Illinois House Floor Debate — January 9, 2007

"Good morning. It's 10:00. The hour of 10:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. The Members will please be in their chairs. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Fred Robinson, who's a member of the St. Katharine Drexel Parish Church here in Springfield."

"Amen. And Representative Parke, would you lead us in the Pledge." Parke – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09400143.doc 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Representative Currie, would you like to give us the excused absences on the Democratic side?"

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Patterson is excused today."

"And Representative Bost."

"Thank you Mr. Bost. And Mr. Clerk, would you call the Attendance Roll Call."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)."

"Here."

"Burke is present. Chapa LaVia. Chavez." 09400143.doc 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"(Inaudible)."

"Present."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here." 09400143.doc 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Here."

"Present."

"Present."

"Yes."

"Here."

"Present."

"Here."

"(Inaudible)."

"Here."

"Present."

"Here." 09400143.doc 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"(Inaudible)."

"Present."

"Present."

"Here."

"On this question, there are… On the Attendance Roll Call, there are 83 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, on page 4 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, Representative Currie has Senate Joint Resolution 95. Representative Currie on the Resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 95."

"Thank you very much, Speaker and Members of the House. We did actually adopt identical language on a House Resolution that got stuck in Senate Rules. This Resolution calls upon the United States Government and the United Nations to work… to implement the World Summit Outcome, a Motion that was adopted by the United Nations with the support of the Untied States. The point is the responsibility to protect… to protect populations that are ravaged, protect populations that are the subject of ethnic cleansing and other atrocities. As I say, the United States has voted for this World Summit Outcome with the 09400143.doc 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 responsibility to protect. And this measure is really a calling upon our government and the United Nations to put their energies where their mouths are. I know of no opposition and I'd appreciate your support."

"The Lady has moved for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 95. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports."

"On page 4 of the Calendar, Representative Black has House Resolution 1525. Representative Bellock is going to present that on behalf of Mr. Black, who is excused today."

"The Lady has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 1525. Is there… is there any discussion? Now, 09400143.doc 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Representative, this would actually require a Roll Call, but since it's a Resolution, I would ask the Body if we would perhaps, for this matter only, allow the Sponsor to use the Attendance Roll Call. Is there any objections? Okay. So, on this Resolution, by the appropriate Attendance Roll Call vote, the Motion is adopted. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Agreed Resolutions."

Representative Currie…"

"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. I'd remind Members who have come in after the Attendance Roll Call that you need to come to the well and sign a piece of paper stating you're here in order to be officially be on the Attendance Roll Call."

"Representative Turner, are you on the floor? Representative Turner? Representative Lang in the Chair. Representative Turner. Mr. Clerk. Senate Bill on Second Reading, page 3 of the Calendar. Senate Bill 2674."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09400143.doc 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Mr. Turner."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is a Bill that would actually delay the date that the budget address will be presented. We're moving it back 'til the second Wednesday… no, first Wednesday in March of this year. Ordinarily, that budget address is before then and with this Bill we're allowing the Governor to deliver the budget address two weeks later. And I move for the adoption of Senate Bill 2674."

"Gentleman moves for the passage of Senate Bill 2674. And on that question, the Chair recognizes Representative Mulligan."

"The Sponsor yields."

"It is a rather unique provision, Representative. And all I can tell you is that I think the agreed parties, the Governor's Office and the Speaker's Office, agreed on this language. As you know, Senate Bill 1959 did in fact pass out of here yesterday. So…"

"Right. I would assume that this will probably be a moot issue, ya know, when it's all said and done. It's… 1959, we all agree, is good legislation. And so, I'm not just quite clear as to the intent here, but, ya know, I don't see where it's really controversial."

"Even after… Representative, after 26 years every time I look at a piece of legislation around here, they're all interesting, ya know. I mean, I don't know how to… how to phrase it in any better way, ya know."

"It's a very creative Body, Representative. That's…"

"We haven't adopted the new rules yet."

"I don’t know if that's a factor or not, Representative. I'm not certain…"

"…who the new… what the new line-up is going to be. I think part of it is just the difficulty of us not being in our chamber now. And so just… our whole legislative function between now and May has been set back. And so that's the… I believe the rationale for moving it back to the second Wednesday…"

"Right. Representative, that you… you're absolutely right. That is a practice that over the years we have done with the prior administrations. I'm… I, with you, would encourage the Governor to have this meeting prior to the presentation of the budget address. If I had my opportunity I would've put that language also… Maybe that could've started out before this section dealing with Senate Bill 1959 but, as you say…"

"Yeah. For the record we will pass that information on, but I do believe…"

"Representative, I, like you, will pass that information on to the Governor's Office. As I said, hopefully he will adhere to that. I think in the spirit of cooperation, ya know, yesterday they had the big unity… unity service and I think in the spirit of unity that hopefully the Governor will adhere to the request that you have so placed in the record today."

"Representative, your point is well-taken. I know that the appropriation… the various appropriation chairs are here in the room, currently. And I think that they also, on this side of the aisle, agree with you. And I think as Members we all feel that this process should be a process that's open and allow all the Members the ability to partake in the discussion. And so I will pass that information on. I'm certain the Speaker is listening as we speak now. And I think that your wishes will be, ya know, thoroughly… expressed and hopefully implemented."

"Your point is well-taken, Representative."

"Okay."

"Thank you."

"Representative Bost."

"Chairman yields."

"Yes." 09400143.doc 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Representative, I've been around here for about 26 years. I don’t, ya know… I'd have to look at the three Members that's been here longer than me, but… 4 years ago we did it."

"To allow the new administration a chance to get in, ya know, there was a change…"

"Right."

Speaker Lang: "Representative Meyer passes. Representative Krause."

"Gentleman yields."

"I don't know the answer to that question. I don't think it was…"

"No, it was not vetoed by the Governor."

"It did not move in the Senate. This Bill is just sitting still in the Senate."

"That's right. That's correct." 09400143.doc 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Well, yesterday."

"Well, I mean there was…"

"…there was similar language to this Bill that passed over to the Senate that was not called. Yesterday we sent this language…"

"…back to the Senate again."

"Further discussion? Seeing nothing further, Representative Turner to close."

"I move for the adoption of Senate Bill 2674."

"Gentleman moves for the passage of Senate Bill 2674. On that question, the Clerk will call the roll."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"No."

"No."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye." 09400143.doc 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Yes."

"Pass."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"No."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)."

"On this question, there are 66 voting 'yes'; 40 voting 'no'. Senate Bill 2674 passes. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Representative Hannig in the Chair."

"Mr. Clerk, what is the status of Senate Bill 2300?"

"Representative Lang." 09400143.doc 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is the Bill with that issue we've discussed several times regarding the 7 percent cap on property taxes. This Amendment has two areas of change in that Bill. The first is very technical. It deals with the notice that the assessor must put on the property tax bill. The second relates to a piece of legislation that Representative Black introduced to deal with a… an assessment problem in his area regarding a dam that this Amendment would deal with that on a statewide basis. In this particular case, the dam is used partly as open space, partly for commercial purposes and this will take care of the technical problems that they've been having as to how to reassess that particular property. That's all the Amendment does. I would ask for an 'aye' vote on the Amendment."

"The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of the Amendment. And on that question, Representative Krause."

"Well, an Amendment on Second Reading could be done on a voice vote…"

"…unless there's a request for a Roll Call."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Representative, the…"

"Mr. Hannig. Mr…"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, there's some expansive language here about what needs to be on the notice. There's no substantial change, I don’t think, as to what it says, what it means. There's just more information to the taxpayer."

"The language of the Amendment specifically outlines what must be on the tax bill as notice to the taxpayer."

"The tax bill itself will have a specific notice as to whether that particular taxpayer is a 'winner or loser'. These other provisions could be in a separate piece of paper within the tax bill."

"The only type of shift that we refer to in this notice is the shift that might be caused by the 7 percent cap."

"Not anything any municipality might do separate and apart from that."

"No, only those that relate specifically to the 7 percent cap."

"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the Amendment be adopted?' Excuse me. No. Okay. Should the Amendment be adopted? All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. I think we all know what this Bill is about. We've debated this several times on the House Floor. But let me reiterate. This is a Bill that's permissive in all the counties. Today in the county of Cook, or up until December 31 of last year, 09400143.doc 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 just last week, in Cook County there was a 7 percent cap on the effect of increased property assessments. That cap had a $20 thousand limit. There was an effort to change that to $60 thousand in the Senate. It passed the Senate. It came here. I do not believe we can pass that here. What this Bill does is keep it at $20 thousand. If we fail to enact this today in the House and in the Senate, it is in effect a tax increase to the taxpayers of Cook County, Illinois. Now, most of you in this room are not affected at all by this piece of legislation. Most of you, in fact, all of you who are not from Cook County are from counties that did not opt into this legislation when it was originally passed 3 years ago. Your counties felt it wouldn't be helpful to you and that's fine. But Ladies and Gentlemen, as I said on the floor recently, we are State Representatives. We represent everybody in the State of Illinois. Not just our own districts, not just our own constituents, but all twelve and a half million people in the State of Illinois. And since this cannot possibly have a negative impact on your districts outside of the county of Cook, we are asking you to help us in the county of Cook. And yes, there are a few Legislators from Cook County who are not for this. But for you to vote 'no' on this is to vote for a tax increase to my constituents. When you come to me for help in your areas, I'm there for you almost all the time. I would not vote for a tax increase for your community. And I'm asking you not to vote for a tax increase for my community. A tax increase that has no impact in your community. And so leave aside the issues of whether or not this is a full fix to the 09400143.doc 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 problem, of course it is not. Leave aside the issues of whether we should have a better resolution to the property tax problem statewide and the education funding problem statewide, of course we should. For today, the only issue before us is will we continue to allow the residents of Cook County who get this benefit to continue to get it or will we provide to the average homeowner in a bungalow in the City of Chicago a 36 percent property tax increase or to the people in my community, a twenty-something percent property tax increase. This is up to you. This is in your hands. I would like very much your consideration on behalf of my constituents as I give you consideration for your constituents. Please vote 'aye' on this important measure."

"The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of Senate Bill 2300. Is there any discussion? Representative Scully."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Mr. Lang, nice tie."

"Thank you, Mr. Scully."

"Mr. Lang, the cap on the property tax inc… assessment increase… When we imposed this 7 percent cap, does this decrease the total assessment… assessed valuation for the county?"

"Yes."

"And when we decrease the total tax assessment for the county, what happens to the tax rate for each taxing body?"

"Well, presumably the tax rate would go up incrementally." 09400143.doc 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"And mathematically, I think that's correct that it would have to go up. So, capping the tax… giving this tax relief to your constituents will mathematically cause tax rates to go up."

"That is true except that tax rates have been going down, Representative. And even with this legislation, in most areas of Cook County, and I underline most, the assessments have gone up at such an astronomical rate as to still provide a tax decrease for most constituents in Cook County even though the rate may incrementally move higher."

"Yeah. I'd ask you to remember that people south… on the south half of Cook county are still part of Cook County."

"That's correct."

"Ladies and… To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, the tax relief that is being provided… that has been provided to Representative Lang's constituents over the past 3 years, somebody paid for that tax relief. Those taxes… That tax relief was paid for by the people in the south half of Cook County, the people whose property values didn't go up. That tax relief caused a tax shift, a tax shift away from the north half of Cook County to the south half of Cook County. Somebody's gotta pay this Bill and my constituents, the people… taxpayers on the south half of Cook County are paying higher tax rates because capping the assessment forces the taxing bodies to h… to pay… charge a higher tax rate. This is reverse Robin Hood. This is giving tax relief to the people whose property tax… property values climbed substantially and pushing that tax burden to the 09400143.doc 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 people whose property values didn't go up. This does not fix the problem. It is not a Band-Aid, it is not a solution. It's a shot of morphine. The system is still severely broken. We are merely reducing the pain. I strongly oppose this Bill. I have opposed this Bill from its very inception. And I ask you to think about the taxpayers on the south half of Cook County who are paying much higher tax rates to provide the tax relief for the people on the north half of Cook County. Thank you."

Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Representative Hoffman."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. If I might… to the Bill and to the process… real briefly. First of all, if I could ask the Sponsor a quick question if the Sponsor would yield."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Representative, just for clarification, this Bill, as I understand it, came over… or a Bill like this came over and had a $60 thousand limit. In other words, the Senate version of this Bill indicated that you could have property tax relief potentially up to a maximum of $60 thousand. This Bill then limits it at 20 thousand. Is that right?"

"That's correct. This Bill goes back to the current law. And all we're trying to do now is extend the current law."

"And in addition to that, it's my understanding that the Bill that came over from the Senate had a provision regarding military families and property tax relief regarding military families that isn't on this Bill." 09400143.doc 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"I would have preferred that that stay on the Bill, but we could not move the Bill that way and therefore it is not in the Bill currently."

"And in discussions… I don't wanna put words in your mouth… in discussions with you and others on the floor, it's my understanding that others would also have preferred that there be a greater limit than the current… extension of the current law, which is $20 thousand, that it be something like 60 or something even great… less than that, a potential compromise in between without picking a specific number. You would rather have that higher if you could."

"Well, I would rather have it higher because property tax assessments where I live and in most of Cook County have gone up so quickly and astronomically that it's hard to keep up with it. On the other hand, many argued that with that kind of a cap, we were skewing this in favor of large homes and expensive homes. And we wanted to make sure we sent the message, Representative, that we were trying to help regular, ordinary people just get through their property tax issues. And so I think while I would prefer it to be a larger number, I understand why some thought the 60 thousand was too high."

"Well, let me just say I voted for the Bill. And I understand the issues of property tax relief. But I would just like to discuss, I believe, an issue that I have with process. And an issue that I see is continually happening on this floor with regard to process. Now this is my sixteenth year in the House of Representatives and, God willing, will wake up tomorrow and I'll start another term 09400143.doc 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 and hopefully go another term and will serve 18 years in the Illinois General Assembly. And this is not pointing a finger at anybody, it's not meant to be. What I wanna talk about is something that concerns me greatly about this Bill and about other Bills that we send over to the Senate that we don't… get called. Yesterday we sent a Bill out of here that dealt… or two days ago… that dealt with rate freezes on utilities, yet the Senate Leader has decided for whatever reason he's not gonna call it. But I gotta tell ya, isn't it time that we as Members be able to decide what Bills are gonna get called, when they're gonna get called, when we send them to the Senate, shouldn't they call the Bills? When we put a Bill in and they send it over here, shouldn’t we call the Bills? When we see issues such as this where everybody acknowledges, who is for the Bill, that they would like to see a greater… a greater amount of property tax relief. And from my standpoint, I'm supporting you, by my standpoint, I believe, we should be helping military families, yet it's not in this Bill. And I'd like to say right now, on this floor, it's time we as Members say enough is enough. Call the Bills as we introduce the Bills. If we want property tax relief for military families, make it part of the Bill. Make it part of the Bill. I'm gonna help ya. I'm gonna support this Bill. And I am not… I am not standing on the floor of this House in any way saying I don’t support the Leader. And tomorrow I'm gonna be proud to support my Leader and reelect him for Speaker of the House. What I am saying, though, today… what I am saying, though, today is we run for these offices. Some of this 09400143.doc 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 stuff that they send against us in the mail is nasty, is wrong. It isn't right. Yet, we run and we take it and we get elected. And we come here, and we wanna call a Bill that we believe is proper, we believe is good, and we can't get it out of committee onto the floor. From my standpoint, we as Members have to speak out and say we want to make sure that our Bills are called. We wanna make sure that they're called in a timely fashion. We understand the politics. But at the end of the day, we got elected to come here. Let's stand up. Call the Bills that we want called and let's, as Members, say 'we were sent here to do a job and that's pass Bills for our district.' I'm gonna support you, Representative. Thank you very much."

"Representative Eddy."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"That is correct."

"You state it correctly, Representative."

"That's correct. And I wanna thank you, Representative, for actually spending a significant amount of your personal time so that you would understand this issue because I know it's incredibly important to you. And I appreciate you standing up on the floor and straightening it out."

"Thank you, Representative."

Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Representative Krause."

"Nothing that I would categorize as substantive. I would categorize it as just rhetoric designed to explain to the taxpayer what this is all about, what it is, and what it means. And I don’t think there's anything else in there, Representative."

"Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Then Representative Lang, you're recognized to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. We've debated this long and hard several times. I would just ask you to remember our role. We have a responsibility to everyone in the state, including the people of Cook County who need your help. A 'no' vote is a vote for a tax increase for my constituents. Please consider them. Consider the other people in Cook County. Whatever shift has taken place, most of that has taken place already 'cause this has been the current law of Cook County. Please help these people. Please vote 'aye'."

"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2300 pass?' All in favor shall vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk, call the roll."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"No."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Yes." 09400143.doc 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"No."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"No."

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"No."

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"No."

"Yes."

"No."

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"Yes.'

"Aye."

"Yes."

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"No."

"Aye."

"No."

"Pass."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)."

"No."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Reis, did you wish to be recorded as 'no'? Mr. Clerk, could you record the Gentleman as 'no'."

"Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 61 voting 'yes' and 54 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On Supplemental one… on Supplemental Calendar #1 is House Resolution 1571. Representative Currie. Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. As amended, House Resolution 1571 incorporates technical changes to the House Rules. And I will briefly describe a few of them and then would be happy to answer other questions. For example, the Amendment clarifies that committee rooms and chapels are also under the control of the Speaker as are the House chamber, the galleries, and so forth. It clarifies that the Clerk need not prepare a Calendar when the House is only in Perfunctory Session. It provides that cochairs may be appointed to standing committees as they are today to special committees and removes any references to telephone booths because, as you 09400143.doc 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 may know, in the new chamber, the newly renovated chamber, there will be no telephone booths at the back of the hall. It will reduce the number of copies of Bills that must be filed. We are saving trees across the State of Illinois. We are clarifying who… who has to give whom land conveyance appraisals. We are clarifying how Conference Committee Reports are to be voted upon, that they are not renewable, but in fact a second Conference Committee can be appointed and, of course, there can always be reconsideration of the vote on the first. In addition, the rule changes will permit Minority spokespeople to present Bills or Resolutions. Today that is reserved to the chair of the committee. In addition, we will expand the number of items that can only be moved if the Sponsor is present so that that would cover all legislative measures, not just Bills or Resolution. And if there's a question about dividing a question, it does not limit that Motion to only those things that are in debate. If it's a nondebatable Motion, for example, there still would be the opportunity to divide the question as long as that measure is under consideration. I would be happy to answer any questions. And I'd appreciate your support for these technical changes in the House Rules."

Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? Representative… Representative Chapin (sic-Rose), I believe, is first on the list."

"I'll stand on my chair."

"Could we have a little order in the chamber. We're discussing a change to the House Rules."

"Is he making a… is he making a heightist kind of comment?"

"And so I think a lot of us probably should pay attention and…"

"I… I would be happy to. And, as I say, I think it happened only once. And it happened because there was a very severe time crunch and we were not able to reach people because it was a day upon which many people had that day off. So I would just renew my commitment to try to give maximum notice. And I think it might be helpful if all of 09400143.doc 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 us exchange cell phone numbers, Members of the Rules Committee, staff of the Rules Committee, and Leadership as well. But we will continue to make every effort to see to it that there is adequate notice to the Members of the committee."

"Right."

"Representative Mautino."

"Thank you. A question to the Sponsor?"

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Okay. Leader Currie, I just had a… had a couple of questions on… on the rules. And because of the level of sound in the chamber, I didn't… didn't hear those. But in committee, what are the changes to the rules of committee? Committee chairman responsibilities?"

"The…"

"Vice chairman…"

"The only… the only change, I think, is the one that says that in the absence of a Sponsor, a Minority spokesman might be able to present a measure. Current rules say only the chair may do that. Is there… And maybe there are a bunch of changes here, Representative. If you have a specific question about something that you think has changed." 09400143.doc 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"My… my first question would be is, are there anymore Bills coming up after this today?"

"I don’t know."

"Well, when we announce sine die, then we don’t abolish the rules, I believe that the rules stay in place for the next General Assembly until the General Assembly passes new rules, correct?"

"By statute."

"By statute?"

"Yes."

"So currently, we are changing on the last day rules to make some accommodations to the Republican Party."

"And… and from our staff as well."

"And some of our… some of our Members."

"Yep."

"Have anyone or any other Members been approached to discuss potential changes of the rules?"

"Representative, we've been talking about these for the last week or so. And I thought people were aware that there would likely be some technical changes to the rules. And, I repeat, technical."

"But…"

"There are no significant substantive…"

"There… and there are no Bills coming after this Bill."

"There may or may not be."

"Correct. So, in the event that, say for example, the rules weren't passed tomorrow for the new General Assembly or the next day, these would stay in force."

"That’s right." 09400143.doc 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"So why wouldn't we want to then discuss all the technical changes when we discuss the new rules?"

"Representative, I'm happy to. I did… I did cover a fair number in my opening. I thought people might get bored if I actually went through each and every. But I'm happy to go back and specify the ones I didn't cover initially."

"I… I understand that. I just don’t know that today is the proper day to discuss the changes of the rules which are abolished or not in effect for the next General Assembly until that General Assembly meets. So, for example, let's say the rules weren't passed or there were questions that Members might like to change in the rules…"

"Re… Re… Representative, remember we're gonna have many opportunities to deal with rules in the 95th General Assembly. For example, the committees that are in these rules are the committees we have today. They… there may well be changes in the names of the committees, in the substance of the committee responsibility. We are not going to make those changes, can't make those changes, until we come back at the very end of January. But these technical changes, these clarifications, put us in good shape, will be very helpful to the Clerk of the House in figuring out who does what when. Perfunctory Sessions, for example, why do they have to make a Calendar when it's only a Perfunctory Session? So wouldn't it be wise to get that clarified, off the table, done, before we look at substantive proposals for rules changes in the 95th?"

"I kind of remember this discussion, actually it was in the Senate, when Steve Morrill wrote the rules for Carter 09400143.doc 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Hendren at that time. And they were adopted and brought over here. But, from that point on, once adopted, my concern is there are not additional discussions of rules or potential changes that the Members may want. So I just wanted to say that I have real concerns about changing the rules of the House on the last day when the new General Assembly comes in tomorrow for an agreement that's been negotiated that basically no one knows about. Thank you."

"Let me just say, we did have a Rules Committee hearing a week ago Thursday here in Springfield and they… the agenda was to talk about proposed changes in the House Rules. No Members came forward at that time with proposals. And what we were dealing with primarily, as I say, were these technical clarifications."

"I think there's currently a number of Members that would like to discuss some changes to the new rules for the General Assembly."

"Good. And we will have that opportunity."

"Representative Myers (sic-Meyer)."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"That is absolutely accurate. That is what the current rule says. I think that you may just wanna underscore that point. I don't think we need additional clarification. But I totally agree that the current rule says you may not take a vote on another measure while a… an initial Motion is pending on the first. You could take testimony, as we talked about in committee, but you may make no Motion. No Motion can come before the committee. There can be no Roll Call, no vote on a second measure while the first is pending."

Speaker Hannig: "Representative Fritchey. Doesn't wish to speak? Okay. Representative Lindner. No? Okay. Representative Durkin."

"Right, right. And it is certainly the intention of the chamber that if there is an opportunity… if by… by leave of a committee, a staffer or another were invited to ask questions of a witness on a matter pending before that committee, that if leave were granted for a proposed questioner from the Majority staff, that same… that same opportunity would be offered to a Member of the Minority staff."

"And again, these… these opportunities only happen with leave of the committee."

"Well, in my experience it… What happens is the chairman asks if there's leave for a non-Member of the committee to make comments or to ask questions."

"And only when the committee gives leave does that happen. And it would certainly be the intention of the Majority Party to ensure that if that opportunity is given to a Member of the Majority staff or to a person chosen by 09400143.doc 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 the Majority Party, the same opportunity would be offered to a Minority staffer."

"Right."

"Thank you."

"Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Then Representative Currie, you're recognized to close."

"Thank you. These are technical changes. I would appreciate your support for House Resolution 1571."

"The question is, 'Shall House Resolution 1571 be adopted?' This requires 60 votes. All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. Mr. Clerk, the voting is open. Call the roll."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"Aye." 09400143.doc 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

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"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Pass."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye."

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"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

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"Aye."

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"Aye."

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"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

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"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Yes."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Have all voted who wish? Oh, Representative Hamos, how do you wish to be recorded?"

"(Inaudible)."

"The Lady wished to be recorded as 'present', Mr. Clerk."

"Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 62 voting 'yes', and 37 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, on page 3 of the Calendar we have, under the Order of Total Vetoes, Senate Bill 380 for Representative Lindner. Representative Lindner, would you like to present your Total Veto override on Senate Bill 380? Representative Lindner." 09400143.doc 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"The Lady asked… The Lady moves that the House override the Governor's Veto of Senate Bill 380. Is there any discussion? Representative Miller."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I do support the override of the Governor's Veto. This is important to my school district. Many of you supported this Bill when it initially came up. This is one of those Bills that helps everybody who's in the language. And I would ask for those who supported it the first time to do so again. I ask for a favorable vote."

Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Representative Cross."

"Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Then Representative Lindner, you're recognized to close."

"So, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 380 pass, the Veto of the Governor notwithstanding?' This Motion requires 71 votes. And this is final action. All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk, call the roll."

"(Inaudible)."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye." 09400143.doc 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Pass."

"Aye."

"No."

"Present."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Pass."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"No."

"(Inaudible)."

"No."

"Aye."

"No."

"Aye." 09400143.doc 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Just to give those who've already voted a heads up… Those who've already voted, I would announce that lunch has arrived downstairs. And Mr. Clerk, why don’t you continue the Roll Call for those that are still hungry."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"No."

"No."

"Aye."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"No."

"Aye."

"No."

"Aye."

"No."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

Speaker Hannig: "Have all voted who wish? Representative Beiser, did you wish to be recorded as 'no'? Representative Myers wishes to be recorded as 'no', Mr. Clerk."

"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Then Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no'. This Motion, having received the Three-fifths Majority, the Motion to override prevails and Senate Bill 380 is declared passed, notwithstanding the Governor's Veto. On page… Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports."

"Mr. Clerk, on page 3 of the Calendar, under the Order of Consideration Postponed, Representative Molaro, you have Senate Bill 948. So, Representative Molaro."

"Well, I mean was a caucus called that I wasn't aware of? I mean… no, I'm not kidding. I mean, obviously, that's been on Postponed, I know that. It's been on Postponed. So, naturally…"

"Do you wanna… did you wanna take it out of the record for a few minutes?" 09400143.doc 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"I…"

"It's your call, Representative."

"Yeah. We're gonna have to unless… Can they vote from the second floor or wherever they're at? We'll take it out of the record for now."

"We'll take it out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. On… on… on the Order… On Supplemental Calendar #2, under the Order of Concurrence, Representative Reitz, you have House Bill 822. Representative Reitz."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 822 as amended in the Senate. And this is the coal mine safety Bill we had… that we passed in May. We had two issues that we put a trigger date in to drive us back. We had questions and we're waiting on some studies on rescue chambers and on caches for self-contained self rescuers. This Amendment will have the self-contained self rescuers at various distances based on seam height. But the… most of the mines in Illinois will be 57 hundred feet apart. It was 4 thousand feet in current law. This is… we've ran tests with Department of Mines and Minerals and made sure that… that this is a safe distance for these caches. The issue of rescue chambers, they are still looking at this on the federal level. I know in the Senate they've had opposition, just more to the premise of rescue chambers at all. What we're going to do is have rescue chambers within every 3 thousand feet of a working section of the mine. This should be a last resort for any miner in the event of a catastrophe, but in case they are not able to escape the mine and have to revert back to the mine face, we'll be able 09400143.doc 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 to have some safety measures in there that we hope will save lives. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"The Gentleman moves that the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 822. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 on House Bill 822?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. And Mr. Clerk, call the roll."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Yes."

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"Aye."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes." 09400143.doc 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

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"(Inaudible)."

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"Aye."

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"Aye."

"(Inaudible)."

"Aye."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"Yes."

"Aye." 09400143.doc 92  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Aye."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)."

"Yes."

"(Inaudible)."

Speaker Hannig: "Representative Flider, do you wish to be recorded as 'aye'?"

"(Inaudible)."

"Mr. Clerk, Mr. Flider wishes to be 'aye'."

"(Inaudible)." 09400143.doc 93  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Representative…"

"Is all… Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 90 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 822. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Holbrook, for what reason do you rise?"

"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege. You know, this fall a team that you and I have supported forever, the Cardinals, won the World Series. Isn't that right? And I was just wondering if maybe the House would like to extend an invitation to Tony La Russa and Mark Lamping to bring the team up and bring their trophy up. Maybe we could have one of these IDs made like we did with the White Sox if they come up this fall and have a Cardinal red bird on there. Just something to be taken under consideration by the Chair to extend that invitation to the Cardinal organization."

Speaker Hannig: "Very good. Thank you. Representative Stephens."

"Speaker Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker and Representative Stephens, I was in the committee with you and in response to your question, I told you that my plan… my plan was to call the Bill. I changed the plan."

"Representative Mulligan, on the Calendar, under Agreed Resolutions is House Resolution 1577."

"Read the Resolution, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Mulligan."

"Representative Bost."

"Representative Fritchey."

"Probably the last person anybody expected to speak here. But over the last 10 years, on hundreds of Session days you could probably count on one hand the time that Representative Parke and I have agreed on issues. And those disagreements, I think it stayed cordial although they've been vehement at times. But I think that my relationship with Terry underscores something that we saw in a Member in this Body, which is you do not have to agree with someone to respect their determination and their dogmatic approach to fighting for whatever it is they believe in. So, Terry, we may not have agreed, we may not agree going forward, but you'll always have my respect for the determination and the valor that you brought to those positions that you fought for. And I think that in your own way and with your own 09400143.doc 101  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 beliefs you do remind everybody of the determination they should bring to this job, and I commend you for what you've done over the last 10 years that I've been here. I wish you the best in the future."

"Representative Meyer."

"Representative Mautino."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm proud to join as a… as a Sponsor of the revolu… Resolution here for… for Terry and… in looking back there, through 1984. Long time in the General Assembly and a lot of great institutional knowledge. But this morning he… Terry brought me by a letter that actually my dad had written to him when they served together. And they worked together and cooperated and did a lot of great things. I also enjoyed Mr. Bost's comment because I was in the General Assembly on the day of the big fight. And for those of you who weren't here, I want ya to know that the brave Member that broke it up was 72-year-old Janie Barnes. Representative Turner just reminded me, too, that on leaving here in your future, Don King is always looking for new talent and he, too, believes in the American way. Terry, I've enjoyed working with you on the Insurance Committee and also wanted to commend you for the things that you've done on the national level that most people and many 09400143.doc 104  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 people don't know about or will never realize. A lot of the policies that you created as the President of the National Conference on Insurance Legislators and the years and the work that you've put in have protected millions of consumers and have set up market conduct and rules that protect them that they may never see. But that is a great testimony of what you were able to do. I wish you well and I'm sure that you will be a success in any endeavors."

"Representative Stephens."

"Representative Flowers."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Terry. Representative Parke, I want to say to you that 22 of the best years of my life I've spent with you. And, quite frankly, if you remember, it started in this House, downstairs at our freshmen reception. I want to thank you because you have made me the person that I am as far as all of our arguments, our fights. I'm a better person because you were there. I had to get up early, stay up late in order to be on top of my game, knowing that you were going to be there to challenge my very, very being. And for that, I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you for the… the speeches that you used to pass out on the floor years ago. Remember those days, around Memorial time? I remember the speech that you gave me. 'I am your flag. Respect me, protect me, never neglect me.' That's what you gave me 20-some-odd years ago to say. That's more appropriate today than ever before. I want to say to you that I'm going to miss you. And I meant it from the bottom of my heart when I said despite the fact… all the fights that we've ever had, we always embrace when it was all over. Thank you very much and I'm going to miss you."

"Representative Graham."

"Well, Representative Parke, I want to thank you for all of your assistance in helping me when I first got here. I ran some really complicated Bills in the very beginning and you guys were a really intimidating bunch, between you and Representative Black and a number of other people on the 09400143.doc 106  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 other side over there. And I came to you one day and I said, 'I know what you're gonna do. Ya know, I know you're not gonna support me with this Bill. But if you could just not say anything… if you could just not say anything, ya know, kind of alleviate the pressure off of me, it would really help me.' You looked at me and you said, 'Well, I'll think about it.' Ya know? He said, 'Well, if I don't say anything, ya know, you oughta get a couple other people not to say anything.' And I said, 'Okay. I said, but if you just not say anything.' And I talked to you, and I won't name others, but I talked to others. And when the legislation ran, I was like saying… I saw you gesturing. I don't know if you were, like, helping somebody, but I said… said to myself, 'He said he wasn't gonna say anything.' But you kept your word. I wanna thank you for keeping your word. Each time I came to you to ask your advice on something you were very straightforward. You… you know, you didn't sugarcoat it. You let me know where you were. But you did tell me… you would quiz me on a Bill if… when I got ready to run it. You said, 'Well, what about this?' And if I gave you the wrong answer you would say, 'That's not it. You need to go back and take a look at that.' You wouldn't give me the right answer either, what the appropriate thing was. But you said, 'No, you need to go back and look at that.' And when I did, you were right, it was something missing in what I said. So, I wanna thank you for the little bit of tutelage that you gave me and the support that you gave me on the floor when I requested. And coming from the other side of the aisle, that meant a lot for me, a 09400143.doc 107  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 person who was, like, saying 'uh oh'. Ya know, I always carry come complicated stuff because in my district I have complicated issues. And so, I always say, 'Well, they don't like me as much 'cause I run all this hard stuff,' but that's what matters in my area. Thank you for your support." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Lyons in the Chair. Recognize Representative Washington. Representative Eddie Washington."

"Mr. Parke, I finally get a chance to say what's on my mind. You know, when I first came here… ya know, and I'm still a freshman, hopefully in my junior year after tomorrow. But when I heard you I used think, man, why is this guy always rampin' and ragin'? I didn't understand the role that you played. And I said, man, he's kinda on the mean side. It's like nobody could satisfy you. Every time somebody said something over here it's like you had somethin' else to say back. But as I got a chance to see what you were tryin' to do, I really found you personable and someone that I have learned a lot from. And if I ever get a chance to stand in your shoes or something close to it and I'm able to do what you do, I hope I can do it as well. And you definitely will be missed. Thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Don Moffitt."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. And to my friend, Terry Parke, we're going to miss you around here. You know, one of the things that has bothered me in my almost 20 years in this Body is that we've got a lot of people here who from time to time go back and forth on issues, people who don't seem to have a coherent philosophy of government, people that change with the wind, but I'm proud to say, that's not you. Sometimes it means you're stubborn, but most of the time it means that you came here with a notion of what you thought government ought to be. You have principles that are unshakable, you have values that are… that do not move, and for this we should all thank you. As you've heard from this side of the aisle from many of the speakers, we don't always agree with you, in fact, not that often, but there's nothing wrong with that. We 09400143.doc 109  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 came here to debate major issues, and you and I have had many, but what comes out of it is that you are a Gentleman that came here with an idea and an ideal and a set of values that are important to you and, you believe, important on behalf of your constituents. And so, I wish we had more Terry Parkes around here, not necessarily your side of the political spectrum, but I wish we had more people like you in this Body, now and into the future, who understand that we must have our sense of what government is, our philosophy of what we ought to be doing here. And for that… from that, we've learned a great deal from you about how to go about doing that business. And so, as you go on to do other things, which I hope will be productive and enjoyable for you, remember that you leave that legacy with us. We appreciate what you've done for us and thank you for your being here with us. Godspeed." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my friend, Terry Parke. As a freshman, I had the opportunity to travel to… to China with a small delegation of Representatives. There was myself, Terry, Bob Rita, Robin Kelly, and Joe Dunn. And I remember whenever we would go out to dinner they would prepare a menu in Chinese and of course we didn't understand what it was. And as the food would come out we'd always ask our translators, 'Well, what's this and what's that?' And there were a few times when we would ask them, 'What is this dish?', and they had to talk amongst themselves first before they told us what it was. And then they would always come 09400143.doc 110  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 back and say 'beef'. And then, of course, Terry would start going, 'Meow. Woof. Woof.' So, I had an opportunity to see Terry kind of in a whole different light. Ya know, just as a… as a person. And that travel to China gave us an opportunity to talk, and… and what we found out is that some of the issues that he deals with in his area aren't much different than the issues that I deal with in my area. But it was just an opportunity for all of us to just kind of talk and really get to… get to know each other. Terry, obviously, was the senior Member traveling with four freshmen Members of the House and it was good for myself and Robin and Joe and… and Bob to all just be able to sit and talk and… as we traveled and explored. Terry and I spent a lot of time walking up the Great Wall of China together. And… and I kept wondering why all these Chinese people wanted to talk and touch and take pictures with me. And little did I know that Terry was telling them that I was Michael Jordan. Because over in China, ya know, they don't see very many African-American folks, so I was kind of a novelty, and so was Robin in some respect. So I'm in a whole lot of pictures hanging on walls in Chinese houses and I don't know who these people are. But that's all because of… because of Terry. So, I just want to wish you well, Terry. Certainly going to miss you. I hear a lot of stories about how Members get to know people here in the chamber and… and they develop these longstanding relationships. And even though that we haven't had an opportunity to develop a very long relationship 'cause I've only been here for 4 years; nevertheless, they've been… 09400143.doc 111  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 they've been 4 good years. And I think they've been made better because I've had the opportunity to know and to serve you. So I wish you well, Terry, my friend and my colleague. God bless you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Mark Beaubien."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Terry, it… you are truly going to be missed. I'm not gonna echo what everybody else has said, but there were a few things I remember when I first met Terry some 24 years ago. The first thing that Terry told me… ya know, I said, 'Well, where are you from?' And then he wanted me to know that he had worked in the Ford Motor plant on the Southside of Chicago. He also wanted me to know that he was a tunk player. There's a very few people here know about playing tunk, but it's kind of like the African-American's bridge game. That would probably be the best descript… description I could use for it. So he wanted me to know that he knew something about African Americans and our lifestyle and poor people and what they go through. And then I watched him as he'd get up on the floor and vote. I think the first couple of times I'd look at this guy and go, wait a minute. Ya know, you said Ford Motor. You told me you understand what's goin' on. And then we would talk afterwards and, you know, I'd realized that Terry's political position on the floor was one thing, Terry as a person was something different, and yet, they were closely related. And the one thing that I remember most, and I think it's been said here, Terry was a guy that we all respected. He respected our opinions. He had no problem telling you where he stood on an issue. And even after the debate was over Terry would come over and talk 09400143.doc 113  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 with you, shake hands, and say, ya know, I differ with you on it but we would move forward. I think Mautino said it well when he talked about Terry's experience. And I served on the Insurance Committee early on in my years here. And he talked about Terry's expertise in the insurance field and what he did to enlighten us in that area. And, Terry, I am most helpful for your help back in the day when I was just starting to learn. And, Joanne, this guy is a great man. He's going… ya know, you've got a lot of time to spend with him and you can help remold him, send him back, and everything will be fine. But, we wish you Godspeed and I know that things are going to be well for both of you. Thank you again." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Ruth Munson."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Saviano is stepping… standing over there in a second. We've explained this Bill before. It adds one or two words, I haven't looked at it, one or two words to the Code. When we passed the happy hour all it did was we talked about not lining up drinks, but you could sell bottles of alcohol: wine, pitchers of beer. They failed to use the word 'spirits'; they use the word 'alcohol' 'cause spirits is there. This just codifies what customarily has been going along. Now, if I just… I know it's on Postponed which only means one speaker each. If I could just ask Representative Saviano 09400143.doc 118  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 for one minute to explain the Bill 'cause I've been told he does a better job than I do. So…" Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Skip Saviano."

"It was… it was explained very well by Representative Saviano. The concerns are there about whether it be wine or liquor. We'll look into that. And I would ask for a favorable Roll Call." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The question is, 'Should Senate Bill 948 pass?' All those in favor should signify by saying 'yes'; 09400143.doc 121  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 all those opposed should say 'no'. Mr. Clerk, call the roll."

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"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to make a Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #1 on House Bill 3752. Basically, what this does is it creates a… and makes a correction to the Minimum Wage Act that we passed. The Amendment would exempt the day and temporary workers from 90-day probationary wage of $.50 below the state minimum wage that would go into effect on July 1 of next… of this year. This Amendment will ensure that over 400 thousand temporary workers across Illinois receive the full minimum wage. Day and temporary workers may work through day labor staffing agencies or may contract for more work informally. Tempor… The Bill is necessary because temporary workers are by definition working temporarily usually have no long-term stability because their assignment could end at any time. Because of this constant change of assignment and employers, the 90-day probationary wage would have the unintended consequence of creating a permanent subminimum wage for temporary workers and other contingent workers. I believe that the Illinois General Assembly did not intend to allow employers to use the probationary wage as a loophole to create an entire class of permanent probationary workers. So, Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3752 will ensure that 09400143.doc 132  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 day and temporary workers will receive the full minimum wage. And I would ask you for your support." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Are there any questions of the Sponsor? The Chair recognizes Representative Dave Winters."

"Yes, that's correct."

"I was just asked that we do the right thing. And thank you very much for your support." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The question is, 'Shall the House concur to Senate Amendment #1… Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill #3752?' All those in fignis… favor should signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."

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"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. Roger didn't serve with us for a very long time, but he certainly was a pleasure to work with. He was a neighbor of mine here in Springfield and I worked with him on the Revenue Committee. He was a quick study, not a showboater, not a loudmouth, but someone who did his homework, did it well, and was indeed a Gentleman and a pleasure to work with. Roger, we will miss you. And I will echo Representative Krause's hopes that you continue to devote yourself to community service. Thanks for being with us and Godspeed." 09400143.doc 144  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes Representative Renee Kosel."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to chime in to one of my buddies, Roger Jenisch. We, actually… we've been out to a number of receptions and outings over the summer months and in the evenings, and I must say, he's a better golfer than he is in other areas. He knows what I'm talkin' about. I won't… I won't get too personal, but no… a standup guy, an individual who has the right disposition, always with a… a quick-witted statement to make or something fun in committee and… to someone that I'll miss and the right disposition. So, best of success to you, Roger. I'm here for ya. Keep that right attitude and I think we'll be seeing a little bit more of you here in the State of Illinois. Thank you and God bless." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Bob Biggins."

"Thanks. I just wanna say to my friend and he was my friend before I got here and I know people know him by different dimensions because he served here for longer than he came back and then he came back again. And he reminds me of those old Rocky movies, just when you think they're over, ya know, they allowed to put another sequel together. So, you just can't write him off. Ya know, and for those of you who know him from Lake County, Mr. Churchill has a family history of leadership and he's keepin' that in good name and bein' a good standard-bearer for that. And I wanna say that when I first came here not knowing, somewhat like a city mouse with her hat tilt backwards lookin' up at everything that I'd never seen in person before, I was always able to come to Mr. Churchill and… for advice and counsel. And his advice was that of a friend; it was partisan; it was straight down the middle. And I don't really feel like he's leavin' because I know where he's gonna be, right in Grayslake that's right around the corner from me basically and I know if I have need of him, he'll always respond and 09400143.doc 156  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 he's also responded to people that I've sent to him for legal advice and he didn't charge 'em a leg and an arm. And I thank him for being a good friend. Thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Jim Meyer."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I can't believe it's been 9 years since Rob Uhe joined our technical review staff, quickly rising to the joint posts of chief counsel and parliamentarian. I expect if you asked Rob he would tell you that he learned a lot during these 9 years. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this House of Representatives who learned a lot from Rob and found much to admire in him. Rob is a hard worker. Everyone marvels at the work ethic of his boss, Mike Madigan, but I have to tell you that, if anybody outdoes Mike, it's Rob Uhe. Rob is thoughtful and intelligent and he's flexible. If you've got a knotty legislative problem, you can't figure out how to get from here to there, and you for sure haven't a clue how to say it, Rob is your guy. He's a first-rate legislative draftsman who is creative, who's able to find the right word to express the thought that's behind the Bill you're offering. He's flexible but he's not the kind of person who takes the easy way and cuts corners. He believes in the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the Constitution of the United States of America and he's not one who's going to ignore his responsibilities on that front. He's committed to this institution and to all of us Members. I have seen him work with all of us, Republicans as well as Democrats, upstaters and downstaters, trying to help us out of a legislative jam. He always does these things with a 09400143.doc 166  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 great deal of politeness and warmth. He's soft-spoken and pleasant to all of us and… but in fact, if you check just behind the surface you'll find he has a wicked sense of humor. Rob is leaving us, but he's not going far away. In fact, he will reemerge after tomorrow wearing the clothes of a lobbyist. He didn't… he didn't ask for cake and ice cream for a party as he departs but the odds are really awfully high that he'll be right back asking for our votes. Rob Uhe, it's been a pleasure, a joy to work with you and I know all of the Members here will join me in wishing you Godspeed." Speaker Lyons, J.: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Speaker Michael J. Madigan."

"Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. Barbara said it very, very well. Rob has served as counsel to the Speaker for, I believe, 8 years. You can imagine that I've had several people serve as Speaker… or counsel to the Speaker and so I've been in a position over these many years to evaluate the performance of lawyers working here in the House of Representatives, working as counsel to the Speaker, working as a lawyer available to all of the Members in terms of a whole variety of issues. And I can tell you that Rob would take a second seat to none of them. You know from your own experience that he's conducted himself with great distinction, demonstrated wonderful knowledge of the law, the ability to explain technical aspects of the law in such a way that you can actually understand them, all right, unlike many lawyers. And then in addition to all of that, Rob, you're a wonderful, wonderful human being. Okay. 09400143.doc 167  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Absolutely. Obviously, I will miss you very much, but we have a very adequate replacement standing right here, David. I know the other Members will miss you very much, but we all wish you good luck in your future endeavor. We think that you'll do very, very well. So, good luck to you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "All those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 1583 signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. House Resolution 1583 is unanimously adopted. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly. I rise to honor… I won't call him a great man, but that he is… he's been like a brother; he's been certainly a true colleague here in this General Assembly. I think it was 18 years ago… not quite that… 12 years ago when you came in here. But Calvin… Calvin Giles and… I need not tell you all here, you guys know who Calvin is. He served one time as the chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. He was chair of our Elementary & Secondary Education Committee. He has just been one human being that, as I say, I can call him like a brother to me. For a long 09400143.doc 168  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 time we used to carpool together, coming back and forth, so you get to know a lot about an individual riding in a car with him for three hours… no, he's actually a three and a half hour driver, I do it in three… but in three and a half hours you can learn a lot about an individual. Calvin has been an individual who has, I think, all of the respect of us here in this Assembly. The one thing that they told us when we first came into this place and I'm certain the new Members heard it also is that all you have here is your word. That's the most important thing. And I think it's true to say that Calvin has been an individual who when he gave you his word, if he told you he was with you, Calvin was truly there. He is one who is committed and when I say committed, I mean, we'd spoke earlier of some of the other Members, Calvin takes an issue and he goes at it, not just in terms of the words, but in terms of individuals trying to explain to his constituents, even in working with his colleagues here, making certain that we're clear on how he feels about an issue. Sometimes the words didn't necessarily say it, but Calvin could express it just in his communication with you. In terms of his family life, he has a beautiful wife, now has a granddaughter and that has changed him considerably. And I also… in his… ya know, outside of the Legislative Body here, I can tell you and if you wanna see firsthand, he has an art for landscape design. This guy has done a great job on my yard. I know he did Representative Yarbrough and others and so I know that he has a future ahead of him, but the most important thing and I said it the other night when we had a little reception for 09400143.doc 169  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Calvin, Calvin is a Christian man. He's a man who believes in God and in fact that leads his life. He's a guy who puts the Lord first and says this is how I oughta be in terms of his legislative affairs and in terms of his day-to-day duties. And I respect him for that. I'm just glad to know him; I'm glad to continue to know him. He's going to be missed here in the Legislature because he's truly been a passionate individual and the people of his district certainly have been well-served by Giles's tenure here in the General Assembly. And we wish you well, Calvin." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Karen May. Karen, didn't you seek recognition? Oh, okay. Representative Debbie Graham."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Representative Giles, I have an interesting story to tell about Representative Giles. I will, give me a minute. When I first was asked to run for office, 'cause it wasn't one of my bright ideas that I wanted to run for office, I went to see Calvin. I had to go and see a number of elected officials in my area and I went to see Calvin Giles. And I sat there talkin' with him; he asked me a lot of questions and I felt like I was being somewhat scrutinized, ya know, by him 'cause he's askin' me and I'm lookin' at him like why's he askin' me all this stuff. It should have been, ya know, if he was gonna support me and ya know, we had a little dialogue or whatever. But after we had… he had interviewed me, he said, well, yes, I can support you because you sound like you have a little sense and ya know, you got a little bit of rollin' with ya. So, he say, I get, ya know, see ya… He said, 'I can support you and your 09400143.doc 170  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 campaign and if there's anything that I could do for you, let me know.' Well, what I had known about politics before entering 'em, ya know, everything was really negative and sometimes you had to go back and check out what people said and whether they were really supportin' you or if they were just doin' it verbatim or just under the cover or whatever the case was. Well, on Election Day, ya know, that really tells the tale of somebody's really supportin' you. You see them on your… on the palm card or things that they're passing out. Well, not only did Representative Giles keep his word and have my name on his palm card, but he had my picture on his card and a number of other people. That meant a lot and ya know, it was working with people like him that really started building what was once a negative thought process about coming into politics 'cause I was… had a nervous sense about entering this arena. But it was through working with you and you just being very honest about your opinion on various issues and just trying to share your institutional knowledge with people who had come in behind, ya know, behind you. I really do thank you for taking that time out and just walking us through the process. And me and Representative Kelly, we was always talkin' about this was our first day of school, ya know, like, oh, we in the first day of school and people like yourself, Lou Jones, Chuck, ya know, they… you guys were really helpful and that when we thank them and I never got a chance to tell Chuck that and I never got a chance to thank Lou. When we thanked them for helping us, Lou Jones cried 'cause she said, nobody really ever came back to them and 09400143.doc 171  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 never gave them a card or said thank you or what have you or let it be known. So, again, I wanna thank you for just sharing your jelly beans and your cashews on your desk and ya know, giving us M&Ms, ya know, all that stuff and just thank you for just being who you are and being consistent and never really changing from what I knew. So, thank you and I wish you success in everything you put your hands on in the coming days." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Karen Yarbrough."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I rise in support of my colleague and district mate and I just, ya know, when he had his farewell party, I got up and I spoke at that and I just thought about some things about Calvin Giles. Ya know, when you come to Springfield you either get here, or you're appointed or you get elected some other kind of way, ya challenge somebody. I remember when I first met Representative Giles I was told to go to his office and to talk to him. I guess you were the go-to person, Calvin. So, I went there and I thought it was so kind of him to take the time out to talk to me about what I was endeavoring to do. He said, 'Ya know, if you're successful, perhaps we can ride to Springfield together. Perhaps we could, ya know, talk about issues.' I mean, he was really welcoming, a calming presence. And some of you know about my race, all of us have our stories to tell about our races, especially if we challenge somebody. But he was not hostile to me; he was open; he was honest. He told me things about this place and I just really appreciate that, Calvin. I also had an opportunity to be in his committee 09400143.doc 172  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 and I tell you, of all the committees that I've been on, I've never been on a committee that's been chaired so professionally, so honestly and forthright, allowing people to have their say. So, thank you for that and I noticed how much everybody on the committee, they would say the same things about you, how they thought that you gave people the opportunity to have their say. And it didn't matter whether it was the opponents or the proponents, you allowed everyone that. Finally, let me say that, I always wanted to have my yard done, professionally. And so when Representative Giles decided to start his business, I wanted to be the guinea pig. He came to my house; he looked at my yard. He didn't say it was a mess, but it was. But he has such an eye for his work, it's uncanny. He looked at my yard; he drew some sketches and then I told him, just go for it and just do the work. I'm so proud of the work that he did in my yard so that I'm happy to go home when I go home and I know, I mean, it's a loving touch that you put in my yard. So, Calvin, I know you're gonna do some great and wonderful things going forward. You are a gentleman and you are a scholar and I've appreciated serving with you in this place. I look forward to working with you in the future; the best is yet to be. Thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Ken Dunkin."

"Thank you. State Representative Calvin Giles, my good buddy and friend and confidante, mentor, big brother, soul brother. Ya know, it's… all of us remember the days or the week that we came here on our first… our first experience and we also remember those individuals who presented 09400143.doc 173  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 themselves as someone that they can go to. You were very, very genuine when I met you years ago, when I came down here and we took a picture right on the House Floor. But more importantly, when I came down here, ya know, all of us don't know where everything is or how to get things done or even what mindset to be in and I just wanna thank you for helping to set the tone for me even learning how to understand this process, how to listen, how to think critically on some of this legislation, makin' sure that one's word is valuable here in this great Body of ours and really to have an even approach an even keel at just sort of the cadence and the pace of this respective Body because it's a busy Body especially here in this House. So, I wanna thank you for just your patience and your strength that you have exemplified and provided myself. I also wanna make sure that all the new Members who may be hearin' this or who may come here with certain notions or preconceptions of here of this Body to find a Calvin Giles, find someone of his spirit, someone of his honesty, someone who is respected in the community, someone that most of us here in this room can't say too many negative things about. And if you do or you did, you would go over to his desk and either enjoy some cashews or some M&M peanuts. Consistently, you did a lot for a lot of people and I humbly and proudly and respectfully say thank you and keep on risin' to the top. Thank you, Calvin. God bless." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Chuck Jefferson."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, Calvin, my man, you're bringing the peanuts and 09400143.doc 174  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 the M&Ms. Calvin, in my estimation, you epitomize what a man should be. Ya know, you're God-fearing, you're honest, you're family orientated and you're good for the people you represent. You've always had that caring manner about you. So, I just wanna say to you, I appreciate your friendship. We became friends from the minute I came into the General Assembly. You embraced me, accepted me as your colleague. You even came back to offer to help work on my campaign. So, I wanna say to you, I appreciate that. I know you're gonna do well, so I don't have to wish you well in whatever you decide to do you're going to be successful at it. So, from me, I just wanna say to you, keep on doin' what you're doin'. You're God-fearing, just keep looking up and you'll know the direction you need to go in. So, all my blessings to you, the best of everything. Thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Don Moffitt."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly. Calvin, my seatmate, I've enjoyed sitting next to you for the last 6 years and Calvin has helped me so much to calm me down, gave me stories about different things and we shared stories about our families and the kids and all kinds of things. And so I really appreciate having a male's perspective on things… and I am so glad that, ya know, a lot of times when people get caught up in politics and when you're running against people you hear all kind of different stories. And I'm so glad that I allowed myself to form my own opinions and all those opinions were all wrong and I'm 09400143.doc 177  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 so glad that you were here and that you've given so much to everyone. And so, I just want to say thank you and thanks for being a great seatmate." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Ed Washington. Ed on the floor? We'll get back to Representative Washington."

"Thank you. I just want to say about Calvin, when I first came here, as well. Ya know, naturally, I was intimidated and there was Bob Churchill, in counsel with him, told me to make sure I touched bases with Calvin Giles and I did so. And I know I was intimidated by the Speaker because when you in a low level of politics and you see Madigan on TV, he becomes bigger than real life and it was Calvin that shored up my nerve that mentored me and told me any question I have don't hesitate to go to the Speaker and ask him because that's what he's here for. And he's been here long enough that he probably knows every scenario. But I wanna say the next best thing to the advice that the Speaker's given me has been this man right here. He's been a brother and a true friend and it was a pleasure knocking doors with him during his campaign because I heard so many good things about the people that I engaged in conversation about the Giles' name and about this particular Giles in particular. And he will always be my brother and I'm hopin' the door will always be open 'cause I'm gonna always need some advice about somethin'. Calvin, I wish you the best." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Chapin Rose."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, my good friend, Calvin Giles. Ya know, I've known Calvin for more than 20 years going back to the middle '80s, being involved in Chicago politics up to our eyeballs. I can still remember when you were appointed to the General Assembly. And as a much younger man came down here and you have… and left an indelible mark on what education here in the State of Illinois, being part of that debate. But the most remarkable thing, once I joined you down here in the General Assembly, is how you conducted yourself in that committee. The way you are always being fair and level giving both sides of the aisle a chance to be part of the debate. The only person he ever cuts off in debate is me 'cause Calvin says I talk too long and a lot of different things. And he was always concerned whether or not I would probably lose votes and just talk my way out of votes on different Bills that I had there. But your fairness and I think, while Will Smith… Will Davis… Will 'Smith' Davis… Joe, you started somethin' bad there, Joe. But I think that Will summed it up best when because you are the epitome of what a man should be: a family man, an excellent Legislator, an excellent father, ya know, a excellent husband. We're gonna miss you here. Ya know, tomorrow we'll be sworn in in the new General Assembly and it's always an exciting thing to start fresh, to wipe the slate clean, but it'll be just a little bit less special knowing you're not gonna be here and part of our organization. You did a tremendous job running the Black Caucus for both the House and the Senate for 2 years. Calvin, your leadership will set the tone and 09400143.doc 182  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 example for how we conduct ourselves far into the future. We're gonna miss you here and we certainly gonna miss your friendship and being on the golf course all summer with you. I'll look forward to that as we've always have been. Thank you and God bless you for being here." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Jerry Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Calvin, I wanna wish you well. You did a great job with the Elementary Secondary Education. The passion that you have for kids showed through every single day. You were able to sit there calmly, watch us battle, very passionately sometimes. I can remember when they had the State Superintendent of Schools there and you almost had to put on a referee shirt. And daggonit, we got to be such good friends that… that it probably cost your election 'cause you hadn't spend all that time down going door-to-door for me, you had probably won your election. I serve now on a committee that is another passion of yours and that's how to reenroll dropouts. You don't forget about kids any time whether they're up, whether they're down, whether they're downstate, whether they're upstate. I've never known anybody that cares about kids any more than Calvin Giles. That's probably what makes you such a great father and a great family man. Calvin, I'm really gonna miss ya and it was an honor to serve with you in Elementary & Secondary Ed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Roger Eddy."

"Thank you very much. Thank you for all of those kind words. This is something that I will truly remember for the rest of my life. This… I've prepared for this day since 1993 since I came in the Legislature. And what I did was I tried to build relationships; I tried to respect others; I tried to find out what other's needs were, what their issues 09400143.doc 184  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 were… was, to be able to interreact and to be able to hopefully give some advice or either try to help find the solution. This is a very august Body. You all are very special individuals and I don't want you to take that lightly. There is individuals every day who will love to be in your seat. Sometimes we take it for naught, but this is a very special place to be. This is where it really happens, on the state level and I want you to… I want you to really reflect and think about your lives and what you mean to the people of the State of Illinois. But oftentimes we get involved into so many political scenarios that we forget… we forget about who we are and what… who we represent. We represent millions of people and I want you to… I want you to truly reflect on that and then after you reflect on that, I want you to do something. I truly want you to begin to love each other. Ya know, this is a very short life, ya know and we all have a true commonality and that is we are human beings first. You are a human being, every one of us. And so to love each other, to respect each other and of course, to make sure that you find, ya know, build relationships with each other because one day we all are not going to be here. So, I want you to begin to enjoy the fellowship that you have with each other and to love each other and to respect each other and then you can truly serve the people of Illinois. You can truly serve, you can truly see, you can truly begin to come up with solutions if you love your fellow man, so… so, if I can leave that with you and that's what I've tried to do. It's simple. It's easy to love each and every one of you because you are a 09400143.doc 185  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 human being. It's easy to respect you because you're a human being. That's who I am. And so, that's what I would charge each and every one of you to do is to… is to reflect on that and you will be a better person not just for your constituency but for yourself and your families. May God bless each and every one of you. I won't be going too far away from you, but I will always be in reach and I will always be thinking about this august Body. Thank you for the opportunity." Speaker Lyons, J.: "All those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 1585 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. And House Resolution 1585 is unanimously adopted. The Chair recognizes Representative Dave Winter. Representative Winters."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise right now to add another name to the list of honorees tonight. Before I get started with that, I think that it's important to recognize 09400143.doc 186  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 I haven't spoken on any of the other people because I knew I'd be getting your attention speaking on Representative Michelle Chavez, but I'd add my words and sentiments to all those who have spoken before me about how much… or better yet, how great of a spot you all have in my heart and what a privilege it's been for me to serve with each and every one of the people who we've honored up until this point. I can tell you from a very personal standpoint that the person that we honor right now and congratulate for her service, Representative Michelle Chavez, may not have served as long as most of the Members that we have honored, but certainly I would say that in her 2 short years here each and every one of the 118 Representatives knows who Michelle Chavez is. I think all of you had… have had more than one, if not multiple, and many, many conversations with her, have gotten to know who she is, what Michelle Chavez is about. And I do reiterate that because when we first heard about Michelle Chavez no one knew who Michelle Chavez was, no one had ever heard about Michelle Chavez. And on election night when Frank Aguilar lost, he was a dear friend to all of us, we were all like, 'What? Who is this Michelle Chavez?' Well, over the last 2 years all of us know who Michelle Chavez is and I… we've not only know her name, but we know what she represents, the kind of woman that she is. And Michelle Chavez is a name that I… I would venture to say none of us, not just the Members that have served with her, but anyone who has had exposure to her will ever forget. That's a name that will forever be in our memories. She has built a legacy here just in her 2 years. And I think that the one 09400143.doc 187  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 thing that we can say about Michelle is that all of us can take it to our graves that we have a friend in Michelle Chavez. And, Michelle, I want you to know that you have a friend in a hundred and seventeen other Members that are in this Body today. We are a family, this is a fellowship, as others have mentioned. And some would like to say that it's a country club and that that's the type of mentality. That it's like a country club mentality, I've heard that, and that when we leave it's all over, that's it, no one ever hears about you or talks to you again. I don't believe that, because I know that in my 6 years here we continue to stay in touch with those Members who have moved on, continue to respect them, continue to love them, and it's an exciting moment for all us when we're able to reunite. And so, Michelle, I wanna say that in your 2 years you have earned my respect, my undying loyalty. I wanna thank those Members who campaigned very, very hard for Michelle, having known her for less than 2 years. So many people stepped up to the plate for her and it was a beautiful thing to see that those hearts, money, time, and dedication was really put into trying to bring you back. Unfortunately, things didn't work out, but I can tell you that it's been an honor to serve with you. I know I speak on behalf of many, and hopefully others will have some words for you too. But, Michelle, I have learned more from you than I think you've ever learned from us. So I know you always say that, 'I've learned so much and it's been such an honor to work with all of you.' Those are her words all the time. But I think all of us can say that it's been an honor to work with Michelle Chavez and 09400143.doc 188  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 we can learn about an aspect that sometimes we lose touch with here, and that's just simple humanity and what it's like to be a good person, what it's like to put others… other people's feelings and needs before those of politics. And that's the kind of person that Michelle is and that's the example that she sets for all of us. So, thank you, Michelle. A lot of people, outside of this Body, could learn a lot more from you and it's been an honor to serve with you, it's been an honor to try to help you over the last 2 years. But, again, you have helped me become a better Legislator and I thank you for your friendship and for the wisdom that I have acquired from you. Thank you, Michelle." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Debbie Graham."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Chavez. I mean, listen, we… our districts are close to each other and we have a lot of things that kinda criss- cross that we work on together. The special rec group throws a fund-raiser every year at, I think it's Arlington. Is it Arlington Racetrack? And when she had come to this event, I don't know who she was expecting to see, but you know how it is when you're traveling this road and sometimes if you don't have an entourage of people going with you, you're by yourself. And that's pretty much how I do a lot of things too. I don't have a bunch of people going places with me. I'm a lot of times by myself. But when she walked in a room and saw me she's like, 'Ahh. Amiga, I'm so glad to see you.' You know? And instantly, it made our day at that track so much more comfortable because she was there to 09400143.doc 189  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 comfort me and I was there to be with her. And I just wanna thank you for your friendliness and the songs that you belted out over here for us and… and just being you. And I know this was a tough 2 years, you know, coming down here unknowingly and, you know, just like, oh, not knowing that you're really gonna make it here and… and just being so gracious and taking it all in. I know it's been a life changing experience for you because it's been that way for me. So, thank you for gracing us with the flowers that you made for us and things that you always offered as a token of friendship, that's a lot. So, well wishes to you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Careen Gordon."

"Michelle, it is very rare in life, much less in this business, to come across someone with a true heart of gold, and you are that person. I remember the very first day when you came around, met every single person individually, reached out your hand, introduced yourself with a smile, and said how you were willing to work with them. That means a lot, to me especially. And I remember one day Susana told me about a piece of legislation that you needed some help with and I immediately said 'yes', and so we worked on that. And there was someone who was going to push you around on that, and no, it was not Representative Parke, it was someone else who is outside of this room, and they attempted to push around my friend, Representative Michelle Chavez. And we put the kibosh on that immediately. And so, we made sure that Michelle had that legislation passed because she believed in it and it was the right thing to do. And because Michelle reached out to us and we reached out to 09400143.doc 190  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 her, she will always be a true friend to me. You inspired me to be a nicer person, which isn't a very easy thing to do sometimes. So, I thank you for that. I will treasure forever the flowers… the flowers that are in my office because people ask about them all the time and I always tell them the story of where they came from and who gave them to me. And I will also treasure a gift that you gave me that's at home in my office that I'm still a little bit afraid of, but someday I may open that too and toast you and think about that as well. There would also be calls that would come to me from Michelle and she always seemed a little hesitant to ask for help, but when she would ask for my help or ask for my name the answer was always 'yes'. So, please, always know in the future, forever, Michelle, the answer will always be 'yes' because you are a true, good-hearted person. And please know I will always be your friend and you will always be mine. So, thank you for… thank you for being here. Thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Kathy Ryg."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, had to come to learn to know Michelle. We sat together at committee hearings where I saw her work tirelessly to understand, ask very thoughtful questions, and then deliberate on the legislation she was working on that was to benefit her constituents and the other people of the State of Illinois. I think one of the best things that she has done for me, though, is to inspire me to understand what true effort can really mean. And when I worked with her in her district she would talk to her constituents and explain to them in Spanish, so I wasn't 09400143.doc 191  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 really sure all the details, but I would watch them respond and get a little fired up, especially when children were around, and she would say, 'My life is the American dream.' And I've used that story when I talked to students in my district because I want everyone to know that someone like Michelle Chavez can be a huge success and a huge inspiration to people. And we thank you for everything you've done and know that you'll continue to do good things. So, thank you." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Julie Hamos."

"So, I had the honor recently of being invited into Michelle's district in Cicero to attend a party that her family and friends threw for her. And it really was an honor to be… first of all, to really see Michelle's life and to see around her the people who are… who give her so much love. And to see the warmth in that room, it really helped me understand what Michelle Chavez is all about. So, Michelle, in addition to everything that everybody else has said, I think, first of all, that heart of gold really captured it. So good, Careen, for… for saying that, because that's really how we will think of you always, is that very… the person who exudes warmth and love. But in addition to that, I think you honor us when you have been so joyful in being here and being part of us. And you have always been so excited about being a Member of the Illinois General Assembly that, in your way, that has honored us as well. So, we do love you and wish you the best." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Representative Chapin Rose." 09400143.doc 192  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Thanks. I can sing but I'm not singing anything now. How about that? No. I did wanna say a few words to Michelle. I remember 2 years ago when you came in I knew exactly what you were feeling 'cause I had just come in 2 years before that. And all the questions you kept asking, like Susana and me, we were like, 'Just make sure you ask us everything you need.' And I was like, man, I really must have asked Susana quite a few questions 'cause you were asking a lot of questions. But it didn’t bother us. We were there to help you. And I think all in all you helped us because then we really had to learn what we were going to explain to you. So it made it a lot better for me at least 'cause it made me grow in the position that I'm in. Thank you so much for that. But not only is your friendship for me or Susana or anyone else in this chamber, but you welcomed our families too. As Julie was talking about the posada, I had my mom there. Susana had her mom, her aunts, her brother. The whole family was there. It was amazing. And it was really nice to partake in that posada, something I've never been a part of, a posada like that. So you welcoming not only me, but my entire family, my mom, my dad… my brother was just here. You ran up to him and gave him a kiss, too, just a couple hours ago. So it was really nice. Yeah, we know Michelle loves the guys. But you are an amazing person and you are a humble person. You have changed this chamber. I mean, it's a lot… it's a much warmer place to be in because you were here with us serving. So thank you for your… the time, your commitment, and everything you've done to help us grow just that much more 09400143.doc 195  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 because your heart, I've never met anyone with a heart as big as yours. Thank you for your time with us. You'll be missed." Speaker Lyons, J.: "To conclude, Representative Dan Burke."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. It's rather a sad day when we say goodbye to our colleagues that we have come to know and admire and in many cases love. And I share the sentiments of my colleague Susana Mendoza when she offered her best regards to those that I did not speak on behalf of earlier. It does become like a family around here. And I might say that when I say 'sad day', it's probably more sad in the way I interpret one's experience here for those who have been here for such a brief time. In the case of Michelle Chavez, who I adore, this to me was a flower that was beginning to blossom. Each day I would observe her getting it more and more. And understanding her humble beginnings, coming to this country, not speaking English as a first language, but in fact learning two languages: Polish, English, and Spanish… three languages. What a talent. Someone that was… and I think the Speaker might have suggested this to Michelle on her very early beginnings that she was a gold nugget. And Michelle responded, 'No, Mr. Speaker, I'm a piece of coal that would like to be that gold nugget.' Or a diamond, I think, was the expression. You're a diamond in the rough. And Michelle would say, 'No, I'm a piece of coal.' Well, we certainly observed, Ladies and Gentlemen, each of us have had, I think, a personal experience with Michelle and something that we will long remember. And I don’t think in 09400143.doc 196  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 my 16-year experience that I've had one single person who has impacted on me as much as Michelle Chavez. She has been, in my estimate, the personification of the American dream and certainly one that I will always remember and continue to be associated with in the future. Michelle, you have changed so many lives, you will not realize. As all of your colleagues have spoken today, I think that encompasses what you have been in this experience. There's been no one like you. You have been a wonderful, magnificent addition to this government, to this democracy. You have made a contribution beyond what your wildest imagination could even expect. My love to you. And, Mr. Speaker, if it would be appropriate, I would ask that if after Michelle makes her remarks that we permit her to sing that world-famous song My Way in Español. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." Speaker Lyons, J.: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Lady from Cook, Representative Michelle Chavez."

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. I would like to found… find the words in the dictionary to say a lot of things to you, but the only one that I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will be here forever. Thanks a lot. Now, there's a legend in Mexico that says La Llorona. It's a woman who always is crying. And I've been passing crying since day number one around here for everything. I was feeling like a Speedy Gonzalez trying to run one side to another one for the cameras and all over trying to hide. But believe me, I tried to do my best. I learned a lot from all of you. It was a great honor to be in the House of Representatives. And I would like to 09400143.doc 197  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 dedicate this song especially to all of you from the bottom of my heart, but also would like to say thank you to Mr. Speaker. This song is for you and for Mr. Tom Cross, too, that were working here. We are not a group of Republicans or Democrats. We are a group that are working here for the community that really needs you and the community that puts you here to give the best. Thank you. For all of you. (Sang My Way in Spanish.) Gracias." Speaker Lyons, J.: "All those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 1586 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. House Resolution 1586 is adopted. Speaker Madigan in the Chair."

"Hello, everybody. Hello. We'd like to deal with some procedures for tomorrow if we could get your attention. So this concerns our Inaugural Ceremony at the University of Illinois, Springfield Auditorium. And in trying to work through this, some of this may get a little complicated. So, again, if we could get your attention and your patience. Number one, Members can collect their tickets for seating in the auditorium lobby, that's the ground level. So you'll walk in at ground level and there'll be a lobby and you can collect your tickets right in that lobby. Is that correct, that's the ground level? Okay. Members, at the beginning at 10 a.m.… beginning at 10 a.m., Members and their guests should collect the tickets before they proceed to the reception, which is being conducted right there in the lobby. And our goal here is to get the tickets dispersed as soon as possible so that there's not a rush at the end. Okay? So upon arrival, 09400143.doc 198  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 first get your tickets before you go to the reception. Only the Members may collect tickets for your family. There's one section of seats which are set aside for your family. There's another section, not as desirable, set aside for other guests. All right? And so the rule is that only you can collect the tickets for your family and guests… guests will need your name to collect the tickets. We're not just gonna give tickets out. Guests have to identify that they're associated with you. Photos with family and guests, please do these in the auditorium lobby. It's a very spacious lobby and there'll be plenty of room for picture taking in the auditorium lobby. And there are arrangements for special-needs people, and for that purpose you should contact my office. Now, Tim, have we covered everything? Okay, are there any questions on all of this? It's a very nice venue. A very nice venue; it's very spacious. I think that you'll be very pleased with the arrangements, but there… please understand there will be 2 thousand people there. That's how popular all of you are, 2 thousand people. Deborah."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just so I'm making myself… making… that I got you clear here, the tickets for the guest… so the tick… the guests are to go to the door to say there are… they are a guest of mine and they will receive the ticket?"

"Correct. Correct."

"Okay. But my family tickets, I retrieve those tickets from somewhere on the lower level from… on the entry level where… okay. On the entry level when I come in, somewhere 09400143.doc 199  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 on the entry level, I am to go and get my personal family tickets. So… 'cause see, my guest is not gonna be real comfortable with me sayin' go to the door and tell 'em you’re a guest of mine. In the past, they've received a ticket or a sticker. So, that's what I'm gonna tell my guests."

"Deborah, you could get the tickets for your guests, which really would be preferable. It would be preferable that each Member would collect tickets for the family, collect tickets for the guests, and then you distribute the tickets. That would be better."

"That would be a little… 'cause my people might be a little… and so that's fine."

"We're just concerned with… given the number of people, there's gonna be confusion. And what we'd like to head off would be some level of complaints about the procedures."

"Okay."

"That's all."

"So I could choose either to get my guests' tickets or leave 'em and let them get their own?"

"Yeah, either one. Either one."

"All right."

"So, if you have more guests than you have tickets, where would you like them? The viewing room?"

"Yeah, this is a good question. Marlow is asking if you have more guests than tickets, there will be a room with the capability to view what's happening inside the auditorium. Marlow, that… that room is called the studio 09400143.doc 200  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 theater, studio theater. That's where they'll do the video. Bob."

"Thank you, I… I took a ride out there. Even though I've been here a lot of years, I don't know streets even. So I went out there, and it seems like it's a one lane road going into it, and I looked at a parking lot… well, it is… and then I looked at parking lot C and D that’s on… it doesn't look very big. I mean, you start talking 2 thousand people, I assume we're gonna have… if they get filled, those parking lots, there are contingency plans of where you're gonna send people. 'Cause I was out there, it didn't look big enough that it's gonna hold 2 thousand people. You're saying 'yes'."

"Tim… well, Tim says that there are probably additional parking lots that maybe you didn't see."

"Yeah, and it does… and there's one road out there. Okay. Just wanted you to know that."

"There's what?"

"There's only one… it's a one lane road going out there. So, we probably should get there early, I… I guess, right?"

"Well, we would recommend that you arrive, ya know, as early as you'd like. As I said…"

"Well, there was… there was this talk on the sheet about a pre… some kind of reception. Is that on… well, I mean, what is that? Is there gonna be coffee or fruit… just so I know."

"Beverages, light fruit. I believe that'll be in the lobby, starting at 10:00." 09400143.doc 201  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007

"Oh, we get a bottle on the desk now that we passed that law, if the Governor signs it."

"Any other questions? Rosemary."

"Now, we've talked about the reception and that's scheduled from 10 until 11:30, that's on the lobby level. And we would ask that all Members be seated on the stage at 11:45 and that all guests be seated in the auditorium. We're scheduled to begin at noon. So we're simply asking you and everybody else be seated before 11:45. Now, if there's nothing else… For those of you that are interested and concerned about predatory lending, there'll be a meeting immediately after we finish right below this room. It'll be with Dean Martinez from the state agency. All right. Now, if… with nothing further to come before the 09400143.doc 202  STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 143rd Legislative Day 1/9/2007 Body, we're prepared to adjourn. The Chair recognizes Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. The moment we've all been waiting for, I move that the House adjourn sine die."

"The Lady has moved that the House adjourn sine die. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned sine die." 09400143.doc 203