Illinois House Floor Debate — May 15, 2007

"The hour of 12:00 having arrived, the House will be in order and the Members will be in their seats. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers and rise for the invocation and The Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Father Robert Sherry who is the pastor of The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry. Father Sherry is the guest of Representative Franks."

"Representative Beiser, will you lead us in the Pledge?"

Speaker Hannig: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Flowers, Patterson, and Scully are excused today."

"Representative Bost."

"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 115 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. We are going to start on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading. And Representative Arroyo, you have House Bill 1078. Do you wish to read that Bill? Okay. Representative Boland, you have House Bill 2013? Representative Boland. Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Boland." 09500053.doc 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2013 says that currently schools are required to adopt calendars containing a hundred and eighty-five (185) school days and five (5) of these days are considered emergency days. The minimum school term as we all know is a hundred and eighty (180) days. House Bill 2013 alters the figures used in the calculation of special education, personnel reimbursement to reflect a hundred and eighty (180) day school term rather than a hundred and eighty-five (185) day school term. And this is supported by the State Board of Education, the High School District Organization, EDRED, Illinois Alliance of Special Education Administrators, and the Illinois Federation of Teachers."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Representative Bellock."

"What… Could we just finish the Bill."

"Okay. 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 Mulligan, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Bellock, on your point."

"State your point."

"Representative Rich Bradley, you have House Bill 2006. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Bradley." Bradley, R.: "2006 is an initiative of the State Board of Education making guidelines and codifying current practices in two areas, parent-teacher conference schedules and legally mandated school holidays. The school holiday changes would allow request waivers and modifications under the School Code to determine locally whether to hold school on certain legally mandated holidays or to use those holidays for another purpose such as teacher's institute, parent-teacher conferences or staff development. The Bill also makes changes with regards to scheduling parent- teacher conferences for the purpose of counting these days as days of actual pupil attendance on a school district's 09500053.doc 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 legal school holiday… school calendar. The Bill would simply codify two common schedules; one allowed under an ISBE policy and the other found in waiver requests. No opposition to this Bill, it was passed out of committee unanimously."

"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 Pritchard, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question there are 115 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Colvin, you have House Bill 1069. Out of the record. Representative Coulson, you have House Bill 2033. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Coulson."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall 09500053.doc 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 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 Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Crespo, you have House Bill 2472. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Crespo."

"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 2472 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and creates a tax check off for the Lung Cancer Research Fund and authorizes the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide grants for lung cancer research. Just for the record, in 2005 federal spending was approximately one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five (1825) for research per lung cancer death compared to twenty-three thousand four hundred and seventy- four (23,474) per breast cancer death; fourteen thousand three hundred and sixty-nine (14,369) per prostate cancer death, and five thousand two hundred and sixteen (5,216) per colon cancer death. So, it is pretty obvious that the research for lung cancer is grossly underfunded and we are hoping this helps a bit."

"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'. 09500053.doc 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 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 115 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?"

"Yeah. State… state your point."

"Representative Crespo, do you wish us to read House Bill 3477? Okay. Out of the record. Representative Colvin, do you wish us to read House Bill 1069? 1069? How about 1664, Representative Colvin? Do you wish us to read House Bill 1664? Yes. Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Colvin."

"No, let's take it out of the record."

"Okay. Out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Eddy, you have House Bill 1925. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Eddy."

"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… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a 09500053.doc 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Flider, you have House Bill 1119. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Flider."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1119 would require electric utilities in ARES, and their respective contractors and subcontractors to demonstrate that their personnel are duly qualified. The Bill also restores the work force provision, excuse me, protection provision, currently found in the Public Utilities Act that expired December 31. And would ask for your 'yes' vote."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. I'm sorry, on the Order of Standard Debate. And in response the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyer."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"This would apply to employees of a utility who are currently classified as linemen and others who are currently qualified to perform electrical work, maintenance work, electrical repair work, and so on, on utility lines."

"It would also include those who would be contractors for utilities and ARES." 09500053.doc 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"It… it would include also those who would be contractors of utilities and ARES and also those who generate power. So, yes, it would include contractors who perform utility work."

"Yes, it would also include work that would be applicable under the terms of the Public Utilities Act as it existed, and particularly those kinds of activities which are required to perform… make sure that our electrical system is operating safely."

"Well, you know when a person who is working for a utility is employed, they have to go through a training program that typically is an apprenticeship program followed by becoming a journeyman. And that work is actually a number of years of training in terms of safety, and not only safety of a system but also safety of the worker. And as you might imagine being a lineman or being involved in this kind of work is a very dangerous situation. Not everybody can do it, not everybody's capable of doing it. And… and as we have looked at the horizon, I would say that those who are involved in developing legislation that deregulated the industry in years past, had the good wisdom to ensure that those who are working on the system will continue to be qualified, would be trained through the appropriate apprenticeship training programs, ensure their safety, safety of the 09500053.doc 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 system, so that there would be no short cuts, that there would be no safety hazards that would result because of a company that would buy out another utility or would shift its priorities short, they're trying to make more money by reducing its employees or reducing safety."

"Pretty much what's in existence today."

"I'm sorry."

"Yes. The existing programs that are… exist today would be the same programs in which those workers would be trained under."

"It is the same."

"Unless, you know, to the extent to which, you know, there may be training updates or, you know, modifications in the training program, but the… the key, the answer to your question is that this is the same program."

"That's correct."

"I can't tell you that I'm aware of any other than the union training programs which exist today through the IBEW. And certainly there are other crafts, for example, the operating engineers that have training programs in which they would be performing work on other equipment."

"Representative, your… your time is expired. Why don't you finish your question and we'll have the Representative respond. Okay?"

"Well, typically these kinds of training programs are offered through unions like the Illinois Brotherhood of Electric… or excuse me, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. And so, for example, if you take the contractors in the AmerenIP service area or AmerenCIPS or AmerenCILCO service area, those contractors also employ workers who are trained and under contract with the IBEW."

"Representative Black."

"Indicates he'll yield." 09500053.doc 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Well, I think the key here is that these people need… who are working on this system, need to be trained, and they need to be going through a program which is consistent with the kinds of training that an IBEW member would be receiving."

"Well, I like to think that we have the highest of standards of ensuring safety and that our standards would be the standards that would need to be met. Certainly, any company can have its standards, but I believe, in my opinion, and I hope you would agree, that our standards that we're establishing and setting here today would be the highest to ensure not only operability of a system, but also the safety of employees."

"Well, I think the key here is that this legislation prescribes the kinds of training that are necessary. So, I don't know that it necessarily addresses which local or which entity of the IBEW or any other union that a person would be working under, but… and what it does prescribes are the standards to ensure that the system is safe and that the employees are safe."

"Well, I would certainly be incumbent upon the utility to ensure that the contractors that they are hiring or the employees that they are employing in conjunction with the perspective organization that represents employees are trained properly."

"Well, it would certainly… they would have to meet the threshold of this legislation."

"The State of Illinois. We do."

"The… and I think it's important to recognize too Representative, that, you know, in terms of who would oversee this or where any kinds of concerns would be filed or… or raised that would be before the Illinois Commerce Commission, which oversees utilities."

"Representative, could you bring your remarks to a close, please." 09500053.doc 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

Speaker Hannig: "Representative Winters. Representative Winters, you have 5 minutes."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Well, would characterize it as anybody who would be working on a… the electrical system, whether it would be an employee who was working for a utility, an ARES, or could 09500053.doc 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 be a millwright, it could be an operating engineer, but those who are oper… working on the electrical system."

"Well, I think the key that we're talking about in the instance that you've mentioned is that when power lines are down, you know, there certainly… the company… everybody would agree everybody should stay away from those downed power lines until those power lines are repaired or restored. And that certainly would include somebody who's not qualified to go into an area where there are downed power lines to cut wood with a chain saw."

"Well, I would just say to you that anybody who has any responsibility for restoring power or restoring the system would need to be qualified under provisions of this law."

"Well, I'm glad you asked that question because of the fact of the matter is there's really no expansion here. What this legislation does is simply extends the law as it existed January 1."

"Well, it's up to the utility to ensure and maintain that they have qualified personnel to maintain the system. And if you've… as I'm sure you know and others know, the utilities' manpower, number of people who are available as employees of the utility to work on that system, has actually been reduced. And that's been reduced for a variety of reasons that certainly the utilities, only 09500053.doc 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 themselves, can be responsible for answering the question as to why. The fact of the matter is there is some fundamental basic safety considerations also, some fundamental basic considerations to keeping the system healthy and up to date and maintained and maintained adequately. And we need qualified people for that."

"Okay. Certainly, you'll be granted one at the appropriate time. So, we've now had three speak in response and one in support. The Rule Book provides for two additional speakers in support. Representative Lang, do you rise in support? Representative Lang, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"Bear with me a moment, Mr. Speaker."

"The clock's running."

"I… I will be… That's all right the clock can tick. I'll be… I'll be speaking in favor of the Bill. Just bear with me a moment, Sir. Representative, so as I understand it this has currently been the practice for the last ten (10) years. So what we're doing with this Bill is extending that practice, additional time or just codifying it?"

"That's correct. And I would say to you that we need a safety net to ensure that the sunset of this law does not result in a situation where it would be perceived that we in the General Assembly and the people in the State of 09500053.doc 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Illinois, representing them, are asleep at the switch and that suddenly the utilities no longer have the personnel who are capable of working on the electrical system nor do they use it as an opportunity to reduce their numbers of employees without giving full consideration to the safety of the system and the safety of employees."

"And so, will this Bill help address some of the power outages we've had in various parts of the state over a series of years?"

"Well, I believe that it very well could be because what we've seen is that the utilities have actually reduced the number of actual employees within their companies. So, when you… when they have actual employees who are… who are able to be mobilized and dispatched to go to those areas where the power lines are down through an ice storm, tornado, or other kind of disaster or emergency kind of situation, then we will see a… an ability to get that power restored in a much shorter time period."

"So, as I understand it, for years we've been bringing contractors and employees in from out of state, as far away as Montana, to do some of the work, for emergency purposes. But we have right here, in our state, people who are qualified that have not yet been put to work. Will this help put some Illinoisans back to work?"

"Well, in my opinion, it actually would ensure that the employees who are working on the system are locally employed and certainly in the proximity of where the work would be located, working for the ben… benefit of the people who are actually paying their power bills." 09500053.doc 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"And so, are… would… would that mean that… well, who would the proponents of this legislation be, Representative? I'm sure you have said it, but I missed it."

"We have as proponents the Lieutenant Governor, Pat Quinn, IBEW locals 15, 51, 109, and the AFL-CIO."

"Well, that sounds like a formidable group. Would you say that was a formidable group of proponents?"

"I would say so. I think they understand the importance of ensuring workers' safety and in the importance of ensuring the continuity of… of an electrical system and ensuring that there are no gaps in service due to a situation where a company may be looking for ways to cut costs by reducing the number of employees in a manner that would ultimately reduce reliability."

"And, so I… I heard you say that the not only the AFL-CIO, but various different IBEW locals are for this. Would this have to do with their belief that it will put some of their members to work?"

"Well, certainly, I would say to you that we have a number of qualified individuals and people who are capable and able to work. But I think also, yes, absolutely we're looking at this, we’re looking at ensuring that people within Illinois are working and would actually, hopefully, result in a situation where people are not having to be brought in from other states in order to restore our power outages, that those people would be employed here on the ground and again that our ratepayers are getting the money that they're paying for." 09500053.doc 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Well, thank you, Mr. Flider. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."

"To the Bill."

"I appreciate Mr. Flider's answers. You know, any Bill where we can put Illinoisans to work so we don't have to reach out to other states to bring people in when we have emergencies, sounds like a good Bill to me. Why we would allow a situation where qualified Illinois citizens who are willing to work, can't work, but we're bringing people in from out of state to do the same work is kind of silly, when we can rectify that. I guess that's why the formidable list of proponents that you heard, particularly the IBEW locals, they have good qualified people. Mr. Speaker, this only extends what we have been doing and codifies it. I think it is a good 'aye' vote."

"So the rules provide for one (1) additional speaker in support. Representative Gordon, are you in support? Okay. You have 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's very difficult to believe that those who spoke in response to House Bill 1119 have actually read the legislation. Right now, the Commerce Commission takes it… just to assume that the utilities who are going to contract with outside people to do the work are actually qualified. Why would we want to keep this practice in place in the State of Illinois? Making assumptions like that when taking people's safety and welfare into account are very, very dangerous acts that we should not do. What this specific Bill takes into consideration is that if they are going to use their own employees, then yes, they obviously 09500053.doc 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 have the proper skill and training to make the repairs that are out there. If they are not, the utility has to go to the Commerce Commission and there has to be an affirmative decision that these people are qualified to do the work that they're being requested to do. This is not a bad thing. If the Commission is going to assume that people working on these lines are doing a good job, that puts us all in danger. If we're going to make sure that the people of the State of Illinois have access to these jobs and are properly qualified to do it, then that's something that this legislature should definitely act to do. It also makes it clear that only electric utilities or alternative retail electric suppliers or their respective contractors and sub-contractors can install, operate and maintain electric generation transmission and distribution facilities, not the retail customers or any other person acting on their behalf. Once again, this is not a bad thing. We are making sure that the utilities are making good, safe decisions. We've seen from their actions in the past that this hasn't always been the case, and so if we have this check coming from the Commerce Commission, this is something that we should do for the people of the State of Illinois. If they don't make a finding on specific evidence that there is going to be… the proper skill and training… that these people know how to do and make these repairs and work on these lines, then we should be happy that the evidence shows that, that it was reviewed and that only people with the proper skill and training are going to work on the lines. There've been some interesting legal 09500053.doc 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 terms of art thrown around here, such as restrictive covenants, that we should be very, very careful when we use, that is not applicable in this case, it does not define House Bill 1119, and we should not ever use legal terms that do not apply to the Bills. It is very, very dangerous to do that in this chamber. I encourage an 'aye' vote for the safety, for the welfare, for the people of the State of Illinois to make sure that the Commerce Commission actually does their job and checks on the utilities and what they're doing, instead of assuming that they are going to do a good job. We've assumed in the past that the utilities were doing a good job, Ladies and Gentlemen, and look at the mess we found ourselves in. This is very important to the people of the State of Illinois, to the workers who are going to work on these lines and I would encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"So, under the rules of Standard Debate, we've now had three (3) speak in favor and three (3) in response. And Representative Flider, you're recognized for 5 minutes to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As has been discussed previously through many of the questions that have been asked and in addition to the legislation itself, this legislation really is not new, and what it does is it extends the law as it was passed and approved in '97. And what it does is ensures that electric utilities are using employees or contractors with employees who have adequate training, skills, qualifications, while installing, operating and maintaining generation 09500053.doc 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 transmission and distribution facilities and equipment. And it extends to ARES. And again, you know, we don't know exactly what the future is going to hold, but certainly it stands to reason, given some of the challenges and difficulties we've seen within the last year when it comes to electrical power outages, when it comes to mobilizing employees to come in and work on a system, it stands to reason that we have as many local employees as possible working on our system and that there are no situations where utilities are saying that they're going to reduce the number of employees and, you know, for the sake of trying to increase their profits. We need to make sure that the reliability of the system is maintained. We need to make sure that utilities and their subsidiaries and ARES and others who are involved in the system, employ people who are trained and qualified. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have personally worked with and known people who have been injured on the job… and or who have died on the job and certainly through no fault of their own, but the most important thing to recognize here is that we maintain the highest standards, we make sure that those employees who we send up on poles in icy, rainy conditions or throughout the course of their day and their career, that their families can expect them to come back home, that their sons and daughters, grandchildren can expect them to come back home. And we need to make sure that they are given the tools, the ability, the safety and the standards necessary to make sure that they are trained properly and this legislation 09500053.doc 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 does that, ensures that no corners will be cut. And I would request an 'aye' vote."

"There's been a request for a verification, so vote your own switch only. 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 Poe and Will Davis, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Okay. So Representative Winters, did you wish to persist in a verification? It's your call."

"Okay, so we'll… lets ask the… let's ask the staff to retire to the rear of the chamber. Members need to please be in their seats so that Representative Winters can recognize you. And Mr. Clerk, read the names of those voting in the 'affirmative'."

"So, Representative Winters, do you have any questions of those voting in the affirmative?"

"Representative Collins. Is the Lady in the chamber? Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, how is the Lady recorded?"

"Remove her."

"Representative Riley. Is the Gentleman in the chamber? Representative Riley. Mr. Clerk, how's Representative Riley recorded?"

"Remove him."

"Representative Jay Hoffman. Is Representative Hoffman in the chamber? Representative Hoffman. Representative Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, how is Representative Hoffman recorded?"

Speaker Hannig: "Okay. So, let's remove him. And Representative Riley has returned, Mr. Clerk, so add him to… return him to the Roll Call."

"I'm sorry. Representative Poe, did you say?"

"Representative Raymond Poe. Is the Gentleman in the chamber? Okay. Mr. Poe is not in the chamber. Mr. Clerk, how is he recorded?"

"Remove him."

"Representative Mitchell is in his seat."

"You're looking the wrong way."

"On this question, there are 64 voting 'yes' and 48 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1069."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have for the House to consider House Bill 1069, which amends the condominium and property… Condominium Property Act by setting out a procedure in which a municipality may follow when a distressed condo building possesses a threat. It's a Bill that was drafted by the City of Chicago to give municipalities additional tools in dealing with condominiums that have been fraudulently set up. It is… The Condominium Act applies only to property with condominium units which are operated in a manner, or have conditions which may constitute a danger, a blight or nuisance to the surrounding committee… community or to the 09500053.doc 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 general public. The nature of the problem, just real briefly, the city has identified about a hundred and ten (110) residential buildings… the City of Chicago that is, involving about eight hundred (800) dwelling units which have been converted into condominiums which are overvalued for the purposes… for the areas of the city they are located in. And many of these buildings have unpermitted housing units; many of them are unoccupied and are not taken care of properly when they are vacant and dilapidated, going unboarded in many cases. The issue dealing with straw purchases for the purposes of defrauding on the mortgages which creates a situation of overvalued, mortgage properties which has attributed to the problem of overvaluation in the City of Chicago. This Bill simply gives the city some additional tools to deal with, issues of in housing court and receivership on such buildings, to make sure that they are no longer a blight, both on the surrounding community in terms of quality of life and also dealing with the fact that some of these units are overvalued, which causes an undue burden on additional properties in the City of Chicago. I would be happy to answer any questions."

"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 Nekritz and Granberg, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', and 09500053.doc 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1664."

"Representative Colvin."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1664 is an initiative of the Illinois Telecommunications Association, and the main purpose of the Bill is to codify existing purp… existing practices with respect to 9-1-1 surcharges. The Bill does a couple things. It allows an incumbent local exchange carrier, would no longer be required to file a report with the ICC on the stat of its implementation of 9-1-1 systems in a service area. And the second provision is the rate a telephone company assesses a 9-1-1 surcharge on an advanced network connection is standardized at five (5) charges. The nature of this is a little bit complicated, but to simplify it the best I can, what it allows companies to do in this rapidly advancing area of technology, is to standardize the number of lines that a company has at… for 9-1-1 surcharges at a total of five (5). For a… I'll give you a brief example. In an issue of a small company that may have a T-1 line which has a total of maybe ten (10) to twelve (12) phone lines, only one of those lines may be used for voice data, and that's basically a telephone where eleven (11) lines may be used for just the transport of data in files via the Internet by eleven (11) different work stations. This simply codifies existing law as to 09500053.doc 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 which lines will be charged a 9-1-1 surcharge. There is no opposition to the Bill. I'd be happy to try and answer any questions."

"This is on Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Durkin."

"Indicates he will."

"That's absolutely correct. There's no additional surcharges here. This Bill codifies existing law with respect to which lines are sur… are charged already. There is no authority to charge any additional surcharges."

"No, these are approved by the ICC."

"Previously approved by the ICC."

"None whatsoever."

"Representative Eddy. Okay. So the question's been answered. And Representative Colvin to close."

"Simply ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 09500053.doc 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"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? Representative… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Granberg, for what reason do you rise?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. For a point of a personal privilege. We are honored today to be visited by the great kids from Central City School in Central City. They're in the Republican side of the House, up in the balcony. Will you please welcome them."

"Representative Granberg, you have House Bill 1868. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Out of the record? Okay. Representative Hernandez, you have House Bill 1449. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Hernandez."

"Thank you, Speaker, and Members of the House. House Bill 1449 creates the Healthy Smiles Fund, a special fund in the State Treasury from which the Illinois Department of Public Health can use monies to provide school based, school linked oral health programs to provide preventive services such as sealants, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, oral health education and referral for treatment as needed. The Bill creates a checkoff box on 09500053.doc 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 the State Income Tax forms for taxpayers to donate to Healthy Smiles Fund. During my tenure with the Lieutenant Governor, I was fortunate to have the experience of working with various dental initiatives, including the legislation requiring children entering K… Kindergarten, second, and sixth grade to receive dental examinations. Dental disease affects children throughout Illinois. Many low-income udeserv… underserved and underinsured children in urban, suburban and rural… rural communities suffer from undetected and untreated tooth decay. Untreated dental disease can cause severe medical consequences. Tooth decay in children can be severe enough to cause pain, oral facial infection, difficulty eating, which leads to poor nutrition, as well as difficulties speaking and learning in addition to subsequent health problems. I ask for a favorable vote."

"This is on Short Debate. And in response, Representative Dunkin."

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

"She indicates she'll yield."

"I'm just curious. According to my analysis, I have here the Illinois Floss Coalition?"

"That's the Illinois… that would be the 'IFlOSS Coalition'."

"Soooooooo."

"It's not Illinois. It's 'IFLOSS Coalition'. It's a group of…"

"Is Representative David Miller the president or the chairman? He's the resident dentist here, right?" 09500053.doc 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Yes, he is a dentist."

"But is he the president or the chairman?"

"I don't think so."

"Well, can we find out? Do you have any idea, any knowledge?"

"I… I believe he may be a member."

"Okay. I mean, you know, that's what it is going to take to get my support, Representative. Is this your first Bill, Representative?"

"No, it's not."

"So, I missed all the fun? Okay. So, did he respond to you? Do you know if he is the president or the chairman or at least a member?"

"No, he's not."

"Oh, my goodness. Wait a minute. We have one resident dentist here in this House and he's not a member of the Illinois Floss Coalition?"

"I'm sorry, it's not Illinois, it's 'IFLOSS Coalition'."

"'IFLOSS', and… and who is, who's, what does the 'I' stand for?"

"It's just 'IFLOSS'."

"It's just 'IFLOSS'. Not Iowa, not Indiana?"

"Just 'IFLOSS'."

"Just 'IFLOSS'. Maybe Illinois? All right. So, can you find out if Representative Miller even supports this legislation?" 09500053.doc 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Why don't we just recognize Representative Miller. I'm sure he would like to enlighten us. Representative Miller."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield, for a question?"

"Indicates she'll yield."

"Exactly how does the checkoff work in this scenario, and how are these coa…, how are these groups funded?"

"Basically, what will happen is when filling out tax forms folks are able to, if they would like to donate, they will be able to check… there will be a box to check off for any donations."

"And… and does the… the funds are dedicated to these particular organizations or does it go into a pot or a pool, or how does that work?"

"We… The Health Department is the one who will be distributing… will hold the funds, and they would be in particular for preventive services such as sealants, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, et cetera."

"All Right. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. I support this legislation because, as this Body has passed before, dental health is part of having an entire healthy body. Oftentimes when we talk about the health care debate, we overlook the teeth and oral cavity. Children every day are forced to go to school… have to go to school with horrendous dental decay. And what's noticeable in my years of practicing that children who have rampant dental carries at the ages of three (3) to five (5), have only had their teeth for a short period of time, when these diseases, in 09500053.doc 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 many cases, are preventable. Anything that we can do as a state to try to… try to overlook what the… or try to help what the former Surgeon General Satcher, had indicated as an epidemic in our society, I support wholeheartedly. I would like to commend the Sponsor trying to, in her way, understand the importance of dental care as this Body has over the years by mandated examinations and by increasing and making good public policy toward dental education. I would ask all Members to support the Coalition's initiative and support this Bill."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Kosel, you have House Bill 2007. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"The Lady from Will, Representative Kosel."

"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 Collins and Hoffman, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Hernandez, you also have House Bill 1450. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Hernandez."

"Thank you, Chairman and Members of the Legislature. House Bill 1450 is a Bill with an Amendment that closes a loophole in the escape statute, created by the decision of the Illinois Supreme Court in People v. Michael Taylor, a decision that came down in May of 2006. Prior to the decision, juveniles adjudicated as a felon who attempted to escape from a juvenile correction facility could be held accountable for the attempted escape. After the Supreme Court decision, that same juvenile would not be held accountable because the statute reads, 'convicted of a felony' as opposed to adjudicate a felon. This Bill makes it clear that an adjudication as well as a conviction 09500053.doc 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 constitutes the underlying element of the offense. Without the Amendment to the statute, juveniles who escape from the juven… juvenile detention center have no consequence for their escape. I ask for your 'aye' vote."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Fritchey."

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

"Indicates she'll yield."

"Representative, a couple of things. Just for a point of clarification. This Bill no longer has anything to do with sexual battery, is that correct?"

"Correct."

"And so what we're saying is that escape becomes a Class II felony, but failure to report is a Class III felony. Correct?"

"It doesn't change the penalties or enhance them."

"That's fine, but that doesn't answer my question."

"That's correct. It does not extend to a third felony."

"Okay. So… so, today escape is presently a Class II?"

"Yes."

"Failure to report is a Class III felony, but failure to report if it was a misdemeanor underlying it remains a Class A misdemeanor?"

"Yes, it does. Nothing changes."

"I'm… I'm not trying to throw you off track. I mean, I can't figure out what the Bill actually does though." 09500053.doc 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Basically, just clarifying. It makes it clear. that the adjudication as well as the conviction constitute under an underlying element of the offense."

"Just one second, Representative, thank you. Rep… Rep… Representative, rather than tie up your time and that time of the Body, let me… I'll yield for now and I'll talk with staff. Thank you, Speaker."

"Representative Durkin."

"Indicates she'll yield."

"Correct."

"Yes."

"I believe, not… Just one moment. I believe it's not."

Speaker Hannig: "Representative, why don't you repeat the question."

"No. The answer is no, they have to be adjudicated."

"I will take it out of the record." 09500053.doc 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Okay. So, out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Lindner, you have House Bill 298. Do you wish us to read that? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Lindner."

"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone rise in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative May, you have House Bill 2285. Representative May, do you wish us to read 2285? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"The Lady from Lake, Representative May."

"Yes. Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an Amendment to the Compressive Health Insurance Plan Act. We've discovered that preventative health care, while the actual test is covered, the office visit is not. This 09500053.doc 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 includes preventative screenings for mammograms, Pap smears, prostate-specific tests and colorectal cancer. I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Representative Mulligan."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"You mean, specifically? The fiscal note is about forty to ninety thousand dollars ($40,000 to $90,000) a year for GRF, but as was pointed out in committee, it could save money in the long run. As you are aware people in the CHIP Pool are ones who have some preexisting condition or have a disease or some reason that they are there and they can't get health insurance."

"It's the office visit."

"Representative Black."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Well, they're already covered. The test itself is already covered."

"Yes."

"The… well, for all of the tests they are covered, but the office visit is not, and oral contraceptive is not covered. It was specifically written out."

"That's correct. Yes, you're right."

"It takes out that one sentence, yes. Just like… you know that…"

"I heard from a constituent in my district and interestingly enough put it together with the office visits because Representative Currie, who is kind enough to sponsor this with me, had gotten letters from constituents."

"I don't have that information."

"No, it's not."

"I did ask as I was getting information that I believe that in the sixteen (16) to fifty (50) age group, there were about 10 percent. I mean that's… it's hard to know. I didn't get the exact breakdown, Sir."

"It… I've heard costs of six hundred (600) or more. Actually, another one of my Sponsors, Representative Mautino, is on the CHIP Board and he said if there were people who had questions, he'd be happy to answer them because…"

"…he actually sits on the CHIP Board."

"It's okay with me if the Speaker says 'yes'."

"Okay. So, Representative Mautino's recognized to answer a question."

"Representative Black."

"They go with… excuse me. There's a range on those but by the average it goes about anywhere from four-fifty (450) to six hundred dollars ($600) per month. Up it as 09500053.doc 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 high as some people can go. Up to a thousand dollars ($1,000)…"

"…a month."

"Yes, it is."

"Well, we have… we have two separate pools inside the CHIP. We have the section seven (7), which are the medically uninsurable. That would be people who cannot get…"

"…health care in the open market; and then you have second… the second section, which is section fifteen (15), and those are the people who came from the ERISA plans or plant closures…"

"…and they came. And now that's a younger group. That tends to be in a less… a less expensive group in the section fifteen (15)." Black: "Okay. In your opinion, sitting on this Board, would the inclusion of the language in this Bill add significant cost to the premium payer or meas… measurable cost? It's easy for me to say." 09500053.doc 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"And that was active… asked of our actuaries, Towers Perrin, and they said it would be a very minimal cost."

"Most of the Bill is actually things we do now, but it was found that we don't actually cover the… the office visit itself…"

"…but there is no objections from the CHIP Board, and we did price it out."

"Thanks."

"Representative May to close."

"Thank you so much. This has forty-six (46) Sponsors in a bipartisan fashion. It was unanimous in committee. There really is no opposition and I do appreciate the questions about the nominal cost. We really think that it will save money in the long term to cover the office visits. So, I appreciate you support."

"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 Lindner, Kosel, Cole 09500053.doc 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 and Beaubien, 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 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, we're going to return to House Bill 1450. Representative Hernandez, I understand that you've… you've kinda worked out this Bill. So, why don't you briefly present the Bill again and then we will proceed."

"Thank you, Speaker."

Speaker Hannig: "Excuse me, Representative Hernandez. Why don't we let Representative Granberg recognize some people from his district? Representative Granberg."

"Thank you, Representative Hernandez. I'm once again honored to have another school from my district, two (2) in the last 15 minutes. Will you give a warm Springfield welcoming to the kids from Selmaville School in Marion County, please."

Speaker Hannig: "So on House Bill 1450, Representative Hernandez."

"Yes. Just to give clarification. According to that Supreme Court, since juveniles are adjudicated delinquent rather than convicted they do not fall within the ambit of the statute. This Bill seeks to rectify the situation by making it clear that the escape statute covers situations involving juveniles. I have spoken with the Representative and if he feels that we still need to work it out, we will work it out in the Senate."

"On that question, Representative Durkin." 09500053.doc 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"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? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Reitz, for what reason do you rise?"

"For purpose of an announcement."

"Proceed"

"I'd like to announce that the Agriculture and Conservation Committee scheduled for this afternoon has been canceled."

"Representative McGuire, you have House Bill 3571. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative McGuire." 09500053.doc 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3571 amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code, the Wildlife Code… Code and the Wildlife Restoration Cooperation Act. This Bill makes a language change in each Act so that certain appropriations and funds are to be used by DNR for the administration and management of fish and wildlife resources of the state. Additionally, the Bill requires DNR to follow rules and regulations set by the Secretary of the Interior, rather than the Secretary of Agriculture. These technical changes come at the request of the Federal Government and are required for DNR to continue to receive certain federal funds. There's an immediate… excuse me… an immediate effective date. Excuse me. I'd appreciate 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? Representative Stephens, Reis, and Mitchell, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Meyer, you have House Bill 314. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Meyer." 09500053.doc 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he'll yield." Davis, W.: "Representative, I was just reading through our analysis and it indicates that those computers can be donated to individuals. Is that still correct?"

Representative Ramey."

"To the Bill."

"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 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Rita, you have House Bill 559. Do you wish us to read that? How about House Bill 1270, Representative Rita? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. House Bill 1270."

"Representative Rita. No? Out of the record.

"Can we take it out of the rec…"

"Out of the record. Okay. Representative Ryg, you have House Bill 2473. I'm sorry, Representative Bost, I couldn't hear 'ya'." 09500053.doc 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"We're going… we're going to pass…"

Speaker Hannig: "The Governor wants us to call the Gross Receipts Tax right now."

"I'm advised now that we have the voting switch problem clarified. And Representative Ryg, you're recognized on House Bill 2473."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2473 amends the Hotel Operators Occupation Tax. It increases the contributions to the Tourism Funds, provides that 1 percent of the receipts of the Hotel Tax would be used to fund the Local Planning Fund. The Local Planning Technical Assistance Act was passed in 2002 creating the Local Planning Fund to better coordinate development decisions within and across communities, and to effectively leverage state investments in roads in transit, economic development aid, and provide municipalities with planning technical assistance. By offering this assistance, communities can better plan the wise use of land, infrastructure and natural resources through the development of a comprehensive plan. I'm open to any questions."

"Clerk, let's be certain we've read this a third time. Would you read the Bill, please." 09500053.doc 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Okay. So, Representative Ryg moves for the passage of House Bill 2473. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1270."

"Representative Rita."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1270 amends the Public Graveyards Act. And what it does is gives the township board authority to raise the compensation for caretakers and cemetery trustees. Currently, the maximum they could receive is five hundred dollars ($500) per year and they'll raise it to two thousand dollars ($2000) per year. Doesn't raise it, it just gives the authority to the township boards."

"This is on the Order of Standard Debate. And on that question, Representative Meyer. Representative Meyer."

"It's a position that in some townships have cemeteries and they oversee the cemeteries that the… the authority through the township." 09500053.doc 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"It's a position within the township, that oversees township cemeteries. Some townships in the State of Illinois have cemeteries, and their position or function would be to oversee the township cemeteries."

"The maintenance… the maintenance and the operation; the upkeep of… of running a… a graveyard township."

"It varies depending upon townships. The maximum they can receive is five hundred dollars ($500) per year. It's set statutorily that the maximum they can receive is five hundred (500). What we're doing is allowing it to go up to two thousand (2000), if the township board approves of that salary increase. So, we're not base… we're not raising the salary, we're just raising the threshold of the salary to… and I believe it has not been changed more than twenty (20) years."

"I guess they just… that's a different position. There's a couple different positions depending upon what's within the township on there. And that one would go up to five thousand (5000) which is currently…" 09500053.doc 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"The trustee would oversee is… is oversee. And the caretaker is actually a person that would do the work, have performed the work on there. So, it would be a duel function of the caretaker and trustee, but we have some that are just trustees."

"I believe there's three (3), three (3) trustees.

"If… if… if a township has a… a cemetery. So not every township has this." Meyer: Well, I would assume that if they have it, they're probably small cemeteries. So you got three (3) people who will be paid… will be paid up to two thousand dollars ($2000) a year overseeing a person that's going to be paid up to five thousand dollars ($5000) a year for doing the work. It doesn't seem to make sense."

"Well, currently it's five hundred (500) and then the township board would have to pay… have to… to vote on that increase. And it's just limiting the increase up to two thousand (2000) from five hundred (500), which this has not been changed now, I thought it was… it was more than twenty (20) years. It's about thirty (30) years." 09500053.doc 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Well, not all of the…"

"Yeah. Not all of the… the… the caretakers that… we have some that are just trustees and there are some that are caretakers and trustees combined."

"It could. It would… it could and it depends on the individual board and how they would want to raise it. Some may not want to raise it, but one of the problems that falls into is finding someone to do these duties within these townships that have this… that have cemeteries." 09500053.doc 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Representative, your time is expired. Could you bring your remarks to a close."

"Representative Rita to close."

"I'm asking for a favorable 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 Ryg, May, Leitch, Black. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 46 voting 'yes' and 67 voting 'no'. And the Bill fails. Representative Saviano, you have House Bill 125. Okay. Out of the record. Representative Smith, you have House Bill 2011. Representative Smith. Out of the record. Representative Soto, you have House Bill 1747. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Soto." 09500053.doc 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 1747 amends the Income Withholding for Support Act, provides that when an obligor under the order of support terminates his or her employment, whether voluntarily or otherwise, the obligor's employer must obtain a copy of the order and pay the arrears up. Any… I'm open for any questions."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Yes, we took that into consideration. We've been working closely with the Illinois Trial Lawyers; also, with the Healthcare and Family Services and the Governor's Office. So we've been sitting down… and Representative Chapin Rose."

"Yes, it does."

"Yes there is, Representative. And if you would like to work on…"

"You notify the… Say the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is the representing agency or department, what we do is, I worked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for eighteen (18) years, and what we do is we flag the case and we coverup the… the address. And…"

"No, no you don't. But if you have one we would put it into the file and of course, it is flagged."

"Representative Rose."

"Representative Black."

"She indicates she'll yield." 09500053.doc 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Can… Representative Rose will answer the question?"

"But he is a, he's a hyphenated Sponsor, Chief Sponsor."

"And we've been working together on the Bill."

"Me too."

"Representative Rose."

Speaker Hannig: "Could you bring your remarks to a close, please."

"Representative Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the Lady's Bill. Ya know, I've been after some stronger measures as many of us have on this floor for a long time regarding child support. I had a Bill some years ago that would allow a domestic relations judge to summarily jail someone who the judge felt was not paying child support when the judge felt they could pay child support. One moment. This Bill is a… is a real stick that would allow the department to help push people into making the payments. So, if a person is past due, they have been past due for a very long period of time, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen and the department would then suspend the license for as long as it took to get the person to make an agreement. The department would have the ability, if the department decided the person simply couldn't pay to lift the suspension. This is not a forever suspension. It doesn't say you're going to lose driving privileges forever, it simply… is it trust trying to get somebody's attention. The whole goal here is if we can get somebody in a room, 09500053.doc 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 and we've made their life uncomfortable enough, they will make an agreement to pay and my guess is, Ladies and Gentlemen, that the Lady's Bill will get many people to pay. People who drive, in many cases, large cars and own businesses and purposely avoid their child support obligations. Certainly the prior speaker has a point. where he talks about this being punitive, but I don’t think that's the direction of the Bill. The direction of the Bill is to get somebody's attention. Yes, there are many people who can't pay at all. But this Bill would get the department the ability to get someone in a room and determine that. Right now, we've got people completely avoiding their obligation, completely avoiding the debate, completely avoiding the court room, completely avoiding the ex-spouse, completely avoiding the children, and completely avoiding a court order saying you shall pay. I think we have to give some credence to judges that determine that these payments are due. Judges will not be, I assume, ordering people to pay child support who can't pay child support. There are guidelines, but no one's ordered to pay who the judge feels cannot pay, and therefore, the idea by the department here is let's get their attention, let's get them in the room, let's sit down with them, and if we can work out a payment arrangement, they get their license back. If we determine they can't pay at all, they get their license back. But if they can pay, they ought to pay. I think we all agree with that. And this Bill that the Lady has crafted, and by the way, Representative Soto has worked long and hard on this Bill, many different 09500053.doc 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Amendments, many different conversations with those on both sides of the aisle, and real experts in this field, this Bill will get the attention of those people who are not paying their child support and I believe it's going to get more people paid. In the end, it's going to reduce the burden on the department, chasing those folks around. I think it’s a good Bill and I would urge an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Hannig: "We've had three in support and two in response. Representative Dunkin, do you wish to speak in response or opposition?"

"…sition. Question."

"Do you have a question? Then that would be in response. So, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speak…"

"Yes, Representative Dunkin."

"Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"

"She indicates she'll yield."

"All right. Just a brief question here. So, what system currently does the State of Illinois's Child Support Enforcement conduct today in being aggressive in obtaining child support in today's forum? I'm trying to figure out with today's system that exists versus this system here that you are trying to imply."

"Representative Dunkin this is just…"

"Or require."

"Did he say…? Oh, yes, Representative Dunkin, this… let me just mention again the difference… Okay. We have an old method; we're coming up with a new method. As stated, before you on your screen…" 09500053.doc 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"I can barely hear you or understand you Representative."

"Okay. What's… House Bill 1747, it amends severance, severance pay to the list of items defined in income wage withholding purposes. Right now, we don't have that. This is how this makes it better. Authorizes Healthcare and Family Service to request the Secretary of State to suspend Illinois drivers' privileges to child support debtors through an administrative process. It also authorizes Healthcare and Family Services to work with municipalities to immobilize vehicles for certain child support debtors. It also authorizes parents and their legal representatives to review records. This is what this Bill does."

"So, is there any empirical data or evidence that supports this legislation in other states, that is going to guarantee that we're going to improve collections as it relates to someone… some parent owing money? Can we cite another state, another example?"

"Oh, yeah, we have other states… twenty (20) other states that are doing that. And I'm looking for my information… let me just get it over to you. Administrative suspension of driver's license is used in twenty (20) states and it is highly successful… an enforcement tool. Some of the states successfully using this enforcement tool are Colorado and out of this, they've collected eleven million dollars ($11,000,000). New Jersey is also a part of this, and they've collected eleven million dollars ($11,000,000). New York also has the same law, and they've collected nine million dollars ($9,000,000). Virginia has collected 09500053.doc 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 thirty-four million dollars ($34,000,000) and Washington forty-nine million dollars ($49,000,000)."

"You're saying they directly attribute this to this specific program or is that a collective selection that they've taken upon themselves. You're saying directly as it relates to this type of legislation or in general?" Soto: Okay. Okay. This Bill resulted from the provision that adds severance pay to a list of items defined in income wage withholding purpose."

"I'm sorry. Can you repeat that again."

"Yes. That resulted… what I just mentioned resulted in the area that adds severance pay to the list of items defined from the income withholding wage withholding purpose."

"Okay. Okay. So, why is the Chicago Bar Association against this legislation?"

"They're not, they're supportive. At one time… It might not be updated on our lap top but they are off the Bill already. They are supportive now. We've been working with them. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Trial Lawyers, we've also had the Secretary of State, Speaker Madigan, and the Med Society."

"So you're saying without…"

"And the Illinois State Police."

"…without this legislation, we're ineffective in terms of collecting child support for the children of this state?"

"We can never say… We can't… I'm not going to say that we're ineffective, we need to get better. There's a lot of 09500053.doc 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 issues. We're doing much better, but as you know, this system has been broken for a long time. I've been at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, while I was there eighteen (18) years before coming here, and the system was broken. And thanks to this…"

"So, let me ask this here, Representative, 'cause my time is expiring."

"Okay. Go ahead."

"Real briefly. So, if I'm a truck driver or if I'm a bus driver, or if I need my vehicle to get to and from work and my license is suspended, how am I able to pay my child support? How does this measure help?"

"The way this measure help… how does it help? It would help you if you go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and motion up your case so that you can work this out, work your arrears out. Make a… make a payment arrangement. It's available to you."

"So, again, I'm trying to understand that. If it's required for me to get back and forth to work or to utilize my driver's license at my job, and I have children elsewhere, how would this benefit me and why is it that I have to be condemned at all…"

"Representative your time is expired, could you bring your remarks to a close."

"I guess, at… what I want to simply understand is, is this an effective way to actually collect dollars? Especially, for example, if someone needs or utilizes their driver's license… their driver's license as a taxi cab driver, as a school bus driver, as someone who drives a 09500053.doc 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 truck, how would this best serve the children effectively in getting those dollars?"

"Representative…"

"…I need that job to help pay for my child support?"

"Okay. Okay. Representative Dunkin, if you were the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent was not paying you child support, would you want us to implement a system that would help you receive your child support payment, yes or no?"

"I guess…"

"No, no, no, yes or no."

"…what I'm trying to find out is at what level does it stop, when we continue to penalize people who are at least trying to take care of their kids?"

"Trying, trying, we have a lot of methods that help you to support your kids. We have…"

"And is the same system so inadequate today that says…"

"Rep… Representative, could… could you bring your remarks to a close."

"…that they can't effectively collect monies from their… They're withholding at the IRS level, at the state level, they withhold at various jobs. I mean how difficult it is… is it for the state not to effectively collect those dollars? I thought we… we were successful with it already. We have a Web site if you get over a certain amount. Why is this so unique?"

"Representative Dunkin, we have a Web… a Web site that includes the State Disbursement Unit, Child Support Enforcement Division, Healthcare and Family Services. All 09500053.doc 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 the information is out there. If you have problems paying your child support, you can also go to the court, motion up your case, you can go upwards if you have an increase in your pay, you can go downward if you're paying too much. If… if your child support payment is too high, maybe because you changed your job and maybe you're making less, there are methods out there that you can also reduce and increase child support payments."

"Okay. So… So, Representative…"

"This is for the noncustodial parent."

"Representative Soto, his time has expired and you have 5 minutes to close."

"Thank you."

"Okay?"

"Thank you. Today we've heard on the floor that… that this Bill is not the greatest Bill. Well, I think it is. You know what, I've not seen any other Bill out here that would be helping custodial parents. If a noncustodial parent has an issue with not being able to pay child support, there is a method out there to help them. It is to motion up the case through the Cook County or any clerk's office in the State of Illinois. There are tools out there that will help you too. We are, I think in the State of Illinois, I have to say, our payments are doing much better than what it was when I first got here. And I just want to thank everybody here, and I know that this is a good Bill. And for those of you who have been working in the child support area, thank you for all the work that you 09500053.doc 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 have done before I've gotten here. And I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you so 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? Representative Mitchell and Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 97 voting 'yes', and 15 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Watson, for what reason do you rise?"

"State your point."

Speaker Hannig: "I have nothing to announce at this time, Representative."

"Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 227."

"Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an initiative of the title associations in conjunction with the county recorder of deeds. The idea is to find a way to permit electronic recording of deeds and titles. And what the measure in its final form does is to create a 09500053.doc 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 commission in the Secretary of State's Office with recorders, with representatives of mortgage and titles companies. They will make recommendations for rules and regulations to the Secretary. The Secretary may then promulgate them. The idea and the hope is that there will be uniform standards for recording of deeds with the county officials. And I know of no opposition. And I'd appreciate your support for the Bill and I would be happy to answer your questions."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from Knox, Representative Moffitt."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"It is."

"I… I'm sure they will be able to… to accept paper documents, and I'm… expect they will be able to charge a fee. But that will come from the rules and regulations adopted… posed by the commission and promulgated by the Secretary."

"And… and I surely hope that you're not suggesting the people ought to be overpaying in order that the county doesn't lose a fee."

"The recorders were part of, effectively important part of this discussion. They will be able still to accept paper documents at appropriate fees and if there is some rational for charging fees for electronically recorded documents, I'm sure they will be right out there with their hands out."

"Yes."

"Representative Sullivan."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"No, this only has to do with the recorder's office."

"This is about recording title, recording deeds."

"Representative Munson."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"No better, no worse than the current laws with respect to filing these deeds and titles with the recorder's office."

"It really doesn't have anything to do with that."

"Representative Currie to close."

"Appreciate 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? Representative Colvin, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', and 3 voting 'no'. 09500053.doc 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Sullivan, you have House Bill 2853. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Sullivan."

"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 Mitchell, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Smith, you have House Bill 2011. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Smith." 09500053.doc 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a proposal from the State Board of Education, and it would change the payment schedule for general state aid payments. Currently the state board issues those in twenty-four (24) payments throughout the year, from August to the end of July. And as many of you know, if you hear from your school superintendents, they're often concerned about those last two (2) payments towards the end of the fiscal year. So this would actually change the number of payments from twenty-four (24) to twenty-two (22) payments. Now this only affects the payment schedule. It doesn't change the amount of funds that a school district would receive. So they… I want to make sure that everyone understands school districts would not be losing any money. All of your school administrators will be happy with this legislation because it will remove the annual problem they have with those last two (2) payments. I know of no opposition. I would be happy to answer any questions."

"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 Verschoore, you have House Bill 410. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500053.doc 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Representative Verschoore."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. What this Bill does is allows the counties of… in Illinois, all except for Cook County, to have a front door referendum to by where they can, the county and the residents can vote to levy up to a 1 percent or one cent ($0.01) sales tax, and that money would then be remitted back, it would be collected by the Department of Revenue, would be remitted back to the Superintendent of Schools, and he would then distribute it to the schools in that particular county and on a per pupil basis, and they would be able to use that for school renovations, construction, life safety, any kind of general maintenance. The good thing about the Bill, is you know where the money going, it's coming back, it's collected from your county and it comes back to your county. And I would be glad to answer any questions."

"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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 65 voting 'yes' and 45 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Verschoore, you also have House Bill 1470. Do you wish us to call that Bill? 1470? Out of 09500053.doc 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007 the record. Representative Watson, you have House Bill 1253. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Watson."

"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 Molaro, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Winters, you have House Bill 3665. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Winters."

"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 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Joyce, you're recognized on House Resolution 395, a Motion on 395."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move that we… the House suspend the posting requirements on House Resolution 395, so it can be heard in State Government Administration Committee hearing tomorrow afternoon."

"You heard the Gentleman's Motion. Are there any objections? Then the Attendance Roll Call will be used, and the Motion is adopted and the posting requirement is suspended. Mr. Clerk, would you announce any committee time changes."

"Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Res… Resolutions."

Speaker Hannig: "And 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. Are there any announcements? Representative Yarbrough."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of Personal Privilege."

"Proceed."

"Visiting with us today in the gallery, up there somewhere, is the mayor of the Village of Forest Park, and three (3) of his newly elected trustees. Would you please welcome them to the… Are they up there? Please welcome them to Springfield. Thank you."

"Representative Smith, for what reason do you rise?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for an announcement. The Elementary & Secondary Education Committee meeting for tomorrow morning will be at 9 a.m. rather than 8 a.m." 09500053.doc 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 53rd Legislative Day 5/15/2007

"Representative Reitz, for what reason do you rise?"

"For an announcement. I would just like to remind everyone that the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus is scheu… has a fish fry tonight at the Conservation World, out by the DNR Building, from 6 to 8. Come on out and have some fish."

Speaker Hannig: "Any further announcements? Then Representative Currie moves, that allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stands adjourned 'til tomorrow, Wednesday, May 16, 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."