"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We ask the Members and our guests in the gallery to turn off laptop computers, cell phones, and pagers and we ask our guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor John Abercrombie, who is the pastor of the Truth and Deliverance International Ministries Church in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor Abercrombie is a guest of Representative Graham."
"Thank you. Let us pray. Eternal God our father, the creator and maker of heaven and earth, Father, how we love You, we adore You, and we thank You for this time. Father, we pray for all of our elected officials because You said in Your word, Father, that we're to pray for those that are in authority; they lead a godly and a peaceable life. Father, I pray now that even as the decisions are going to be made by our Representatives and those that are in council even as we speak now. I pray for the peace of our nation, and Father that all decisions be moral, righteous decisions that shall be made. Thank You, Father for the innovative and the witty ideas that should be shared. We bless You, we thank You for it now. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Nekritz."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 09500020.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for Attendance, Representative Currie. Currie?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Collins, Patterson, and Turner are excused today."
"Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Black is excused today."
"Clerk shall take the record. There being 114 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Colvin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 292; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 318, House Bill 814, and House Bill 818; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' House Bill 719 and House Bill 1119. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 147, and House Bill 209; 'recommends be adopted' House Joint Resolution #5. Representative Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2007, reported the same back with the following 09500020.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 677, and…"
"Mr. Hannig in the Chair."
"…'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 938. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1300, House Bill 1304, House Bill 1308, and House Bill 1320; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 215. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1292. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 01, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 566, and House Bill 998. Representative Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 01, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 816; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 258, House Bill 464, House Bill 465, and House Bill 817; 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 11. Representative Scully, Chairperson from the Committee on Electric Utility Oversight, to which the 09500020.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 01, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1750. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I-Civil Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 01, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 29, and House Bill 573; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1069. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 01, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 775; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 304, House Bill 916, House Bill 204, and House Bill 368; 'recommends be adopted' House Resolution 56."
"Well, we're going to go to page 7 of the Calendar, on House Bills-Third Reading. It's House Bill 138. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Bill."
"House Bill 138, a Bill for an Act concerning stem cell research. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I obviously rise in support and looking for as many 'yes' votes as we can get on House Bill 138. House Bill 138 is relatively simple in what it does, and I realize there are some concerns on this issue. It involves stem cell research. I would like to, before I get into the heart of the Bill, acknowledge a couple people that have been very helpful on this, in this process. One is 09500020.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 Representative Feigenholtz, who, really from day one quite a few years ago, was pushing stem cell research in the State of Illinois when it wasn't, perhaps, as popular as some believe it is today. Senator Schoenberg has been helpful as has Comptroller Dan Hynes as have a host of other people from around the state and I want to acknowledge those people. What this Bill does is permits stem cell research in the State of Illinois, permits adult stem cell, permits embryonic stem cell research, and permits somatic cell nuclear transfer research. This Bill also prohibits and penalizes cloning of human beings. It also prohibits the sale of tissue for research purposes. From a penalty standpoint on the cloning standpoint, anybody that commits the act of cloning, and we certainly hope that does not go on, would be guilty of a Class IV felony, a second offense would be a Class I felony. The other thing this Bill does and for those of you that may not like the… may not agree with the concept of stem cell research or the embryonic, you should be aware that one of the things we don't have is a procedure in place in the event of money appropriated for the… the research of stem… embryonic stem cell. This Bill is very specific and very clear in setting out standards for the awarding of grants in the State of Illinois. This Bill does not provide, at this time, for any money, it merely provides and allows for the research to be conducted in the State of Illinois. Some, of course, ask why do we want to allow for embryonic stem cell research. There are a couple reasons, one, as I said earlier, this would set standards for the awarding of grants. Two, we have a state that's 09500020.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 rich in history of providing… having some of the best and the brightest in the world of research in the medical field at Northwestern, the University of Chicago, at Children's Memorial… Children's Hospital, I'm sorry, here in the State of Illinois. It's imperative that if we're going to keep those people, the best and the brightest in the State of Illinois, we need to allow for all types of research and one of those is embryonic stem cell research. The last reason, and perhaps the most important, is that there are a host of Illinois people that have diabetes and Parkinson's and ALS, and cancer and a whole host of diseases and ailments that people believe, that do… that do research in the field of embryonic stem cell research, that this is an opportunity to find, not only cures for those diseases, but also hopefully a way to prevent those diseases. The other thing I'd like to say before I turn it over to questions is, there are those that suggest that there has been no promise in the world of stem cell research, embryonic. Embryonic stem cell research is a relatively new concept in the field of research. As Jack Kessler said in committee last week, 'It's like an eye blink. We have not known of embryonic stem cell research or were not aware of it 'til 1998.' This is, I believe, a very good Bill. I believe it is a Bill that puts Illinois on par with a couple of other states that have allowed for adult and embryonic stem cell research. And I would be glad to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Representative Cross. We're gonna move this to the Order of Standard Debate, which means that there'll be three speakers permitted on each side and we're 09500020.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 gonna run the clock on everyone. So, the next one who is seeking recognition is Representative Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"To the Bill. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I respectively submit to you that we have lost our way. We have lost our way with the concept that it's now going to be okay to sacrifice the life of one to… in order to save another. And what's even worse is you want to use taxpayer dollars, my taxpayer dollars and those of us who are against this, to fund it. And I believe in my heart that this Bill and a couple others will be the most important ones we debate all year because the final outcome of those Bills will determine, in fact, not measure us as effective Legislators but measure us as moral human beings. And everybody in this chamber knows my firm belief that life begins with conception and I'm sure we’ll continue to debate that for years to come. But what at stake here with this Bill, with the funding of embryonic stem cell research, is much more than that. It's more than a philosophical debate; it's about public policy trumping religious beliefs. And I don't care how they paint this, we all know that human being… that the development of a human being must begin at fertilization, life simply cannot begin without it. We also know that once fertilization occurs these cells immediately begin to divide and grow. Ladies and Gentlemen, if something is growing, it is alive. Therefore, by destroying an embryo, extracting the stem cell, regardless if it's in a petri dish or the womb of a mother is, in fact, killing it. 09500020.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 And where I grew up that just isn't right. So, I'll never be ashamed to defend my protection of innocent human life. I have no reservations telling you that I believe this type of research is wrong and I'm not alone in my beliefs. Now, I want to be clear, we're not here debating the process or the procedure of embryonic stem cell research. We're only talking about the fact that we're using taxpayers' money to fund it. That's the discussion here today. And there's a lot of us that are against this type of research. We feel that this… if this is not wrong, then nothing is wrong. And we also talked about the other important types of research that have been successful. I'm very much for adult blood cord types of research. Just a coup… a few weeks ago they determined that amniotic stem cells were pulley potent, which means that they can be used the same as embryonic. These are all ethical methods of research, and they came up with over seventy (70) known cures for illnesses and diseases, over seventy (70). And how many cures have we got from embryonic stem cell research? None, zero. So my point is, let's use tax dollars to fund those types of research. Let's spend our limited tax dollars on ethical, moral, and result-producing research that we can all agree on. Go home and tell everybody, 'We voted for stem cell research.' In my opinion, Senate Bill 19 will do just that, this Bill does not. You know, just a week or so ago Chief Illiniwek danced his last dance at the U. of I. And this was all brought about because a few people said that they was offended. They literally brought this eighty-one-(81) year tradition to its knees because they felt it was offensive. Frankly, I 09500020.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 can't imagine, in any sense of the imagination that the Chief being more offensive than the public funding of research that sacrifices one life in the false hope of saving another. As I said, if this is not wrong, then nothing is wrong. So, with that I want to repeat again, I'm not here… we're not here to discuss the banning of human… or embryonic stem cell research. Let the private companies do that, there's not money going into that because there's no hope. Just don't use our tax dollars, those of us who are against this procedure, to fund this type of research. And Tom, you've always let us speak our mind and I appreciate that as a Leader and I know you love your daughter very much, but I respectfully ask that you pull this Bill out of consideration. We have Senate Bill 19 that comes over, that sets standards, funds moral and ethical research that we can all go home. It'll probably pass this chamber unanimously and we can say that we're funding stem cell research. I feel that Senate Bill 19 does that and it'll be something that we can all be proud of. Thank you."
"Representative Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"There was, by the previous speaker, Representative Cross, there was a lot of talk about ethical considerations. Do you want to elaborate a little bit more on those, in this legislation?"
"Well, the one ethical consideration you may be talking about, Representative, I'm not sure is the fact that we have a very stringent, rigid protocol with respect to the 09500020.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 awarding of grants. There's no money in this Bill, but in the event of money, we have a very elaborate process set up through the Department of Public Health wherein we establish an institute for regenerative medicine. There's a peer review process and then an oversight committee that has the final say of awarding grants. It's very public; the oversight committee is appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. We have very stringent conflict of interest provisions as outlined at the request of the Speaker, which I think added an element to this Bill that needed to be added, I think it was a good addition. But we… the standard portion of this Bills, where we have this protocol, I think it's important in this field more than ever."
"Does it allow any cloning in this?"
"This Bill is very clear that reproductive cloning is prohibited and in fact it is a felony in the event somebody does it, Representative."
"A felony? Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Is that what I heard you say?"
"Yes."
"That's a pretty stiff penalty."
"Yes, it is."
"For somebody who decides to do that. As far as… one thing I don't think I heard in your comments was, sort of the definition of… of 'stem cell'… what a 'stem cell' is. I may have missed it earlier; I'd be more than happy to help you with that a little bit." 09500020.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Well, why don't you start and let's see if… David, I'd be glad to let you go with that. I'd give it a shot, but I think you can do a better job."
"I think everyone needs to understand the fact that stem cells are basically undifferentiated cells that can be formed into anything. You've talked about juvenile diabetes; however, as I've mentioned before in this Body, I had a niece who was diagnosed with a severe liver cancer at the age of 2, literally on a whim in which my sister brought her daughter to Children's Memorial and they found it by accident. Situations like that, these cells can be differentiated into other different parts of the body and that's what makes it such intriguing research and such intriguing possibilities to cure some of these diseases that our families have been afflicted upon. I think it's very important for the Body to know this is… whatever your consideration of life is, I'm not going to sit here and debate that, but the research possibilities are just… absolutely tremendous in what we can do with this. And looking at such legislation like this, you said that research companies are the… have to defined a… a legislation… this legislation is defined on what types of research can be done. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"I strongly support this legislation. And I want to commend Leader Cross on bringing this to us again and his continuing commitment towards what is new and what is 09500020.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 prospering and what is promising to the future generations of our citizens. There was previous talk about ethical considerations; there was previous talk about taxpayer dollars. I think as being a taxpayer, we owe it those who do suffer from these debilitating diseases, who do suffer from things that could be preventable, at least provide the opportunity of a quality of life for these citizens. I strongly urge this Body to support that. I think that us, as folks in Illinois as Representatives, we can lead the country. We have some of the finest universities, we have some of the finest research facilities, we have some of the finest companies that are on the forefront of this research. I urge all Members, strongly urge the Members to support this legislation and vote 'aye'. Thank you."
"Representative Sacia."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, one of the hardest things to do as a Republican is to take a position opposed to that of your Leader. One of the questions I would ask of the Sponsor is if he would consider removing the embryonic research from the stem cell debate itself?"
"Jim, with all due respect, that's not something that I want to do or will do. That, in fact, is where many believe, in the scientific community, the greatest research potential exists. In committee last week, Dr. Jack Kessler, who is one of the… not only leading researchers in this state, but in fact in the country if not the world at Northwestern, talked about the beauty of this cell and then 09500020.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 the potential it has to not only cure all the diseases that Representative Miller talked about but actually has the potential to prevent so many of the dis… diseases that we're talking about and dealing with as a country and as a state. It is a… as I said in my opening comments, something we in the… or the scientific community hasn't begin to explore, didn't begin to explore until 1998, so it is a fairly new phenomenon. So, this really is where a lot of the potential for great success lies."
"Tom, I am… I am acutely aware that you have a daughter with juvenile dia… diabetes. I'm aware of you and your family's struggle and the issue that that is all about. I also am aware that Congressman Dan Lipinski has juvenile diabetes. Congressman Lipinski recently, in the United States Congress, spoke passionately against the use of embryonic stem cells. And he used the example that there are over seventy-two (72) current diseases that stem cells have been beneficial to help. I've read other studies, as many as eighty-seven (87). I recently listened to a radio broadcast out of Madison, Wisconsin, recognizing the University of Wisconsin as what is, in their opinion, the leading investigative organization dealing with stem cell research, and they had concluded that umbilical cord stem cells, adult stem cells, all make far more sense. Congressman Lipinski used the example of the fact that embryonic stem cells have in many cases created tumors. Again, not being a scientist myself, I don't know that, but it was articulated very well that that is in fact the case. It seems to me, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, that this 09500020.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 Bill would pass very simply if we would remove the embryonic part of this. Why must we take contentious life issues and have them stand in the way of very important medical research. We could really move ahead, we could get the pro- life and the pro-choice people on the same page of music if we could eliminate the embryonic part of this research. To many of us, and one of the previous speakers said it far better than I could, this smacks in the face to those of us who believe life begins at conception. I ask you, Ladies and Gentlemen, to reject this Bill in its current form. I would be more than willing to work with my Leader and once again, I have profound respect for what he's trying to do, but I truly feel we're somewhat misguided when we take this very contentious, pro-life issue and pit it against those of us that want to support this type of legislation, believe firmly in the study and what can be done with stem cells, but also recognize in our heart of hearts that life begins at conception. Once again, Leader Cross, I would ask you to remove that part of the Bill and I would wholeheartedly support it. In its current form I would urge the Body to oppose the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House."
"Before we go to the next speaker, I'd like to recognize the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, is right over on the Republican side of the aisle joining us here today. We've had two in favor and two in opposition. We'll now recognize one more on each side. Representative Feigenholtz is recognized in support. Representative Feigenholtz." 09500020.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this Bill again and am delighted that this Body is addressing this issue and agree that it is a very morally compelling issue. The testimony that the House Human Services Committee heard last week on this Bill was incredible and I'd like to talk a little bit about some comments that were made by Laurie Zoloth, who is a Ph.D. at the Center for Bioethics at Northwestern University. She spoke about the issue of rooms filled with politicians and experts who are debating one of the most morally compelling choices that America is facing and how we will support this stunningly important and deeply hopeful uncharted future for basic research. But one of the things that she also talked about was the human face of stem cell research, not necessarily the politics of it, but the real mothers that matter and the real children that they are holding in their arms who cannot swallow and have other health care issues, children… I know that Tom Cross' daughter… Tom Cross, who presents this Bill with his heart and his soul so that future generations of children do not have to suffer like Reynolds. These are the most morally compelling arguments that we are faced with. And on the religious and ethical issue, I would like to talk about the majority of faiths that where this research is not only permitted but is commanded by a loving God who teaches us that to heal and to care and to repair the brokenness of a yearning world is what we are all here for. One of the previous speakers talked… Dr. Miller, talked about some personal experiences in his expertise as probably the only person who has a 09500020.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 medical degree on this floor, on the floor of this chamber, about families that he knows that have embryos that are frozen in a lab that are soon to be discarded. Why not use these for exactly what Laurie Zoloth was talking about so that we can repair the brokenness of this world. I encourage everybody to support this Bill and think very hard when they cast their vote. Thank you."
"We have now had three speak in favor, two in opposition. The rule would provide that one additional opponent could speak. Representative Froehlich, are you in opposition?"
"Yes."
"In opposition, Representative Froehlich."
"Yes. Would the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Yeah. Representative Cross, when… when this issue came through committee your… one of your chief witnesses was Dr. Kessler and he indicated that your Bill, in fact, will allow what he called therapeutic cloning. Is that correct?"
"This would allow what's known… Representative, yes. What he said is that this Bill would allow… known as therapeutic or somatic cell nuclear transfer, but as I think he also said this Bill specifically prohibits reproductive cloning."
"Right, but it… it does permit the creation of an embryo with the same DNA as a, say, an adult or a child."
"Paul, and I think the significance here and the distinction is that this Bill… the fear we have is creating identical people or identical creatures, whatever you want 09500020.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 to say, and this Bill is very clear that for purposes of creating human beings that are genetically identical, we are not allowing that."
"Right."
"Nuclear transfer is a form of the research that Jack Kessler and others believe is… has… holds some of the most promising results in both prevention and cures, but it is very specific and it's… it's worth noting that right now in the State of Illinois, because we don't have a prohibition on reproductive cloning, somebody could do that. So this Bill is very specific about banning the reproductive cloning."
"Right. I do appreciate that, but on the other hand, ya know, it bothers some like me, that we feel this is a form of human cloning, just a creation of the embryo with the… with the… with the identical DNA as… as somebody else. And ya know, I… I do admire your… your dedication on this issue, I respect that, but I hope you'll respect those of us who… who do support stem cell research with adult stem cells, with stem cord stem cells, with amniotic stem cells, but we draw the line at a form of human cloning to create embryos for stem cell research. Thank you."
"Thank you, Paul."
"We've now had three in favor and three in opposition and the rule would provide that Representative Cross is recognized to close."
"Mr. Speaker, I'm gonna keep this very short. I think everybody knows where they are on this Bill. I wanna thank you… all of you and I have done my best throughout this 09500020.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 process and will continue to respect those of you that are opposed, and I know, in many ways adamantly opposed and… and I do respect that, and I think the others that are supportive of this also. I would, in exchange, look for your respect in what we're going through. Some have talked about my daughter, certainly I believe that this is an opportunity to better her life, to ultimately do away with diabetes, but this is much broader than Reynolds Cross. This is about hundreds and thousands of people in this world that are afflicted with so many types of dis… diseases where we can really have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. And we can do it in Illinois in an atmosphere that's controlled standard-wise and done by the best and the brightest that exist. There is no money appropriated under this Bill. There is no money appropriated under this Bill. This simply would allow for us to conduct this type of research which other states have started to do, we are not at the forefront, others such as California, Maryland, New Jersey. I, again, appreciate your indulgence, I appreciate your interest, I appreciate your position, but I would very much appreciate an 'aye' vote and with that, Mr. Speaker, thank you."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 138. And the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Flowers, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 67 09500020.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 voting 'yes' and 46 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 8 of the Calendar, under the Order of House Bills-Third Reading, is House Bill 462. Representative Bellock, do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read that Bill."
"House Bill 462, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 462 is a Bill that I've worked on for a couple of years and this Bill originally came from a conference we had with Senator Simon about 4 years ago regarding health care in rural areas. We formed the legislative task force and this last year we went all around the state and conducted hearings and the number one issue with people in rural areas is services for mental health. So, when we came up with the recommendations from the Rural Health Care Task force, the telepsychiatry Bill, telemedicine for psychiatry, was one of the number one recommendations. So that's what we're doing here today and what would this would do would be Medicaid coverage for telepsychiatry services throughout Illinois. And this is something that is already being done in telemedicine for regular diseases, so the system is already in place. But this would allow people throughout southern Illinois and central Illinois to receive important services that will allow to keep them out of institutions, out of hospitals, and at the worst case, out of death."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Ryg." 09500020.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Oh no, I'm sorry. No."
"I guess the Lady's not seeking recognition. So the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Washington, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And now Representative Ryg, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you. I'd like to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to welcome members of the Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois. They're up on the west side of the gallery and they’re here today to do legislative advocacy work. We also want to thank them for their efforts in bringing to our attention in previous General Assemblies that March is Hemophilia Awareness Month. So, we thank you for being here today and appreciate all you're doing to inform us on the issues that are so important to you. Thank you."
"On page 8 of the Calendar is House Bill 497. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 497, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lyons." 09500020.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, House Bill 497 seeks to maintain the competitive level playing field among financial service providers in Illinois and to broaden the time-honored separation of banking and commerce. Traditional banks, thrifts, and their holding companies are restricted by Federal Law from engaging in commercial retail property that are not financial in nature. House Bill 497 amends the Illinois Banking and Savings Act law to prohibit any bank or savings bank from locating a branch on or adjacent to the premise of a commonly-owned affiliate that can engage in nonfinancial services. So, this just basically allows the… continues… it encourages at the state level the time-honored national policy of separating banking and commerce and I'd be happy to answer any questions and ask for your support."
"On the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question, is 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no', 3 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Bassi, for what reason do you rise?"
"For a Motion, Mr. Speaker. I move to table House Bill 689."
"And that's your Bill, Representative?"
"Yes, it is." 09500020.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Okay. So, you've heard the Lady's Motion. Is there leave for the Attendance Roll Call? Leave is granted and the Bill is tabled."
"Thank you."
"Representative D'Amico, do you wish us to read 518? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 518, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative D'Amico."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 518 is the result of Jesse White's task force that we had that we met over the summer and this is one of the recommendations that we came up with to help our young teenage drivers. And what it does is it gives parents the ability to view their driving record online. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"On the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Will Davis, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 551."
"House Bill 551, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Currie." 09500020.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is a measure dealing with grandparents who are bringing up children under the auspices of the Department of Children and Family Services. The first thing the Bill does is to change the name of the Grandparents Raising Children Program to the Lou Jones' Grandparents Raising Children Program. As you know, Lou, our late departed friend, brought up a large number of her own grandchildren after the death of her daughter. The rest of the measure has to do with services that are offered to older and ill caretakers of children under the auspices of the Department of Children and Family Services. We did a pilot project last year that was very successful in providing help to vulnerable caregivers of young children and the department has agreed with us to expand the program in years to come. I'd be happy to answer your questions and I'd appreciate your support for this Bill."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Lyons, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Munson, do you wish us to read 574? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500020.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"House Bill 574, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Munson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 574 increases the number of official members of the Social Security Number Protection Task Force, places the administration of the task force under the Attorney General's Office and provides that the task force will explore the possibility of creating a unique identification number system for the state. The Social Security Number Protection Task Force was created by the General Assembly in 2004 and is in response to the growing concern that government wasn't doing enough to secure Social Security numbers. I'll answer any questions and I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Currie and Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Bellock, do you wish us to read 593? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 593, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock." 09500020.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 593 is a Bill that amends the Animal Welfare Act. And what it does is it sets forth administrative fines for violation of the Animal Welfare Act. And the reason this was brought to me is that now the way it stands when you have kennels, pet shops, and various groups that take care of animals, the Department of Agriculture had no way of enforcing anything that was going on that was wrong there, except to suspend their license. So last year alone they had four thousand (4,000) complaints, but they only were able to address two (2) of them because they just do not have the ability to investigate all of those complaints. So what this Bill would do would put fines on those that would violate the Animal Welfare Act. I ask for your support."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Smith, do you wish us to read House Bill 623? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 623, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a Bill that's an initiative of the Credit Union League and it 09500020.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 addresses a concern that arose, actually, with a credit union in my district during their… their audit. And there was a question raised about the way in which the investments in their employee benefit funds were accounted for and there seemed to be some conflict between what the IRS required and what State Law required as far as their auditing reports for the state. This simply would clarify that and remove any question there. I know of no opposition. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, I'm trying to understand what this will accomplish. I'm reading the analysis and I'm not clear on what the Bill will be doing. Is it going to be expanding where credit unions can invest?"
"Yes. Yes, that's right."
"Currently, what are the restrictions that credit unions have on investments?"
"Currently, they cannot invest in a stock-based mutual fund and this would simply allow them to be able to do that for employee benefit plans."
"When you say for employee benefit plans, would it be… I'm not sure I understand, because right now to be a member of a credit union you don't necessarily have to be an employee, correct?"
"That is… that is correct. But this has to do with the benefits for their employees." 09500020.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Only their employees?"
"Right."
"So, this is almost like a 401(k) plan for their own employees?"
"Exactly. Exactly."
"And this would then allow the credit union to invest in a 401(k)-type plan for their employees in equities?"
"That's right."
"Instead of just in bonds?"
"That's right."
"Okay. Thank you for describing that. It's a good Bill."
"I'm glad you described it. Thank you."
"Representative Smith to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just ask for an 'aye' vote."
"So the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We have a number of Bills, Motions in writing to table. On Page 10 of the Calendar, Representative Lang moves to table House Bill 26, Representative Watson moves to table House Bill 205, Representative Franks moves to table House Bill 370, Representative Chapa LaVia moves to table House Bills 667, 669, and 1370. Do the Sponsors have leave? There being no objection, leave is granted. The Motions are adopted and 09500020.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 those Bills are tabled. Representative Dunkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Actually, it's a point of announcement. The House Tourism Committee has been canceled for this afternoon."
"Are there any announcements or other business to come before the House before we adjourn? Representative Graham."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to announce that the Renewable Energy Committee at 12:00 tomorrow is canceled."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Human Serv… Human Services Appropriations Committee that was scheduled to meet tomorrow morning at 8:00 will meet at 8:30 a.m. instead of 8:00."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Mendoza, do you have an announcement? The Chair has been advised by Representative Mendoza that she wishes to cancel her Committee on International Trade, so…" Are there any other announcements? Representative Molaro."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For those on the Judiciary II Committee-Criminal Law, it's 8 a.m. and I've talked to the Leaders on both sides of the aisle. The curfew for all Members is 10:30 p.m. tonight. There will be a bed check so we make sure that everybody's there at 8 a.m. sharp. Thank you."
"Representative Rita." 09500020.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Tollway Oversight Committee will be canceled today. The Tollway Oversight Committee will be canceled today."
"Representative Dugan."
"Yes, Speaker. I just wanted to make an announcement. The Committee on Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness will be holding a meeting, subject matter only, tomorrow morning at 8:00 clock in Room 114. Just to let the other Representatives know, we're going to be discussing the O'Hare security issue and Channel 2 news investigative reporters and their film crew will be at that meeting. And so if anybody wants to hear some of the facts that came out of that investigation, it'll be tomorrow morning at 8:00 in Room 114. Thank you."
"Representative Mendoza."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. I just wanted to mention that the Committee on International Trade & Commerce which meets at 4:00 will be canceled today. So, saw Will Davis give the thumbs up. Thank you."
"Are there any other announcements? Then, Mr. Clerk, would you read the Agreed Resolutions. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 150, offered by Representative Bassi. House Resolution 151, offered by Representative Froehlich. And House Resolution 152, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are 09500020.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/1/2007 adopted. Representative Currie now moves, that allowing perfunctory time for the House… for the Clerk, that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, March 2, at the hour of 1 p.m. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3768, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 3769, offered by Representative Hamos, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. First Reading of these House Bills. First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 29, offered by Representative Sacia, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. First Reading of this Senate Bill. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 149, offered by Representative Pritchard. This Resolution is referred to the House Rules Committee. In addition to the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Report, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16 is reported out 'do pass Short Debate'. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09500020.doc 30