"The regular Session of the House will be in order. Is there leave to use the Attendance Roll Call from the First Special Session? Leave is granted. And a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, read the Rules Report."
"Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motion were referred, action taken on July 17, 2007, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' is Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1704. Referred to the House Committee on Rules is House Resolution 605, offered by Representative Black."
"On page 8 of the regular Calendar we have Senate Bill 1704. That's on the Order of Third Reading. We're gonna return that, Mr. Clerk, to the Order of Second Reading for the purposes of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments."
"On Senate Bill 1704, Floor Amendments 1 and 2, offered by Representative Hoffman have both been approved for consideration."
"Representative Granberg, what's your pleasure on the Amendments?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we could just hold on for a moment, the Sponsor of Amendments just called me, he is on his way to the House Floor. So, I think we should give him that courtesy."
"So, Representative Hoffman, the Rules Committee has approved Amendments 1 and 2, so…" 09500094.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Floor Amendment #1 essentially sets out the crux of the FutureGen proposal for the State of Illinois to attempt to put our best foot forward to bring FutureGen to the area represented by Chapin Rose and others. This is an agreed to Amendment when we adopt Amendment #1 and Amendment #2, I believe, that everyone will be in favor of the… of the whole proposal."
"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black on the Amendment."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Hoffman, on Floor Amendment #1 what… what might be different in that Amendment than what Texas has passed about protection of liability?"
"I think that the… the issue concerning Floor Amendment #1 deals with the issue of indemnification by the State of Illinois of… and who… what we will and we will not indemnify. It's my understanding in talking with the leaders of the FutureGen Alliance that they are okay with what we would be passing in Floor Amendment #1 concerning the issue of indemnification. And this is an agreement between the Attorney General, the administration, as well as, I believe, the Sponsors of the Bill. And this is an attempt to address some concerns that the Attorney General had with regard to the state indemnifying the FutureGen Alliance. And the answer with regard to Texas, to be quite frank with ya, I'm not as familiar with what Texas law is. 09500094.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 I just know that the differences from the repre… representative section in the original Bill would permit the FutureGen operator to appear in an action through private counsel to respond or object only to any aspect or proposed settlement or proposed court order, which would directly affect the daily operation of FutureGen. And that basically is the biggest portion regarding indemnification that the Attorney General believes was necessary in this Amendment."
"All right. Would… would it be safe to say that these Amendments appear to me to have come from the Trial Lawyers… Bar."
"House Amendment #1, there was an agreement in the fall with the Trial Lawyers Bar. But House Amendment #1 will not become the… House Amendment #1 as it stands will hopefully be amended by House Amendment #2, which makes some changes to the issue of negligence concerning…"
"Okay. All right."
"…House Amendment #1. So, it's kind of difficult."
"And I…"
"Your question probably would relate to House Amendment #2, which ultimately will be the Bill…"
"Yeah."
"…that was written… and that provision was written by Representative Rose."
"Okay. And I… I know that it's hard to compare because we don't have similar or the same Constitution as Texas. But is it… am I way off base, Representative, if I just say, it appears that Illinois is perhaps accepting more liability… potential liability than the State of Texas?" 09500094.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"As far as us as a state?"
"Right."
"I believe that on… if you were to ask someone at FutureGen, they would say they would want that. But I don't believe that we're doing that in this Amendment."
"Okay. But in… in your… in your opinion this puts us on as level a playing field with Texas as we are about to get. Correct?"
"Yes, because the Bill, I believe, and all of the incentives taken as a whole and you have to look at the Bill as a whole. I think the incentives compare favorably in every aspect and exceed Texas in most aspects as far as us attempting to lure FutureGen in saying we would like it to be here in the State of Illinois."
"Okay. Thank you very much, Representative. Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Bill. Nothing that comes before us is perfect. I think this is probably as close as we're going to get. A couple of things I would've like to have seen changed, but time is short and the… I think the risk is manageable. The rewards far exceed the risk. This can… this project could revolutionize and reenergize the Illinois coal industry and in fact, may revolutionize the entire system of generating electricity from the most abundant resource we have and that is coal and letting us burn Illinois coal in an environmentally sound and responsible way. I think it has tremendous potential for putting people back to work, for revitalizing an industry in Illinois that certainly needs help and, not among the least, is to produce electricity that we need in a 09500094.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 country and a state that is advancing so quickly technology. I stand in support of the Bill."
"We're on the Amendment. Representative Rose on the Amendment."
"Thank you. If I may just address a comment of Representative Black's a minute ago. I think what this Amendment does and actually more to the point, the second Amendment, which we'll consider in a minute, is that it puts us on equal playing field with the State of Texas as regard to indemnification. And I'll make further comments in a minute on Third, but the bottom line is, Illinois's package in my opinion far exceeds that of Texas with… in… except in one area of indemnification and that is what this is doing here is this is bringing us up to the same level of Texas. And I might add to Representative Black's point directly, I think he said about whether or not this is exceeding the State of Texas. As a matter… as a legal principal, indemnification is indemnification whether it's in Texas or Illinois so we're just coming up to that level. And what I might add is that Texas is frankly the one who needs it because they have decades of subsurface perforation of their soil by oil and gas mining. And it really is a critical issue to them whereas the two locations that we're looking at in east central Illinois do not have the same problem. So, to the extent that there was any edge at all to Texas on the issue… the sole issue of indemnification, this equalizes that. And again, as I said earlier, our total package, I believe, far exceeds and excels what the State of Texas has put forward. So…" 09500094.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"On the Amendment, Representative Dunkin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is… this is huge in our great state. This is gonna put us on a world map in terms of engineers coming from all around the world. And what's interesting about this legislation is although it's… it's in… what Champaign, Illinois? What county is this in? Mattoon and Tuscola? All right. Since most of us are on the same page of us coming up with great legislation for our wonderful state, irregardless of where it's located, when we come up with other great ideas of this magnitude and maybe smaller, even though it happens to be in the City of Chicago, I hope we embrace, just as all of us I see, or anticipate would embrace such an idea. So, it doesn't make a difference whether it's in Tuscola, Illinois, Mattoon, Effingham, Vermilion County, Cairo, Cook County. If it's good for Illinois, it's good for Illinois. So, let's just keep that in mind. This is not a regional thing. So, when we come up with great tax incentives for film, for tourism, funding mass transit and other major projects that keep and put people to work and keep us at a world-class state, that we make sure our memories are not short, Representatives, irregardless of what side of the aisle that you sit on. If it's good business for the citizens of Illinois, it's good for all of us as Legislators. Thank you."
"Any further discussion? All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. And Representative Hoffman on Amendment #2." 09500094.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #2 simply amends Amendment #1 regarding the issue of sovereign immunity. This was actually drafted by Representative Rose and has been agreed to by all the parties. If there is any issue regarding Amendment #2, I would just ask that Representative Rose take any questions regarding that Amendment."
"The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of Amendment #2. Is there any discussion? Then all in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1704, a Bill for an Act concerning alternative energy. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Granberg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As has been stated by previous speakers, this is extremely important for the State of Illinois. This package will now put us in balance with the State of Texas that has adjourned sine die. The Texas Legislature has given their Governor, though, the ability to amend their offer. This will make us competitive, even more than competitive, I believe, with our geological differences. This is critical for the state. Not only will this give us attention nationally, this will put the State of Illinois… it will give us attention globally. This is a collaboration of the International Alliance to move forward with this project. It has never been done before. And when I say collaboration this is purely private and public sector of international 09500094.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 companies and governments funded by the department… Federal Department of Energy. This is extremely significant for the state, because for the first time we will sequester CO2 in the ground. It's environmentally friendly. This is what Illinois is about in the future. Two years ago we passed legislation for my district for synthetic a natural gas plant. We're working, hopefully, with Tenaska in Taylorville, in Representative Hannig's district, for a great project over there. And what it means is, you can generate more electricity, more energy, bring competition to the marketplace, because the free market does work. Bring competition, lower prices in a manner that's environmentally friendly not only for this district but for the State of Illinois in its entirety. This sends the message that we are on… right on the edge of a renaissance in Illinois coal. We've heard this for years and years. In fact, 7 years ago I convened groups in environmental community, labor unions, generators in Springfield to come up with a coal incentive package and we did. It was after I had met with a company out of Texas, TXU, the nation's largest utility, what they wanted to know why they… there were no incentives to use Illinois coal, 'cause they wanted to build power plants. They are now in the middle of building or trying to build eight power plants in Texas. But the one thing we did, and we came up with the best package in the country for the use of Illinois coal, but the one thing I made the mistake about and that was I forgot about the free market because I literally thought that would create thousands of jobs. But the price of energy then was not sufficient to generate the 09500094.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 free market, today it is. That's why the promise of Illinois coal is here today. And with this project, Illinois is going to be the leader not only in this country but in the world. So, I'd appreciate your support."
"The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Rose."
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. If I may, I'd like to tell just… my colleagues what FutureGen is and why it's important to, as Representative Dunkin said, 'If it's good for Illinois, it's good for Illinois.' It is. FutureGen is a breakthrough technology, will let us burn so-called bad coal, which is cheap coal in an environmentally responsible way. Just an example: Eastern Illinois University, which is also in my district, their scrubbers broke and they had to go out of state to buy… to buy their coal. The increase just to them in a single year was four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to buy 'environmentally friendly' coal. What FutureGen will do is allow us to burn the so-called bad coal in an environmentally responsible way. It will be an incredible chance for our state to become not just a national leader, but frankly, a worldwide leader. The FutureGen Alliance is not… is made up not just the U.S. Department of Energy, but it's made up of 12 foreign nations, because they all realize this is the future of energy. And we talk here on this floor about the cost of energy and what our constituents are paying, this is the long-term solution. Someone told me that the energy potential in Illinois coal is more than all the oil in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait combined. If you think about that, think 09500094.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 about that it's not just Illinois, it's Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia. The plan so far, far and exceeds, in my opinion, what Texas has put on the table, our competitor states. We have a number of home-grown advantages as well. The geology is here and I alluded in my comments earlier. For decades now the State of Texas has perforated its subsoil for oil and gas mining. That's caused a danger, that's why they had to indemnify. We don't have the same problem here in our geology. The technology is here in this state. Most of the technology that's being used as I'm told by DCO (sic-DCEO)for this project was developed here at SIU's coal research lab, the U of I, and our other fine institutions of higher education. Finally, the coal is here. This project… the whole idea behind this project is to put our people back to work in Illinois coal mines, to help the whole State of Illinois rejuvenate, or as I liked what Representative Granberg said, a renaissance in the coal industry. That's what the whole project's here… is designed for, that's what it's about. The geology is here. The technology is here. The coal is here. We want FutureGen here in Illinois and this piece of legislation is the final piece of the puzzle in our last and final offer that's due August 1 to FutureGen Alliance to bring the FutureGen to Illinois. I wanna say just one last comment and that's a word of thanks to Governor Blagojevich and DCO (sic-DCEO), to our local folks, Angela Griffin at Coles Together, Brian Moody at Tuscola Economic Development, and also the Speaker, Mike Madigan, who was nice enough to meet with me last week on House Amendment #2. And I wanna say this has truly been 09500094.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 a bipartisan effort and I hope that continues here with this Roll Call today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The Gentleman from Randolph, Representative Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't want to belabor the point. As was said before, this is a federally subsidized project. It's very important for coal. This will have emissions that are 20 times cleaner than any power plant that's currently operating in Illinois. It will help put people back to work and this is… this'll be a great day for Illinois coal. We need to move forward. If we can put this in, hopefully, we can retrofit many of our plants and use the reserves. As Representative Rose has said, we have more coal reserves in the State of Illinois than any other state. And we can help use our energy, put people to work, and help all of our state, help our… help our… the tax problem that we have right now… the revenue problem that we have right now can be solved by putting people back to work and using the resources that we have in Illinois. So, we'd greatly appreciate your help."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise in support of this legislation. I wanna compliment Representative Rose for his diligence in making this happen and making this a reality. Both the sites that we're talking about… the potential sites, Tuscola and Mattoon, are in his district but they are very close to my district, as well. And I've had the economic development organizations in my district 09500094.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 working very closely with those in Mattoon, Coles County, and Douglas County. So, I'd like to thank Representative Rose, Representative Granberg, Representative Hoffman, and the administration, Governor Blagojevich, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for bringing this to fruition. This is an example, Ladies and Gentlemen, of bipartisan support for bringing good paying jobs for our area and resolving not only the energy issues in our area, but also from a long term standpoint putting people to work. Many times we've been asked by the media about different kinds of legislative proposals about what signal we think this will send to the FutureGen developers. Are we sending a positive message? Let this be an example of the kind of positive message that we want to send to the developers of FutureGen, we want it right here in Illinois, right in the heart of Illinois. Very rarely do we have an opportunity to create an environment where we can bring good paying jobs to our area, resolve an environmental issue by demonstrating that carbon dioxide can be safely stored and not put into the environment; thereby, working to prevent further harm toward environment, and at the same time, insuring the long- term viability of the Illinois coal industry. We can reduce carbon emissions, we can reduce the emissions of Illinois sulfur dioxide. And we can create a positive solution for Illinois coal and at the same time create more energy in Illinois. It's beautiful. It works for our state. It works for coal miners. It's definitely a step in the right direction. I just wanna, again, commend all those who 09500094.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 worked very hard on it. And let's… let's go FutureGen. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it's very seldom that we can stand up or I feel sincere in standing up that… and… and honestly say that you have the opportunity today to make a vote that will be part of history. But there's no question that your vote today on this issue and the fact that this… this particular project could change the way the world looks at energy and the way the world produces energy makes it a historical vote. And again, lately, especially, we can't say that we've been involved in many votes on the floor that have the kind of meaning that this vote has. Good things do come from bipartisan solutions and those solutions took hard work. I wanna compliment Representative Rose on the hard work that… that he has put into this. Good things come from compromise. Whenever this project was first discussed, there were sites all over the state. I remember from southern Illinois to one in my district in Marshall to all over the State of Illinois. But once the best sites were chosen everyone… everyone involved said, let's support the sites in Mattoon and Tuscola, because it's good for the state. This project requires you to have vision. The vision is a world different than the one we live in today, a world that would employ the people that Representative Rose talks about, and that's tremendously important, but a world that would rely less on foreign sources of energy, and less 09500094.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 on the types of conflicts we get involved in because of our reliance. This is truly a historical vote. Please vote 'yes', this is a great project."
"Any further discussion? Representative Granberg to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is critical to the future of Illinois. We are sending the message that we are going to lead the world in clean energy generation, and it's significant, not only for that reason, but we're going to create an environment in Illinois that will lead to the closure of dirty plants, and the opening of new clean coal plants. That is critically important. Ladies and Gentlemen, I simply ask for your support and let us move forward in the future for the State of Illinois to be the leading state, the leading facility in the world."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?" All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. This requires 71 votes. 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 99 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Three- fifths Constitutional Majority, is herby declared passed. Page 7 of the Calendar is Senate Bill 128, Representative Saviano. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Excuse me. Representative Acevedo, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, I raise on the point of personal privilege."
"State your point." 09500094.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"I've just been informed, this past Saturday my seatmate, Representative Hernandez, celebrated her twenty- first birthday, so I wish all of you to join her in a belated happy birthday."
"Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Draw your attention to the upper balcony here. Today we have students with the Illinois Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Development. It's a three-day leadership conference, the FBLA, the PBL, the Illinois Future Farmers of America, BPA, HOSA, DECA, TSA, FCCLA, PSA, and Skills USA. So, welcome them all here to Springfield."
"Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 128."
"Senate Bill 128, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 128 extends the sunset for the Illinois Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2018. It increases fines and penalties for violations as we have done in all the other renewals. There is an additional Amendment on there to clean up, I believe, House Bill 820 if it's signed into law, which makes changes in the definition of a 'carnival worker', addresses the civil penalties and defines what carnival and fair owners 09500094.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 are responsible for. And I would ask for a favorable vote. There is no opposition to this legislation."
"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of Senate Bill 128. Is their any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. This requires 71 votes. 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 100 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Three-fifths Constitutional Majority, is herby declared passed. On page 12 of the Calendar, under the Order of Concurrence, Representative Joyce, you're recognized on House Bill 820."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As Representative Saviano mentioned the trailer Bill that you just… that was part of Senate Bill 128, just passed, which brings House Bill 820 into complete agreement between the Department of Labor and all the carnival operators that have been involved in this negotiation process and it puts to bed any issues that remain. And I'd move to concur on House Bill 820, Senate Amendment #1."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the House concur in the Senate Amendment, and shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. This requires 71 votes. 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 100 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the House does concur in the Senate Amendment. And this Bill, having 09500094.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 received a Three-fifths Constitutional Majority, is herby declared passed. On page 13 of the Calendar, under the Order of Concurrence, Representative Mathias, you have House Bill 830."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #1 actually is irrelevant because Amendment 7 becomes the Bill and therefore eliminates Amendment 1. Amendments 7 and 8 are intended to be really trailer Bills to Senate Bill 472, which previously passed the General Assembly. You may have gotten calls from your hospitals, this has to do with copying fees. Senate Bill 472 lowered these copying bills considerably and after much discussion with the Senate Sponsor, Senator Cullerton, an agreement was made between ILTA, the State Medical Society, and the Illinois Hospital Association. Although this is an agreement, we're still working and still feel that the fee is still too low. But at this late stage we want to at least get this on the books and Senator Cullerton stated that he would work with the necessary parties over the summer, actually, probably down here in Springfield and we may have another Bill in the future. But I ask for your 'aye' vote on Amendments 1, 7, and 8."
"The Gentleman moves that the House concur in the Senate Amendments. Is there any discussion? The question is, 'Shall the House concur in the Senate Amendments and shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. This requires 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. So, 09500094.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 these are renewable Motions, Representative. So, the Motion has 56 'yes' and 41 'noes. And it fails. We're gonna go to the Order of Resolutions. On page 15 of the Calendar, House Joint Resolution 13, Representative Tryon. Representative Tryon, you're recognized on House Joint Resolution 13. So, that'll be out of the record. Representative Golar, you're recognized on House Joint Resolution 71. All right. Out of the record. Representative Coulson on House Resolution 125. Representative Coulson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 125 is adding Taiwan… a Resolution to call for adding Taiwan to the World Health Organization. And with the spread of many global viruses, I think, it's very important that Taiwan be included in any health care planning as we look at things like the bird flu, the SARS virus, and any other viruses that might be global. And as of right now they're being left out in that planning and this Bill just calls to encourage us to include them in that planning. and I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady moves for the adoption of House Resolution 125. Is there any discussion? Then all in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Watson, you're recognized on House Resolution 208. Out of the record. Representative Acevedo, you're recognized on House Bill 26… I'm sorry, House Resolution 216. Out of the record. Representative Sacia, on page 16 of the Calendar, you have House Resolution 242, Illinois Ag Day. You want to say a few words?" 09500094.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Just strongly indorse the Resolution and would ask for everyone's support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Resolution 242 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Mendoza, you're recognized on House Resolution 288. Out of the record. Representative Younge on House Resolution 292. You're recognized, Representative Younge, on Resolution 292."
"Take it out of the record."
"Okay. Out of the record. Representative Tryon on House Resolution 297. Representative Tryon, 297, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Go ahead and say a few words."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. This simply just recognizes the National Children's Mental Health Day, which I think we all have mental health organizations in our district, and it's a good thing to recognize the work they do for children."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative… Representative… On page 17 of the Calendar, Representative Ryg, you have a House Resolution 480. Okay. And Representative Pihos on House Resolution 491. Did you wish us to… did you wish to speak to this Representative? All right."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Resolution 491 resolves that the P-20 Council and the members of that council should take up all proposed plans 09500094.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 and legislation regarding school accountability. And I think this is very important to the State of Illinois and to education of Illinois. And I would ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The Lady has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 491. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' 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 May, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 100 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. And now Representative Pihos on House Resolution 507."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I think this is a Resolution that is very important to all of us. I think we all have a high regard for the ongoing negotiations that are necessary to bring our budget crisis to some resolution. So, House Resolution 507 calls for the Governor to reside in Springfield ready to negotiate during the General Assembly scheduled overtime Session and any special days filed pursuant to the gubernatorial proclamations. So again, I would ask for your support and your 'aye' vote, so we can all work together to do good things for the people in the State of Illinois."
"Is their any discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not an authority on the Constitution, but is there a law that guarantees or requires 09500094.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 that any constitutional officer live anywhere in the particular State of Illinois, Representative? Hello."
"There isn't a law. And this is a Resolution. I believe, what the law says is that the constitutional officers have to have a residence in Springfield, but this is a Resolution. So, this is not a law that were making here."
"And the State does not say that there is a law, so a Resolution… How does this help us with anything, with the budget, Representative? With all due respect. Or this is just for fodder or…?"
"No. It was very serious, because I believe that we all have the good intention of creating a budget that will serve the residents of Illinois well. And without the Governor here, because he has a third partnership in that budget, I don't know how else we can get it resolved. I think our Leaders were here negotiating yesterday, again the Governor wasn't here. I don't know how we can move forward without his presence."
"So the… this happened with the prior Legislators? Excuse me, prior Governors, you know, that was here for the last 30 or 100 years. They needed a Resolution to reside in Springfield?"
"I don't… I wasn't here in previous years when this might have occurred so I really can't speak to that, perhaps somebody else can. I didn't understand that they had that issue back then. I understood that Governors in past history were here ready to negotiate." 09500094.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"I just want to know, Representative, how this is going to help us resolve the budget crisis. Whether they live here… I don't care if he gets here in the morning, at night, throughout the day. I think myself, along with Members here in this Body, would like to come up with some resolve of this budget. And I don't think him residing here or not is going to be the end-all, be-all. Again, unless this is for fun, why are we even coming up with such a Resolution here in this Body?"
"I think in late June the Governor was captured in a TV interview which asked that very question, ya know, would he… he wanted us here ready to negotiate seven days a week. And I think at that time someone asked him, during the course of that interview, would he be here day and night available at any moment he was needed. And he said he would and so, this is just encouragement for him to do so."
"Okay, so this is for the television and the newspapers because…"
"It was an interview…"
"The residents…"
"I actually saw it rerun last night on ABC news."
"Okay. So, I guess it's an important Resolution then. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in strong support of the Resolution. I don't think it's humorous. I don't think it's intended to be humorous. I can't answer the 09500094.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 Gentleman's question of a hundred years ago, but in my experience, most Governors, certainly the ones that I have served under, are generally in Springfield most of the time or have been during the Legislative Session. But this Governor, for whatever the reason, has chosen not to do that. It makes it, I think, difficult for the four Leaders to sit down with him and iron out problems… the problems that we're dealing with now should have been resolved back in April, but he wasn't here. I don't think the Resolution carries any force of law and says the he must or she must, whatever the future holds, live in the State of Illinois or live in the capital city. We do maintain a Governor's mansion that cost, if my figures are right, about a one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars ($135,000) a month to maintain, whether the Governor lives there or not. But when you're given an extra 30 days to present your budget, instead of presenting it in February, this Body agreed, as did the Senate, that he could present the budget in March, and then you are simply not in Springfield to negotiate with appropriations committees, appropriations spokespersons, the Leaders, the budget negotiators, it makes it rather difficult to eliminate some of the wheat from the chaff early in the budget system. Friends, when I came down here it very seldom ended up this way. The appropriations committees did the lion's share of the work, and the people like Mark Beaubien and Gary Hannig in the past presented the work of the appropriations committees, sometimes over a period of two or three days and we would vote on any number of appropriation Bills. We don't do that anymore. It's 09500094.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 been collapsed into two or three Bills. We're negotiating up until the last few minutes, then we're given a nine hundred- (900-), fifteen hundred- (1500-) page Bill and asked to vote on it in 30 or 40 minutes. It doesn’t have to be that way, and if you want to run for Governor of the State of Illinois, you have a job to do, and that job is to be here, to negotiate with your appropriations staff, with your appropriations spokespersons, with the budgeteers, with the Leaders. It's no more silly than saying that you or I have to be here. And I think you're beginning to see some of that reluctance on the part of some of our colleagues who are saying, 'Well, why should I come down here every day and stay all week when all we're doing is sitting out here on our rear ends passing Resolutions or doing this or that?' It has been a little different, some of us have been invited to budget meetings, and that’s been a real eye-opener. But I think this Resolution is aimed, not to be humorous, but I think, reflects the frustration on the part of many Members that if you're not here and you're not engaged, you are not part of the process. And I think, at this point, we're all tired and we're all frustrated. And we all, I think, can honestly say, without malice toward the Governor, I bear no malice toward the Governor, but I don't… I don't feel that I'm insulting him if I say, Governor, if you're here, I think you can be part of the process. If you're not here, I think you're being part of the problem. I stand in strong support of the Resolution."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank You, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 09500094.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, I have a couple of questions about the way you've drafted the Resolution. First, I note that you referred to the budget negotiations for fiscal year 08. Does that mean you intend this Resolution only to apply to Governor Blagojevich or do you intend it to apply to all Governors from today forward in any overtime Session?"
"This particular Resolution was specifically drafted because we knew we were reaching an overtime Session. And it was meant to encourage the Governor to be here to work with us."
"So, you don't think it would be appropriate to apply this in the future? Only this Governor should be limited by what you're trying to do in this Resolution?"
"Well, I hope we won't face this crisis in the future and I hope that it won't be needed, but that's a good point that you make. But I think it's needed now because we are in the middle ff a crisis."
"So, would you be interested in amending this Resolution so that it would apply to all Governors any time we're in an overtime Session?"
"I wouldn't be interested in amending this Resolution. I'd be happy to do another one in the future if we need it."
"All right. Let me go further in your Resolution. You say in your Resolution that the Governor should 'reside' in Springfield during an overtime Session, but you haven't defined that word have you?"
"No." 09500094.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"So what do you mean by 'reside'? You mean he must live here? He must spend the night here every night that we're in overtime Session?"
"I think that's what reside means, while we're here working on the budget we would hope that the Governor would be here with us."
"Well, but… but that's different than reside. So does the 'reside' mean that he must sleep here every evening during the overtime Session?"
"Yes."
"Have all of us slept here every night during the over- time Session?"
"I think a lot of us have."
"Well, I have, but I'm wondering if all of us have."
"I can't speak for any one else."
"Have you slept here every night during the overtime Session?
"For every day I've been here during the overtime Session, yes, I've slept here every night."
"Every day you've been here, you've slept here every night?"
"Yeah."
"I get that. So, would you think that this term should be defined in your Resolution and are you willing to amend it?"
"I can give you the dictionary definition, but I think at this point we just need to move forward and I don't think we have time to amend it. Where is it?" 09500094.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"All right. One additional… I can read a dictionary, Representative. So one additional question if I might, Representative?"
"Yes, I'm listening."
"So, you said he should reside here during the overtime Session, but don't you really mean to say you want him to be here every day that we are here in Session?"
"I believe that the Resolution says, 'during the General Assembly scheduled overtime Session'. So, that means every day we're in either regular Session or we're called into Special Session, we would like the Governor to reside here and be working with us."
"All right, thank you. Mr. Speaker, to the Resolution. You know, I'm… as you all know, no apologist for this Governor. I believe he should be here when we're here, especially when he calls a Special Session, especially when, in my view, he's responsible for the overtime Session in the first place. I believe he ought to be here. And I believe that he ought to be in this town every day we're in this town working with us, but there's a big however. I asked the Representative to amend the Resolution and she's unwilling to do so. If you take a look at the actual language of the Resolution, this is a direct hit, not on our government and about the way we should do our work in… today and into the future, but this is a direct hit on one person. It doesn’t affect today's Governor and the Governor 4 years from now, and 8 years from now, and 100 years from now, it's only about this Governor at this time. I don't think that's right. If we're going to have a Resolution that affects the 09500094.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 work of this chamber then let it be for all Governors. Let it not be for this narrow purpose to try to score some political advantage or some political point. Additionally, the word 'reside', while you can look at it from a dictionary point of view, not all of us have resided here every day of the overtime Session. We should only be in a position where we're demanding of the Governor only what we demand of ourselves. If we are going to say, the Governor ought to be here every day we're in Session and that's what the Resolution said, I would join with you, Representative, because he ought to be here. He ought not to be out of town when we're here doing his bidding through eight Special Session requests. But to say that he must sleep here every night, when we don't sleep here every night, is unfair and it's wrong. And it only applies to this one Governor at this one time. And so, while you know I gleefully would stand up and give this Governor a hard time if I could, and I have, and I will, I have to say in all fairness that I think this particular Resolution, as written, is wrong. It's the wrong thing to do. It's the wrong message to send. And it sets the Governor's standard at a higher standard than our own and I think that’s wrong. And I'm prepared to vote 'no'. I hope you are to."
"Representative Eddy."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I stand in strong support of the Resolution. And let me… let's be honest here. The reason this Resolution is on the House Floor is because this Governor has become the poster child for this type of Resolution. 09500094.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 These Special Sessions, these overtime Sessions have been called because, as a previous Representative stated, a total lack of leadership on the part of the Governor related to, first of all, preparing a budget on time, and second of all, leading anyone toward a conclusion on the budget issue. And we all know part of the reason for that is a glaring, data driven lack of attendance by the Chief Executive Officer in the Capitol… at the Capitol. Now, let's see what the Resolution really says. It says very simply that the Governor reside in Springfield ready to negotiate during the General Assembly scheduled overtime Session and any Special Session days filed pursuant to gubernatorial proclamation. If the Governor calls a Special Session of the General Assembly, this Resolution says he should be here. That's all. This just holds his feet to the fire. Plain and simple. Think about it. It's very telling that we even have to discuss this type of Resolution. I think the fact that we have it speaks for itself. And it's very simple. And if any Representative wants to apply this to Governors in perpetuity, I think, everyone here would agree with that. We're not dealing with that. This Resolution deals with what the Sponsor specifically meant for it to deal with, and that was during this budget crisis this year that the Governor be here in Springfield and be available. Vote 'yes'."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask a few questions of the Lady."
"She indicates she'll yield." 09500094.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Sure." Davis, M.: "Representative, is there anything in the Constitution that mandates the Governor reside in the State Capital or Springfield?"
"No. The only thing that's in the…" Davis, M.: "No. Okay."
"State Constitution is that he maintains a residency in Springfield and that's for all the Constitutional Officers." Davis, M.: "I don't think that's in the Constitution at all. I think that you may have interpreted that to be. Does the Governor have subject matter hearings scheduled for Springfield inviting Members from both sides of the aisle, including budget hearings, revenue hearings, education hearings, riverboat hearings, educational hearings?"
"The Governor does have those hearings scheduled, but without him here to hear what we are hearing, I think this is hard to resolve." Davis, M.: "Well, do you think he could be in each one of those meetings?"
"I don't think those meetings…" Davis, M.: "Representative…"
"…are scheduled at the same time." Davis, M.: "…Representative, if Governor Blagojevich were here every day, would you vote for a support in increasing the funding for education?"
"My Resolution doesn't really…" Davis, M.: "Representative, if Governor Blagojevich were here, would you vote to support an increase in child care?"
"I don't know that…" 09500094.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 Davis, M.: "If Governor… if Governor Blagojevich were here, would you vote to eliminate homelessness in the State of Illinois?"
"I don't know because the Governor isn't here." Davis, M.: "Representative, would you vote to increase funding for afterschool programs for the children in Illinois, if the Governor were here?"
"If I could have those conversations with the Governor, I might. I don't know. He isn't here." Davis, M.: "To the Bill… to the… to the Resolution… to the Resolution, Mr. Speaker. You know what, we don't have time for people playing games in this Body. We have important business to take care of. We have to find a solution for children who are not learning and the achievement gap. We have got to find the money to fund education at a level that doesn't leave us at the forty-ninth percentile, or at the 49 out of 50 states. We have got to find a solution, Mr. Speaker, to people who don't have any health care. We have got to find a solution for insurance companies that are bilking people out of all of their dollars and not wanting to take care of them when they become sick. We have too many issues rather than have people put frivolous Resolution on this table attempting, attempting to embarrass someone, attempting to find a problem when there is none. Yes, we are supposed to be here, and yes, we are here, and we are the ones who will vote on the solution to the problem. And my last question to you is, will you? Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Mitchell, Representative Jerry Mitchell." 09500094.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand in strong support and the Lady's questions were really good questions. But, you know, if we're not all here working together, we'll never know what the answers to those questions are because it's not a game. Nobody's playing a game here. The Governor's position is a full-time position, ours is not. Yet, we've spent more time here working diligently to try to find the answers to the Lady's questions than the gentleman that resides on the second floor. I'm sorry, resides is probably not a good word to use. But quite frankly, if the Leaders aren't here, our Leadership, even in this chamber, can't meet with him to discuss their differences and their likenesses. That's why we're here now. That's all the Resolution does. It's not meant to embarrass anybody, it just states fact. We have not had this problem before, we have it now. If I had a residence given to me in Springfield free of charge, as beautiful as that mansion is, I'd be here every day and my family'd be with me. But that's not the case. We're still struggling to come up with the answers to the budget problems without all of the Leadership in the same room all of the time. Now, if you think we're playing games, we're not. We're just simply stating a fact. Let's get here and let's get it done. Vote 'yes'. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Granberg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I find it unfortunate. A few minutes ago we just engaged in one of the most historic votes for the sake of Illinois this year… or for years and now we're relegated to 09500094.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 partisan rhetoric. That's not right. If we want to change this Resolution, let's make it apply to all Governors. I happen to agree with my seatmate, Lou Lang, and that doesn't happen very often. But what about Governor Thompson? I was here when Governor Thompson was here. Now, let's make that apply to him because he wasn't here very often either, but let us move forward. The only people… the only people… I was here… the only people who should… are entitled to vote for this are the ones who have been here every single day, every single day and night. Those are the only ones who should have a right to vote on this. Let's move forward; let's work on serious matters. Vote 'no'."
"Representative Stephens."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Resolution. The Gentleman from Clinton was way out of bounds to bring up the name of former Governor Jim Thompson, one of the hardest working Governors in the history of the State of Illinois. A real leader for this state who I witnessed personally stood here on this House Floor on many occasions working directly with individual Members, working legislation, coming out here and doing what it took to get the job done. How dare you, Representative, question whether or not he was loyal to the people of Illinois and he lived in this mansion, not only lived there but invited us there for… for discussions on real occasions where we really talked about issues. Didn't put on a dog and pony show for the press. That one Governor who stood tall for the State of Illinois was Jim Thompson. How dare any Member of this Body try to denigrate his good name and reputation by dragging him into this ugly debate." 09500094.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"Any further discussion? Representative Pihos to close."
"Thank you. I apologize to anybody who thinks that this Resolution was written to be frivolous or a joke because I take this Resolution very seriously. The Governor is a key player in whatever budget crisis resolution we come to in the future. We want the Governor to know how important he is to this process of budget negotiations and how strongly we need his leadership and cooperation to bring this to closure. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution's adopted. Representative Ford. Representative Ford is recognized on Senate Joint Resolution 5. Out of the record. Representative Bellock is recognized on Senate Joint Resolution 43."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Joint Resolution is regarding… what was the problem? Oh… Senate Joint Resolution 43 is regarding the Alzheimer's State Council and this is requested by the Alzheimer group in the State of Illinois. The council already existed, but what they're asking for is that they come back together to review and examine the programs for Alzheimer's in the State of Illinois and develop a strategy, since I think it's one out of every eight people within the next 20 years will suffer from Alzheimer's, to look at a strategic plan for the State of Illinois." 09500094.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"The Lady has moved for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 43. Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Dunkin."
"Mr. Speaker, on the last vote… voice vote, that we were supposed to take it, I ask for a Roll Call vote and I ask for a verification 'cause it doesn't seem like a lot of Members are here."
"Representative, there was no…"
"We spoke loud and clear as a 'no' voice vote, Mr. Speaker. Can we get a Roll Call on the last vote that you ran through? I'd like to challenge the ruling, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative…"
"I'd like to challenge the ruling, Mr. Speaker, a Roll Call vote on the last Resolution."
"Representative, there was no request for a Roll Call vote, so there was…"
"I'm requesting it now, Mr. Speaker."
"It's not timely to request one after the vote. The vote was adopted by a voice vote."
"Mr. Speaker, you weren't listening clearly. I know back here there was a loud and resounding 'no', Mr. Speaker."
"Perhaps it didn't carry all the way up here, Representative…"
"Maybe we could try it again. Can we do it again? There was a resounding 'no'."
"Representative, we've adopted… we've adopted the Amendment, we're on to the… or the Resolution. We're on 09500094.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 the next Resolution. Is there any discussion on the Lady's Senate Joint Resolution? Representative Black, do you wish to speak to the Resolution?"
"Mr. Speaker, there is no rule to challenge. Nobody asked for a Roll Call. The vote was taken, the Chair has ruled, the issue is dead. And I would just simply say for all of those who voted in the 'no', I didn't hear many myself, but you know, I would just… I would just ask them, 'Are you going to vote for an income tax for the kids? Are you going to vote for early childhood education? Are you going to vote for a capital Bill?' Hell, no, you're not, because the Governor'll veto it."
Speaker Hannig: "Any further discussion on the Resolution? Representative Davis, Monique Davis, do you wish to speak to the Resolution?" Davis, M.: "Mr. Speaker, I request a Roll Call vote on every… on every Resolution that comes before this Body because, obviously, we weren't… you were not listening to the 'noes' in reference to that Resolution and that is terribly unfair to this side of the aisle. This side of the aisle spoke loud and clearly that we did not want a 'yes' on that Resolution. Now, there are about six or seven people on this row who wanted a Roll Call vote who heard Ken Dunkin ask for one. And we really don't want to be disrespected."
"Representative Reis, would you like to speak to the Resolution?"
"Mr. Speaker, can we move on to voting on Senate Joint Resolution 43, please?" 09500094.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
Speaker Hannig: "I'd love to. Why don't we adopt the Resolution? The Lady's asked for a Roll Call vote. So the question is, 'Shall Senate Joint Resolution 43 be adopted?' 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. There are 100 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Ryg, on page 17 of the Calendar. Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?"
"You know, we just had a comment from one of the Representatives saying we have to vote on every Resolution. There's how many this year, seven hundred (700) Resolutions? We can't possibly do that. She was against the Resolution to begin with because it was doing things that was specific to one issue and now that's what they want. So, I would find that it's out of order to request a Roll Call vote. There's been lots of Resolutions in this chamber this year that we didn't get a chance to vote on that we were against and they should've called for the Roll Call vote before the voice vote was taken."
"When a Roll Call vote is requested, then a Roll Call vote will be granted, Representative. Oh, excuse me. Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?" Mitchell, J.: "Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to tell you how refreshing this is. Representative Lang said to me quietly one day that we are a united caucus now, this entire Body is united in an effort to get a budget, which is true. So, you… you… I'd hope you understand that means that… that you can now be picked on by either side. So, so 09500094.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 just… just… hang in there, you did a great job, and we're proud of you over here, Mr. Speaker. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Ryg is recognized on House Resolution 480."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber. This is really a very benign but important Resolution that urges the United States Congress to support House Resolution 1279, to provide states with an option to receive additional Medicaid funding to provide additional reimbursement to community-based organizations, to raise the wages of direct support professionals."
"Is there any discussion? Representative Davis, do you wish for a Roll Call vote on this? Did you wish for a Roll Call vote?" Davis, M.: "For… yes… yes, we do. Thank you."
"So the question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' 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 Resolution, there are 100 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Mahoney: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 603, offered by Representative Molaro and House Resolution 604, offered by Representative Riley."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolutions are adopted. 09500094.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007 Are there any announcements? Mr. Clerk, do you have an announcement?"
"The Telecom Committee that was scheduled for later today at 4 p.m. has been canceled. Telecom has been canceled."
Representative Black?"
"Mr. Speaker, I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"Can hardly hear you, Representative."
"I'm extremely confused, and it usually happens when I listen to Lou Lang, but we've been on the same page here for quite a while. Now, if I heard him correctly, do I have to sleep in Springfield tonight or can I drive home? I didn't sleep worth a darn last night, storm woke me up, roof leaked. I mean, you know, it was terrible. So, if the roof is still leaking, can I go home or am I supposed to sleep in Springfield tonight? Or could I… if you'd move my Resolution to turn the Governor's mansion into a Legislators' bed and breakfast, I think we could solve the whole problem, give us all some place to stay. But I… I don't know now whether to go home, sleep in my car, or what might be more beneficial is to just bunk in with Lou, Lou and Bill. Could I have that invitation, Lou? Outstanding. It's taken care of, thank you. I look forward to this evening, Lou and I know you do as well."
"Representative Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Speaker, my understanding is that there was a recessed committee, the Education Committee, have you got any word at all as whether we're gonna continue meeting tonight? It's a… in a working group." 09500094.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 94th Legislative Day 7/17/2007
"I'm sorry. I can't help you, Representative." Mitchell, J.: "I didn't think… they said they'd let us know. They said 3:30 today, yesterday but I haven't heard any word today."
"Representative Davis, do you have an answer? Representative Monique Davis?" Davis, M.: "I know when the meeting is. It's at 3:30 today on the third floor in the Stratton Building. In the CDB department in the conference room, be on time." Mitchell, J.: "Third… third floor of the Stratton Building?" Davis, M.: "Yes." Mitchell, J.: "Well, I'm glad you let me know that cause I'd a probably went to the mansion. Thank you."
"Representative Currie now moves, that allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, July 18, at the hour of 1 p.m. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution… the Motion is adopted and the House stands adjourned." 09500094.doc 40