"Ladies and Gentlemen, the House will come to order. Members should be at their desks. Members and guests are asked to please refrain from starting their laptops, turn off your cell phones, your pagers, your BlackBerries and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests in the gallery are also asked to arise and join us. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford the pastor of the Cathedral of Praise and Christian Center in Springfield. Lee Crawford."
"May we pray. Most gracious and most eternal God, we humbly and thankfully bless You. We pray that You would stretch out Your most sovereign hand and bless this august Body. May You bless its Leader. May You bless all of its members that You have chosen to serve here. I pray today, Father, as they wait, as they wait on Your wisdom, as they wait on Your guidance, as they wait on Your strength. I pray today, Father, that You will mount them up with wings as of an eagle and that You would allow them to walk and not faint, that You'd allow them to run and not be weary. And this we ask, in Your Son's name, Amen."
Speaker Lyons: "We'll be led in the Pledge today by Representative Lang."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Lindner, Ramey, Tryon, yeah, it's an early 09500074.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 morning, Hassert, Dunn, Sullivan, Sacia, Beaubien, and Stephens are excused today."
Speaker Lyons: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Bost."
"Mr. Speaker, on a day like today, I'm kind of wondering, the person that normally reads your absentees is gone. Do you need somebody to fill in and do that? I'd be glad to do that."
"Thank you very much for offering, we may take you on your suggestion. Just a moment, though. Representative Lang, I think you're going to be recognized for the Democratic absentees today."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How much time do you have?"
"All the time you need, Representative."
"Excused today are Representative Rich Bradley, Representative Collins, Representative Colvin, Dunkin, Graham, Molaro, McGuire, Patterson, and Younge."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We also needed to add Representative Reis to that, please. It's an easy day, isn't it?"
"Just roll with it, Representative Bost. We'll work with you. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 99 Members present, there is a quorum and we're prepared to do the work of the State of Illinois. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports. Mr. Clerk, on page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills Third Reading, Representative Connie Howard, has Senate Bill 62. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500074.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Senate Bill 62, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Connie Howard."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 62 expands the offense… I'm sorry, just a second, I'm reading the wrong part of it. Mr. Speaker, please take this out of the record for a second. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, on request of the Sponsor, take the Bill out of the record temporarily. Mr. Clerk, on page 80 of the Calendar under Senate Bills-Third Reading, Representative Frank Mautino has Senate Bill 1523. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1523, a Bill for an act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Frank Mautino. Mr. Clerk, take that Bill out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. Mr. Clerk, on page 10 of the Calendar under Senate Bills Third Reading, Representative Esther Golar has Senate Bill 581. Senate Bill 581, Representative. Mr. Clerk, take that Bill out of the record on request of the Sponsor. Representative Jakobsson, you have Senate Bill 1042 on page 11 of the Calendar. Representative Jakobsson. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1042, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500074.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
Speaker Lyons: "The Lady from Champaign, Representative Jakobsson. Mr. Clerk, Third Reading. Read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1042, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jakobsson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 1042 grants a quick-take authority to the City of Champaign, Village of Savoy, and County of Champaign for the construction of a… Curtis Road project. This is very important because the construction the project depends on five and a half million dollars ($5,500,000) of federal funds. This doesn't take any buildings. Most of the people along the place where the right-of-way is needed have already agreed. And this is just to make sure that the project can be started on time for all the entities involved. I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes Gentleman from Iroquois, Representative Cultra."
"Thank you. To the Bill. This is exactly the same as House Bill 3106. Curtis Road separates my district from Naomi's district. It's a very important project. They are building a new interchange on I-57. Curtis Road needs to be improved. And I would appreciate… do we need 71 votes for this?"
"Yes, Representative, 71 is the required number."
"This is important to Naomi and my district. And I would certainly appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Chapin Rose." 09500074.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"There's an identical Bill, House Bill 3106, that I voted 'present' on due to impossible conflict of interest, and I intend to vote 'present' again to a possible conflict of interest."
"Gentlemen from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Representative, I'm not aware of any opposition from the Champaign-Urbana, Savoy area to this measure. I've received several letters in favor of it. Are you aware of any opposition to the quick-take proposal?"
"I'm not aware of any opposition."
"Thank you very much, Representative. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, many of us have doubts about quick-take but I think these two (2) projects are clearly supported by the people in the immediate area. As Representative Cultra has said, it is needed to improve an interchange to a very fast-growing area of the Champaign/ Urbana, Savoy, soon if not already to be a metro area. And there's just no other way to do it. And sometimes progress requires that you do this. Again, I'm not aware of any expressed opposition. The construction project building the interchange off of I-57 is already underway. And I hope that enough of you can see your way clear to vote for this, so this much needed project to a very, very fast-growing area can be completed. I stand in support of the Lady's Motion." 09500074.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1042 pass?' All those in favor, signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Keith Sommer. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 75 Members voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', 1 member voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority of Three-fifths, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 15 of the Calendar, under concurrences, Representative Gordon has House Bill 1462. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Chair recognizes the Lady from Grundy, Representative Careen Gordon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1462. It's merely a technicality and it just adds a provision that specifies that the Bill would apply only under causes of action arising after the effective date of the legislation or to causes of actions for which the statute of limitations has not already expired. This is regarding civil cases and sexual assault victims, and when they're allowed to bring those cases. And I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Anyone seeking recognition? Seeing none, this Bill will require 71 votes for passage for concurrence. All those in favor of the adoption of the Amendment #1 from the Senate to House Bill 1462 should vote 'yes' those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Turner? Art Turner? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill there are 99 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no' and 0 voting 09500074.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 'present'. This Bill, having received the Three-fifth Constitutional requirement, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on concurrences on page 16 of the Calendar is House Bill 3412. 3412. Chair recognizes Representative Renee Kosel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur on Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3412. This just clarifies what the original intent of the Bill was. I would move for its passage."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'does the House seek to concur with Amendment #1 to House Bill 3412?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mary Flowers? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 16 of the Calendar Representative Brady has House Bill 3512. Representative Dan Brady. Representative Brady."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3512, I would simply ask for a concurrence from the Senate regarding House Bill 3512, which deals with the privacy of Child Victims Criminal Sexual Offense Act. And I would ask for a 'yes' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should House Bill 3512 pass agreeing with Amendment #1 from the Senate for concurrence?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The 09500074.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 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 Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on the bottom of page 16 on the Order of Concurrences is House Bill 3586. The Chair recognizes Representative Bob Flider."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move to concur in Senate Amendment #2. This is a technical Amendment, which specifies where the county, excuse me, the circuit clerks… the fees that would be associated with their collection of this new fine would go within their operations. I ask for your support."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any questions? Seeing none the question is, 'Should House Bill 3586 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Black. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, 99 Members voting 'yes' 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Clerk, on the top of page 17, on the Order of Concurrences, Representative Bost has House Bill 3618. Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Mike Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur with House Amendment #1 to House Bill 3618. And that simply… what this does is, this is the flying the flag at half mast. And what this does is simply allows in those places where the flag 09500074.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 pole is not mechanically able to fly at half mast, they'll be exempt."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should the House Bill 3618 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, has received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Howard, has House Bill 3627. Lady from Cook, Representative Connie Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3627 amends the General Not for Profit Corporation Act by raising the fee for filing an annual report of a domestic foreign corporation from the current fee of five ($5) to ten dollars ($10). It provides that five dollars ($5) of that filing fee be deposited into Charitable Trust Stabilization Act, which this legislation establishes. I will answer your questions."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should the House Bill 3627 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill there at 61 Members voting 'yes', 38 members voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. 09500074.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Representative Golar, you have House Bill 3654. Lady from Cook, Representative Golar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I move to concur on Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3654. It has new language, which defines 'indirect expenses'. It also includes new language on consortia to include as indirect expense laptops, software, and technical help for the Grow Your Own Candidates if they chose. Laptop computers are soon going to be made a formal requirement for college students. I would ask for a favorable vote. Thank you."
"Question is, 'Should the House concur with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3654?' All those in favor should signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, has received Constitutional Majority, and is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 17 of the Calendar Representative Bill Mitchell has House Bill 3721. Representative Mitchell."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I move to concur with Senate Amendment #1, which just changes the age for a person, a senior citizen, to use a crossbow without a doctor's permit from sixty (60) to age sixty-two (62)."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should this House concur with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3721?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. 09500074.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Majority of the House, does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3721. Mr. Clerk, on page 11 of the Calendar under Senate Bills-Second Reading is Senate Bill 1305. What's the status on the Bill, Mr. Clerk?"
"Senate Bill 1305, the Bill has been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 has been adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. All notes that have been requested have been filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1305, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Elaine Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1305 is a pretty substantial piece of legislation. It's got a lot of components to it. So I will run through those. As we are all too well aware in recent years the news has been filled with stories about investment advisors and consultants taking advantage of their relationships with those working with the state pensions, to take large referral fees and otherwise benefit financially from the state pensions. Senate Bill 1305 started life as a pension reform Bill to address these ethical concerns. The legislation is comprehensive in this regard and includes provisions that require all the pension board members to file statements of economic interest. Currently, many of the large city and 09500074.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 county pension funds don’t do this at all. It restricts contracts with bond companies that use consultants for the purpose of retaining bond business in the state. It requires quantifiable goals for emerging fund managers. It prohibits a fiduciary from engaging in an investment where the fiduciary stands to gain financially from the investment. It requires competitive procurement of investment consultants and it expands the Gift Ban Act for board members of pension and retirement funds and prohibits contingent fees for investment advice. In addition to these provisions, Senate Bill 1305 now includes a number of other ethics and good government measures. They include the language of House Bill 1 that was sponsored by Representative Fritchey that passed overwhelmingly in this House, regarding the pay-to-play campaign contributions. Includes the provisions of Senate Bill 157 that I sponsored giving expanded oversite to the Executive Ethics Commission and includes the provisions of House Bill 742, the Whistle Blower Act that has passed both Houses, that was sponsored here by Representative Hamos. There have been concerns raised about some of the provisions of Senate Bill 1305 regarding one of the changes to Pension Code that's specifically is Section 1-110. We'd just like to state that for purposes of legislative intent, this Section is only intended to apply where the fiduciary and the investment advisor are two (2) separate people or entities. It's not intended to cover all investment advisors. Self-dealing by investment advisors and fiduciaries is already prohibited 09500074.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 under another portion of the existing law. I'm ready to answer any questions and I ask for your support."
Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes Gentleman from Cook, Representative John Fritchey."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, as you indicated and which I sincerely appreciate, this legislation has, I believe, verbatim the language from House Bill 1. Is that correct?"
"I'm sorry. Yes, it is verbatim from House Bill 1."
"Have you by any chance, and I'm not asking this factiously, have you talked to anybody over in the Senate as far as the prospects of this legislation?"
"I have had numerous conversations with the Senate Sponsor, Senator Schoenberg. And he has every intention of calling the Bill. And I know he is working with Leadership to see if that could happen."
"Well, I don’t question for a second Senator Schoenberg's intentions but as you, I think, are aware and as Members of this Body maybe, the Senate President over there has already essentially hijacked and stalled House Bill 1. He took another one of Senator Schoenberg's Bill's, he took an initiative of Treasurer Giannoulias, wrapped all of those together and could not get that Bill out of a committee. My concern is what we have here is a conglomeration of a number of laudable and worthwhile and necessary ideas for the State of Illinois. I would believe that this legislation can and should receive the same vote as House Bill 1 did, which is a unanimous vote. And I think 09500074.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 it's just very frustrating that the will, the unanimous will of the House of Representatives, the overwhelming demand of the people of the State of Illinois, is being single- handedly thwarted in the State Senate. I appreciate and respect your hard work on all of this. There's a lot of substance in this Bill. I hope that your hard work is not going to be for naught as I'm starting to feel our efforts of House Bill 1 have been. But Ladies and Gentlemen, I assure you, not that you need my assurance, this is a very good, laudable, worthwhile, and necessary piece of legislation. And I would hope that with a repeated drumbeat of this message, from this chamber and with increasing clamoring and demand by the public of the State of Illinois, that the Senate will see the way to not unilaterally stand in the way of what's right and what is just and what is ethical and what is the Democratic and proper thing to do. And let that legislation see the light of day. I know House Bill 1 has over 40 cosponsors in the State Senate. I think that this legislation is going to be the same type of Bill that people are going to want to get on to because it’s the right thing to do. Thank you. I support the legislation request. Request an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor of yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, I appreciate you talking to me about this Bill. And I certainly agree with everything 09500074.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Representative Fritchey has said about the ethics provisions. However, there's… some pension language that many downstate pension administrators have some concerns with. And I'm going to make sure that that, if in fact I'm reading it correctly, it's my understanding that all the municipal funds, which includes over one thousand (1,000) downstate police and fire funds, puts them into the Illinois Procurement Code. They feel that it's completely unworkable for municipalities to comply with that code. And in the Municipal Code it puts it in conflict with their own procurement provisions. I'm wondering if you, number one, if share that concern. Number two, if you do, could we do a trailer Bill on that particular issue if necessary?"
"Representative, I have had a lot… number of discussions with some of those downstate pensions on this very issue, and there seemed to be some conflicting opinions. Our staff felt that with the Article 3 and Article 4 pensions were not covered by the Procurement Code under this legislation, except they must procure their investment advisor in a manner substantially similar to the Procurement Code, but it doesn't… it was our staff's feeling or belief that it did not subject them to the entire Procurement Code. The opinion that you’re talking about, it was my understanding that that was coming from someone within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation or whatever the name of that entity is now. And because of that conflict, we approached the Attorney General's Office about this. They took a look at it and agreed that they did not think that the Article 3 and 4 09500074.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 pensions would be subject to the entire Procurement Code as the… in the way that this is currently drafted."
"Okay."
"It's not their practice to issue written opinions on pending legislation, but they've indicated that if this legislation becomes law they will be happy to issue such an opinion."
"Okay, I appreciate your response and unfortunately, late… particularly late, we're in overtime Session, the underlying ethics provisions make this a very difficult Bill to vote against and I don't intend to vote against it. However, I believe you’re a Legislator of great integrity. If we do get into some serious problems with municipal retirement funds, I would… I would think you would be willing to sit down with them and correct whatever mistake may be made. I'm not saying that there is a mistake being made but there is a perception that perhaps we're putting municipal retirement funds under a system that would be very difficult if not impossible for them to comply with. If that is the case then I look forward to working with you on correcting that issue."
"Certainly, Representative, and I… and having… again having many discussions with the Senate Sponsor about this very issue, I don't believe it's… it was his intention or my intention to subject them to the entire Procurement Code."
"Okay."
"We have conflicting opinions. I believe the lawyers are saying 'no' and someone at DPFR or whatever that… again 09500074.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 whatever the acronym is, is saying 'yes' and I believe that, I guess, I would trust the lawyers on that one."
"My, you're in a very wonderful mood today, you're going to trust the lawyers on that one? Okay."
"Being one myself, ya know, I like to do that."
"I will trust your good faith that if we… "
"And certainly, Representative… "
"Go ahead, Representative Black, finish your thoughts."
"If we do run into a law of unintended consequences, I look forward to working with you and addressing concerns that municipalities may have. Thank you very much, Representative."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative David Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"On our analysis it says and I'll quote it, 'when the lowest responsible… and responsible bidder's not chosen in competitive bidding an explanation must appear in a Illinois procurement bulletin.' I think that's important. What's circumstance would that be?"
"Representative, I'm… can you… can you ask that again? I'm not sure I got… that I followed all that."
"The… essentially there will be an announcement if a lowest… if the lowest bidder was not chosen in a competitive sealed bid. An explanation of why that person was chosen would appear in a bulletin and I asked why… what would that explanation sort of consist of?" 09500074.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Well, I'm assuming… I don't know what it might consist of because it would depend of the circumstance of why the lowest responsible bidder was not selected and I… there could be a myriad of reasons I think that that could occur. It might be that… you know, that… that maybe… that the lowest bid was not the most complete or maybe it wasn't the… you know, the… it might have not been the best total package and I can't think of a circumstance right now when… as to what that might be."
"Well, it happens and I think part of all this reform measures is to try to explain why a lowest bidder may not be chosen. Could it be because of a minority or women-owned business requirements? Would that be part of it?"
"I guess it could be, potentially, Representative, and… but… and this legislation also contains some expansion of those requirements with regard to the procurement of investment advisors and so forth. So, I think we're trying to strengthen those things in this legislation, as well."
"Okay. When you said 'trying to strengthen', could you repeat that?"
"I believe… unfortunately, this legislation is a hundred and twenty-five (125) pages long, so I can't always keep everything in my mind… but I believe that there are some… there are requirements for the pension… under the… under the expansion of this procurement… procurement… responsibility to the pensions, that the pensions have to set some goals for minority and women-owned businesses that don't currently exist in the law. I didn't say that very well but I think that you get the idea." 09500074.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"I just want to have some clarity 'cause many of these… when a House Committee and Senate Committee is formed is to try to increase the participation and still it's been proven that using women and African-American and Latino-owned firms does not diminish their fiduciary responsibility. However, many of these firms can not compete with the… the much larger firms just because they can basically undercut there own… their own fees and their own price. And just wanted to have some sense of what your thoughts are going to be in trying to move this legislation forward. We can move on. The Higher Education…"
"Representative, if I could just respond. I think that that is the part of the goal of that provision is to allow firms that may not be, you know, the Goldman and Sachs of the world of the or JP Morgan Chases of the world to compete and to get awarded some of these contracts."
"That's… that's what I wanted to hear. Last question is dealing with the higher education chief procurement. Why is that… why was that changed, dealing with the Higher Board of Ed?"
"Representative…"
"Representative Miller, we'll give you another minute and Elaine can respond to that question."
"Thank you. She can just respond and I'll close on that."
"Representative Nekritz."
"Representative, if I could just respond. Currently, the Governor appoints the chief procurement officer for the Board of Higher Education and this would make it subject to 09500074.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 the… appointment by the Board of Higher Ed, that's the… I think that's the nature of the change. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, you've heard … about… I think the debate has been good. There is a lot of really… as one of the prior speakers indicated, there's a lot of really good ethics reform in this legislation. It is a very comprehensive package in that regard and I ask for your support."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this Bill will need 71 votes. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1305 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hannig. Representative Joyce, Kevin. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 8 of the Calendar, under Senate-Bills Third Reading, at the bottom of the page, Representative Mautino has Senate Bill 1523. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk?"
"Senate Bill 1523, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Bureau, Frank Mautino."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and thank you for the courtesy of allowing me to take the Bill out of the record, momentarily. We spoke with the Treasurer's Office, who had some concerns and they're now fine. They just had a couple of questions on the underlying Bill. This Bill contains the former Senate Bill 1518 and also 1539, which… which amends 09500074.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 the Insurance Code. It provides that a company authorized to do business with the state or accredited by the state to issue health insurance policies must provide information dealing with any individual that may be covered under the health insurer plan. We also have… that has passed here previously, 117 to 1. We have House Bill 938, which is an immediate effective date that's been placed into another Bill, which passed unanimously. I'd be happy to answer any questions and I know of no opposition."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should Senate Bill 1523 pass?' This Bill will require 71 votes. All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received Three-fifths Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 19 of the Calendar, under the order of Resolutions, Representative Bellock, on the bottom of the page, has House Resolution 300. Representative Black, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Yes, point of personal privilege, if I could."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. As you know, we don't get paid per diem in overtime Session and I just want to point out how resourceful some of our Members are. Representative Aaron Schock has taken on a temporary job as one of the doormen 09500074.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 and is patrolling the gallery and doing a excellent job. Thank you very much, Representative."
"Thank you, Representative Black, for pointing that out. Take that Resolution out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. Mr. Clerk, on page 20 of the Calendar, under the order of Resolutions, Representative Careen Gordon has House Resolution 301. Representative Gordon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 301 encourages the Federal Government to give full funding to public housing in Illinois. This was brought to me by the director of the Grundy County Housing Authority, my very good friend, Brent Newman. And I know that in other states that the same Resolution is being adopted according to information from him, being adopted by other state Legislatures. In Grundy County, we have a housing authority, Kankakee County, Will County and across my district and I know that public housing is constantly… a need throughout the state and I would ask for adoption of this Resolution."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 301 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 301 is adopted. On page 20 of the Calendar, Representative Mendoza, Representative Susana Mendoza. Out of the record. Representative Coulson, you have House Resolution 306. The Lady from Cook, Representative Beth Coulson." 09500074.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 306 proclaims May to be Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and while May is over for this year, it does continue to proclaim it for each year after. And the reason for this Resolution is that with many of… hundreds of different diseases that are arthritis and many, many of our constituents having arthritis, I'd like to encourage awareness of prevention and wellness issues. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 306 should say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 306 is adopted. Mr. Clerk, on page 20 of the Calendar, Representative Jack Franks has House Resolution 309. The Gentleman form McHenry on Resolution 309, Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 309 condemns the hateful and incendiary comments made by the Iranian president and the most recent that we had cited was in February of 2007, where the president said to a meeting of Sudanese Islamic scholars in Khartoum, 'that zionists of the true manifestations of Satan! I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 309 be adopted?' All those in favor signify be saying 'yes'; those opposed by saying 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 309 is adopted. Representative 09500074.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Mendoza has House Resolution 303. The Lady from Cook, Representative Susana Mendoza."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 303 simply proclaims April 30, 2007, as Children's Day in the State of Illinois. I would ask for your support."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 303 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 303 is adopted. Representative Patti Bellock has House Resolution 334. The Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Patricia Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And this Resolution was to declare April as Autism Awareness Month."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 334 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 334 is adopted. On page 20 of the Calendar, Representative Mulligan has House Resolution 375. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Rosemary Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 375 urges Congress to act on four (4) separate pieces of legislation that impact the health care of veterans, extend the time… extend the time… it's a very serious issue, Mr. Black. Extend the time for certain veterans to declare the ability for certain problems like post traumatic stress to get a 09500074.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 longer length of time to have the Federal Government cover them. And so what we're doing is we're urging Congress to pass separate pieces of legislation in order to fund these things and then to help Illinois fund them at home."
"Is there any discussion on House Resolution 375? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 375 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. House Resolution 375 is adopted. Representative Kathy Ryg, on the bottom of page 20 on the Order of Resolutions, has House Resolution 384. The Chair recognizes Representative Kathy Ryg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution provides that there would be the establishment of an after school funding policy task force to develop recommendations for the administration and coordination of after school mentoring and student support programs and services."
"Is there any discussion on House Resolution 384? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 384 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Resolution, there are 99 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And House Resolution 384 is adopted. Mr. Clerk, back in the middle of page 20 of the Calendar, Representative Bellock has House Resolution 335. The Lady from DuPage, Representative Patty Bellock." 09500074.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know in the Calendar this looked identical but this was for the disabilities and autistic day that was in Springfield on May 16, and I just want to thank all the Legislators that participated. I think over a hundred (100) of you stopped by to see and over five hundred (500) families of disabled children, autistic families were down that day, so I want to thank all of you very much."
"Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 335 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 335 is adopted. Mr. Clerk, on the top of page 21, on the Order of Resolutions, Representative Connie Howard has House Resolution 391. The Lady from Cook, Representative Howard."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Though belatedly, House Resolution 391 recognizes May 11, of this year as Mothers in Prison, Children in Crisis Day in the State of Illinois. This Resolution points out some very startling statistics regarding the increases of female prisoners and emphasizes the need to look to alternatives to incarceration for women who have been convicted of non-violent offenses. That would allow children to stay with there mothers while there mothers receive appropriate treatment. I ask for 'yes' votes."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 391 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 09500074.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 391 is adopted. On page 21 of the Calendar, Representative Kevin Joyce has House Resolution 395. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Kevin Joyce."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 395 simply urges Congress to reestablish the money that is… in the federal UPRR program. This creates dollars for parks throughout the country. And five (5) years ago this line item was zeroed out and has not been replaced."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 395 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 395 is adopted. On page 21 of the Calendar, Representative Elaine Nekritz has House Resolution 396. Representative Elaine Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 396 is an effort to urge Congress as they review and reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act to take account of some of the issues the State of Illinois has encountered in implementing that law. I mean, we've got some specific recommendations in the Resolution."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Resolution."
"To the Resolution." 09500074.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"I want to commend the Sponsor of this Resolution for pointing out to really all of us some of the issues related to the original NCLB language, especially as that language addresses special education assessment funding and other important aspects of how the states are affected by this federal legislation. I think it does a good job of capsulelizing the types of concerns that we have heard in education committees back in our districts from everyone, from parents, to school administrator, to school board members. And hopefully, the Resolution and the urgings that are contained within will be taken seriously by the federal authorities and those in the Education Department and those who craft federal education legislation because there are some clear flaws in the No Child Left Behind legislation that this Resolution clearly points out. I want to congratulate her on this Resolution and again, hope that it does make a difference in guiding federal education policy in the future."
"Representative Nekritz."
"And thank you and I would also like to thank Representative Eddy who worked on this together with me to craft the language and I'm grateful for his input and his support on that."
"The Gentleman from Dekalb, Representative Bob Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to commend the Sponsor for this Resolution and bringing it before the Body. This is an issue that the education caucus has dealt with and we brought this issue before the caucus 09500074.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 and over 90 percent of the people that were voting on this issue support this Resolution. It goes a long way to addressing many of the concerns of citizens across the state have about the federal No Child Left Behind policy. It's a way of improving it. This Resolution comes with some suggestions from the Governor's office and the State Board of Education. It's a Resolution that I hope we can all support. Thank you."
"Representative Nekritz to close."
"I ask for your support."
"The question is, 'Should House Resolution 396 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 396 is adopted. Representative Sara Feigenholtz has House Resolution 389. The Lady from Cook, Representative Sara Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 398 recognizes the importance of early detection of breast cancer as a key to survival and it recognizes public and private partnerships supporting early detection."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 398 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 398 is hereby adopted. Representative Sandy Pihos has House Resolution 412. Representative Pihos."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution 412 proclaims the month of September 09500074.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 as Brain Aneurism Awareness Month in the State of Illinois bringing greater awareness and attention to the for… very important medical issue. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should House Resolution 412 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. House Resolution 412 is adopted. Representative Pihos, don't sit down, you have House Resolution 413. Representative Sandy Pihos."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution proclaims May of 2007, to be American Stroke Month in the State of Illinois. Bringing greater awareness to this important medical issue and also an opportunity to educate the public for prevention of strokes."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Since we're on the Order of Resolutions, would the Chair entertain a Resolution that I'd just make verbally? Could we declare June Adopt a Budget Month? And maybe we could put in there that the Governor could put out an agenda everyday about what he's going to talk about with the Legislative Leaders. You know, I'm not really interested in who's a better third baseman, Clete Boyer or Ron Santo. I'm not really interested in how many times he's on the airplane and who's at fault and who gets blamed. There's no agenda, there's no goals and objectives set, I don't know what they do down there. As 09500074.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 far as I know, it sounds to me like it's the closest thing to Vaudeville I've seen since the Palace Theater closed. But I'll see if LRB can get a… I hope you'll all be cosponsors with me, maybe we can pass a Resolution that would indicate that June is Adopt a Budget Month since we missed May, since he couldn't be here in April, he was busy in March, he was tied up in February, January was a very cold month to jog. So, maybe we could just declare June Adopt a Budget Month. I'll have LRB get that drafted and maybe we can move it right through the process, but I'd rather do it verbally but I'll do it in accordance with the House Rules. We'll see if we can't get that done."
"Thank you, Representative Black, that sounds like an outstanding idea. Is there any further discussion on House Resolution 413? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 413 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 413 is hereby declared adopted. Clerk, on the top of page 22, on the Order of Resolutions, Representative Jakobsson has House Resolution 424. Is Representative Jakobsson on the floor? Yes, she is. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Champaign, Naomi Jakobsson on House Resolution 424."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 424 designates the week of October 24 as Workforce Development Week. Those of you who have workforce developments are familiar with these. They're very important and I would ask for an 'aye' vote." 09500074.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Yes, thank you very much. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Representative, is there language in the Workforce Development Week that says they should work five (5) days a week, forty hours… forty hours a week?"
"I'll check that."
"All right. Could you also amend it on its face that the Workforce Development Week, they should work through Father's Day weekend, as well?"
"Well, Father's Day isn't in August, so I'm not sure if that would quite apply."
"Oh, it isn't in August? Well, just… just so that… just so these people understand that this Resolution… I mean, Workforce Development Week… a week is five (5) days, forty hours. I mean, I… and you would agree with that, wouldn't you?"
"A lot of people go by that definition."
"Absolutely, I knew I could count on you. Thank you, Representative."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 424 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 424 is adopted. Representative Feigenholtz, you have House Resolution 426. The Lady from Cook, Representative Sara Feigenholtz." 09500074.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 426 encourages various departments in State Government to start addressing the issue of pain as a public health problem by making information available to consumers and health care providers to their respective websites. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 426, be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 426 is hereby declared adopted. Representative Ruth Munson has House Resolution 429. Representative Munson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 429 urges the state when recycling cell phones to use a program that raises funds for domestic violence."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should House Resolution 429 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and House Resolution 429 is adopted. On the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 436, Representative Crespo."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Resolution 436 proclaims the period of May 1 through June 14, 2007, as National Military Apperception Month in the State of Illinois. Ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none the question is, 'Should House Resolution 436 be adopted?' All 09500074.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 436 is adopted. Agreed Resolutions, Mr. Clerk."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 526, offered by Representative Flider. And House Resolution 527, offered by Representative May.
"All those in favor of the Adoption of the Agreed Resolutions signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are hereby adopted. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy. For what purpose do you seek recognition, Representative?"
"Mr. Speaker, yesterday we made some comments regarding the twenty-third and twenty-fourth payments that were due to school districts in the state, the General State Aid payments. I'm happy to report… I don't know how you say this, give credit where credit's due or give the devil his due, but yesterday afternoon the Governor did send a letter out responding, I guess, to our concerns and the twenty- third and twenty-fourth payments apparently are going to be forwarded. The letter was sent to the Comptroller and the Treasurer's Office, but there still remains an important issue related to school funding for this year that I think we need to pay particular attention to in the next two (2) weeks. The mandated categorical payments for school districts for special education personnel, for special education transportation, extra ordinary expenses related to transportation and payment for regular transportation for 09500074.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 74th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 school children across the State of Illinois are due by June 30, to school districts. That means by June 20, those need to vouchered so that the Comptroller has time to process those payments to our school districts. That amounts to two hundred and sixty million, three hundred thousand dollars ($260,300,000) in funding that is due to the schools by June 30. Hopefully, the Governor is listening, the Comptroller's Office will hear our plea and that money will be forwarded to the school districts so that they can fulfill their budget revenue that was projected last year from the State of Illinois. Hopefully, we'll have the same success with the mandate of categoricals, because those are needed just as much as that General State Aid."
"Thank you, Representative Eddy. The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Seeing no further business to come before the House today, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Lou Lang moves that the House will stand adjourned and convene on Tuesday June 19, at the hour of 3 p.m. All those in favor of adjournment say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned until next Tuesday at 3:00. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend." 09500074.doc 35