"The hour of 1:00 having arrived, the House will be in Session. The Members will please be in their seats. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by the Father Robert Jallas who is the pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church here in Springfield. Father Jallas is the guest of Representative Poe."
"Lord and Creator of all that is good, bless us as we begin this Session. Assist us so that this gathering will be for us who attend it an opportunity to learn, as well. In the process of dealing with the material issues at hand, may we treat each other's ideas with reverence and respect. May we be instructed in the truth that in a variety of approaches, in the rich differences among us will come something new, what is good for all Your people. May we discover how to reject ideas without rejecting people and how to share visions, though we do not share the same means for reaching our desired goals. May this gathering then be for each of us a prayer, a lesson, and an opportunity to be servants to those whom we represent and thus glorify You. We ask all this in Your gracious name. Amen."
"Representative Cole, will you lead us in the pledge."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09500024.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Mr. Clerk, the Attendance… please take the Attendance Roll Call. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Dunkin, Feigenholtz and Patterson are excused today."
"Rep… and Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Brady is excused today."
"Representative Bost."
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry. Representative Culter is also… Cultra is also."
"Okay. The record will so reflect. And Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 113 Members present, a quorum is present. Clerk, read the Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Hamos, Chairperson from the Committee on Mass Transit, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1481. Representative Molaro, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II-Criminal Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 1492, House Bill 333, House Bill 3454, House Bill 260, House Bill 1080, House Bill 2024, House Bill 1972, House Bill 1705, House Bill 3509, House Bill 1293, and House Bill 448; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for 09500024.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 House Bill 34, and House Bill 156; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' for House Bill 35. Representative Flider, Chairperson from the Committee on Least Cost Power Procurement, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 736. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1460, and House Bill 3394; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 537, House Bill 3652, and House Bill 3672. Corrected Committee Report from Representative Osterman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 1017, House Bill 1855, and House Bill 1911; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 773, House Bill 1105, House Bill 1542. Representative McCarthy, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 1362; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 703, and House Bill 1656. Corrected Committee Report from Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Local Government, to which the following measure/s 09500024.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Standard Debate' for House Bill 876, House Bill 1252, House Bill 1270, and House Bill 1434; 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 1104, House Bill 1491, House Bill 1630, House Bill 1666, House Bill 1670, House Bill 1673, House Bill 2782, House Bill 3433, House Bill 3593, and House Bill 1671; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 286, House Bill 365, and House Bill 1251; 'do pass as amended Standard Debate' House Bill 553; and ‘recommends be adopted' House Joint Resolution 23. Representative Ryg, Chairperson from the Committee on Disability Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 30, House Bill 909, House Bill 1452, House Bill 1535, and House Bill 1708; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 536. Representative Moffitt, Chairperson from the Committee on Fire Protection, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1554, and House Bill 1923. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 324, House Bill 372, House Bill 539, House Bill 978, House Bill 1234, House Bill 1384, House 09500024.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Bill 1456, House Bill 1545, House Bill 1675, House Bill 2023, House Bill 3395, House Bill 3446, House Bill 3487, House Bill 3567, House Bill 3618; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 1074, House Bill 1332, House Bill 1400, and House Bill 1756; ‘recommends be adopted' House Joint Resolution 11 and House Resolution 109; ‘recommends be adopted as amended' House Joint Resolution 22. Representative Saviano, Chairperson from the Committee on Registration & Regulation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 07, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1423, House Bill 1506, House Bill 1709, House Bill 3374; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 121, House Bill 957, House Bill 1406, House Bill 1947. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on Railroad Safety, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 896, and House Bill 1422. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the Committee on Juvenile Justice Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 274, and House Bill 1076. Representative Joyce, Chairperson from the Committee on Aging, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 1301, 09500024.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and House Bill 1611; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 254, House Bill 570, House Bill 880, and House Bill 979. Representative Washington, Chairperson from the Committee on Prison Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 3650. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 186, offered by Representative Brauer. House Joint Resolutions 35 and 36, offered by Representative Eddy. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee."
"Representative Holbrook, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege.”
“…point.”
“We're joined today by Mrs. Hoffman's eighth grade class from Cathedral Grade School from Belleville. I'd like everyone to get… they're up in the gallery, if we can give them a welcome to Springfield. Thank."
"Representative Tracy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Many of you have inquired about my beloved Brown County High School Hornets. And I am every pleased and proud to announce that for the first time in history of Brown County High School, my beloved county of five thousand (5000), my 09500024.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 hometown of twenty-five hundred (2500), and Brown County High School of two hundred and forty (240) students is sending its Class A basketball team to state tournament tomorrow evening at 6:30. They play Farmington and they are in the Elite Eight for the first-time ever. Just wanted you to know. Go Hornets."
"Thank you, Representative Tracy. We’re going to begin on page 14 of the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading and we’re going to continue down the list. And so the first Bill is… where we left off yesterday was… is House Bill 470. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 470, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"So we're going to use the rules of debate and we're going to use the timer. So, Representative Jakobsson your recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 470 amends the State Universities Civil Service Act by authorizing a hearing officer in addition to a hearing board appointed by the University Civil Service Merit Board to preside over demotion, removal and discharge hearings. Last September the civil ser… State Universities Civil Service office formally presented and updated and revised rule regarding the discharge appeal process to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and JCAR filed a certification of no objection and recommended that the civil service office update it's statute to further clarify the option to use a single hearing officer in these proceedings and so that's 09500024.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 really what this Bill does. It just clarifies the law to be in compliance with the JCAR ruling."
"The Lady has moved for the adoption… for the passage of House Bill 470. This is on Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative was… is this the result of an audit finding?"
"I don’t think it was a result of an audit finding; I think it's what JCAR recommended."
"Okay. You’re right. I remember talking to you about this. In other words, the universities were using hearing officers, but really had no statutory authority to do that, correct?"
"Correct."
"So what this does I… I remember the Bill now. JCAR suggested that they needed to seek legislation to codify the use of a hearing officer, right?"
"That's correct."
"Okay. Fine. Thank you very much."
"So, we've had… Representative Black spoke in response. Representative Washington, do you wish to speak on this Bill? Okay. So, we'll put it on Standard Debate and Representative Washington , 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield." 09500024.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Representative Jakobsson, in this civil service merit board who will be the members on the board? I mean, is there any different changes in terms of… that reflect in the student populace or is it made out of people of the community or a mixture? Could you kind of elaborate?"
"There's… there are no changes to the merit board Mr… Representative."
"I'm sorry, Ma'am"
"There are no changes to the merit board."
"So there's no changes. Just creating a, what, a different heading for the board…"
"No, Sir."
"My understanding it’s civil service merit board."
"This is the State Universities Civil Service Merit Board and what it does is it allows one member to be able to preside over demotion, removal and discharge hearings as well as the full board being able to do that."
"So this would just kind of kind of modify and give them an expanded role? Am I understanding you correctly? Because it was my understanding that it was basically recreating a new entity. What I was trying to get at, was the entity going to be reflected by the student populace or the people in the community in which they’re serving?"
"This doesn’t have anything to do with the students."
"Okay. But when you deal with demotion, okay, you’re dealing with… Okay. Like… let… give you an example. SIU has a student trustee. It… they deal with an array of issues, both dealing with teachers, faculty, 09500024.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 pension, tension, all of that. So I'm just saying, is that the component is a part of that board? Is it any input from that level being a civil service?"
"The hearing board members are selected from the members of a panel established by the merit board after consultation with the advisory committee. And the advisory committee is comprised of eleven (11) members who are nominated by and from the civil service employees of the state universities. The Merit Board consults the advisory committee on all matters pertaining to the university system."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I encourage a support for the Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Jakobsson to close."
"Thank you very much. I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Nekritz and Ryg, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Nekritz, shall we read 508? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 508, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 508 provides a increased penalty for someone who is driving recklessly and 09500024.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 hits a crossing guard or a child that the crossing guard is assisting in a crosswalk. And the reason that we… that this came to me is because the crossing guards, at least that I've heard from in my area, are increasingly exposed to… to reckless drivers and they feel that they are exposed to many of the same risks that construction work… highway construction workers are in construction zones. And while the speeds, I recognize, are not quite as high, they are in the walkway… they are in the roadway and exposed to similar kinds of ris… risks and I'm hopeful that we can provide them similar kinds of protections. So I ask you for your support."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 508. 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… Okay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Krause is ready on House Bill 517. So, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 517, a Bill for an Act concerning long-term care. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Krause."
"Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'm pleased to present the Illinois Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act. Recently… last 09500024.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 year, the U.S. Congress in 2006 passed the Deficit Reduction Act and that Act did provide that states could proceed to implement a program whereby its residents could proceed to purchase long-term care insurance in order to protect their assets. This legislation authorizes the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to administer the plan with assistance from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Within one hundred eighty (180) days the department shall apply to the federal Department of Health and Human Services for a state plan Amendment in order to establish a partnership program. This law would provide that individuals under this state plan may procure long term insurance whereby beneficiaries are able to keep personal assets which would be equal to the benefits paid by the policy. This is referred to as a dollar for dollar. Medicaid then becomes the payer when the policy benefits are exhausted and these assets will be protected. This program has been a long time coming here in Illinois when finally the Federal Government released, since 1993, a prohibition of proceeding and it will allow those who own state-approved policies to qualify for Medicaid without what we've always called spending down, the dumping of assets so that their entire savings would not have to be used if they purchase this insurance. The legislation would assist middle-income residents, it would address the future service benefits issues, assist elderly in bequests and assist the public funding in Medicaid, and I think it would release funding there to go for where it should go. I am pleased that we have arrived at this 09500024.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 point. I thank Representative Mautino for the courtesies he extended. And I would be pleased to answer any questions."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 517. 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 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative… Representative Bradley on House Bill 565. Okay. Mr… Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 565, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bradley." Bradley, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. This was a Bill that came from my state's attorneys office, and unfortunately they’ve got a problem with people that are huffing or sniffing chemicals. And they were having trouble enhancing the penalties for subsequent offenses, so this allows them to charge a higher crime for people that keep huffing."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 565. This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?" 09500024.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I assume in underlying law there's a clear definition of ‘intoxicating compounds’?" Bradley, J.: "That's… that's my understanding, Mr. Black."
"All right. Would methamphetamine be covered under that? And… and let me tell you the reason I'm going down that road is I don’t want anything that would lessen the penalty…" Bradley, J.: "No."
"Okay. So…" Bradley, J.: "Yeah. I agree with that. I wouldn’t do anything that would lessen the penalty for meth."
"Okay. So, this is a little different category of an illegal drug?" Bradley, J.: "Yes. Yeah, it… it's like industrial solvents, cleaners, sniffing glue. You know the old airplane line, I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue? Well, if we pass this, this will be the wrong week."
"I… I now have some imported cologne that I think is an intoxicating compound, but I'll let you know when I get back from over the weekend. Thank you." Bradley, J.: "I'd ask for a jury trial on that one."
"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Meyer, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 09500024.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Rita, do you wish us to read 566? Out of the record. Representative Munson, do you wish us to read 573? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 573, 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 573 creates the Identity Protection Act. The language of which is similar to the Consumer Fraud Act, but is applicable to state and local governments. This Bill also requires state agencies and local governments to establish a Social Security number privacy policy and it prohibits local governments from intentionally making Social Security numbers public or generally available. It's paramount that governmental agencies take responsibility for securing Social Security numbers, especially when we collect it for our own purposes. I ask for your 'aye' vote. And will answer any questions."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 573. This is on 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 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative 09500024.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Flider, do you wish us to read 624? Okay. Out of the record. Representative Holbrook on 633? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 633, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 633 is a clarification on what we thought we’d cleared up in the past on reimbursement of prisoners in county jails. This will… still requires the state, if they’re not covered under Illinois Public Aid Code, to do the five hundred dollar ($500) deductible. Literally, it's a five… in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) and it clarifies that if they can be eligible to apply that they’re allowed to. Right now they’re barred from applying. This issue has been this issue’s… We thought we’d cleared it up before. I've been working with Illinois Sheriffs’ Association on this in the past and I can tell you that this… this is the way it was intended all along and this just clarifies it even clearer. I know of no opposition to the Bill other than probably public aid or… if they don’t want to be involved in it."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 633. This is on Short Debate. And in response, the Lady from Kane, Representative Lindner."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 09500024.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Did you say that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services is still opposed?"
"Yes. They don’t want to pay the bills."
"Why are they opposed?"
"Cost."
"Cost. And what… what are their estimated costs?"
"I have never seen the fiscal note on this Bill. I can double-check just to be sure for you if you give me one second. There's none been filed. Again, these are people that… they could be eligible for this; they’re just being barred from applying for the public aid. So, I can't give you the estimated cost; I don’t know.”
“All right.”
“And I don’t know anyone that would."
"All right. And this is in the cou… this is in the county jail, though?"
"County jail and they’re all being held on state warrants."
"All right. Thank you."
"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ramey, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 634." 09500024.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"House Bill 634, a Bill for an Act concerning procurement. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 634 is a Bill that we passed out of the House last year. It permits a preference to be given to a low qualified bidder for state contracts if they are using biobased products, as long as the cost of the bid is not more then 5 percent greater than the cost of products that are not biobased. It's a way to a improve the use of our agricultural products. It also is a good way to cut out petroleum products and help reduce our dependency on imported oil. And I urge its adoption."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I certainly stand in support of the Bill. But I just have one question, and it came up on a similar Bill that I sponsored about Illinois contractors getting preference on state projects and it was pointed out to me that, and I'm on a… I'm a border district, that if you aren't very careful, if you’re… if you’re not careful giving preferences, other states then retaliate and perhaps a biofuels dealer or proponent or manufacturer in my district, right on the Indiana border, would suddenly face a… a insurmountable obstacle to doing business in Indiana. Did the corn growers have any concerns about what other 09500024.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 states sometimes do when we get into preference percentages?"
"They’re the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Farm Bureau signed in in support of the Bill.”
“Okay.”
“So, they did not express any concerns to me."
"Okay. But if… if we get into a situation, and I know your agricultural background, if we get into a situation where other states raise the ante and… and put our producers at say a 7 or 8 percent disadvantage on bidding in contracts to Indiana or Wisconsin or Iowa, I… I assume you'd be willing to revisit this?"
"Well, absolutely. But this does not deal with difference and it could be an in state or out-of-state producer. There's no state distinction that would hurt or help Illinois producers. It's simply a producer that is a biobased, they would get a preference."
"Well, but the same… the same preference could then be enacted by the State of Indiana on a bioproducer and they could raise the ante which would then put Illinois biofuels or bioproducers I… It appears to me if you get into this res… not reciprocity but, oh, you’re going to give your people this advantage, if you want to do business in Indiana you’re going to have to have… you’re going to have to overcome a 7 percent preference."
"That… that's not the way I read this at all."
"Okay."
"If… if Indiana would raise it to 7 percent, an Illinois producer of a biobased product could go in and bid 09500024.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 on the Indiana contract and they would simply get a 7 percent preference in bidding, just as any other… any other producer. So, what level our state chooses would simply give a certain advantage to a biobased product but wouldn’t impact a in-state or out-of-state producer."
"Okay. But should that happen, we can revisit this?"
"We can certainly revisit it. Absolutely."
"Okay. Fine. Thank you very much."
"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative… Okay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, we’re going to return to House Bill 624. Would you read that Bill, please."
"House Bill 624, a Bill for an Act concerning intoxicants. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 624 is a cleanup Bill that was brought to me by the Secretary of State’s Office. It does not add any new provisions to the law, it just simply cleans up and restructures some paragraphs in the law. And again, it was brought to me by the Secretary of State’s Office. And I'd ask for your approval." 09500024.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 624. This is on 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 Collins and Durkin, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brauer, shall we read 639? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 639, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Menard, Representative Brauer."
"Okay. Mr. Speaker, if you could take this out of because we have an Amendment we want to put on it. I thought it was in there. If we could move it back to Second."
"Yes, Representative. So, Mr. Clerk, we're going to move this from Third Reading to Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. So, why don’t we… why don’t we just move on to House Bill 640, Representative. Do you wish us to read that? Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 640, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill very simply puts back into what's been 09500024.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 done from the very start of time when a person goes in, has there hair tinted, they also a lot of times will do their eyelash and eyebrows. A bureaucrat took this out two (2) years ago, but we still have everybody doing this, and we have no problems. And I don’t know of any opposition. I'll answer all questions."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 640. This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Could you please explain what you’re trying to do with this Bill?"
"This Bill is a cure for no known disease."
"What disease might that be?"
"An o… overactive bureaucrat. Two (2) years ago this was taken out of the Act and what it does it’s a requested service by people that will go in and have their hair dyed or tinted. So Gentlemen like us that have somewhat light hair and we want to make it dark, then we can have black eyebrows to match. This is a service that has been done forever. It was taken out of the Act two (2) years ago. And so, this is a request of a constituent because, quite frankly, this still happens."
"How long do these tints last, Representative?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, when is the last time you had your eyelashes and eyebrows tinted?" 09500024.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Well, I thought about tinting it orange for the ballgame this afternoon, but I've never had this done. It's… it's just a request of a constituent."
"Are there any… yeah, are there any bi-products wou… if… should… for instance, if one had this done, may we look like Mr. O'Brien here."
"I doubt it."
"Okay. Now, do you have any shades that you could suggest for someone in Mr. O'Brien's position?"
"Orange."
"Orange. Okay. Well, thank you. I appreciate you answering these questions."
"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 668."
"House Bill 668, a Bill for an Act concerning veterans. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady from Kane, Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill amends the Veterans Preference Act to triple the fine for knowingly and willfully violating… a violation of the Act. The violation will be a petty offense with a fine of seventy-five dollars ($75) to three hundred ($300) from 09500024.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 a fine of twenty-five (25) to a hundred (100). And the Bill has been… it has an effective date. Now, this definitely still isn’t enough money and we'll keep on running Bills that go higher and higher. It's despicable even… even the… the record we have here in the state with hiring veterans, but we are getting better. Thank you."
"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 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joining me in the gallery today is the eighth and fourth grade students from East Richland Middle School, elementary. They’re here on the Math and Science Partnership that’s downstairs in the rotunda. So, please welcome them to Springfield."
"Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 670."
"House Bill 670, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Chapa LaVia."
"I'm sorry. That was funny. Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This House Bill 640 creates the Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force in the 09500024.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Department of Veterans Affairs. The task force shall investigate reentry into civilian life from service members who have been engaged in an active theater. The investigation shall include the effects of postpar… traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, disabilities, and other issues that the task force finds relevant to the reentry process. What we find here in the State of Illinois that there's a large disconnect once our service men and women come back on ground, that were in National Guard and reserves, they’re not treated the same way as full-service members of the Armed Forces. They don’t go back to a base for a month, sometimes they come out, go back to their known base here in the State of Illinois, they’re there for three (3) days and then they’re released back to their family life. There is no… really a time frame of a transition from soldier to civilian and this is definitely needed. And I wish we would've run this task force last year because the numbers are alarming of the amount of… of individuals coming back from the theater right now that are suicidal that have post traumatic stress there are amputees and on and on and on and we do not have the services right now in the State of Illinois to help these individuals. So this is a task force. Hopefully, we're going to go through this really quickly, get some suggestions out. With the help of the Adjutant General, with the help of the new director of Veterans’ Affairs, Tammy Duckworth and the help of this General Assembly, we'll be able to be a proud state so we can provide the 09500024.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 services our National Guard and the National Reserves that… that our soldiers deserve. Thank you very much."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Riley."
"Will the Sponsor please yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"I just have one quick question. Now you’re not making… Does the Bill make a distinction between those who might have been actually in combat versus combat support or anyone who has served in active theater?"
"I'm sorry, Representative Riley, can you repeat that one more time?"
"I said, does the Bill make a distinction to those who have actually been engaged in combat versus a service member who was in combat support and not necessarily in an operational area or any…"
"No. It doesn’t make a distinction. We’re going to be holding task force meetings throughout the State of Illinois to see where our gaps are in the service, regardless. I mean, we want to focus right now on those that need the help immediately and that's right now, the last two (2) theaters, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Desert Storm and Operation Freedom. But during that time, we are going to find holes that we've left people on the battlefield that are veterans here in Illinois not receiving any services whatsoever. And thank you for your service to this country, also. I know we discussed that you are a veteran."
"Thank you." 09500024.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"So, it's nice to have another veteran on the House Floor."
"Okay. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I fully support this Bill. I think it… we have to do all we can to be sure that there are really no stones left unturned in terms of serving this very critical population. It's… it is very… very tough to be in a combat zone and I think that anything that can speak to effective reintegration into the… the population is something that's needed. I fully support this Bill. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall th… 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 Os… Verschoore. Okay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 15 of the Calendar, Representative Smith, you have House Bill 719. Representative Smith, 719. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 719, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. This is… I think a timely issue. One that we’ve tried to deal with in the past as some of these problems have arisen with the reliability of our electric utility service. And this 09500024.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Bill addresses many of the concerns that have developed over the years and there are three (3) main parts of the Bill. One, it would extend statewide what is currently the case in ComEd territory, where if there is a power outage for greater than four (4) hours, there's a provision for the customers to be reimbursed for that outage and for… I'm sorry… for the utility to pay a penalty. This has been in place for ComEd every since the power outages a number of years ago in the City of Chicago. This would extend it to other utilities throughout the state. It would also require that the utilities file with the ICC a four-year vegetation management plan and then finally, to report annually to the ICC their staffing reports for level of employments in the various divisions within the utility. And the ICC would be authorized to impose financial penalties if there are any violations of these provisions. I'd be happy to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 719. This is on the Order of Standard Debate. Representative Black, you’re recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, we've addressed this before and we've always run into problems. There are cities throughout the State of Illinois who have the designation of ‘tree city’ and they hire professional arborists to maintain their trees on right-of-way, boulevards, et cetra. They, historically, are very reluctant to give authority to the Illinois Commerce Commission and/or utilities to come in 09500024.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and trim trees in a way that they don’t think is in the best interest of the… of the tree. And I think part of the problem when you do this, the landowner is sometimes very reluctant to have somebody come in and just chop the holy heck out of their tree. Cities that have an active tree planting program and an arborists on… on the payroll are very reluctant to give this authority to the Commerce Commission and the utility because their idea of tree trimming and brush removal may be to take a beautiful fifty-year-old hard maple and just literally chew it to pieces, where it might not recover. What… I don’t see anything in the Bill that gives the homeowner or a city arborists any ability to say, now wait a minute, we want… we want these standards or… or the homeowner to say, I don’t want that tree topped down to twelve feet. I mean, I understand the necessity for your legislation. I guess I'm just asking what kind of protections are in there for cities that have these programs and what kinds of protections are in there for the homeowner who might have a different idea of what adequate tree trimming might be?"
"Yeah. That's a very good point, Representative Black, and… and I share those concerns. I’ve dealt with some of those myself. My favorite is the… kind of the horseshoe cut they do and leave something that I guess is supposed to resemble a tree. But this does not address those issues. All this does is require the utility to file with the IC… ICC their… their vegetation management plan which is something they’re not required to do now." 09500024.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"All right. The provision of the Bill that says the electric generating company can be subject to penalties, I assume that's going to be a financial penalty for any… for failure to meet reliability standards. Well, what's the defense going to be if the utility comes in after a… an ice storm or a wind storm and says look, the area where we had all of the tree limbs and trees down and wires broken and poles collapsed were in areas where the homeowners got an injunction and said, no, we're going to go to court. We don’t… we don’t approve of your trimming plan and unless you have an absolute easement on my property, you’re not going to trim my trees until I have due process. I mean, I… I know it's fashionable to blame the utility for everything today, but I know in my own district I have people who absolutely refuse to let utility companies trim their trees unless they can show that they have an absolute easement to get on their land."
"Yeah. The… the penalty provision… the penalty provision doesn’t apply in that case, Representative Black, that… that is for in cases of power outages. I… I think that maybe I didn’t understand your question but…"
"Okay. My last question then would deal with a phrase that I don’t understand in the Bill. Adequate compensation for loss of property during a power outage. What… Is it limited? What is adequate compensation? I mean, if I can prove I lose a freezer full of beef, I can probably put a price tag on that. But what is adequate compensation? I mean, how far am I going to be, if I'm a utility, how… to 09500024.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 what level of dollar amount am I going to be held for potential loss to your property during an outage?"
"Well, Representative Black, this… this language mirrors what has been in place in the ComEd territory, and I believe that would be up to the ICC to do… to determine, you know, exactly what that… what that is."
"Well, could… could ComEd for… excuse me… Could Ameren, for example, be responsible if the tree blew on your house…"
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Black your 5 minutes have expired. Could you bring your remarks to a close, please."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and perhaps somebody else can pursue this. I'm… I'm just a little interested as to what the level of compensation might be. Would it be limited to the loss of perishables. Would it include damage to your roof? You know, I just… I'm very uncomfortable voting for something that appears to me to be very open ended. Again, I know they've experienced some terrible outages and terrible problems in the last year but I'm not sure… Well, maybe somebody else can pursue that line of questioning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Meyer, you have 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, I'd like to revisit the tree trimming plan that you’re putting in place. Well… I don’t understand, why do you want… any utility to have to file with the ICC the tree trimming plan for… four (4) years in advance?"
"Well, I think that’s… it's all about public disclosure, Representative Meyer. You know, the utilities say that 09500024.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 they have a vegetation management plan and so this simply would require them to make that part of the public record with the ICC."
"Well, we've talked a lot about our famous Edward Scissorhand types of tree trimming that we have up in… certainly in the Commonwealth area. I… evidently, down by you they have the same problem because… up by us I don’t think it’s apparent that we have a problem with tree trimming anymore. At one point we did and public pressure brought them to the table and… and forced them to make the changes. Obviously, you have any kind of wind storm, well, you have a problem with trees, no matter where it is until you have those lines buried underground. What… what… what if… who’s going to determine if the tree trimming policy is adequate or not?"
"Well, I don’t think there's anything that puts a value on the plan, it's simply a matter that they have to file the plan."
"Do they have to identify areas that maybe need trees trimmed more than once in that four-year cycle?"
"I… I think that would be reasonable to… to assume that'd be part of the plan, yes."
"How do you do that? I… I mean, I just look at my own yard and in the front I might have one type of tree that grows rather quickly and in the back I've… I've got oak trees which grow very, very slowly. Now the two of them if they… they need different tree trimming timing in the… in the cycle for… for making sure that they clear the lines. 09500024.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Do they have to identify yard by yard what the tree trimming policy is or what… what's your plan there?"
"That's not addressed in the legislation, Representative Meyer. All we're requiring…"
"Well, you've got a requirement. How you going to wh… what's going to satisfy you that they’re doing an adequate job of putting their plan together if it’s not addressed?"
"All this legislation does is say that they have to file their schedule with the Commerce Commission, doesn’t say, you know, exactly yard by yard or property by property."
"Does… does the Commerce Commission have to approve it?"
"No."
"So you just want to have them file something whether it really is meaningful or not, if it addresses the situation or not."
"We want… we want something on the public record to show what their management plan is."
"Well, Representative, I just think that you’re just adding another layer of bureaucracy here in terms of making a company that I think can for the most part in my area, other than having bad storms that would… would cause tree limbs in any case, whether it’s properly trimmed or not, to interfere with electric lines. I… I think it's just an added expense to the company and it seems to me that ComEd, in my area, at least, has done a good, good job as far as tree trimming goes. As a matter a fact, most people believe it’s probably it's too good of a job and we have our famous outlines of trees now that… where we had a nice bushy tree, we've got Vs cut in them and a whole one side 09500024.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 of them taken out and some of them down to one or two branches and all that to make certain that their electric delivery’s reliable. I think that all you’re doing is adding a layer of bureaucracy there that doesn’t necessarily need to be there."
"Representative Holbrook, you have 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Speaker. To this Bill."
"To the Bill."
"You know the old story is, you can't fool mother nature. Well, let's just hope that we're not being fooled here, either. You know we set up maintenance standards, reliability standards for phone companies a few years ago when people were out of their phone for week after week after week. This summer, the last eight (8) months have been horrendous. We had six hundred thousand (600,000) people out of power in the Metro East in July. We followed up with a winter program with an ice storm that we left here on one of the last days of Veto Session. We had two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) people out of power. Two weeks ago the… the southern part of my city of forty- five thousand (45,000) was out of power during a wind storm. Yesterday, the west end of my town was out of power because of maintenance failures due to equipment. You know, there's some deferred maintenance going on here, I think. I mean, mother nature can be tough, but I think that… I don’t know that we don’t need to be a little tougher on how they’re managing this. We've did it with the phone service; I think we need to do it with the power service. I just… it's hard for me to believe that in an 09500024.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 eight-month period that a… there's been a million-plus outages again and again and the ICC in its initial report says they see deferred maintenance as a piece of that problem with bad equipment. I understand the man… the vegetation management issue, but none, none of my communities has a vegetation management program where they deal with the power company that I'm aware of. To my knowledge, none of them do and we've had these thousands and thousands and thousands of people out and it seems to keep reoccurring, even in a twenty-mile an hour wind storm which use to wouldn’t have ever bothered us. I think we need to adopt these standards and help provide better service. The… the… the hardships we're causing upon on our constituents by not adopting this, I think, are overwhelmingly a greater concern and that, I think, there's provisions in this Bill that allow for those who don’t want to do that type of vegetation management. Thank you."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he’ll yield."
"In the analysis it talks about… it gives the ICC the permission to fine these companies. And I was trying to go quickly through the actual Bill. Does it say in the Bill somewhere how that fine is distributed? I mean, does the ICC just keep it? Do they pass it along to anybody or what?"
"Representative McCarthy, it doesn’t specify that in the Bill. They’re currently doing this in ComEd territory. I assume that those fines are just credited to the ICC and… 09500024.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and you know, in what fund in the State Treasury they’re deposited into I'm… I'm not sure."
"So these come back into some unnamed fund as far as you know but…"
"As far as I know yes."
"So it’s not a windfall for the ICC…”
“No.”
“…since they’ve been doing such a wonderful job, so."
"That's not the intent."
"If you could… if you could, through the staff there, find out exactly where that money goes, I'd be interested in it because it seems like it should go to something energy related, maybe some conservation fund.”
“Yeah.”
“We're always looking for money sources to encourage people to develop some, you know, methods of conservation so they can use less energy and if there is any substantial money in this fund, I think it would be well spent going toward that."
"That's a good point."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Smith to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. I think an important part of the debate on… on our regulation of the electric utilities is the reliability of that service. This has nothing to do with the rates. This has to do with reliability. And I think all of us have probably had calls from constituents complaining about maintenance level of 09500024.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 our utility lines and equipment; perhaps we've talked to employees of the utility companies who can tell you what's going on. And I think the… the real crux of this issue came up in committee and that is who's making the decisions on maintenance of our utility lines. Is it the people who are concerned about maintenance and are concerned about reliability, or is it the people who are more concerned with the bottom line and the profitability of our utility companies? So, this would… would restore some of the reliability standards that were in place prior to deregulation. It's a good Bill for consumers and I think it's an important part of the overall debate on how we're going to regulate our utility companies in the State of Illinois. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote for this Bill and for your utility costumers. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 719 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 84 voting 'yes' and 28 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Black, shall we read 720? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 720, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black." 09500024.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 720 amends the Public Community College Act. It provides that for all meetings of the board of trustees a quorum of members must be physically present at the location of the meeting. As you recall, we allow electronic participation in meetings now and the community colleges feel that that may be fine, but you must have a quorum of the board physically present at the location in order to conduct business. The Illinois Press Association has taken no position on the Bill. I would assume they'd be in favor. Be glad to answer any questions that you have."
"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 Jefferson, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 721."
"House Bill 721, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Again, this Bill 721 amends the Public Community College Act. It provides that regularly 09500024.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 scheduled meetings for the coming calendar year be set at the organization meeting of the community college board and given at the beginning of the calendar year. Currently, the calendar is distributed in April because the election is in April. It… it's thought that it would make more sense to set the organi… excuse me, set the yearly calendar of public meetings at the first meeting of the new year, which would be January rather than April. I know of no opposition to the 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 Lang, Osterman, Acevedo. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Dunn, do you wish to read 722? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 722, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Will, Representative Dunn."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 722 increases penalty for driving while a license is revoked if your license has been revoked as a result of an aggravated DUI or is… or due to a… being revoked as a result of a reckless homicide. I ask for a 'yes' vote." 09500024.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 722. This is on Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative just curious as I'm looking at our analysis I'm not seeing the Secretary of State's Office weigh in here at all. Have you spoken with them?"
"No, I've not spoken with the Secretary of State's Office. I spoke with several different State's Attorneys Office but not Secretary of State."
"Well, understood and you know, as you’re aware and everybody in this Body, you know, both Jesse White personally, as well as his office, has been very involved in these types of issues in trying to crack down on people that should not be on our roads. Just a suggestion, not a criticism, if you could at least apprise his office of this, so if they have any thoughts. I think, you know, if they… if they’re supportive, their help should be welcomed by you. And if they have some concerns, you know, that’s probably something you want to be apprised of, so hopefully, you can work those out."
"I agree. And I would like to talk to the Secretary of State's Office about this legislation and I'll do that."
"I appreciate it. Thank you."
"Sure."
"Any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have 09500024.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Monique Davis. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Leitch, on House Bill 775. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 775, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Peoria, Representative Leitch."
"Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 775 simply adds Advanced Practice Nurses in psychiatry to the list of authorized Medicaid providers. It's long overdue; it's necessary to implement anyone's definition of a ‘mental health system’ in this state. And I would ask for your support. Thank you."
"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 Flowers, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brosnahan, do you wish us to read 780? Out of the record. Representative Coulson on 808. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill…" 09500024.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
Speaker Hannig: "Excuse me. Excuse me, Mr. Clerk. Representative Watson, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to table House Bill 175."
"You heard the Gentleman's Motion. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Bill is tabled. And now, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill, please."
"House Bill 808, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Coulson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House… House Bill 808 is… clarifies that all employees of assisted living and shared housing facilities must comply with the Health Care Worker Background Act. We have already passed this Bill and we're trying to support compliance with changes in the Health Care Worker Background Act in assisted living and shared housing, not just nursing homes. And I'd appreciate 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 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 810." 09500024.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"House Bill 810, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Berrios."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 810 increases the allowable wholesale value of prizes offered in a crane game and redemption machines. A crane game is an amusement device involving skill which rewards the player exclusively with merchandise contained in the device. And the redemption machine is a single player or multi player amusement device, involving a game the object of which is throwing, rolling, bowling, shooting, placing or propelling a ball or an object into, upon, or against a hole or other target, kind of like Skee- Ball. And we are wanting to increase the allo… allowable wholesale value of the prize to more the… no more then twenty-five dollars ($25). I'll take questions."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 810. And we'll put this on the Order of Standard Debate. And Representative Bost, you’re recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"What is the rate, right now, that the prize can be?"
"It's either seven (7) times the cost of the charge to play the amusement device or five dollars ($5), whichever is less."
"Okay. Has there been a big drive for all of a sudden the prizes inside to be increased or…"
"Usually, it's like a cheap teddy bear." 09500024.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Yeah."
"So, at least if it goes up to twenty-five dollars, ($25) it'll be a little bit of a nicer gift."
"It… a… now, we're talking about those cranes where they have little stuffed animals in there, is what you’re talking about, correct?"
"Yes."
"Di… Have we looked into this? The other day we were… I was watching the news and I saw some young child was really upset because he couldn’t… and he was a very small child and he crawled up inside and… and then he couldn’t get out. Now… now, he wouldn’t violate this. What… what do you think his… he was worth? Was he more than twenty-five dollars ($25) if they went and picked him up. I…"
"Not much in common sense, I guess. And that was quite awhile ago."
"All right. Thank you."
“Thanks.”
"Representative… Representative Meyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, we would just like to clear up the understanding on this. When you’re looking at the prizes in the individual machines, is that an individual prize can be no… worth no more than twenty-five dollars ($25), or is it the average prize in the machine can be worth more than twenty-five (25)… be…" 09500024.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Oh, no. The individual price. No more then twenty- five dollars ($25)."
"So if you have fifty (50) things in the machine, each one of them has to meet that criteria of no more then fif… no more then twenty-five dollars ($25) as opposed to having one (1) in there at… at fifty dollars ($50) and ten (10) in there at five dollars ($5) and the average is below twenty- five (25)."
"No. This does not go for the average; it's strictly twenty-five dollar ($25) max."
"Thank you very much."
Speaker Hannig: "Any further discussion? Representative Berrios to close."
"I'd ask for a favorable vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 810 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 Dugan, Golar, Schock, Winters, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 70 voting 'yes' and 40 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 816."
"House Bill 816, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Coulson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 816 provides that when a child who is eligible for special education reaches 09500024.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 the majority age of eighteen (18), rights accorded to the child's parents are transferred to the child except in cases where the child is determinate to not be competent. This legislation would codify state and federal regulations that require the transfer of rights to special education students upon reaching the age of majority. It further enables the board to establish guidelines in determining if a child may not be competent or otherwise to allow for informed consent with regard to their IEP or their educational plan. And I would… I can answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Graham."
"Representative Coulson, just… Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Couple of quick questions, just so I'm understanding you. If a child… let's say, if for instance, if a kid is in school and you know, sometimes kids are in school and their birthday falls after September 1, and they start later in school. And then because of their educational difficulties going through school they get into special ed and they may have skipped a grade. So, but in effect they’re still under… they’re like somewhere around freshman, not a freshman, but let's say sophomore, junior and they’re right at that age of being eighteen (18) because of their circumstances. So, you’re saying that this Bill would take the responsibility and give it… give it over to the shot… the child to respond to their special ed needs?" 09500024.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"By law, when a child turns eighteen (18), even if they’re still in school, they then have… are able to take responsibility for their IEP plan or their individual educational plan, as we call it. And what… what has happened is the schools have been confused on who should have the authority. The law turns it over to the child at the time they turn eighteen (18) because they’re now legally responsible. What we're trying to do with this Bill is to allow the child who's still in school to say yes, I do want that responsibility, if they’re competent to handle it or I would really rather have my parents do it ‘til I am finished with school, because I… I really don’t know what to choose. So we're giving some choices to the child and the parents as they turn eighteen (18). In special education, a lot of times they’re in school until they’re twenty-one (21). And this just clarifies who has responsibility for decisions after they’re eighteen (18)."
"In the area that I represent, there's a lot of schools in my area that on… are on the watch list. And a lot of them feel that they have there… over the allowed amount for special ed kids in the school. There's a lot of stigma put on a special ed child in the school. They need the services that are there. But with this piece of legislation, I'm a little bit afraid if we give a child who needs the services the opportunity to say yes or no, I don’t want the services, he may say no just because of the stigmatism from of… oftentimes teachers and from the students. So, I've been talking to people in my district about possibly let's looking at changing the term special 09500024.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 ed, because it's not a term that the child is just illiterate, just can’t learn, it's just that they need a special way of learning. So that term special ed I have concern for and if the kids are being stigmatized of being teased for being in a special ed class or being pulled out I'm afraid that a child by the time they reach eighteen (18) may say I don’t want to be a part of this program anymore to relieve himself of the pressure, although he may need the services that special ed provides."
"And in response, right now, that when a… a child turns eighteen (18) they are now legally able to make those decisions. This Bill allows for the parents to have some input if the child is willing to allow that parental input. But the law does say they’re free to make decisions when they turn eighteen (18), assuming they’re competent and that's… This Bill really doesn’t address the issue you’re talking about, as far as the labeling of special ed and those kinds of things. I'd be happy to work on that with you. Yeah."
"Sure. I'm… I'm totally aware that this Bill doesn’t address that. I was just trying to give you some of the concerns that why a kid might possibly opt out. Do you know… I understand you’re saying that that's the law, but do you know if it’s the practice of the teachers to tell the kid that now you’re responsible for your special ed program? Do you know if teachers tell kids that?"
"I'm not aware. I would have to ask some of the teachers. But… and I think we could do that between now and when we mo… try to move a Bill over in the Senate." 09500024.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Thank you."
"Representative Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, what is the purpose of this legislation, please?"
"The purpose is to clarify and codify state and federal regulations that require the transfer of rights upon… of a child who reaches majority which in the State of Illinois is eighteen (18). And what it does is allow for some flexibility if the child chooses to continue their parents helping them with the IEP to allow them to… the parents, to still be able to do that."
"Under your legislation in regards to a special needs child, if that child decide that he or she no longer want their parent to speak for them, you’re saying they have the right to opt out?"
"That… that's the law, currently. Yes."
"And so… and what… what will your Bill do, please?"
"My… my Bill just allows that child to have the opportunity to say I really don’t feel comfortable making my own decisions, I would like my parents to be able to be included and help me make those decisions, from eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21)."
"But right now… right now, that could occur."
"Not with any legal authority. The parents would not have any legal authority after the child turns eighteen (18)." 09500024.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"If a child was collecting their Social Security under their parent’s name or as a result of their parents, and that child is legally staying with that parent, is that parent not assuming the responsibility of that child?"
"I would… I would assume they are, but that's not what this Bill talks about. We're just talking about educational… developing ind… individual educational plans, the IEP, and who has the authority to sign off and or decide what is appropriate in the school system. We’re not talking about social security. We’re not talking about where they live or anything like that, this is just for the academic portion of their… program."
"And so is… is it because of Federal Law that the parents don’t have the right now and that you… this legislation is giving the child the right to incorporate the parent into this decision and right now you’re saying as without this legislation today a child that's eighteen (18), that parent does not have the right to come in and say I want to continue this program for my child?"
"Correct. That's absolutely right."
"Okay. So what you’re doing is allowing the parent to come in and say I don’t think my child, despite the fact that he or she may be 18 or the child is saying I don’t want to make this decision. I want my mother to make this decision for me."
"Right. And that allows that child who is competent to make that decision and let their parents help them with the decision making."
"Okay. I thought it was the reverse." 09500024.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"No.”
“Thank you for clarifying that."
"Thank you."
"Representative Kosel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield? I want to compliment you, Representative Coulson, on… on your work on this Bill. It will go far to keep the family involved in the decision making for children with disability. And I would urge everyone to vote 'yes'."
“Thank you.”
Speaker Hannig: "There any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And Representative Coulson on 817. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Bill."
"House Bill 817, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Coulson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 817 is another special education Bill and what this does is when a child turns… or actually a young adult turns twenty-one (21) typically they’re no longer eligible for services in special education. What we're trying to do with this Bill is clarify that if a child starts school and then turns twenty-one (21) during that school year, they can continue 09500024.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 to complete that full school year up to the day before their twenty-second birthday. And the reason we're doing this is that there's been a confusion and some schools have actually asked the child to leave the school the day of their twenty-first birthday and I have a couple of constituents whose birthdays were in January, February and March. This is a state board rule that was not able to get through JCAR in January and so we're trying to address the problems through this Bill. And I'd appreciate an '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 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Jefferson. Okay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Joyce on 819. Out of the record. Representative Mathias on 898. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 898, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mathias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 898 provides that whenever a community requests a partial census the Secretary of State shall certify the number of inhabitants of the municipality as the number reflected by the last complete municipal census that was taken adjusted by the 09500024.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 new figures. And the… and the reason for this is and this is supported by the Illinois Municipal League and passed unanimously in committee, is the cost and expense of doing an entire census for the community. This is an effort to try to save money for the community and still get the… the correct results so that that community in some cases it could mean the difference between being Home Rule or not Home Rule. So, I ask for your… an 'aye' vote."
"This is on the Order 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 900."
"House Bill 900, a Bill for an Act in relation to criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mathias."
"House Bill 900 came from the… from our last General Assembly. It's identical to a Bill at that time which passed also unanimously, but never made it out of the Senate Rules Committee. It really provides that a court may impose an extended prison ser… sentence on an offender who’s been convicted of first degree murder, when the offender has previously been convicted of domestic battery, or aggravated domestic battery or violation of an order of 09500024.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 protection against the murdered individual. 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 '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 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Osmond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to move to table House Bill 1457."
"You heard the Lady’s Motion. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion’s adopted and the Bill is tabled. Representative Fortner, on House Bill 916. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 916, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Fortner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of this House. This House Bill will fill a needed gap in Medicaid coverage taking advantage of one of Illinois’s unique resources at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory where, for the last thirty (30) years, they have been conducting cancer therapy using neutrons. It's one of only three (3) sites in the United States that provides this and that with the potential for doing proton therapy in the future, these are services that we should provide for Medicaid coverage much 09500024.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 as they are covered by most private insurance and Medicare already. I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 916. And on that question, the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Excuse me. I have the wrong file. Can I start over, Mr. Speaker? Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, the effect of the Bill as introduced would… would seem to me to require Medicaid coverage for cancer treatments by means of proton or neutron therapy provided at stand-along clinics. Now, I assume you’re not saying that Medicaid would have to pay for anyone who decides to get this treatment. It would be those eligible for Medicaid. Correct?"
"That is correct."
"So, if you had state insurance as… as you now do, obviously, your insurance would pay for that. Correct?"
"Yes, it would."
"Okay. What… explain in… in layman's terms, what is proton or neutron therapy?"
"Sure, I'd be happy to, Representative. The… most people when they go for radiation therapy at a hospital get what's called photon therapy, but for certain types of cancers there are other types of therapies that are available. They've been used for many years. Neutron 09500024.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 therapy uses a particle called a neutron, hence the name and it allows that for certain types of tumors where it is the indicated and preferred treatment and would be a preferable means of treating those particular tumors. Protons, similarly for a different class of specific types of tumors."
"I… I find that fascinating, Representative. I'm just an old country boy and I didn’t understand anything you said. I…"
"Well, you’re welcome to attend my class next time I teach the subject."
"It's been awhile since I've been in class. But are you telling me that if a patient needing this cancer therapy, currently, would go to Fermi Lab for this treatment that there… there is no way to bill Medicaid at the present time?"
"That's, in fact, the problem. Right now, if a patient was referred there and treated there, the physician, there are physician payment codes, but the physician group is separate from the facility. And right now there is no provision for the facility, the use of the facility to be reimbursed and that's not currently part of Fermi Lab’s mission. So they don’t pick it up, either."
"Yeah. I… If I were you I'd put some neutrons and protons on those two (2) people in front of you. Your… your Bill mentions the Fermi Lab tevatron. What is a tevatron? Is it like a like a cat scan or…”
“Oh, no, no, no.”
“…something much more than that?" 09500024.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"It's definitely much more than that. Currently, it is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. It’s a ring about four (4) miles in circumference, sitting outside of Batavia."
"So, the tevatron would do some of this treatment?"
"No, not at all. They actually use one of the earlier stages, a piece of machinery called the linac which feeds the tevatron, eventually and they just simply pick off part of it and are able to use that for treatment."
"Well, I… I'm beginning to understand, now. It's a… Is it anything like my trinatron?"
"Actually, surprisingly, yes. It accelerates protons instead of electrons. Your trinatron accelerates the electrons in your television tube."
"Representative, I'm going to stop here because you’re leading me down… you’re leading me down a path, I hate to admit this, but you lost me at 'the Bill does'. Once we get into protons, neutron, tevatron, super particles, six- mile circumference, I… I envision somebody being on a bed and being spun around this six (6) mile, six (6) kilometer, but that’s not it."
"No, actually they either sit or stand at this facility rather than lay prone."
"I think I saw something like this on Star Trek. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Bill. If some of you would care to try and get to the bottom of this, I would appreciate your guidance. I have no way of knowing whether this man is telling me the truth or not. I… I literally,… I know a little bit about neutron because 09500024.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 my grandson watched Jimmy Neutron. Proton was a dog that I had when I was twelve years old. The Fermi Lab is where I thought they grew firmies. I… This is an extremely complicated Bill, Mr. Speaker. I long for the days when freshmen carried meaningful legislation that we could understand, like the official state dance, the official state snack food. Now, we're getting into trevatrons (sic- tevatrons) and protons and neutrons. It sounds like a good idea, but I think and I… from what I read, the State Medical Society is certainly in favor of it and… and why wouldn’t they be, they probably don’t understand this any better than I do. But if… if Medicaid, in a more serious vein, if the treatment could prolong or save a loved one’s life and there's currently no way to get Medicaid to pay for it, obviously, I think we need to do so. I'm waiting with bated breath what the Department of Human and Family Services comes up with as a billing code on this. I want to see what they say the billing code is going to be; proton, tevatron, trinitron and you all come back again real soon, ya hear? I just, I miss the old days, Mr. Speaker, when freshmen carried meaningful Bills. I… I don’t know what to do on this Bill. I… Where's Lou Lang when I need him?"
"Representative Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Excuse me, Representative, is this your first Bill?"
"Well, yes, it is." 09500024.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure. Someone said that you and in response to Representative Black, have you ever thought of any billing code ‘cause I would suggest maybe equals MC² as one of the billing codes."
"I leave that to the department. I know they have many numbers that they've used for assigning different billing codes and I'm sure they've got some that they can assign for this, as well."
"Well, could you explain some of the physics that's behind this? I'm… I'm really interested. I didn’t know if differentiate equations is part of it, you know, or just… just quantum physics or what. Can you sort of kind of elaborate on it for us…"
"Well… well, there's no question that for those who design and operate this, there's quite a bit of physics and quite a bit of physics education that goes into it including differential equations as you would suggest, as well as a number of years of studying physics. Even the doctors who go into this type of radiology often will do extra study to understand these types of techniques and how they can best apply them to their patients."
"No, I mean really explain it, because what you've just said… I hope that's not how you teach a class at… with one… some of your students there, ‘cause I just didn’t really understand what do you mean in terms of physics and particles and things moving?"
"Well, okay…"
"I mean, accelerated can be anything." 09500024.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Well, sure, if you’re interested, and if the Body would like, I'll try to keep it brief. I’m sure other people do that."
"I would love to hear it. On a Thursday afternoon, I would love to."
"The basic… the basic physics is that particles, whether they are photons, protons, or neutrons, using radiation therapy when they interact with the material of cells will disrupt the molecules or even the atoms themselves, which is generally lethal to that cell. So, by directing them at the cancer cell causing those either atomic or even nuclear reactions in the cells, it will kill them."
"Well, on a serious note, what is the difference, because that's part of the… the radiation and chemotherapy is… is to attack those highly irregular cells that divide quite frequently, that's why people lose their hair, because of the turnover, because of cancer. So actually, what is the difference between that… is it similar to that or…"
"There's some similarity in that does kill the cells, unlike a chemotherapy which has much greater systemic effects because you’re taking it throughout the whole body. In this case you can target the beam directly at the specific tumor so, with a much higher dose at the tumor proper and you’re getting less dose over the rest of the body."
"So, when you talk about accelerate, is something thrown at the patient?" 09500024.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Well, only if you consider something which is far smaller than anything but the most powerful electron microscopes can see thrown, then I would say yes. But it's actually directed by means of a… high radio frequency accelerator tubes and powerful electro magnets."
"Do… do you still teach?"
"Yes, I do."
"Okay. And so do your students know where you are right now?"
"I have no lecture assignments this semester, so they wouldn’t have to worry about that."
"Okay. All right. Just want to make sure of that. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"So, I think this Representative has A Beautiful Mind and probably has seen Good Will Hunting and some things like that as… from his… his outstanding testimony. I think this is something that we need to do and want to commend him for bringing this excellent piece of legislation and this is some serious science research that we need to grasp around the State of Illinois and want to support his legislation maybe. Thank you."
"Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"I understand, Representative, that you may be employed by the same university that is responsible for some of these science experiments that are going on in Northern Illinois University." 09500024.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"That’s correct."
"Isn't that an inherent conflict of interest that your paycheck or at least a part of your paycheck is coming from the same university for which you’re doing a Bill that’ll get reimbursed from federal money?"
"Well, I might also ask if your paycheck isn’t coming from the same state that's managing…"
"Well, so it is, but I don’t work for the university."
"But you do work for the… on behalf of the state and you receive a check from the State of Illinois."
"Well… You’re correct. You’re correct. I don’t think it’s a good analogy, but you can certainly make it. I… I'd like to move to another area now. I… I understand that you’re accelerating these particles at a very high speed which is probably beyond our comprehension, exactly how fast these particles are bombarded…"
"It's slower than the speed of light."
"I… I believe everything is, unless I'm aware of there's nothing that is faster then the speed of light. So…"
"To the extent that we know today, yes."
"Yes. Very good. So, we don’t have a… we don’t have an example of anything faster than the speed of light or as fast, therefore everything is slower than the speed of light."
"No, the light reaching you…"
"Is light."
"…is at the speed of light." 09500024.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Yeah, exactly. Now, what I'm trying to get to is if a subject or one of the patients that's being treated by these extremely fast, but not quite as fast as the speed of light particles, are there side effects that we should be aware of? And in looking through the analysis, I noticed that part of Fermi Labs… the aura around Fermi Lab is that they have a need of prairie, which I'm quite interested in and that they have a herd of buffalo there. And my question is, did you have any treatment there and did any kind of side benefit from those buffalo end up on your chin?"
"No, I… I've… I've, fortunately, never been diagnosed with cancer and never had to undergo the kind of intense treatment that these patients do. So, I can't make that connection."
"Okay. Well, we don’t want to make anymore light than we already have of this. It is… it is a serious question for the patients that are undergoing the treatment and if we can ensure that, in fact, that the university is receiving some form of reimbursement, I… it is a laudable goal and your responses were better than I had expected or really wanted. Thank you."
"Representative Rose."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will Representative Electron yield for a question?"
"He indicates he might."
"Thank you. Representative, a minute ago I heard you say that… that particles aren't above the speed of light. Did you ever see a movie of Alice Cooper called Prince of 09500024.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Darkness about a… about a bunch of young physist… physicist students?"
"No, I can't say that I ever saw that."
"Okay. There's a particle called a tachyon and part of that movie was talking about tachyons created above the speed of light and they return to the speed of light and thus going backwards in time, if you will. Do you agree with that?"
"There are some people who hype… hypothetically proposed a particle called a tachyon. It’s been picked up by a lot of pieces of fiction and movies and other media because of this idea of going faster than the speed of light. Most theorists probably don’t give it a lot of weight in their theories."
"Oh, so the… Okay. So, you won’t be able to use this for… for time travel at the Fermi Lab?"
"I'm not aware of any way to do that, no."
"Am I able to run at the speed of light?"
"No, you would not be."
"I agree with you right there, Representative. Representative Miller, a minute ago, said something about hair loss. Have you used this on yourself, Representative?"
"Well, as I indicated in my other remarks, no, I have not had… fortunately, never had to have this kind of treatment. I just have to say unfortunately, there other aspects of genetics which unfortunately affect the top of my head and I get the hair that I am given by God." 09500024.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Representative, as someone whose father passed away from cancer, I want to say very sincerely, thank you to you for bringing this forward. I look forward to seeing it pass. And thank you for putting up with our comments."
"Representative Mathias."
"Will the Representative yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Now, I understand… I… obviously, this is a very important Bill. You mentioned earlier that there's only three (3) of these sites in the United States similar to this?"
"Yeah. For the neutron therapy there's a site outside of Detroit, in Seattle, and then at Fermi Lab, here in Illinois."
"And you've been to all of these sites?"
"I have not been to the other two (2), though I have spoken with people who have."
"So, you’re asking us to vote on this Bill, even though you've never visited the other sites?"
"I'm asking you to vote on it based on the fact that there are thirty (30) years of work done at the Fermi Lab facility, not as much at the others, but many, many decades, a long history of patient treatment and based on that some very positive results for many patients."
"Oh, great. You've convinced me. Thank you."
"Representative Gordon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an inquiry of the Chair?"
"State your inquiry." 09500024.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Mr. Speaker, would it be proper to place this Representative under oath, considering his superior knowledge in… in this area and the rest of us at being such a disadvantage. I would hate for him to be standing there misleading the Body with the information that he obviously possesses and that we don’t. Is… is that a proper Motion, Mr. Speaker?"
Speaker Hannig: "We'll have to take it under advisement, Representative."
"Okay. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, first of all, thank you for someone whose family's been affected by this horrible disease. I appreciate you being here and… and having the… the access to the technology that we now possess. However, in the information that I have in front of me it indicates that we have $3.3 million ($3,300,000) from the Federal Government to start a study on how best to build this facility? Is that correct?"
"That would be for the proton therapy. The neutron therapy is currently operating, currently treating patients as it has been for thirty (30) years.”
“Okay.”
“Proton therapy… Fermi Lab was instrumental in the design of the proton therapy treatment center at Loma Linda, California. Fermi Lab scientists and engineers built… designed and built that in the late 1980s. There's been an effort for a number of years to try and bring that technology for use here in Illinois as well and that grant 09500024.doc 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 that you referred to was secured last fall to begin the design of such a facility here.”
“Okay.”
“That’s for the proton therapy part."
"And do these therapies go hand-in-hand or one type can treat a certain…"
"No, they… they treat very different classes of tumors."
"…type of cancer and very different types. Okay. Some that are… I… I noticed in my reading, some that are more dense not… not as exposed to oxygen and other different types of cancer, different types… places in the body, is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"Okay. And so how much money total would we have to allocate as a state for this program?"
"Well, I can certainly estimate based… since we have thirty (30) years of history. What we know is that typically around eight (8) to ten (10) Medicaid-eligible patients have typically been seen by the neutron therapy facility. So I have no reason to expect that since they’re keeping the same treatment schedule that there wouldn’t be roughly that number who might be eligible. Typical neutron therapy requires twelve (12) treatments typically, so if just the thr… and I don’t know what dollar amount that would have to be done by the rulemaking and… and the policy setting at the department. And based on that, if it were say around a hundred dollars ($100), you could multiply 09500024.doc 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 that out and you'd get on the order maybe ten thousand ($10,000), twelve thousand ($12,000) dollars per year."
"Thank you. And finally Representative, you are the ultimate expert in this area. There's no question that you… the knowledge you possess on this is… is beyond anyone in this room. I don’t think anyone could argue with that. But I think I have a question that you may not know the answer to and that would be how much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"
"I don’t know, but I could go… I do do a lecture on…"
"I'm sorry, did you say I don’t know?"
"I said that I…"
"Did you say, I don’t know, Representative?"
"I did."
"Thank you very much."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move the previous question."
"The Gentleman has moved the previous question. The question is, ‘Shall the main question be put?’ All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the main question is put. Representative Fortner, you’re recognized to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank all of my fellow Members for their insightful and important questions so that we can all really help understand how important this is to the State of Illinois. Again, this is going to be a great addition to what we can do for people here in Illinois. And I urge an 'aye' vote." 09500024.doc 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Well, we're having so much fun why don’t we go to page 14 of the Calendar. And we have House Bill 202. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Excuse me, Representative Bradley, for what reason do you rise?" Bradley, J.: "A purpose of an announcement."
"Proceed." Bradley, J.: "The subject matter hearing in Revenue scheduled for next Monday is being moved to the following Monday and we'll have a time and place at that time. But the subject matter hearing scheduled for Revenue next Monday has been moved to the following Monday."
"So, on page 14 of the Calendar is House Bill 202, at the top of the page. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 202, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Arroyo."
"Arroyo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you fellow Representatives for hearing me on House Bill 202. This Bill will create a line item in the budget for Youthbuild programs in all parts of our state. Youthbuild is a nationwide program teaching at-risk youths construction skills rehabbing homes and connecting them to jobs. 09500024.doc 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Illinois… Illinois had up to seventeen (17) programs at once… at once, we are down to ten (10). At-risk youths are sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) years of ol… age, high school dropouts, youth reentering life after incarcerations, children incarcerated parents, are children of homeless and low-income families. Youthbuild continues their education, teaches the trade in construction and links them to construction, labor unions and links them to jobs replacement and more schooling, linking them to drug treatment and counseling, puts affordable housing back in our community. Youthbuild Illinois success graduation rate 66 percent; after graduation 75 percent are employed in the… more schools. They have built or rehabbed over three hundred and twenty (320) homes and over three hundred (300) rental units. Your question… your question for me today is probably not whether this is a worthwhile program, I believe that evidence is clear that it is. The question is probably can we afford this? One (1) Youthbuild student cost ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Youthbuild has a student for one (1) year, but one (1) of those inmates costs us twenty-one thousand dollars ($21,000) per year, an average adult sentence is over four (4) years. One juvenile inmate costs us seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) per year, an average juvenile sentence is six (6) years. And juveniles go back to jail 48 percent of the time. What is the cost to the state? Compare ten thousand dol… ten thousand (10,000) total to seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) per year. What about dropouts? The cost of high school dropouts is three hundred thousand dollars 09500024.doc 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 ($300,000). They will make three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) less than someone with a high school diploma over their lifetime. What is the cost of the state when more and more people make less and less money, nine thousand four hundred and eighty dollars ($9,480) in state income tax receipts alone. So, now Youthbuild is needed more, the Federal Government is funding less. We have recently lost Youthbuild programs in Aurora, Pontiac, Springfield, Alton, and four (4) in Chicago. We have all needs all over state for this help. Many school districts are struggling with dropout rates. Many parts of the state have a need for the program to keep young people from going back to jail. The City of Chicago alone has just issued a large report on dealing with reentering prisoners, over twenty thousand (20,000) per year reentering life in Chicago. As the report states, that’s the same as ten (10) city busloads rolling in each week. Without… without some change over half will go back to jail within three (3) years. This Bill would pass out of committee unanimously and I know of… of no one in opposition. I ask for your support now. Give me… give me this program a line item in the budget. Thank you very much. And I'd try to answer some of your questions."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Arroyo, has moved for the passage of his first Bill, House Bill 202. And on that question, the Gentleman from Vermilion Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I had several questions I wanted to ask the Sponsor, but he asked himself 09500024.doc 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and answered them himself. I've never heard a Bill presentation like that. But I looked up on the board and I just have one question for you, Representative. Does your Bill have anything to do with genetic cloning?"
"Not… not yet."
"Well, I look up there and I see… That isn’t a threat is it? I… I look up there and I see Youthbuild. What… what does… what is Youthbuild?"
"It doesn’t concern you, Mr. Black. Youthbuild, Sir."
"Representative, you’re going to have a very enjoyable career here, I can see that. Is Youthbuild the name of the program?"
"Yes, it is."
"Okay. Now, we've established that. But let me just say for the record, anything that builds youth does concern me. I'm… I'm a father and a grandfather and I am somewhat familiar with your program. Did you get the Department of Human Services to support your Bill?"
"Yes, we did."
"And I believe the City of Chicago is also a… a proponent?"
"Yes."
"Now, one of the questions you asked was or that you asked yourself and then answered was what does it cost per individual in your program a year?"
"I believe it's ten thousand dollars ($10,000)."
"Okay. And then you talked about three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) and I assume that would be the cost of someone… you know I'm going to get in trouble here and some 09500024.doc 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 people are going to get mad at me. I think one of the greatest civil rights problems we have in this country today is the undereducated part of our society, whether they be male or female. If they don’t have the education they are simply left behind and it gets harder and harder for them to catch up. So what you’re trying to do, if I understand this program, is to take someone who has taken a wrong turn, put them in a program back on the path to education and to their becoming a productive member of society. Correct?"
"Absolutely."
"And you do that for ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per student?"
"Yes."
"You know, Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. It… nobody enjoys hazing a freshman Legislator on their first Bill more than I do, but let me tell you something. This Bill’s too important to do that, even though the man insulted me as no other Member in this chamber has ever insulted me without some kind of snappy comeback, but the Bill is to important. What this Gentleman is proposing and I have been familiar with this program and I would like to have one in my City of Danville, because our dropout rate is too high and I'm not denigrating any of the civil rights problems we still have in this country, but I can tell you the saddest thing that I face as a former educator are children for whatever the reason young men and women who drop out of school who don’t have any direction in life and end up in the Department of Corrections or worse, many of them don’t live 09500024.doc 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 to see their twenty-first birthday and we don’t bat an eye at spending twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars ($25,000-$30,000) a year to keep them incarcerated. But we've dropped four (4) of these programs for lack of funding, both federal and state. This program’s too important to ridicule, too important for someone not to pay attention to what this Gentleman is attempting to do. This Youthbuild program has an audit record, it works. It is cost-effective and rather than try to belittle the program and have fun at your expense, I'm not going to do that. I simply am telling you I'm not only supporter of the Bill I hope I'm a cosponsor of the Bill. I commend you for at least bringing a Bill that I can understand. I will talk to the physicist later. This Bill is extremely important whether it's your first Bill or your fiftieth Bill or your one hundredth Bill. I commend Youthbuild for what they've done in turning around lives which we just so often don’t pay attention to and we are losing far too many of our young people into that undereducated group of people who simply get lost in society. And when you’re lost in this fast-paced, highly technological world, you are really lost today. And you’re going to end up as you said, the cost factor to deal with these people and try and help them later is ten (10), fifteen (15), twenty (20) times what this program costs. Sir, I commend you. I wish I had been in your position when I was a freshman a long time ago and… and was relegated to rather meaningless Bills as a freshman. This is a good Bill. It’s a Bill that deserves our support and the people who run Youthbuild are to be 09500024.doc 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 commended for what they do and for the success they've had. And that success, if you talk to the Representative he can give you case studies, numbers of people. It is an excellent program and I look forward to working with you, Representative Arroyo, to get one of these programs in my district. Thank you very much for bringing this forward."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move the previous question."
"The Gentleman moves the previous question. The question is, 'Shall the main question be put?' All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. Representative Arroyo, you’re recognized to close."
"Mr. Black, I thank you very much and it wasn’t disrespect to a senior Representative that I admire a lot. But there is a hundred and eighty-six thousand (186,000) dropouts in… in the City of Chicago… in the State of Illinois and there is a problem in my district and I believe in a lot of the districts and we want to address that. Thank you very much. Thank you for all the Representatives on the floor. Thank you very much."
"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 109 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative McCarthy, for 09500024.doc 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 what reason do you rise? Oh, okay. Representative Smith, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Earlier, I believe one of the Members talked about how proud she was of her hometown and their advancement in the state basketball tournament and I would be remiss if I didn’t say that a number of people have asked about the Farmington Farmers who I believe are playing Representative Tracy's team tomorrow evening. And they have an outstanding record in the state tournament and there's a couple of farming… former Farmington Farmers around the Capitol Building, Representative Tracy, that wanted to make sure I defended their honor. So, we look forward to a spirited game tomorrow."
"Representative Moffitt, you have House Bill 924 on page 15 of the Calendar. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 924, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And we can be very brief on this. We all talk about reducing paperwork, avoiding duplication and improving efficiency in government, here's an opportunity to do just that. This is an initiative of the Illinois County Treasurer’s Association and what it provides for is that right now a unit of local government has to file a report certifying that they've published their financial statement with the county clerk and with the county treasurer both, and this 09500024.doc 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 provides that they would only file it with the county clerk and then the county clerk would inform the treasurer if it had not been filed and therefore, distribution of funds would be withheld. This would put all counties in the State of Illinois on an equal basis. Currently, it's only in counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand (500,000) that they have to do this. Be happy to entertain any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Bost."
"Yes. Is this the Sponsor’s first Bill?"
"We hope not."
"It is today."
"Today, yeah."
“Yes. It’s for his…”
"But we don’t need to debate it a long time or anything like that, right?"
"Just vote ‘yes’ and…"
"Okay. That'll be fine."
"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 Dugan, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Black, you have 936. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500024.doc 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"House Bill 936, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 936 is a good Bill. I'd appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? 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 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 938. Mr. Bolin."
"House Bill 938, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Beaubien."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an initiative of the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Currently, they’re limited to two hundred dollars ($200) per member by statute. The Bill deletes the two hundred dollar ($200) cap and it merely allows the association board of directors to increase it within their own discretion; they’re essentially within their own association. It has absolutely nothing to do with any state funds. Amendment #1 provides that… that the… the deals with reserve for life 09500024.doc 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 insurance policies provide that other assumptions may be incorporated into the reserve calculation to the extent permitted by the National Association Insurance Companies Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual. And this is an initiative of the life insurance. I see no disagreement on this Bill. Thank you."
"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 Black and Wait, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107… Representative Fritchey wishes to be recorded, Mr. Clerk. Is… Okay. Representative, I'm advised we can't add you to the Roll Call at this time, but that we can… that your intention’s to be voting ‘yes’?"
"It's obviously not the end of the world here, but I don’t think that the vote had been called and I've been sitting here trying to push it. I was informed that I was voted on this screen, but not recorded here or on the board. We don’t need to take time up with this now, Speaker, but if somebody could look into this for the future."
Speaker Hannig: "Okay. We'll take a look at it, Representative. So on this question, there are 106 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative McCarthy, for what reason do you rise?" 09500024.doc 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Thank you, Speaker. I'd like to be recorded as a 'yes'. I had the same problem as Representative Fritchey. So it might be a virus over on this row and we may want to entertain going home."
"So, the record will so reflect, Representative McCarthy. And we'll have the Clerk look at the board. On page 16 of the Calendar is House Bill 946. Representative Flider. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Clerk, 946, page 16 of the Calendar."
"House Bill 946, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Flider."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 946 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code, creates a new license plate, creates the… authorizes the issuance of special NASCAR license plates and it would be an additional charge of thirty-five dollars ($35). Regis… It would be fifteen dollars ($15) for renewal and here's a copy of the license plate. This idea actually came to me from Macon Resources and Macon Resources is located in my district. Macon Resources makes virtually all the license plates made in Illinois. And Macon Resources is a facility which employs people with disabilities. So the people who work there take great pride in the fact that they manufacture the state's license plates. This idea came to me from them and in addition, the hope is that this will help us create some new revenues for the State of Illinois. And I would ask for your approval." 09500024.doc 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, Representative Fritchey."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Obviously, we've had a lot of license plate Bills that have come through this Body this year, every year. NASCAR’s a private company though, correct?"
"Yes, it is."
"Are you at all concerned… I'm not making light of this, are you at all concerned that we're going to issue license plates promoting a private company?"
"Well, it's actually an… an association. It's an association of racing and fact of the matter is there's a… a provision in the Bill that provides for the royalty to be paid, that royalty would be covered by the renewal fee. And this also is done in other states."
"Well, I… I understand that and a couple years back I passed legislation that would authorize this state to have license plates for professional sports teams, baseball, football, et cetera. But this is a slightly different spin on that, because this is really, it’s a… and I realize that the royalty fees have to be paid out of the fees that we get, which will by the way, also reduce what we're going to be taking in from this program. But I think it will… we're going down a… no pun intended, you know, a tricky road here when… when you start to have license plates that are going to promote the operations, not promote… not… they’re not going to fund the operation of a private company, but they are going to promote a private company, and it's not going 09500024.doc 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 to be too long then until you see, you know, somebody putting in a Bill for, you know, UPS plates, for Archer Daniels plates for whatever it may be. So…"
"And I can appreciate that and I think that the unique appeal of these is that NASCAR is a… you know, has to do with vehicles and automotive… you know, automobiles and in fact, I think they’re going to be so popular that it could actually end up raising significant revenues for us."
"I… I don’t disagree and that's why I had done the professional sports team plates before, because I think as we've seen with other states, those will probably become the most popular states (sic-plates) if we can ever get those issued. But I just think conceptually and obviously, nothing against you whatsoever, but everybody's going to start to have these Bills now for either a popular company or a company in their district. I can envision John Deere license plates, whatever it may be."
"Yeah, and I appreciate that and I understand that and I think that's something that the Secretary of State's Office… they're neutral on this Bill, but you know, there has been discussion of how to accommodate different kinds of license plates in the future and certainly, I think, with this license plate and others that would be proposed, you know, they would be open to different ways to make sure that we are, you know, doing things properly."
"Well, as I'm sure your intentions are good. It probably would raise money for the state. But I do have a discomfort and I think people should think twice about this, where it's not an innocuous Bill. Thank you." 09500024.doc 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Thank you."
"We're going to put this on Standard Debate. And Representative Eddy, you’re recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you very much. I just have a couple of quick questions."
"Proceed."
"First, the additional fee is thirty-five dollars ($35). If someone chooses is… is that the fee?"
"The… an additional charge of thirty-five dollars ($35) for original issuance and then fifteen dollars ($15) for each renewal period."
"That’s… Okay. And the money goes into a… a fund.”
“Correct.”
“And it says on my analysis that part of that money then, part of the proceeds go toward the disabled workers at the plant. Where does the rest of the money go?"
"It’ll go into the Secretary of States’ fund."
"Is that fund a fund that is protected from any sweeps or chargeback? I… I see us creating these funds with these fees and there's a purpose and I don’t dispute the purpose. The purpose is for folks at this plant and it sounds like that they do good work there and… but what… what would… what would protect those funds from being swept?"
"Well, I would… and I think that’s a very good question. I would suggest to you that with regard to the funds, that would be in the Special License Plate Fund, those would be protected very vigorously by the Secretary of State. And again, I would say that each of us at the time of the budget would certainly want to make sure that 09500024.doc 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 we have a watchful eye on that fund to make sure that those funds would be used where they’re supposed to be used."
"Well, and I don’t doubt your sincerity in what you’re trying to do here, but I do continually have concerns about our good intentions being abused and misused by… by the administration when they see a few coins somewhere and in fact, especially with the Governor's proposal, it appeared to me yesterday that all of these funds may just kind of become the General Revenue Fund at some… at some point and I'm concerned about all of these fees with a good purpose being established, only later to become part of this general revenue, rather than what you are intending for it. So, that’s my caution. I'm concerned about that and don’t have a problem with what you’re trying to do. We're going to have a license plate for everything pretty soon. But I really have a concern about these fund sweeps and not protected. Would you consider trying to protect this, an Amendment maybe even in the… somewhere along the line that would protect this from being swept?"
"Well, while I certainly understand your concerns, I would say that this is actually in a fund of one our State Constitutional Officers and so I think our Secretary of State would be very watchful over what happens with his funds and would be very protective. So I would suggest to you that if he believes that we would need that kind of protection then I certainly would be open to that."
"Okay, Representative. Thanks for your indulgence to answer a question. Again, I think this is something we really need to be concerned with, especially with the 09500024.doc 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 intentions of the Governor being known at this time, to the future of those funds and that is that they’re going to… if he would have his way just become one big pile of money. Thank you."
“Thank you.”
"Representative Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Sponsor. Will the Speaker yield? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"I have my NASCAR frame of mind going right now. You know, if we're going to have a NASCAR specialty plate, doesn’t it make sense to have a professional driver like Earnhart # 3, or something?"
"As… as opposed to # 24?"
"I rest my case. Thank you."
"That would be your option."
"Representative Scully."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Has NASCAR authorized the use of its name?"
"Yes, it has."
"What evidence do you have of that?"
"Well, the Secretary State's Office and the Spon… or the… the individual who a brought this to me from Macon Resources have had conversations with NASCAR, but in addition to that, the other… several other states actually use these, have these license plates. They've authorized them and as a result there are standard procedures I would presume for using them in Illinois as well. And I would 09500024.doc 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 also daresay that without the specific authorization of NASCAR to use these I… I would be very… in my opinion the Secretary of State would not be moving forward."
"Representative, I strongly suggest we confirm that NASCAR is willing to let the State of Illinois use its logo and I assume that it is for… that we don’t have to pay NASCAR to do that. Do we have… do we have to pay a licensing… would we have to pay a licensing fee to NASCAR in order to use their name? I expect we would."
"Out of the fees that are paid by those who would purchase these plates, yes."
"So, out of this program, NASCAR would be earning money?"
"They'd be getting a licensing fee."
"Thank you."
"Further discussion? Representative Flider to close."
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. A lot of good discussion, a lot of debate and you know many times here in this chamber we have talked about different options, different ways to raise revenues for the State of Illinois. And the executive director, Dreux Lewandowski, of Macon Resources came to my office with this idea last year, specifically with the idea not only to help the state raise revenues, but also as a way that people in Illinois employees in Illinois, in a facility that make license plates where we will be able to employ more people, give them more business. And these are people with disabilities; these are people who would be tax users, they 09500024.doc 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 become tax generators. I believe this is a good Bill. My hometown newspaper, the Herald Review editorialized about this Bill. They thought it was a great idea for the State of Illinois and that certainly gave me even more momentum to move forward on this. I would suggest to you that it’s a good Bill and it will raise revenues for the State of Illinois. It will put people to work in Macon Resources. And I would ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Beaubien, Cole, Molaro, Schmitz. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Do you request postponed? Okay."
"I'd like to put this on Postponed Consideration."
Speaker Hannig: "Okay. So this goes on Postponed Consideration. Representative Jefferies, do you wish to call 948? Out of the record. Representative Leitch on 976. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 976, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Leitch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill is about as important as Mr. Black's was awhile back. So I'd ask for your approval."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill… Excuse me, Representative Scully, in response." 09500024.doc 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Mr. Leitch, what does your Bill do?"
"It simply enables the care boards in the state to add two (2) more members, ‘cause the one in Peoria has a hard time getting a quorum."
"How many members does the board have at this time?"
"Three. This would authorize it to five (5)."
"Does… does this Bill do anything more then increase that board from three (3) to five (5) members?"
"Not a single thing."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Fritchey on 977. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 977, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 977 is aimed at making it easier to prosecute vandals who commit damage to personal property. Presently, oftentimes property owners have to come into court to confirm the obvious, which is that they did not give consent to their property being 09500024.doc 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 vandalized. This Bill changes that and will make it easier for these prosecutions and so that the victims of vandalism don’t get punished a second time. I appreciate an '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 '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 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1024, Representative Myers. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1024, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Myers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1024 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the State Finance Act and creates the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Fund for the State Treasury. It also provides for the issuance of an Agriculture in the Classroom license plates. And it provides that the… it provides for the different registration fees and where the money goes from the registration fees, ultimately going into a fund for Agriculture in the Classroom."
"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'. 09500024.doc 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 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 106 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Flider on House Bill 1119. Out of the record. Representative Holbrook on 1292. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1292, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
“Thank you, Speaker.”
"Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you, Speaker. This sets up a licensing procedure for agents, brokers, and consultants who engage in procurement or sale of retail electric as a third party. Right now there is no standards, whatsoever. There's no declaration of conflict of interest, there's nothing available right now for those that are using these companies in the state. I know of no opposition to this Bill. There are no fees in this Bill and I think it's long overdue as we come out of deregulation as people are going to be buying their power. Be glad to take any questions. And I ask for an '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 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Bost and Cole, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take 09500024.doc 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, do you want to read the Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 181, offered by Representative Currie. House Resolution 182, offered by Representative Verschoore. House Resolution 183, offered by Representative Collins. House Resolution 184, offered by Representative Brauer, and House Resolution 185, offered by Representative Granberg."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Representative Lyons, do you want to make an announcement?"
"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. We all got that wonderful little green flyer. We're kicking off St. Patrick's week on Tuesday, so to the goodwill of all our Sullivans down here in Springfield, we have the after hours party. But you will also be treated to a lunch next Tuesday, compliments of Harrington's corned beef, so."
"Mr. Clerk, would you read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Joint Resolution 36, offered by Representative Currie. RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on 09500024.doc 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thursday, March 08, 2007, they stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 12:00 noon."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Are there any announcements? Then allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 13, at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motion were referred, action taken on March 08, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' is Amendment #1 to House Bill 246, Amendment #2 to House Bill 552 and Amendment #1 to House Bill 626. Introduction and reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 3771, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act making appropriations… reappropriations. First Reading of this House Bill. Introduction and reading of Senate Bills-First Reading. Senate Bill 6, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 80, offered by Representative Nekritz, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 97, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate 09500024.doc 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Bill 116, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 129, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 138, offered by Representative Reboletti, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 143, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 153, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 223, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act to revise the law by combining multiple enactments making technical corrections. Senate Bill 247, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning municipalities. Senate Bill 249, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 255, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Senate Bill 263, offered by Representative Schock, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 284, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 299, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Senate Bill 321, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Senate Bill 335, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Senate Bill 337, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendments-First Reading. Offered by 09500024.doc 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Representative Will Davis, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 23. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 3 of Article IX of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IX REVENUE SECTION 3. LIMITATIONS ON INCOME TAXATION (a)A tax on or measured by income imposed upon individuals may be at a graduated rate. At any one time there may be no more than one such tax imposed by the State for State purposes on individuals and one such tax so imposed on corporations. In any such tax imposed upon corporations the rate shall not exceed the lowest rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5. (b)Laws imposing taxes on or measured by income may adopt by reference provisions of the laws and regulations of the United States, as they then exist or thereafter may be changed, for the purpose of arriving at the amount of income upon which the tax is imposed. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. There being no 09500024.doc 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 24th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09500024.doc 95