It extends the tax increment financing district in the town of Gardner, Illinois, which is in my district. This is a TIF that everyone is in support of. The schools like it. The… the fire protection district likes it. The municipality likes it. They’ve all handed in letters of support and they’re asking for it to be extended. I would ask for your ‘aye’ vote.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 837?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. 09400123.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 On this question, there are 102 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, page 4 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 848. Representative Yvetter Younge. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 848, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Lady from St. Clair, Representative Younge.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 848 creates the Mid-America Medical District… creates the Mid-America Medical District Commission that will govern it. And the Mid-America Medical District will be in the City of East St. Louis and… and will track and retain academic centers of excellence, viable health care facilities, medical research facilities, and high tech enterprises. The purpose of the district is to study disease and… and do medical research. This Bill has come before the House before in 4951. The Governor would appoint three of the nine members of the commission, three would be appointed by the Mayor of the City of East St. Louis, and three by the county supervisor. The committee wanted the quick-take and zoning and bonding powers taken out of the Bill. They had been taken out. I’m not too sure that all of the eminent domain powers have been taken out and I talked with Representative Meyer about meeting with the Governor to take their bet on… if there are more there on Amendatory Veto. I ask for your support in reference to this matter.” 09400123.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“She indicates she will."
“Representative, do you have any idea what the fiscal cost of this is gonna be?”
“Initially, there should not be a cost. The responsibility of the commission will be to come up with a comprehensive master plan. And I think that this could possibly be done with very nominal… minimum amount of, say, like a couple of hundred…”
“Nominal means what? Will $10 thousand get the job done or will it be a hundred thousand or will it be a million?”
“Oh, a couple of hundred thousand dollars.”
“Couple hundred thousand. Is it in the budget?”
“No, but I’m trying to get it in.”
“Did you say it’s not in the budget?”
“I haven’t seen the budget. I’m not too sure that it’s in the budget…”
“I can’t hear her.”
“…at this point.”
“All right. And all the people… what is the total count of the people that will be in this Mid-American Medical District? How many people do you count that will be members?”
“There will be nine members.”
“Nine members. Will they… will they serve with a salary?”
“No, there would be no salary.” 09400123.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Will they be able to charge per diem and mileage to the state?”
“Probably so.”
“Probably. Have you figured that… have you factored that expense into the cost?”
“Yes.”
“So, you think with an annual appropriation of $200 thousand that that’ll take care of this district you wanna establish?”
“Yes.”
“Well, is there an ending date for this committee… this task force? Is there an ending period of time in case it doesn’t work? Is there a sunset on it?”
“There is a 2-year period in which there is reporting and planning in which… to come up with a comprehensive plan.”
“Okay. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, to the Bill. The Lady is working to try and do something for her district. Again, she has a very difficult area to serve, but these commissions and districts have difficult time maintaining themselves and actually ending up doing the kind of good that the Sponsor wants. So, I think you need to, as a Body, take a good, hard look at this legislation to make sure you think it will end up being good public policy.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will. She indicates.” 09400123.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Rep… Representative, I noticed in your Bill that there will be a tax exemption for commission property. Is that… is there a section of land that’s already designated for this medical district, currently?”
“The Bill calls for the site of the district to be between 10th Street and Twinley and Martin Luther King Drive and the highways downtown. It’s the area in and around the Kenneth Hall Memorial Hospital.”
“It’s near the… a hospital?”
“Yes. The hospital is right in the center of it.”
“All right. And will… even if this doesn’t go forward, if this… if the Bill goes forward but you don’t have enough money to move forward with the commission or the district, will all the property in that area of land be tax exempt until the medical district is either dissolved or moves forward? Or how will… how will that work as far as them getting a property tax exemption?”
“The property tax exemption is to the commission, the Mid-American Medical District Commission only. It does not apply to the other lands in… in the district. They would have… that would have to be a master plan put together and then approved by the city council, and then after that a seeking of resources of loans and grants to… to implement the district.”
“So it applies… I’m sorry, I can’t… couldn’t quite hear you. But would it apply to those buildings as they currently stand now if they’re in that district?”
“Only if the commission owned them. The…”
“Only if the commission owned them.” 09400123.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Yes. The… the…”
“And then the commission has the authority to improve them.”
“Yes.”
“And they also have the authority to later sell them.”
“If they own them.”
“So, what would keep them from doing this for a profit or for a friend that lived in that district? Because you’re giving them property tax exemption and then you’re gonna do the buildings and I’m not quite sure how it would work that… is it gonna be an incubator? Do you… do you assume it will be an incubator type district or what exactly is it going to function for?”
“Well, before there could be a transfer of real… real property, the Governor has to approve it. And so, that is one safeguard. And it has to be after… acquisition of property would have to be after there is a master plan that has been approved by the municipality and by the commission.”
“Who appoints the members of the commission?”
“The commission… the Governor appoints the chairman and three members, the Mayor of the City of East St. Louis appoints three members, and the St. Clair County Chairman appoints three members. There are three ex officio members, or their designees: the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Director of Public Health, and the Director of Human Services.”
“Well, it looks like the local officials have the right to appoint members. Who… who gets paid out of all of 09400123.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 this? The board members do not receive a salary but a director or an executive director that they would hire would receive a salary?”
“I didn’t hear your question.”
“It appears from our analysis that besides the Governor, board members can be appointed from various… the Chairman of St. Clair County, I presume, three of the Mayor… by the Mayor of East St. Louis, and three by the Governor, and then another three ex officio members shall be the directors of DECO, Department of Public Health, and Department of Human Services. So, of that group, who would get a salary and who would not? I thought you answered Representative Parke that none of the board members receive compensation.”
“That is correct. None of the board members would receive compensation. The salaries would go to the staff, would go to who is hired to implement the master plan.”
“And that’s what the $200 thousand is for, for the salaries for the staff?”
“Yes.”
“They al… you also… there’s powers of eminent domain…”
“Representative, you wanna bring your remarks to a close. Representative Mulligan.”
“This is last question.”
“Okay.”
“There’s power of eminent domain in here, even to condemn a historic site. Is that correct? Are there historic sites within that that you’re planning on… that would be open for condemnation?” 09400123.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“That was what I said in my introduction, that I’ve asked the Governor to, by Amendatory Veto, to take out all powers of eminent domain. The Bill says ‘no quick-take power’, but it doesn’t say ‘eminent domain’. And I made that correction on Amendatory Veto.”
“It’s too bad. I thought that should’ve been amended out. Thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this Lady represents a very impoverished area. The time she’s served in this House she’s done her best to try to make improvements in the economic development of that region, particularly East St. Louis. She’s used every possible means to provide these economic tools for that area. She has merely patterned her legislation after legislation we passed by Members on that side of the aisle 2 years ago to create a medical district, and that is what this does. So I would simply ask for your support, as we supported your legislation 2 years ago.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from… the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates… she indicates she will.”
"Thank you very much. Representative, I just have a quick question regarding the eminent domain issue. I didn’t quite hear your answer. This legislation, as it is written, allows for this commission, this group to seize property. Is that correct?” 09400123.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“It allows for the purchase or sale of property, but it doesn’t allow for seizing property. There are some eminent domain provisions, which I have indicated that I will… have taken out on Amendatory Veto so that there will be no seizing of… of property. And no qui… it already says that there will be no quick-take.”
"Okay. The version that passed the House, I think it was House Bill 4951, did it also have… is this the exact language of that Bill? Is this the Senate version of that Bill exactly?”
“I don’t think it is the exact version.”
"Okay. Well, I appreciate the answer to the question. I have a concern on the eminent domain issue, especially as it… as it pertains to historical areas. Our understanding in our analysis is that the Bill, as written, would allow eminent domain in historic districts. And I don’t think that’s what you’re intent is, however, the Bill, as written, would do that?”
“That’s correct. That’s not my intent.”
"Okay. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“The Lady from Kane, Representative Lindner, for what reason do you rise? The Gentleman from Mitchell… Is it on this Bill? The Gentleman from Lake, Representative Washington.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“She indicates she will."
“Ms. Younge, what is the unemployment rate in East St. Louis?” 09400123.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Among youth, it’s 90 percent. Among adults, about 34 percent. We have depression-era type of statistics and facts in reference to unemployment, in reference to poor health, in reference to bad housing, in re… reference to attainment in school. And the effort here is to…”
“And I understand that the property taxes are some of the highest in the state. Is that correct?”
“Yes. The property tax is $12 per $100 to assessed evaluations. The high…”
“And so… and so, the medical district, the assets that it would give East St. Louis would be what? What would it… what would it create for one of the cities here in the State of Illinois? What advantages do you see? Could you… could you name a few?”
“The advantages would be that the medical district would build laboratories and hospitals and sanatoriums and nursing school dormitories and there would be jobs in construction. There would be health care jobs. The fastest growing industry in reference to new jobs is health care. And…”
“So, it would give… it would give East St. Louis everything that everybody else wants, basically. Would… is that fair to say? You mentioned good health care, you mentioned job. It would… it would kinda boost the city up and give it another level of trying to make a transition economically for the welfare and future of East St. Louis. Would that be fair to say?”
“That… that’s fair to say. There can’t be quality environment without good health care.” 09400123.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“And you know… you know, Ms. Younge, all of that’s good. And to bear witness that East St. Louis produces good and good, I know it’s the home of Miles Davis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and one of… one of the most important people that I know, yourself included, and myself included. And I urge favorable support for this Bill. Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 848?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 94 voting ‘aye’, 8 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?" Mitchell, B.: “Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your point." Mitchell, B.: “Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I would like… some place in the gallery are senior citizens from Macon County and Decatur. If they could rise. There they are. Stand up. Let the House welcome ya.”
“Welcome the seniors from Macon. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Joyce, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege.”
“State your point." 09400123.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Ladies and Gentlemen, in the gallery on the Republican’s side of the aisle is a constituent and a friend and a very active member of the community in the southwest side of the City of Chicago, my friend, John O’Brien. Please welcome him to Springfield.”
“Welcome to Springfield. The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Sacia, for what reason do you rise?"
“Point of personal privilege, also.”
“State your point."
“Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, many of you know that one of the secretaries on the Republican side of the aisle, Fritz Kanady, is quite ill. And we are having a benefit auction for her tonight at the Pasfield House from 5 to 8 o’clock. We’ve got Raymond Poe’s famous chicken. It’ll be a great time for everybody. We have about 80 auction items. We can get through an item every 40 seconds, so we’ll have ya outta there in good time. And just a reminder that tomorrow is Secretary’s Day and it might be a nice opportunity for you to buy something special for your secretary. So, come out for Fritz tonight, some good food, lot of good camradery, and a lot of bargains on auction items. Pasfield House 5 to 8. Auction will start promptly at 5:30. Thank you, Speaker Turner.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dunkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your point." 09400123.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Just briefly, Representative Sacia, can you share with us who’s gonna be auctioneer?”
“Yes, Sir. I am. I’m one of two licensed auctioneers…”
"You are?”
“…in the General Assembly.”
"Is it… so it’s gonna be worth our while going because of you also.”
“It’s gonna be because your good friend, Senator John Sullivan, a Democrat, is the other auctioneer. So do come.”
"Thank you.”
“Page 4 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 857. Representative Reitz. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 857, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Randolph, Representative Reitz.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 857 amends the School Code with respect to the debt limitation of the school districts. In accordance with current State Law, the General Assembly must grant approval to any grade school or high school district seeking the increase its debt limit beyond the 6.9 percent of equalized assessed value. This legislation is directed to assist Millstadt Community Consolidated School District. It’s a grade school district in my district. And they passed two referendum issues, a 15 cent increase in the Education Fund and a $6.4 million bond issue, just barely pushed them above the current law. And I’d appreciate your support.” 09400123.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 857?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Younge. Representative Cultra. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 60 voting ‘aye’, 42 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Third Readings, we have Senate Bill 859. Representative Dugan. Out of the record. We have Senate Bill 916. Representative Mautino. Representative Mautino, 916. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 916, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Mautino.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is identical language to what was passed out of the House and it refers to military members of the guard who are returning from duty: Afghanistan, Iraq. While they’re in the services and overseas, they’re covered by the federal insurance for all… that all of our troops carry. When they come home this simply says that our returning veterans can’t be underwritten and receive a higher premium than anyone coming back into an individual insurance policy who’d be of the same age. And it… it’s just one further protection to make sure that that health care is accessible to our returning vets. Appreciate an ‘aye’ vote. This received unanimous Roll Call in the House.” 09400123.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 916?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock, on Senate Bill 927. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 927, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“Representative Bellock.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 927 is similar to House Bill 4523, which passed with 116 votes, and what it does is register tattoo and body piercing establishments through the Illinois Department of Public Health, which requires proper sterilization. This Bill was asked by the local blood centers to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply in the State of Illinois and to also protect those from HIV, which the Center for Disease Control has said is dangerous.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 927?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Scully. Scully. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 09400123.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Connie Howard on Senate Bill 1001. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 1001, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Howard.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleagues, you will remember the language in this Bill because it is similar to House Bill 4456, which we approved of and sent to the Senate. Senate Bill 1001 creates a fund called the African- American HIV/AIDS Response Fund. It would be a special fund in the State Treasury. Money deposited into the fund, subject to appropriations, would be used for grants for programs to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. The funding would come from appropriations by the General Assembly, federal funds, and any other public sources. I’ll pause at this point and answer any questions.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“She indicates she will."
“Hello, Representative Howard. How are you?”
“Very well, thank you.”
“Good. One question. If we were to pass your legislation and it’s put in place and we put money into this fund, can the chief executive officer of this state sweep the money for other projects that he deems may be more important?” 09400123.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Unfortunately, that is not something I had any control over. I would not like that to be the case and I would certainly fight that, but I can… I cannot guarantee that there would not be that kind of activity.”
“So, the Governor could sweep this fund even though it’s intended to solve a major problem and…”
“I would certainly hope that because of the fact that it is such a major and a serious issue that he would choose not to sweep this fund.”
“Okay. However, that’s happened in many of the other funds that we’ve established in this state already, many of ‘em worthwhile funds. So, I… I think your Bill has got merit and I wish you well, but we all have serious reservations on voting for legislation that ultimately will be swept for other purposes other than what it was intended to be raised in the first place.”
“I’d like to remind you that only excess funds are swept. This… this particular Bill…”
“Well, excess funds…”
“…will probably not have excess funds…”
“Representative, I understand what you’re saying, but we all know…”
“Because there is such a… because there is such a great need, I don’t anticipate there being excess funds in this particular fund.”
“Well, thank you, Representative. But excess funds in your eyes and my eyes are certainly different than what the Governor and his staff has seen it to be. So, good luck. Thank you.” 09400123.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McKeon, for what reason do you rise?"
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
“She indicates she will."
"Representative Howard, I was quickly looking through the Bill here and couldn’t find an answer to my question, so if I can direct it to you. This fund… am I correct in understanding that this fund would be administered by the HIV section within the Illinois Department of Public Health?”
“Could you repeat the question?”
"Yeah. Speaker, could we have a little… Representative Howard, I wasn’t able to locate it in the Bill, but is it… is my understanding correct that this fund, once established and has revenue in it, that those revenues, in terms of grants and so forth, would be determined by the HIV section of the Illinois Department of Public Health?”
“That is correct.”
"All right. So, it’s not setting up a new section. There’s already a minority intervention.”
“No, this fund would be administered by the current structure.”
"I’m sorry?”
“This fund would be administered by the current structure, the structure that is currently in place.”
"Which is Illinois Department of Public Health, the HIV/AIDS Prevention Outreach Program.”
“Let me say that the Illinois Department of Public Health will be administering the fund. Whether or not they 09400123.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 choose to administer it through that division is not something that I can, with any assurance, say.”
"Right. Well, there’s… there’s currently two and either one, I think, would be appropriate. But it’s a Minority Outreach Program has a director as well as the HIV section. They work closely together. Is my understanding correct that that current structure would be utilized?”
“I think I said before that I know that the fund will be administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Whether they use either of the two funds that you’re talking about or something else is not something that I have any kind… any control over.”
"So… all right. Well, those are not funds. But it would be the existing structure within the Illinois Department of Public Health.”
“That’s correct. IDPH.”
"All right. Thank you. That answers my question and I…”
“Thank you.”
"And, of course, I strongly support your Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Will the Sponsor yield? Representative, this is similar to legislation that we passed, House Bill 4456, that’s now in the Senate, but the major difference between the two is the fact that the legislation that you passed over to the Senate did have in it the protection of the sweep, that… that they could not sweep these funds. House Bill 4456.”
“That’s correct.” 09400123.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"So the difference here is this legislation does essentially the same thing except for the fact that it is possible that funds can be taken from this. Now, I have a question about a term you used to describe the funds. You called them ‘excess’ funds. I’m wondering what that means exactly if they’re ‘excess’.”
“Representative Eddy, it’s my understanding that… not… the money in some funds is not used as rapidly as in other funds. And it, therefore, has set for a while and there’s been no activity.”
"So…”
“That… that… I think is a… is probably a definition of ‘excess funds’, funds where they apparently are not moving in some kind of frequent manner. As I said to Representative Parke, we anticipate that because of the seriousness of this disease in this state that we will not have any kind of problem with there being any funds that we could consider to be excess.”
"Representative, I would like to agree with you because of the seriousness of this. I would like to believe that. Unfortunately, those who have given money to the Illinois Firefighters Memorial Fund probably feel like that fund would be something that if money were swept from it would be so egregious that no one would want that to be… no one would want that to happen. However, in the past, fund sweeps have included money from the Illinois Firefighters Memorial, also the School Technology Revolving Loan Fund has had ‘excessive money’ taken from it. That’s my concern. I think the underlying idea is absolutely necessary. I applaud you for 09400123.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 that. Now, my understanding, it’s subject to appropriations. Is that right?”
“That is correct.”
"And… and is there, to your knowledge, any appropriation for this fund in the budget at this time?”
“To my knowledge, there is not.”
"Okay. However, if in this version of the Bill the administration wanted to put money in this line item, there’s nothing that would… would really stop them from identifying some of it as ‘excess’, as they have in these other funds, and then sweeping a portion of that. Not like the Bill we did pass out over here, by the way, which I voted for. I voted for the Bill that passed out of here with that protection. In that Bill… in that Bill, that can’t happen. And that’s the fundamental difference between these two Bills. And I… I reluctantly rise in opposition, only because of that particular issue. I don’t believe that it’s practical. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. I think the Bill you passed out of here had the protections that were necessary. Reluctantly, I’m gonna vote against this. I would urge a message to be sent to the administration, not necessarily on the issue, but on the procedure and that the guarantee that you sought in your Bill be guaranteed in all these types of Bills that are so important. Thank you.”
“Repre… Yes, Representative Eddy, I would certainly wish that I could tell you and assure you that this Bill would not be subject to some kind of sweep, but I hope that you along with others in this… this chamber will not throw 09400123.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 out the baby with the bath water. I still think that the issue is such, that whatever we have access to, whichever resources there are, that we can save some people. We may not be able to save as many if we have to be concerned about some of it going some place else, but if there’s any money left that could save somebody and keep some of the suffering that we are experiencing from happening to some of our families, I would certainly hope that you would think about that before you talk about being opposed.”
"Representative, I appreciate that. And I think that my thought for that did… did occur in the Bill that did pass. I wholeheartedly support that because it contains those protections. I am ashamed of the fact that we’re… we’re in a situation where we have to gather round those things that we feel are important and protect them the way we have to. This is being set up for a great purpose, all of these funds. I could read dozens of them that were set up for the purpose. And when people pay the fine or the fee or the tax that goes into those funds, they have a fundamental belief that the money that they’re spending is going for the purpose they intended. Unfortunately, the way we’ve done finance here in the State of Illinois the last couple of years, they can’t be assured of that. And short of that assurance, unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to stop it is only to support the Bills like the one you passed out of here that does contain that kind of protection. Thank you, though, for the opportunity to voice that. And again, great deal of respect for the Sponsor, I understand what you’re trying to do here. But 09400123.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 until we have a situation where we know those funds are protected, I simply can’t support it. Thank you.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Flowers, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?”
“She indicates she will."
“Representative Howard, what is the status of House Bill 4556 (sic-4456) in the Senate?”
“It is, I think, back in the Rules Committee and it’s not going to move.”
“Do you know the reason why that Bill is not going to be moved?”
“Members of the… well, the powers to be have decided that there were some problems with it and this is the result of the… the compromise.”
“So, House Bill 4456, the Bill that had the language in it where the funds could not be swept, is stuck in Rules over in the Senate. And Senate Bill 1001 is on Third Reading and there this legislation would allow the funds to be swept. Are we sending the wrong message, Representative?”
“What message is that that you think we’re sending, Representative?”
“That this legislation is so important that the funds need to be protected, but yet that Bill is stuck over in Rules over in the Senate.”
“Ya… ya know, Representative, I certainly wish that, as you wish, that we didn’t have to compromise and that anything that I thought was great would be accepted without 09400123.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 question by all of my colleagues whether in the House or the Senate. That does not always happen. And you, therefore, sometimes must figure out how to get something that you need, something that you want, and then you attempt to at some point build on that. I think this is the situation that we find ourselves in with this particular piece of legislation.”
“I… Representative, I guess…”
“And therefore…”
“My concern…”
“That’s why I’ve agreed to accept it. Yes?”
“Well, my concern is… ya know, I agree. I don’t mind compromising. I don’t mind giving and taking a little bit. But the fact of the matter is I can’t say for sure that the funds that I’m about to vote on for this particular legislation and the reason in which you are articulating will go to the reason in which you state they’re gonna go to because they can be swept. But I would’ve been more assured had your Bill became the law because there’s protection, there’s language there that say those funds cannot be swept. So, therefore, I feel insecure about voting on this legislation and felt very sure, and that’s the reason why I voted ‘aye’ on the House Bill as opposed to the Senate Bill, because I was for sure where those funds will be going.”
“Well, again, if I had control over the process we wouldn’t be having this kind of discussion.”
“Do you think…”
“I do believe, though, that once we have established a fund, perhaps there will be a means or a way of identifying 09400123.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 funds. But at this point, we don’t have the fund. And if we can do this then I’m hopeful of the future.”
“Well, once last question, Representative. Do you think maybe if this Bill was not successful at passing out of this chamber then the Senate will have to deal with your Bill?”
“I really don’t know.”
“Just a thought on compromising.”
“I really don’t know but I have doubts.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
“And thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyer, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“She indicates she will."
“Representative, first of all, I was happy to support your Bill that went to the Senate and I… I do believe that there is a need for what you’re attempting to do. However, let me ask this. How does this Bill and the Bill that you passed to the Senate differ?”
“The difference is, in fact, the question about the funds. We…”
“That is the only difference?”
“That’s my understanding that that is the difference. We had… we had hoped that we would not be subject to any kind of excess fund sweeps.”
“Well, why doesn’t…”
“But that is not the way that it was accepted in the other chamber.” 09400123.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Why… why does the Senate Leadership believe that they oughta be giving the Governor the ability to sweep these types of funds?”
“Ya know, Representative Meyer, I have not raised that question with them. I was certainly very disappointed to learn that the Bill was not in the same form, but I also understand that, again, I am not able to control everything. They said that that’s… that would not pass in that chamber and I, therefore, accepted it and understand that there is also a possibility that at some point I will be able to go back and do something else.”
“Rep… Representative, when you say ‘they’, are you talking about the President of the Senate, are you talking about other Leadership positions? Who are you… who’s ‘they’?”
“I’m not… I can’t be specific because I cannot say who it was. I just know that whomever did what they did in the Senate decided that it was not to pass out of that chamber in the manner that… or even come out of the… the Rules Committee in that way. So that when it went to the…”
“Do you know…”
“I think it… I think it went to the committee and there… at the committee level, a decision was made that it was not going to be acceptable to the committee. And, therefore…”
“Do you know if the Governor or the Governor’s… well, actually, the Governor’s people that go to these hearings on his behalf, do you know if they gave testimony regarding this?” 09400123.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“I do not know whether or not they gave testimony regarding this.”
“Have you ever contacted them to see if they are opposed to that aspect of it?”
“Opposed to…? Opposed to what?”
“That aspect of your Bill. The sweeping of funds.”
“You mean the… you mean the Bill as it initially went in that direction?”
“Yes.”
“I have not contacted them to see whether or not…”
“Did they contact you and indicate they had a problem with it?”
“They did not contact me.”
“Do you think that perhaps having a new Governor would solve your problem?”
“I am… I’m not familiar with what you’re talking about. We have a… we have a Governor.”
“Well, I know we have a Governor that continues to sweep funds that are necessary for the running of this state. Funds that people have agreed to be taxed on so that they can have government watch to make certain that they are following the regulations that are in our laws and have been adjudicated with us. I know that… that the current Governor has stepped back away from a lot of the things that the House of Representatives and the Senate in the past have pass… in the past have put into law and have been signed into Governors… by Governors into law, including the Pension Fund. And this Governor continues to sweep those funds too 09400123.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 from… and cause us to go further into debt to the point where the…”
“Bring your remarks to a close, Representative.”
“…to the point… then to the Bill… to the point that the rating of this state is, quite frankly, in the tubes and is probably going to fall in the near future. I’m disappointed that the Senate should take that tactic with your legislation, should play those games with your legislation because, quite frankly, I thought we sent them a good… a good piece of legislation for them to consider that had protections to make sure that the people in this state were properly administered to. And unfortunately, I’m very disappointed they’ve chosen to take this task… tact of being against the people of this state.”
“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 1001?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 94 voting ‘aye’, 7 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to be recorded as a ‘no’ on Senate Bill 857.”
“The record will so reflect your intent.”
“Thank you.” 09400123.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Representative Ramey on Senate Bill 1088. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 1088, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Ramey.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill comes to us from the Senate after we voted on this previously in the House. It was a great Bill that we passed here 110-0 from a certain State Rep, I believe in my first term here. It’s been a great year. We’ve had a tough election, had a great softball game, and now I’ve had a Bill hijacked. So, it’s still a great idea and I ask for your support on this Bill.”
"Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 1088?’ All those in favor vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Golar. Tryon. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Phelps on House Bill… Senate Bill 1144. Representative Phelps, the Gentleman from White.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is the Let Them Rest In Peace Bill that we keep hearing from this hate group coming over to our Illinois soil and protesting our fallen soldiers’ funerals.” 09400123.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Representative Phelps, just one minute. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 1144, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from White, Representative Phelps.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is the Let Them Rest In Peace Act. This legislation is long overdue and I think you agree with me that we owe this out of the respect to our fallen soldiers, not only them but also to their families. The last thing that a fallen soldier’s family needs to go through is the see this hate group from Kansas or any other group say hateful things and hold hateful signs like ‘Thank God for Dead Soldiers’. I think it’s, like I said, long overdue. I… if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Miller, for what reason do you rise?"
“To the Bill, Mr. Speaker.”
“To the Bill.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I strong… I stand in strong support of this legislation. As you know, last week we laid to rest a soldier from my community where I represent in Lansing, Illinois. One of these groups decided to come to our state to discuss or to yell things while a family is laying their son, their brother to rest. There’s a time and a place for free speech. I do strongly believe in free speech, but this young man had given his life to our country and to us so we can able to debate the issues here 09400123.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 in the State Capitol. This is only the right thing to do and I urge all Members of the General Assembly to support the Bill. Thank you.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to support the Gentleman’s Bill. He’s worked long and hard on it. I want to thank him on behalf of all of us in Illinois, as well as Lieutenant Governor Quinn who spent a good deal of time on this. It was a very difficult Bill to negotiate and they deserve a good deal of credit for putting a Bill together that will accomplish so much. It’s an important Bill and I would urge ‘aye’ votes.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McKeon, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. The family involved in this situation comes from Kansas City and I’m sure many of you have heard news reports of what they have been engaged in over the last six or seven months in terms of picketing and… and disrupting funeral services for fallen soldiers. I happen to know Fred Phelps personally and have been the subject of his demonstrations on two occasions. It’s a family enterprise. Fred Phelps is a disbarred attorney in his home state, a self-ordained minister of his family church. They make much of their living for the entire family, himself, and his extended family through lawsuits filed by one of his sons, and I’m sure that there will be an effort to do that with respect to this law because he snubbed his nose at every other state that has 09400123.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 passed similar legislation. I strongly support this Bill. I personally have not encountered such a disgusting display of… of protest and often involves not only his children, but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren holding signs that I find personally very repugnant, and I’m sure people here, ya know, would find repugnant as well. I think they’ve… there were some issues with this Bill originally with organized labor. Those issues have been worked out such that a legitimate labor informational picket or otherwise it would not criminalize that behavior, and yet at the same time attempt to deal with what I consider to be vicious and inciteful rhetoric as well as, ya know, other disruptions, which I… I think are a real affront to the men and women who are serving us in the Armed Forces, both… particularly those in harm’s way. I just urge you to strongly support this Bill. There may be illegal challenge and we’ll deal with it when that comes. But this… this kind of behavior is just totally reprehensible and we need to address it in… in some way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
Speaker Turner: “Seeing no… The Gentleman from McLean, Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?"
“Will the Sponsor yield, Mr. Speaker?"
“He indicates he will."
“Thank you very much. Representative, just a couple questions regarding the legislation. First off, is this including within 200 feet, funeral homes, churches, cemeteries, any type of facility or place where a memorial service would be conducted?”
“Yes, Sir.” 09400123.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank you very much. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. I also, too, support this legislation as a licensed funeral director myself. I can think of no greater disrespect than, whatever particular situation, protesting at a individual’s funeral or memorial service. And I support the legislation wholeheartedly. Thank you for bringing it forward, Representative.”
“The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Sacia, for what reason do you rise?"
“Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, no one has mentioned the Patriot Guard in discussion of this Bill thus far, and it needs to be mentioned. There is a group of motorcycle riders, strongly supported by ABATE, here in Illinois that whenever this dysfunctional group decides to protest, goes to the funeral and provides a barrier. Two weeks ago, many of you met my son on this House Floor and you know he’s an Apache helicopter pilot. One of his very close friends was shot down and killed the very day he was on this House Floor. He was a pallbearer in Kansas City, Missouri, late last week and the Patriot Guard was there to stand between the family and these protesters. And when you vote in favor of this legislation, give kudos to the motorcycle riders that are at… were at that particular funeral. Over 200 of them all carrying American flags and putting their bikes between the families and the… and the protestors. There’s a great group and they deserve kudos for what they’ve done, and I applaud Representative Phelps for bringing this forward. It’s excellent legislation.” 09400123.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Seeing no further questions, the question is… Representative Phelps to close.”
“Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, just to be brief, I wanna thank a few people. Lieutenant Pat Quinn and his staff for working so tirelessly in bringing this forward, Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, Representative John Fritchey, Senator Dale Righter, and to all the families that had to go through this disgusting behavior. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is up to us today to send a message that we will not stand for this disgusting behavior here on Illinois sole… soil. And I urge a ‘yes’ vote. Thank you.”
“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 1144?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Feigenholtz. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Collins, we have Senate Bill 1145. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
“Senate Bill 1145, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Collins.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re just asking for the passage of House… Senate Bill 1145. What it does is expands Redeploy Illinois and what that does is we bring in programs to the State of Illinois so it’s a diversion program so that 09400123.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 our juveniles will have a chance to have a better living. I ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 1145?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Pritchard. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5 of the Calendar we have Senate Bill 2202. Representative Soto. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 2202, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Soto.”
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 2202 amends the Teacher Certification Article of the School Code. Provides that a person who has… who have been employed for at least 1 year in their current Early Childhood Program in a public or private school or community-based entity, including para… paraprofessionals enrolled in teacher preparation programs, may be paid and receive credit while student… student teaching. And I urge an ‘aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 2202?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. 09400123.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Jefferson, do you wanna handle Senate Bill 2310? 2310. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 2310, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
“The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Jefferson.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I’m trying to get the synopsis up…”
“I know Representative Colvin is the chief co… chief Sponsor and you’re the cosponsor of the Bill.”
“Senate Bill 10 (sic-2310) amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any person who uses a consumer credit report in connection with the approval of credit based on the application for an extension of credit and who has received the notification of a police report filed with the consumer credit reporting agency that the applicant has been a victim of aggravated identifi… identity theft may not lend money or extend credit without taking responsible steps to verify the consumer’s identity and confirm that the application for an extension of credit is not the result of financial identification. And I would ask for an ‘aye’ vote.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Parke, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will." 09400123.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Representative, I… I understand you’re just carrying this Bill, so you don’t have real… real knowledge on it, but let me just ask you. If somebody wishes to voluntarily put a freeze on their Bill, they can do that? I mean, on their credit, they can freeze it?”
“According to the Bill read… the way the Bill reads, I would assume so.”
“And if they freeze it, how do you get the free… how do you get it off?”
“I don’t know. I think you would have to go back through the steps with the Consumer Protection Board to make sure that they’re included in that process.”
“And as far as you know, there’s no opposition to this.”
“As far as I know.”
“All right. It’s a shame that the Sponsor’s not here ‘cause I have some questions on the credit aspect of it and I wanna make sure that people who put a freeze on understand what they’re putting a free… when they put it on that they can no longer get credit. And I just wanna know if… if they put a freeze on it, how do we notify all the people that are going to be seeking to… to get credit, that they have to go through a long and lengthy process to get that freeze off? And so, well, I guess we can’t do anything about it. I have to respect you filling in for the Sponsor. I think it’s a good Bill.”
“Yes.”
“And I plan on voting for it, but I wanted to make sure the public record… that there were some information there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.” 09400123.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank you.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House pass Senate Bill 2310?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado on Senate Bill 2328. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 2328, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Delgado.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, I do have to bring up a point. I have this on schedule tomorrow. Did we get… I understand on 2328 I have a… was it a Floor Amendment? I’ll present it but I have it in committee tomorrow at 10 a.m.”
“Mr. Clerk…”
“Can you give us the status? It would be for Floor Amendment #3, adds another provision requested by the Department of Human Services to establish the Illinois Steps for Attaining Higher…”
“Wait a minute. Just a minute. Mr. Clerk, bring the Bill back to Second Reading. The Gentleman… the Gentleman asked leave to bring the Bill back to Second.”
“Yeah, that’s the Floor Amendment.” 09400123.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Read the Bill. The Bill will remain on Second until the Amendment has been moved… catches up. Take the Bill out of the record. On page 5 of the Calendar we have Senate Bill 2330. Representative McAuliffe. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 2330, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McAuliffe.”
“Mr. Speaker, can you tell me the status of Senate Bill 2330?”
“Mr. Clerk, it’s on Third Reading. The status of Senate Bill 2330.”
"Senate Bill 2330 is on the Order of Senate Bills- Third Reading.”
“Representative McAuliffe.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2330 is the Blind Vendors Program Act. This would include an opportunity for the blind vendors to be involved in a more… in a more prestigious way of helping them raise money. There… there was many discussion in committee and I move forward on House Bill… or on Senate Bill 2330, the Blind Vendor Program, and note that John Gordon, who is the chairman of the Illinois Blind Vendors, does live in my 20th district. And hope for a ‘yes’ vote on Senate Bill 2330.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyer, for what reason do you rise?"
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, question of the Sponsor.” 09400123.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“He indicates he will."
“Representative, in committee there was discussion by one of those that was… one of the departments that was opposed to the… this legislation in that it dealt with people with disabilities and allowing mentally and developmentally disabled clients of theirs to have a training store… or a training counter… food counter in their facility, and they felt, in fact, that this was going to prohibit them from being able to run that counter. Did you have any further conversation with them or get that straightened out in any way?”
“No, I haven’t. Mr. Speaker, can you please pull this Bill out of the record?”
“The Gentleman asks to take the Bill out of the record. Remove the Bill. Representative Feigenholtz, we have Senate Bill 2445. Out of the record. Representative Giles on Senate Bill 2796. Mr. Clerk, the Gentleman asks leave to bring that Bill back to Second Reading. Representative Giles.”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker. If we could move the Bill to Second Reading for a technical Amendment.”
“The Bill will be moved… placed on the Order of Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 3016. Representative Granberg. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 3016, a Bill for an Act concerning sex offenders. Third Reading of this Senate Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Clinton, Representative Granberg.” 09400123.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 3016 expands the information provided by the Statewide Sex Offender Database. What… this Bill will now include the county of conviction, all license plate numbers registered in the offender’s name, and any distinguishing marks located on the body of the offender. Additionally, at the request of the State Police, we’ve provided clarification of language on information on tracking information that would correspond with the LEADS system. Additionally, it would provide that in the database you would na… you would have the name and age of the offender and the victim. That was done at the request of a child advocacy agency. So, if you have any questions I’d be more than happy to address them.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House… Senate Bill 3016 pass?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Scully. Yvetter. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 2 of the Calendar we have House Bills- Second Reading. Representative Jakobsson on House Bill 1815. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"House Bill 1815, a Bill for an Act concerning pensions. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by 09400123.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Representative Jakobsson, has been approved for consideration.”
Speaker Turner: “The Lady from Champaign, Representative Jakobsson, on Amendment #1.”
“House Bill 15… 1815 creates the Pension Stabilization Fund to assist with funding for the unfunded liabilities of the state’s retirement system. The fund, which would be otherwise known as the Pension Rainy Day Fund, is similar to what we already have in state’s Rainy Day Fund and it requires the state to save twice as much whenever the state experiences revenue growth. The funds would be based upon when the state sees an increase in its revenue, putting aside in the Pension Rainy Day Fund .5 percent, and this has to occur when there is an increase in the revenue. And in this Bill also it says that it would… the funds would not be offset… they would not offset what goes in to… what comes from the General Revenue Fund.”
“There are six people ready to speak. They’re all, I believe, are opponents. So, we’re going to call two of the six. Representative Meyer, the Gentleman from DuPage, for what reason do you rise?"
“I have a procedural question, Mr. Speaker.”
“State your inquiry.”
“I have a question on… I have a Floor Amendment #2. The status on that.”
“Mr. Clerk.”
"Floor Amendment #2 remains in the House Rules Committee.”
“Representative Meyer.” 09400123.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Mr. Speaker, I’d like to know why I haven’t been given an opportunity to have a fair hearing on that. It’s not been released. It is very pertinent to this legislation and should’ve been released to the committee for hearing, or out to the floor for a hearing as far as that’s concerned.”
“Representative Meyer, the chairperson of the Rules Committee is not in attendance today. I won’t be able to truthfully answer why your Bill has not been called. But the Rules Committee tends to be the committee that, ya know, initiates…”
“Well, I would just ask that this Bill not be moved to Third until an answer to my question is given to me.”
“The Sponsor seems to be insistent in having her Bill called at this time… her Amendment called at this time. It’s not on Third Reading.”
“No. No, that’s not right. Ya know, I have… I have an Amendment that it was filed in a timely basis for this Bill. It’s not been released for a fair hearing. I have a right for that fair hearing. And I’m asking the Sponsor not to… not to move this Bill to Third Reading is what I’m asking for her to agree to until my Amendment… until you get back to me as to what’s the status of my Amendment and why it hasn’t been heard.”
“Representative, first of all, we are only entertaining Amendments to this Bill at this time. We’re entertaining Amendment #1. The Bill will not be moved from Third Reading today and… to Third Reading today. And so, if your Amendment is released from Rules tomorrow then you will still have the opportunity, your Amendment or any other 09400123.doc 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Amendments, then they will have the opportunity to present them.”
“If… if…”
“But she would like to adopt Amendment #1 on this Bill.”
“Okay, so…”
“This is not final action.”
“Mr. Speaker, if… if the Chair says and agrees that this Bill’s not going to move to Third until that occurs and…”
“I’m saying that it’s not going to move to Third Reading today.”
“Will it move to Third Reading automatically tomorrow or will you revisit this to move it through the Body participation?”
“That… that decision is the Sponsor’s decision. And if you care to talk with her after she adopts this Amendment, you can have that discussion.”
“My… my question is this. The only way that that Bill should be moved from Second to Third is if the Chair moves it. Is the Chair going to move it tomorrow as a part of the meeting or outside the meeting of the chamber?”
“Representative, as I mentioned before, it’s the Sponsor’s decision to determine the life of legislation around here. This Bill is not going to move today. For one reason, there’s been Amendments, note requests that have been made. So this Bill will have to sit until those notes are at least… the answers to those notes have been addressed. And so we know…” 09400123.doc 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Okay. Then let me address another procedural question to you. Prior… if tomorrow the Sponsor decides that she wishes the chamber to move… the Bill to moved to Third Reading, will it be done in the open chamber or it will be done prior to the chamber meeting and…?”
“They are always done in the open chamber. It will not be moved until the note requests have been satisfied.”
“Okay. So… so the Chair will actually move it if it does get moved. Okay, thank you.”
“That’s the way it moves.”
“Thank you.”
“Representative Stephens on the Amendment.”
“Well, Mr. Speaker, inquiry of the Chair.”
“State your inquiry.”
“First of all, the… as to the Rules Committee. Is it your position that because the chairman of the Rules Committee is not here today, is indeed absent, that the Rules Committee doesn’t meet?”
“The Rules Committee did, in fact, meet once today. The chairman of the committee had to leave earlier, but she was, in fact, here when we had a meeting earlier today. So we did meet while the chairman was here. Do we intend to meet again tonight? That’s not on the agenda at this point.”
“Can the Rules Committee meet in absence of the chair?”
“If there is a new chair that wants to be appointed. But at this…” 09400123.doc 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“I… I volunteer.”
“You volunteer. And the committee will take that under consideration. There’s some of us here that can still vote on that and we’ll take that under consideration.”
“All right. Well, I… at the time, I’d like to make the appropriate Motion to have myself appointed chair of the Rules Committee. But otherwi… you said earlier that the… the sponsorship of the Bill determines the fate of legislation.”
“I believe that’s the… that’s…”
“I have some Bills that I’d like to get out of Rules.”
“Right. The mistake was sending ‘em to Rules.”
“That wasn’t my move. And I… as the new policy established by this Chair that we are indeed in charge of our own legislation, I move to have all Republican Bills moved from… from Rules to the House Floor.”
“That Motion is out of order. You weren’t recognized for that purpose, Representative.”
“Why was I recognized?”
Speaker Turner: “We’re still… we’re still answering that question. We thought it was to this Amendment. I thought I made it clear. Do you wish to comment on Amendment #1?”
“Well, I… I wish that we could debate it along with other good ideas about pension reform in Illinois. I wish that I could debate it with Representative Meyer’s concepts about what we need to do about pension reform and I wonder if the Lady would yield for a question.”
“The Lady says she will yield for a question on Amendment #1. State your question.” 09400123.doc 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Why are we in a position where this is necessary?”
“I’ve talked about Rainy Day Funds for a long time, even several years ago, and I think that it’s a good move. I think it does right for the citizens of Illinois.”
“In your recollection, has anything happened in the last year or so that’s affected the Pension Fund that makes this a little more apparent, a little more urgent?”
“We’re not talking about the last year, we’re talking about the last three decades of abuses to the Pension Fund.”
“Compared to the last three decades? Last year overwhelms all of the last three decades. What happened last year, with your vote, Representative, and colleagues on your side of the aisle, you decided that we’re going to raid the Pension Fund, not just last year, but you’re planning on doing it this year. That’s why we ask about the light of day. Will everything’s gonna be done in the light of day? Well, I’m not so sure that you’re explanations about what is right for the Pension Fund… we’re gonna put a little smoke up here and we’re gonna tell the press, oh, we’re taking care of the Pension Fund. If you’re a teacher or a retired state employee or if you depend upon your pension, you’re going to say you’ve taken care of it. When indeed you’ve taken over $2 billion out of those funds and caused future taxpayers of this state to be in debt to the tune of $38 billion. You’re gonna try and escape Springfield and say, ‘Oh, we did a good job with the pensions.’ And you and I know that that is not true. This is nothing about putting the real dollars back in the Pension Fund that you stole last year and plan on stealing again this year. This is 09400123.doc 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 smoke and mirrors and everyone in your district knows it. Everyone downstate surely appreciates the fact that under this Governor’s leadership the pensions in the State of Illinois are the worst, the worst in the United States of America. And we are taking more dollars out of them. That’s the public policy that you support because you support this administration. You put your vote up there to steal from that fund last year. We’re stealing from it again. Well, we aren’t. You’re stealing from it again this year and now you’re going to portray yourself as having saved the Pension Funds. And nothing, Representative, could be further from the truth.”
“Thank you, Representative. The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Rose, for what reason do you rise?"
“Question of the Amendment’s Sponsor.”
“State your question.”
“What does this Amendment do, Representative?”
“Representative, I already stated what it does.”
“So, it… okay. Well, it…”
“It’s a pension stabilization fund.”
“If GRF increases 4 percent year-to-year, it kicks in, correct? Is that right?”
“That’s right.”
“Okay.”
“So you do understand what it does.”
“So GRF and the Governor’s Budget Address… the Governor’s Budget Address, okay, his proposed budget, not what we might eventually get here, but his proposed budget might go up 09400123.doc 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 something over 4 percent to about $28 billion. One percent of $28 billion is $280 million. One-half of 1 percent is $140 million. Representative, the pension skim this year is 1.1 billion out of Senate Bill 27 that you voted for last year. What is 1.1 billion minus 140 million?”
“You’ve been pretty good at doing the math so far so I’m sure you have that answer.”
“It’s about a net skim of $960 million, a net skim of $960 million. And that’s… and that is if the 4 percent even threshold is ever even triggered. Now, let’s talk about a Rainy Day Fund. You’re gonna set aside another half a percent, or $140 million, for a Rainy Day Fund. Is that accurate?”
“You read the Bill.”
“That’s correct? Okay. Rainy Day Fund. Let’s see, we have $1.8 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills. That’s a six- month payment cycle for our nursing homes and health care providers all over the State of Illinois. We’re raiding 1.1 billion out of the pension… oh, excuse me, it’s only $960 million after your half a percent giveback. And you’re gonna put $140 million into a Rainy Day Fund? I got news for ya. It’s raining. It’s raining already.”
“Representative Jakobsson to close.”
“Thank you. House Amendment #1, as I said before, creates the Pension Stabilization Fund and it will assist with funding the unfunded liabilities of the state’s pension retirement systems. I urge that this Amendment be adopted.”
“The Gentleman… The Lady has closed. All those in favor of adopting Amendment #1 to House Bill 1815 should 09400123.doc 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Further Amendments?”
"No further Amendments have been approved for consideration, but a fiscal mandates, pension and state debt note have been requested on the Bill as amended and the notes have not been filed.”
Speaker Turner: “The Bill should remain on Second. Representative Saviano on Senate… on House Bill 5475. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"House Bill 5475, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"House Bill 5475, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Saviano.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 5475, now amended in committee, this simply extends my TIF district for the Village of Franklin Park. We now have a developer and we had to extend the TIF to allow for the financing for the project. And I would ask for a favorable vote.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall House Bill 5475 pass?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all 09400123.doc 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 voted who wish? Beiser. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Second Reading, Representative Danny Burke on Senate Bill 185. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 185, a Bill for an Act concerning Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Fritchey on Senate Bill 279. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 279, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill’s been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Fritchey, has been approved for consideration.”
Speaker Turner: “Third Reading. I’m sorry, Representative Fritchey on Floor Amendment #2. The Bill shall remain on Second Reading and Representative Fritchey on Amendment #2.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Amendment #2 is the result of some significant work by the Illinois State Dental Society as well as the department. We know of no objection to the Amendment. It provides for a provi… for provisions involving the continuation of a practice in the event of a… of a death by a dentist. It allows the spouse, with certain regulations, to enable to continue that practice and wind it up in due course. We believe that this is a very good 09400123.doc 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 framework for what may follow with other practices in the future. As I said, we know of no opposition to the Amendment and I request an aye’ vote. Thank you.”
“Seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 279?’ All those in favor should say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And Amendment #2 is adopted. Further Amendments?”
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Fritchey on Senate Bill 9… 946. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 946, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. The Bill’s been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Hamos on Senate Bill 1863. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Out of the record. Representative Brosnahan on Senate Bill 2437. Out of the record. Representative Saviano. Out of the record. Representative Parke. Out of the record. Representative Acevedo. Out of the record. Representative Osterman on Senate Bill 2871. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”
"Senate Bill 2871, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill’s been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Third Reading. Representative Robin Kelly, on the Order of Concurrences on page 12 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 4715. Representative Kelly.” 09400123.doc 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“House Bill 4715 creates the Safe Homes Act. It provides that a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence has certain rights with respect to the victim’s dwelling unit. It provides that, depending upon the circumstances, the victim can obtain relief that includes requiring that the landlord change locks, allowing the victim to change the locks if the landlord does not act, terminating the lease, and also imposing penalties on a landlord for certain violations. Senate Floor Amendment #2 redefines ‘tenant’ as a person who entered into an oral or written lease, it makes various changes to the tenant’s affirmative defenses to a landlord’s action for rent. It provides that the Act is not a defense against an action for rent for a period of time before the tenant gave the required notice and vacated the landlord’s premises. It also adds reasonable attorney fees and costs to the relief available to a tenant who seeks injunctive release against a landlord to get the locks changed.”
“The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Rose, for what reason do you rise?”
“Question of the Sponsor.”
“She indicates she’ll yield.”
“Representative, thank you for your discussions in committee and then with me also on this. And I just wanted to check, there was a number of concerns regarding minor children who might not have their name on the lease but would, nonetheless, have a right to possess… possess the property and use the property. Also, there’s a concern regarding estates. So if someone were to be killed as a 09400123.doc 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 leasehold… having a leasehold interest in a property, the provisions in here dealing with immunity would not necessarily apply to third parties. And I think you and I had a discussion where you agreed to run a trailer Bill to address those two concerns. Is that accurate?”
“Right. I asked that the concurrence we pass today and then we will work on the trailer Bill for Veto Session to include those concerns.”
“Well, Representative, I know you’re a Lady of your word. And with that representation, I think we will be voting for this today. I do have those two concerns regarding minors and the estate. But with that representation, I’ll be happy to vote for your Bill. Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
“Seeing no further questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 4715?’ This is final action. All those in favor should signify by voting ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 4715. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Resolutions, we have… page 13, House Joint Resolution 115. Representative Reis. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk.” 09400123.doc 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"House Joint Resolution 115. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Reis, has been approved for consideration.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Jasper, Representative Reis.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Just a couple of changes to the Re… Resolution that was passed in committee. The placing the direction of the task force under the Department of Agriculture and making a couple technical changes broadening the member associations who will be appointed to this board. I ask for your approval.”
“The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Jefferson, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In form of an announcement, Election and Campaign Committee will meet at 4:00, as close to 4:00 as possible in Room D-1. Thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “Seeing no further questions… seeing no questions, the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt Floor Amendment #1 to House Joint Resolution 115?’ All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Amendment’s adopted. Further Amendments?”
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed.”
“Call the Resolution… read the Resolution.”
"House Joint Resolution 115 creates the Joint Task Force on Meat and Poultry Inspection.”
“Representative Reis.” 09400123.doc 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Thank you again, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As he said, this creates a task force on meat and poultry inspection, specifically to look into the discrepancies of Type I and Type II meat packing plants in the State of Illinois. I’d be happy to answer any questions and certainly ask for your support.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from DeKalb, Representative Pritchard, for what reason do you rise?"
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?”
“He indicates he will."
"Mr. Reis, this sounds like a good Bill and I guess I’m listed on it, but I wanna know that if this passes will there be less chicken on some of our campaign circuits?”
"Being a pork producer, I don’t think I should answer that. But, no, this will not have anything to do with the amount of chicken dinners that we go to.”
"Very good. Thank you.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey. No questions. The question is, ‘Shall the House adopt House Joint Resolution 115?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’, 0 ‘noes’, 0 ‘presents’. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. Representative Flider, we have House Joint Resolution 121. Representative Flider. The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider.” 09400123.doc 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Yes, thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution would effectively disapprove the Compensation Review Board report for 2006 by not passing a Joint Resolution disapproving the report the General Assembly would be required to… would not be required to pay the salary set by the Compensation Review Board. As you’re aware, the Compensation Review Board had recommended that we receive a pay increase and what this Resolution would do is reject those pay increases. I’d ask for your support.”
“I’d like to ask the Membership if they would listen attentively to this Bill. We all… we’d like to avoid repetition. And on that, the Gentleman from Macon, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?" Mitchell, B.: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question for the Sponsor.”
“Indicates he’ll yield.” Mitchell, B.: “Representative Flider, I read about this in the… in the local paper and I appreciate your efforts. Just seems that, once again… I know Representative Black had this Bill and all of the sudden it’s your Bill again. Representative Black has been sponsoring these kind of Bills for a long time and it just never sees the light of day. Do you know… where do you get these Bills from? And it just seems to be a little bit of a habit here is that our Bills are hijacked and then you or another person over on the Democratic side of the aisle get these things.”
"I didn’t know there was a monopoly on good ideas.” Mitchell, B.: “I beg your pardon?”
"I didn’t know there was a monopoly on good ideas.” 09400123.doc 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Mitchell, B.: “Did Representative Black ask you to file the Bill and carry it for him?”
"No.” Mitchell, B.: “Okay. It’s a good Bill. Once again, the Democrats’ imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We appreciate you doing this but I know Representative Black is not here today and would’ve wanted it said. He’s been fighting this issue for a long time. We would’ve appreciated… you know, his Bill. He filed it first.”
"I’m sure he’d be pleased that you’d be saying these things in his absence.” Mitchell, B.: “I beg your pardon, Representative. I can’t hear.”
"I said I’m sure that he’d be pleased that you’d be standing up for him in his absence.” Mitchell, B.: “Well, I’m not doing nearly as well as Representative Black does, but I know he just is concerned about the habit of the Majority of taking our Bills, giving them a certain select few Members over there, running with them.”
"I’m sorry, I didn’t hear your question.” Mitchell, B.: “It’s a little… it’s disconcerting, and I’m sure Representative Black can speak for himself, that it becomes a habit is that we file good pieces of legislation, never sees the light of day, but then certain Legislators over on that side of the aisle get to run these Bills. And we’re just a little bit perplexed that our good ideas are hijacked by the Democratic Majority and then you run press releases saying these are your ideas.” 09400123.doc 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Well, I’d be happy to take you as a Sponsor and you could write a press release, too.” Mitchell, B.: “Thank you. I might do that.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?"
“Inquiry of the Chair. Mr. Speaker…”
“State your inquiry.”
“I don’t know if this is on our side of the aisle or just our row, but we have… we do not have the full text downloaded into our system.”
“Representative Stephens.”
“Well, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve made my point. This Bill is not available in its full text, and I wondered if we could just go back to HJR 116, which I think is filed and in the system in its full text. Representative Black would not have a problem with Representative Flider presenting his Bill on Representative Black’s behalf. As a matter of fact, Representative Flider’s already doing that. Let’s just go back to 116, which is in order. We’ll give all the credit to the guy who stole the Bill.”
Speaker Turner: “Representative, HJR 116 is not on the Calendar.”
“That’s another problem with the Rules Committee. And again, I nominate myself to replace the former chair of the Rules Committee and I’ll bounce it right out.”
“It will be taken into consideration. Long consideration. While we’re getting an answer for Representative Stephens, Representative Dunkin, for what reason do you rise?" 09400123.doc 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Actually, I was rising to speak with regards to this Bill, Mr. Speaker.”
“Do you need the text?”
"Do I need the text?”
“The text.”
"Well, no. I think I’m somewhat familiar with this piece of legislation, this House Joint Resolution. First of all, Mr. Sponsor, can you explain us why you’re bringing this Resolution here at this time? Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will."
"Representative, could you tell us, you know, the sense of urgency of this Bill?”
"Well, the Compensation Review Board has recommended pay raises for the Members of the General Assembly…”
"They represented…”
"…and the Constitutional Officers. And so, this Bill was filed and now it’s on the House Floor and it was called. And the sense of urgency is that if we don’t take action on rejecting these pay raises they will go into effect.”
"You say if we don’t take action what happens now?”
"The pay raises would go into effect.”
"A pay raise? So, can… do you know when was the last time this distinguished Body or judges received a pay raise?”
"Distinguished Body or judges?”
"Both.”
"Judges received a pay raise last year.” 09400123.doc 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Well, according to my analysis it says judges at all levels. I’m just… maybe my analysis is in… is incorrect as well.”
"The last… the last time the Members of the General Assembly received a pay raise was in the year 2002.”
"So, now, is this a pay raise, Representative, or is this a cost-of-living adjustment?”
"Well, you would say… or you would effectively call it a cost-of-living increase. That’s what was determined.”
"Well, I’m reading it right here. Again, in my Democratic analysis it says, ‘General Assembly Members, Executive Branch members, and state agency directors receive cost-of-living adjustment.’ So, last year’s adjustment, as I read this… it says it was a 2.… they recommended a 2.7 adjustment. That’s roughly how much when it compares to what we make down here? In real dollars. They’re recommending a 2.7 cost-of-living adjustment for ’05. Do we know what the real dollar amount of that is, Representative?”
"Actually, that would be one year’s increase. They’re actually increa… recommending a cumulative increase of about 12 percent.”
"No, I’m asking for what is 2.7 cost-of-living adjustment based on our salary for 2005?”
"Well, it would be… what is a Legislator’s salary?”
"I don’t know, what? Thirty-something thousand dollars.”
"Whatever your salary is times 2.7 percent.”
"Something like that.” 09400123.doc 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Yeah, my guess is it would… well, it’d be…”
"Not much, right?”
"Whatever it is times 2.7 percent.”
"Okay. So, have you voted on cost-of-living adjustments for home health care workers, Representative?”
"Well, Representative, I have a better answer for you in your last question.”
"Okay.”
"Currently, the General Assembly… Members of the General Assembly, the base salary is $57,619. Under this proposal, if we do not reject these pay raises, the base salary would rise to $63,143.”
"Okay. So, again, did you support cost-of-living adjustments for home health care workers?”
"I did.”
"Okay. What about some AFSCME members… or, excuse me, state workers here in our government?”
"Yes, I do.”
"Okay. What about nursing homes?”
"You bet.”
"All right. Do you think Members here of this Body work hard and some may… may work harder than others?”
"Without a doubt.”
"So that’s a ‘yes’?”
"That would be a ‘yes’.”
"I think you’re one of ‘em, too. Am I correct?”
"Thank you. I appreciate that.”
"Do you think people who work hard should be paid fairly? I’m not sayin’ that people are down here to get 09400123.doc 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 rich but do you think people should get… be paid fairly here in this state?”
"I think, in general, a person who puts in a good day’s work should get a decent wage.”
"All right. So we’re on the same page, huh, Representative? It seems like. I guess my… my concern is this right here. First of all, to the Bill. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker.”
“To the Bill.”
"The… you know, we know it’s… I guess this is a political year for a lot of us and I know that a lot of us wanna be politically correct with some of our dealings here, but there are a number of us here who when we leave this place down here in this wonderful place called Springfield, we go up in our districts and we work almost as twice as hard as we work when we’re down here because we’re meeting with a number of constituents, we’re attending a number of meetings, a number of task force that sometimes ensue from here.”
“Bring your remarks to a close.”
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I don’t know why it seems like here it is political season, the Speaker… the Sponsor of this legislation… or this Resolution simply says that he support everyone’s cost-of-living adjustment, home health care, nursing homes, state employees, and he believes that people who work hard should receive a fair compensation. I don’t think it is a bad term, a bad word for people who work hard to receive a fair compensation. I thought that was the American way. It’s not like we’re 09400123.doc 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 sitting on our hands or waiting on a simple paycheck. Most of us work hard. Most of us sacrifice many of our family time with our young kids, with our wives, et cetera, with our husbands. Why’s it seem like a 2.7 increase of 2005, a 2.8 in ’04, a 3.8 in ’03 is a bad thing, when most of us who… who… if we work…”
Speaker Turner: “Thank you. The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens, to continue.”
“Will the Gentleman yield?”
“He indicates he will."
“Representative, I… well, first of all, I appreciate the Chair getting the actual text. I went back to House Joint Resolution 116 Representative Black filed on April the 3rd. The text was not available. But I did get to talk to Representative Black and he said that if I needed the text for HJR 116 that he filed on the 3rd of April, several days before Representative Flider filed HJR 121, that the… the language was exactly the same. As a matter of fact, the only difference was the LRB number. And as I understand, the LRB numbers and the dating process, there is no question that the language that we have before us today was filed by Representative Black, and that brings me to a question for the Sponsor. Will the Gentleman yield?”
“He indicates he will."
“Representative, just out of common courtesy, did you call Representative Black?”
"No, I didn’t.”
“Representative, is there any truth to the fact that you as the House Sponsor of this Resolution are actually in 09400123.doc 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 cahoots with Senate Leadership on the Democratic side of the aisle and that you personally know that they’re going to pass a differently worded Resolution? And this… that what indeed you’re part of here is you’re a part of making sure that you get a pay raise.”
"For all I know, Representative, you just made that up.”
“Well, speaking of ma… speaking of making things up, I wonder if you can tell me in detail how you came up with the exact same language that Representative Black filed days before?”
"Well, you know, Representative, I… I… like you, you know, whenever I introduce a Bill, I generally talk to our staff and we talk about what the intent of the lang… of the language would be, the intent of the Bill would be, and the Bill is filed. I don’t personally draft it.”
“You don’t personally what?”
"I did not personally draft the Bill.”
“You didn’t draft the legislation? Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I think we found somebody that’s in charge of legislation that he didn’t draft. And you told us earlier that if we drafted legislation then we were in charge of that legislation. I move that Representative Black’s name be placed…”
“Representative…”
“…as the lead Sponsor.”
“I did not say that.”
“Well, you said something similar to that. Representative, to the… another question. You didn’t draft this legislation. I did talk to Representative Black. He 09400123.doc 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 told me that he did draft these very words. So, I can only assume that Democrat staff then read Representative Black’s language, either that or they miraculously came up with the same words. I mean, line by line. It’s nine lines long. Every iota exact to Representative Black’s language.”
"Well, you know, one thing, Representative, that we have acknowle… would be willing to acknowledge here is that this is basically the same language of a Bill that was introduced in 2004, except the year was changed. So, you know, if Representative Black introduced that Bill there’s no telling who really drafted that Bill or, ya know, from whence it came.”
“Well, to the Bill. To the Resolution, Mr. Speaker. Fact of the matter is the language is exactly the same. The fact of the matter is that Representative Black filed his language first. Fact of the matter is the exact same language is available in Representative Black’s Resolution. Be that as it may, I made an argument… or asked a question about whether the Representative was in cahoots with Senate Leadership, and he said, well, maybe I’m making that up. Well, let’s see what history has to say about that. Let’s look at this issue later in the year. And I predict that this is part of a deal that makes sure that every one of these people that are Sponsors of the legislation get a raise.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“Indicates he will.” 09400123.doc 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Representative Flider, I notice in our analysis that the Executive Branch cabinet officers got a 4 percent raise in fiscal year 2006, which was given by Executive Order. Could you tell me which Executive Branch cabinet members got that and how much and why the Governor felt he could do that by Executive Order since he’s taken many chances that we have had and… even when we turned it down, particularly the first year he was Governor, he managed to say that he was the one that denied the raise that we turned down. So, I’m just curious as to what these ‘Executive Branch cabinet officers’ received in their 4 percent raise and who they are.”
"Well, what I know is that this legislation addresses Constitutional officers, state agency directors and assistant directors, General Assembly Members and Leaders, and state’s attorneys. I don’t know anything about the people you’re referring to.”
“But the Governor always has this big discussion of how we shouldn’t do this and we shouldn’t do that, but he seems he gave his ‘Executive Branch cabinet officers’ a raise. Some of these cabinet officers that cannot ask… answer questions when they come to an appropriation hearing, they deem not to know what the answers are to what’s going on within their own budgets, but yet they all got a 4 percent raise given by Executive Order. Is that not correct?”
"Well, I… ya know, I can’t answer your question. From my… my understand is the Governor has limited authority to offer raises, but I can’t answer your question.” 09400123.doc 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Except for his own people. He limits the ones that are public, but the ones that aren’t public, just as he does with contracts, he gives out that money. Is… is that the deal that we have going here? Do you know what the AFSCME raise was over 5 years?”
"No, I don’t off the top of my head.”
“Fifteen percent. He negotiated that… at least that, and then he added in… They had not been paying their pension. Do you know how much we pay out of our salary to pension? Eleven percent. They’re just starting now to pay this and this is what the Governor negotiated with them. But I would like an answer on what the 4 percent raise was for the Executive Branch that he gave them by Executive Order. It would be really interesting to know since some of these same people cannot answer questions when they come to an appropriation hearing.”
“There is at least 10 people willing to speak on this Bill. We’ve had 2 speak against, 1 speak for. We will do 1 more for and 1 more against. Representative McCarthy, the Gentleman from Cook.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Gentleman yield?”
“He indicates he will."
“Representative… that probably isn’t gonna do much good anyway, but… Earlier in the discussion you’ve been accused of stealing this from Representative Black. Isn’t it true that Representative Madigan was the person who introduced this Resolution and not yourself?”
"That’s correct.” 09400123.doc 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Okay. So, if you stole it from anybody you stole it from our own Speaker, correct?”
"I stole it from the Speaker.”
“All right. As far as our last pay raise, who are you getting your information from as far as that we had a pay raise in 2002? That was your answer to a question from the other side.”
"From the Comptroller’s Office.”
“From the Comptroller Office. Well, I think you should question the information you’re getting from them ‘cause there was no pay raise for Members of the General Assembly in 2002. The last pay raise we had was July of 2001, and I have my pay stubs in my desk here showing the difference in pay from June of 2001 to July of 2001, and also from March of 2006 that absolutely match the pay raise that was granted in July of 2001. So, could you accept or at least acknowledge that you were misinformed by the Comptroller’s Office?”
"Well, I could. I think perhaps a more appropriate way to say it would’ve been fiscal year 2002.”
“The more appropriate way to say it, the raise was in 2001. Isn’t that correct? And the raise was 5 years ago.”
"If you say so. That was before my time. I would certainly not dispute that.”
“Well, if we have the absolute proof that it’s July of ’01, you would say the raise was in ’01 then, right?”
"I would agree with you, yes.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I don’t know if this is gonna fall on deaf ears like it does many other years, 09400123.doc 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 but I think some of the comments by Representative Dunkin were appropriate. Many of us work this job harder than we ever worked any other job in our life. I don’t think the members of our district… a lot of us think we’re getting all these pats on the back and all these, ya know, wonderful reactions from our constituents because we do this. I don’t think many of ‘em think that it’s the greatest thing. I think most of ‘em think that if you’re a hard-working person you deserve a cost-of-living raise. We wanna have good people in these positions. That’s the same reason we do it for all of our judges, we want responsible people there, good people. We’re not asking for a gigantic raise. They’re asking for the cost-of-living, which we have refused over the last couple of years. And I think it’s appropriate for us to say we want people in these jobs that are gonna do a good job, work hard, give up their family time, and this raise is certainly appropriate. And I would ask you to vote ‘no’ on the Resolution.”
“The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Sacia.”
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to move that we take this off regular debate and move it out to Standard Debate, if we could or to unlimited. I’m sorry, move it to unlimited debate. This is a very contentious issue and very important to all of us. And I’d also like to speak to it.”
“The requisite number of hands have been raised and we will move it to full debate.”
“Thank you. Mr. Speaker, will…”
“Representative Sacia, continue.” 09400123.doc 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“…will the Sponsor yield?”
“He indicates he will."
“Representative Flider, would you explain to the Body, if you know the answer, if this Bill passes here in the House and it moves over to the Senate and a different version passes, do you know what happens?”
"Well, I believe what would happen is that if…”
“We’d get a pay raise.”
"…if they passed a version that, ya know, we would certainly want… in order for this to go into effect, the same version has to pass both the House and the Senate.”
“Right. So, if there’s a little different one over in the Senate then we’d automatically get a pay raise if that’s what… if this one passes out of here and then that one passes out of there. Let me ask you this. Would you vote against this legislation if, in fact, there was money in the budget to support it? Would you vote against it then?”
"Yes.”
“You would?”
"Well, I’d vote for this Resolution.”
“You’d vote for this Resolution?”
"Yes.”
“Okay. Assuming… assuming this, if this passes out of here and it… and it goes to the Senate and a different version passes and you automatically get a pay raise, how are you gonna deal with it?”
"I’ll donate it to charity.” 09400123.doc 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“You will donate it to charity? If… if you are given a pay raise, you are stating here on the House Floor the difference you will give to charity.”
"That’s what I said.”
“And I will commit to the very same thing with you, Sir. I think that’s exactly what should happen. There isn’t a person in here that ran for this job for the money. Not a person in here that ran for the job for the money. We ran to serve the people in our districts. One of the previous speakers said, ‘Who could say anything about us getting a pay raise? We deserve that pay raise.’ Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not a time in our history when anybody in the great State of Illinois is looking at politicians with great favor. I think we need to suck it up and do just what you said, to donate the difference to charity, and I will pledge the same thing with you, Sir, and I commend you for it.”
"Thank you, Representative.”
“The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Giles, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“He indicates he will."
“Representative, ya know, I’ve been here a couple years and I know that this particular… the Compensation Review Board has made recommendations for the COLA for a number of years, and I know of number of years in this chamber we’ve always… we’ve always rejected it. And personally, I think that’s a dangerous precedent that we have set in this Body. You know, in committee, oftentimes we see a list of 09400123.doc 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 individuals that… that is for a piece of legislation or against a piece of legislation. Could you tell me in this particular legislation, do we have a list of individuals or entities or organizations or associations that supports this particular legislation?”
"Well, no. I would not… I’m not aware of any associations or organizations. However, I do believe that the public would support this.”
“Do we have… do you have some history, maybe a list of other states that have followed this particular proceeding in which they have rejected their pay raises or COLAs or…? Do we have other states that have done this on a consecutive basis for us to… for the State of Illinois to continue to do this?”
"I’m not aware of any.”
“Okay. And…”
"Not to say there aren’t any.”
“Okay. And so, we’re talking about… I believe, looking at the analysis, we’re talking about a… we’re talking $845 thousand that this would cost. And how many individual would this cover?”
"Well…”
“How… how many, Representative?”
"Well, it would cover the Members of the General Assembly, state agency directors, state’s attorneys, Constitutional Officers. The exact number, I’m not sure. But it’s in that range of people.”
“Okay. And so, I think, according to the analysis, we got about…” 09400123.doc 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"About 500 people.”
“About 500, 12 hundred people. Twelve hundred people, according to my analysis if you do the math and divide that. Let me… let me just say, Representative, that, you know, I think if… you know, a lot of the Members feel that, you know, that they’re here… previous Representatives say, well, we’re here to serve. We are here to serve, but it’s also a job as well. Many of us do 40-hour plus. Many individuals work extremely hard. And so, it is about serving but also it is a job. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill.”
“To the Bill.”
“You know, I think what this piece of legislation says to individual who come here sincerely year after year, day after day, or month after month and week after week and work hard for the people is that a simple COLA is not important to their family. A simple COLA is not important to the work that they actually do. And I think a simple COLA is important. I think if… if we look at the numerous of organizations and businesses within our state, some of the 500 fortune companies I don’t know any of those executives, I don’t know any of the chairmans, I don’t know any of middle line management that will, one, vote themselves not for a COLA, but also a raise. I think if we line up 200 individuals in our districts and you ask each one of those individual on their job, ‘Will you vote yourself ‘no’ for a COLA? Will you vote yourself ‘no’ for a pay raise increase?’ As a matter of fact, to my understanding, those individuals are waiting for their review to get a pay raise. And so, I think we are setting a very dangerous precedent in 09400123.doc 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 this Body, in this General Assembly by not having a simple COLA. I think our constituency, I think they respect what you do. I know that the various organizations and associations that we all work hard for to give resources to, to bring back needed dollars and resources to our districts, those individuals that are executive directors, those individuals that are chairmen of their respective entities, I am sure they’re not going to reject themselves a COLA or an increase or a pay raise. And so, I think we set a…”
“Bring your remarks to a close.”
“Thank you. This is one that I’ve always put the first ‘no’ vote on, but I think we set a very dangerous precedent in this Body. And I think all of us, we are aware of the various restraints and the budget cuts and the problems that we have. And I think a lot of things can be cut out of the budget that we all want, but I see this as simply a mere smidgen of respect for the individuals that provide not only service to this… to this state, but also provide hard work to this state. So, I urge you to vote ‘no’ on this legislation.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
“Indicates he will.”
“Representative, a while ago you said that if this does fail or if it goes over to the Senate and isn’t agreed with in the Senate or they send another Bill over, or whichever process they use, and the actual COLA increase occurs, that you’d give that charity. Is that cor…” 09400123.doc 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"That’s correct.”
“If you believe that strongly in it, then let me ask you this. Do you believe strongly in it enough, because there’s anther Bill coming up that will control this, do you believe in it enough because if it happens, this year’s budget will include that raise. Or will you be willing to vote ‘no’ on that budget? Is it that much of an important issue to you to do that?”
"Well, I believe your question is twofold. First, ya know, if the Senate passes a different Resolution, like they did a couple years ago, we’d have a chance to vote on that. Okay? Secondly, I do not believe that this is tied specifically to any other vote. This just simply would reject pay raises.”
“Representative, I have to differ with you in the fact that this involves spending money and every vote we make on this floor that involves spending money, if you’re passionate enough about it, that you believe that it is not necessary and it is not right, when that budget comes up you should vote ‘no’. And that’s what I’m asking. Are you passionate enough about this issue, do you believe that this is important… important enough to carry a Resolution for, will you vote ‘no’ on the budget because that budget will include all of these raises if at… this comes fruition?”
"What I’m prepared to talk about today, Representative, is this pay raise and this Resolution.”
“But… but the question I have for you is… is that the budget, and you know that’s gonna be the case, the budget 09400123.doc 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 will have this pay raise in it if… if we do not block it this way. Will you vote ‘no’ if it is in there?”
"There’s likely to be many things in that budget that have been negotiated. However, with regard to the budget itself in this Resolution, I believe that we’re today talking about this Resolution and I’m prepared to vote ‘yes’ for this Resolution today.”
“So… so, really what it is, instead of this being… and this is where we need to be honest here, because as the media sets here and listens and everyone listens to this debate and your constituents hear about it, the reality is… is that, yes, we’re gonna pass this Resolution. Whatever happens, happens. Okay, fine, if you wanna contribute to… to the charity if it does pass. But the reality is, for political purposes, you’re carrying this piece of legislation so that you can go back to your district and say, ‘See there, I didn’t wanna provide a pay raise to the General Assembly,’ for political purposes. Because if it was truly a passion of yours you would not support it in the budget either. Mr. Speaker, just thank you for your time.”
“The Gentleman from Montgomery, Representative Hannig, for what reason do you rise?"
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move the previous question.”
“The Gentleman asks leave to move the previous question. All those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And previous question is put. Representative Flider to close.” 09400123.doc 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. A lot has been said… a lot has been said to politicize what we’re going here today. The fact of the matter is we have chosen to be here. We choose to be public servants. We choose to represent the people in our districts and right now we’re behind on our medical payments. We know that we have teachers who are out there buying… who are buying supplies for their classrooms out of their own pockets. We’re not able to put as much in education as we’d like to put into education. We have a lot of needs in this state. We have a lot of needs in our prison. We’re trying to hire prison guards to protect so that they can work in a safe environment. We have a lot of needs. So, now is not the time for us to be accepting a pay raise. I would encourage you that we don’t need to be petty about this. The facts are on the table. We don’t need to politicize this. There’s no monopoly on good ideas and I would urge an ‘aye’ vote.”
“You’ve heard the question. You’ve heard the question. The question is, ‘Shall the House pass House… Representative Winters, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of inquiry. This was on unlimited debate, I believe. How come we have… how can we have a Roll Call without everybody that has their lights already lit being allowed to speak?”
“Representative… Representative, the… there was a Motion to move the previous question by Representative Hannig, and that Motion was accepted by the House.”
"What was the vote on that?” 09400123.doc 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“It was a voice vote.”
"A voice vote? I thought I heard a lot more ‘noes’ than ‘yeses’ on that Motion.”
“Not… not from up here. I heard a lot more ‘yeses’ than ‘noes’. So, it depends on where you’re sitting in the room.”
"Could I… could I ask… could I ask that you get your hearing…”
“The question is… the question is, ‘Shall the House adopt House Joint Resolution 121?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting ‘aye’, 22 voting ‘no’, 1 voting ‘present’. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative McCarthy on House Joint Resolution 122. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Acevedo, for what reason do you rise?"
“…Speaker. On the last Bill I was… my vote was supposed to be ‘present’ and it was inadvertently pressed ‘no’.”
“The record will so reflect your wishes. Where does your check go? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McCarthy, for what reason do you… for… on the Resolution. Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk.”
"House Joint Resolution 122 creates a Joint Task Force on Community Colleges.” 09400123.doc 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Joint Resolution 122 is basically a duplicate of House Joint Resolution 94 that we passed unanimously out of both committee and also on the House Floor a couple months back. As the Speaker said there, it creates the Joint Task Force on Community Colleges. It’s an initiative of the Community College Board. They basically wanna look at their mission and see how they can address the… the needs of the new century as far as our community colleges go. So, I think it’s a worthy task force. The report is due very quickly at the end of this year, January 1 of ’07. And I would ask for a favorable vote.”
Speaker Turner: “The Gentleman from McLean, Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?"
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On House Joint… on House Resolution 121, please let the record reflect that I should’ve been voted ‘yes’ on that. It was inadvertent… incorrect switch.”
“And what will you do with your check?”
“Thank you.”
“The record will so reflect your wishes. Seeing no… no further question, the question is, ‘Shall House Joint Resolution 122 pass?’ All those in favor should vote ‘aye’; all those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting ‘aye’; 0 ‘noes’, ‘presents’. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Lady from Lake, 09400123.doc 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 Representative May, for what reason do you rise? Representative May moves that we table Senate Bill 2884. All those in favor say ‘aye’; opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Bill is tabled. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions.”
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1224, offered by Representative Currsie… Representative Currie. House Resolution 1225, offered by Representative Cultra. House Resolution 1226, offered by Representative Ryg. House Resolution 1227, offered by Representative Verschoore. House Resolution 1228, offered by Representative Washington. House Resolution 1229, offered by Representative Washington. House Resolution 1231, offered by Representative Boland. House Resolution 1232, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1234, offered by Representative Tryon. House Resolution 1236, offered by Representative Osterman.”
“Representative Hannig moves that we adopt the Agreed Resolutions. all those in favor say ‘aye’; all those opposed say ‘no’. In the opinion of the Chair, the ‘ayes’ have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative McKeon, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just got the pink slip here with my purpose in seeking your attention is to make sure the Members of the Labor Committee are aware that that committee has been canceled.”
“Thank you for your reminder. Representative Biggins, for what reason do you rise? The Gentleman from DuPage.” 09400123.doc 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question of the Chair also.”
“State your question.”
“The schedule given out includes today and tomorrow. On the back there is no mention of next week, but I recall some mention of the possibility we’ll be here Monday around the hour of 4 p.m. or 3 p.m. or something. Could you enlighten us as to the… what the future may hold and will we be joined by our friendly colleagues in the other chamber? The Senate, I believe, is what they’re called. I noticed they’ve been absent a little bit. And not that they made the Sun-Times, but nevertheless, is there is way that you could tell us who might be joining us down here if we’re doing work here next Monday?”
“I cannot speak on the Senate. I believe that the rumor is is that the vacation is over and they will be back next Tuesday. So, they…”
“Well, I hope they got their rest.”
“They should be next in town on next Tuesday.”
“Next Tuesday.”
“Yeah, next Tuesday. But for your edification, you will be here Monday…”
“Yes.”
“…to greet them on Tuesday.”
“Oh, I’ll welcome the…”
“We will have…”
“I’ll welcome the chance.”
“We will have a… 3 p.m. committees will meet on Monday and then the Session will start at 4 p.m. on Monday.” 09400123.doc 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
“And that means perhaps on Wednesday we’ll see the Governor’s detail and maybe Thursday the Governor himself.”
“I can’t promise you that, but I know that you will be here.”
“Yes, I will.”
“We’ll see ya Monday.”
“Thank you.”
“Committee announcements.”
"The following committees will meet immediately upon adjournment: Executive in Room 118, Judiciary II- Criminal Law in D-1, Registration & Regulation in Room 114, Revenue in Room 115, Transportation and Motor Vehicles in C-1. At 5 p.m.: Computer Technology in Room C-1, Elections & Campaign Reform in D-1, Elementary & Secondary Education in 114.”
“The Lady from Cook, Representative Mendoza.”
"…Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I just wanted to make sure we don’t end the day today without everybody having a chance to wish our little baby bonita, Tony Berrios a happy birthday. She turned 29 yesterday. We’ll be bringing the cake next week because we didn’t bring it this week. But 29 years old, make sure you send her your love and well wishes. Thank you. Love you, Ton.”
“Happy birthday. And now… and now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Hannig moves that the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, April 26, at the hour of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the hour of 12:30 p.m. And the House does stand adjourned.” 09400123.doc 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 5783, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act concerning property. House Bill 5784, offered by Representative Brauer, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Committee Reports. Representative Giles, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 858; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 861; 'recommends be adopted' Senate Joint Resolution 66 and Senate Joint Resolution 82. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 1279. Representative Jefferson, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 1969. Representative Molaro, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II - Criminal Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' Senate Bill 1143. Representative Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Computer Technology, to 09400123.doc 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 4/25/2006 which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 1160. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation and Motor Vehicles, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' Senate Joint Resolution 83; ‘recommends be adopted as amended’ is House Joint Resolution 91. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 25, 2006, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' Senate Bill 931. The following Bills will be read on the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading and held on that Order: Senate Bill 858, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 861, offered by Representative Parke, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 931, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1143, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. And Senate Bill 1279, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. These Bills will be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09400123.doc 108