"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We ask the Members and our guests in the gallery to turn off their laptop computers, cell phones, and pagers. And we ask the guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Robert A. Hall, Corps officer of the Salvation Army. Mr. Hall is the guest of Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Shall we pray. Father God in Heaven and on Earth, we come to You know with respect as a state and as a country. As the men and women do Your business of the state, may the affairs of the state not conflict with their hearts. Let them show the compassion through their deeds as President Lincoln stated in his inaugural address from March 4, 1865, 'With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in right, as God gives us the right to see, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for them that shall be borne into the battle, for the widow and for the orphan. Take this day and make it profitable for Your kingdom. God protect Your country, God protect Your state, and God protect Your soldiers who are weaving the fabric into which we are sewn together as a free society. I ask this in our Father's name and in our Son's name. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Chapa LaVia."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it 09500155.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives: Feigenholtz, Nekritz, Patterson, Ryg, and Scully are excused today."
"Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representatives Bassi, Coladipietro, Cole, Hassert, Meyer, Osmond, and Watson are excused today."
"The Clerk shall take the record. There are 105 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call. There is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes Mr. Sacia on HR 704. Clerk, read the Resolution."
"House Resolution 704, offered by Representative Sacia. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of U.S. Army Sergeant Andrew Lancaster of Stockton, who was killed in action in Iraq; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Andrew Lancaster was born in 1984; he attended Stockton High School before he graduated from Freeport in 2002; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Andrew Lancaster served with the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia; he married his high school sweetheart Tabbatha Tillis on December 19, 2004 before his deployment to Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade; and 09500155.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 WHEREAS, Sergeant Andrew Lancaster will be remembered by all who knew and loved him, including his wife, Tabbatha; his parents, Harlan Lancaster and Donna and Steve Vanderheyden; his brother, Harley; his step-sisters, Jennica and Janessa Vanderheyden; and his many friends and fellow soldiers; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Sergeant Andrew Lancaster; and be it further RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Sergeant Andrew Lancaster and his willingness to serve our country, which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sergeant Andrew Lancaster as an expression of our sympathy."
"Mr. Sacia."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the immediate family of Sergeant Lancaster and in particular, his young wife, Tabbatha, the family are joining us in the gallery today behind me. All of us here have attended funerals and memorial services throughout our lives. The one held on August 17 on the football field in Stockton, Illinois, to honor young Sergeant Andy Lancaster was an event I will never forget. Over a thousand (1,000) people were in attendance. The family was brought in by the Patriot Guard. For seven (7) days prior and for seven (7) days after full-size American flags were displayed every 09500155.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 hundred (100) yards, two (2) miles to the east on Highway 20, and two (2) miles to the west on Highway 20. I had the privilege that night of speaking, along with Lt. Governor Quinn and former Army Ranger, Phil Gofftherd and as I said earlier, it was an event that I will never forget. When Tabbatha was told of the loss of her husband, her only wish was that he be remembered as a hero, which he truly was. Sergeant Lancaster and six (6) others in Iraq on August 11, attempted to take a sniper out of a house which was booby- trapped and five (5) of the six (6) died. I didn't know Sergeant Lancaster, but I knew something about him just because of his eulogy. Number one, he was an exceptional man or he would never have been part of such an elite infantry unit. Number two, he earned the rank of Sergeant and in units like that you only get stripes one way, you earn them. Sergeant Lancaster had earned his by being an exceptional leader and infantryman. In the gallery along with Tabbatha, are Sergeant Lancaster's mother and dad, Harlan and Donna and his stepdad, Steve Vanderheyden. They were, of course, there on the night of the memorial as well. The sadness that was generated in the small community in Stockton cannot be put into adequate words. The outpouring of support for this wonderful family continues to this day and will be ongoing and there is little doubt, Tabbatha, that Andy will be remembered as a hero. Andy and Tabbatha had been married a whole two and a half years. Of that time, he was deployed in combat one (1) year in Afghanistan and nearly an entire year in Iraq at the time of his untimely death. Their dream was like so many young people, 09500155.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 Andy was soon to get out of the Army, they were to start a family and as we all dream, live happily ever after and certainly in that part of the country in a wonderful area. But life from time to time or I should say fate from time to time plays a different game with us. Tabbatha is resilient, she is strong and she will go on. The memory of Sergeant Lancaster will certainly stay with all of us forever. I have asked the Clerk, that with leave of the Body, if it would be possible to have all Members of the House added as cosponsors in memory of this tremendous young man who gave his life in service to his country. Tabbatha, we will never forget your husband. Donna, Harlan, and Steve, you raised an exceptional young man who left a profound mark on his community, his state, and our great country. President Calvin Coolidge is remembered for saying, 'nobody's remembered for what they got, they're remembered for what they gave.' Sergeant Lancaster gave his last full measure and he will be sadly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Stephens."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I surprised the family just a moment ago. Representative Sacia was kind enough to direct me to the gallery and I… I came up and introduced myself and I'm sure they were a little surprised when I told them that I loved them. There's some things about your son that… that you may not be aware. Representative Sacia was kind enough to put my name on the Resolution. Andrew and I served in the same unit, the 173rd Airborne at different times in different wars and I think Andrew and I would tell you for the same cause. It is very 09500155.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 difficult, it is impossible for us to understand at this time the reasons for the loss, but as God as our witness, there is a purpose to Andrew's passing and it will come to us. But I assured the family that not only today does this Body pause in remembrance of such a fine young man and to encourage such a family, but to remind them that again this spring we will read his name into the record. And it is our purpose, the Body… the purpose of this Body that every soldier who passes in defense of our nation shall be remembered forever. And as for me, every time I see a yellow rose it reminds me of a fallen soldier and from this day forward, every time I see one of those yellow roses I will include Andrew in those memories. God bless you."
"There is a request by Representative Sacia that all Members be added as cosponsors of the Resolution. Is there leave? Leave is granted. All Members shall be added as cosponsors of the Resolution. Mr. Sacia moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. Next order of business will be on page 9 of the Calendar. On the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 478. Mr. Lang. Mr. Lang."
"Senate Bill 478, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments #1 and #3 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Coladipietro."
"On Amendment #1, the Chair recognizes Mr. Lang. Mr. Lang." 09500155.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"So, Mr. Speaker, I have Amendment #3. Is Representative Coladipietro withdrawing Amendment #1?"
"The Gentleman is absent today."
"So I move to table Floor Amendment #1."
"The Motion is to Table Amendment #1. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. Amendment #1 is tabled. Amendment #3."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, Amendment #3 becomes the Bill. It's a quick take for the Village of Skokie as part of a major redevelopment of the downtown area of the Village of Skokie. They need a new 'EL' stop at Oakton Street. This would allow the village to accomplish that. They've gone through all the legal niceties. I know of no opposition to this. There was no opposition in Committee. I would ask your support."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Amendment. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say… Mr. Black… Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, quick take is not something that you nor I would use as a matter of first resort. Is there a compelling reason why quick take is necessary rather than go through the eminent domain procedure that the village would certainly have?"
"That's an excellent question, Mr. Black. The need for this train stop in this location is paramount. They must begin work more quickly than an eminent domain case would 09500155.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 allow them to proceed. The negotiations with the homeowners aren't working too well and they certainly want to pay an appropriate price, a fair price, but unless they get quick take, the entire redevelopment of the entire downtown Skokie region is going to be stalled. This work must happen soon."
"All right. So… so negotiations have taken place regarding the eminent domain process, but they simply have not been able to reach a suitable conclusion, I assume."
"That's correct and I misstated it, these are not homeowners, these are basically parking lots owned by a couple of businesses, so no homeowner will be moved from their home."
"Well, if I… what I read today is true in Capitol Fax, I thought we were going to tax parking lots and parking spaces to finance the CTA. So, are we sure we want to take any parking lots out of service?"
"These are private parking lots, Sir. There are no meters in these lots, but it's an excellent question."
"Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, inquiry of the Chair. How many votes will the Bill take for passage?"
"Seventy-one (71)."
"Thank you."
"Back on the Amendment. Those in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Are there any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Put the Bill on the Order of Third Reading. And read the Bill for a third time." 09500155.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Senate Bill 478, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Mr. Lang."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, you heard what the Bill does. This is critical for my community and I would ask your support."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Mr. Durkin voted? Durkin? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 74 people voting 'yes', 30 people voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Supermajority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Turner in the Chair."
"The Lady from Will, Representative Kosel, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"We do not have JoAnn Osmond with us today. She left yesterday afternoon to be at the birth of her third grandchild, a very little girl named Faith, 5 lbs. 5 oz."
"Congratulations. On page 5 of the Calendar, we have House Bills-Second Reading. Representative Golar on House Bill 4144. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4144, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500155.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4144, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Golar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 4144 is such an important Bill for those that are now lacking a living wage. This is an appropriation Bill. I'm asking that sixty-four point two million (64,200,000) gross be included in the FY 2008 budget for the Department on Aging. This amount will be enough to give a one dollar and seventy cent ($1.70) per hour increase to the Department of Aging reimbursement rate to adjust for the statewide minimum wage increase. This amount will also fund a dollar thirty- three cent ($1.33) for health insurance for the same workers. Other facts about this Bill are that 16.2 million (16,200,000) of this amount will be matched by Federal Medicaid dollars, making the real cost to the State of Illinois forty-eight million (48,000,000). Both of these items have overwhelming support. House Bill 880, the wage increase currently, has 74 cosponsors and House Bill 4404, healthcare, passed the House 97 to 18, has 20 Senate Sponsors and was held in the Senate after positive negotiations with the Governor's Office. We are working with the Legislators… I'm working with… with many of my committee Members in both Houses to include these amounts in any of the supplemental budget Bill. Finally, just in talking points on this, this is a three (3) –year grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to SEIU Local 880 to 09500155.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 develop models of health care for low-wage workers. It developed several models… models developed from trustees of other health care plans and health care professionals. The RFP has been developed and issued responses are expected in the near future. Money from Bill would be used to provide health care for this at-need and at-risk population. Members of the House, I would like your support on this Bill. This Bill is very important to homecare health workers. Many times they have to have three (3) clients in order to have a livable wage. Sometimes they visit two (2) clients within a day, much of the money that they receive right now is inadequate. So, I ask for your support on this Bill."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. This passed out of Human Service Appropriations yesterday. The dollar seventy ($1.70) raise goes, a dollar ($1.00) to the workers and seventy cents ($.70) to the provider. The dollar thirty-three ($1.33) for health care only goes to the provider that will actually provide health care. One of the… two of the bigger providers have stated that they thought that they could work and they also have a grant to work on some type of… not really comprehensive policy, but at least a little bigger than bare bones policy to cover the workers here, who have no insurance at this time, many of whom are working in a job where they lift or help or assist the people in the homecare that they're caring for. For the longest time we have tried to figure out a way to cover 09500155.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 these workers with some kind of insurance. Most of them are women. A lot of them are single women with families. It would be interesting to try and see if we could actually get this health care plan done for them. Also, in the discussion, we're already in October. If this went into effect, there's probably no way it could into effect until half the year. The amount of money that Representative Golar is talking about, sixty-four million (64,000,000), really translates into forty-eight million (48,000,000) if you take a look at who's covered by Medicare and other areas. And then the bottom line is it probably would be only half that amount for this year because it would not go into effect for a little while. By the time they got it going, I would think maybe January 1, which would make it half the amount. And annualizing it would make it a sixty- four million dollar ($64,000,000) appropriation, but actually, probably around forty-eight million (48,000,000) to actually fund. So, those of us who've been trying to work on this for a number of years felt that it was a good idea to support this and hope that it… move forward in an orderly fashion. So I will be voting 'aye'."
"The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me also rise in support of this. I'm one of the hyphenated cosponsors and these folks who do this work, which is often very hard work and very important work of helping those who are aged or disabled, in able to stay in their homes and keep their house, …able to be more independent. And it's… it really is a sad 09500155.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 commentary on our society that those who work with people, those who really care about those who are vulnerable, often are among the lowest paid and particularly, that they have no health insurance. This is an absolute necessity. This is something that we ought to do to move Illinois up to the front ranks in this area of taking care of our elderly, our disabled folks. And I would hope that everybody would give this an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from Macon, Representative Flider, for what reason do you rise?"
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this legislation. This is legislation that has passed out of this House in previous Sessions. Has not made it out of the Senate, but what it does is it provides an opportunity for many of those who take care of our elderly and people in the homes, many who families depend on to take care of their family members, yet they themselves do not have the opportunity to have health care insurance. So, this legislation's vitally important. Rise in strong support of it. Hope that we can pass it. And provide many people who provide for families and services that otherwise families could not provide for the elderly in their homes, provide an opportunity for them to have health care insurance themselves and continue on in a way that actually is much more affordable for many families. Long-term care is not always the most affordable approach, but these people who work hourly and help people sustain their well-being in their homes, make it possible for an affordable way to keep 09500155.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 their family members healthy. So, I'd ask your support for this legislation."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you."
"She will."
"Representative, if… straighten me out. I thought I heard you say this is a three (3) –year appropriation?
"Correct."
"Or was it something about three (3) years."
"It's one (1) year."
"Okay. Because that… that concerned me about multiple year appropriations."
"One (1) year."
"And you… you said, had you been working with the Robert Woods Foundation?"
"Actually, SEIU has been working with the Robert Woods Foundation."
"Okay. All right. And…"
"And it's a three (3)–year grant that is set… that is put in place."
"All right. That's what I heard. Okay. So, it would be a three (3)–year grant from the Robert Woods Foundation."
"Yes."
"All right." 09500155.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Working on the five (5) providers that will come forth as health care providers and then they will bid for that process on behalf of the workers."
"All right. And are they giving direction, the Woods Foundation, giving some direction on how we might make some kind of health benefits available? Because the cost factor, when I first looked at it I thought, well, it can't be done for that cost. But it’s my understanding that the Robert Woods Foundation has… is researching this and thinks that they can do this."
"Yes. It's a three (3)-prong plan. There's a survey process, there's an infrastructure, and then there's another…
"Okay."
"A third process that I can't think of right now, but they're the ones that are working with SEIU…"
"Okay."
"To make sure that everything is place."
"Representative, thank you very much for your answers. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Bill. I have seen what homemakers can do. My father is eighty- nine (89); my mother-in-law is ninety-five (95). Unfortunately, my mother-in-law is now in a nursing home. But when you age and when your health begins to slip, the caregiver, the spouse, or the child, simply has to have some help. You simply have no idea what the stress is on the caregiver when it's fifty (50), sixty (60), seventy (70), eighty (80) hours a week trying to take care of their spouse or their parent, their aging parent. These homemakers 09500155.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 provide services far beyond what we are evidently willing to pay. But I've seen the efficacy of their services, I know how much they are needed and necessary to give the caretaker the ability to get out to the grocery store or maybe just go out and have a cup of coffee and decompress, and know that while they're gone, my father, or someone's husband, or someone's wife will have care and be able to function as long as possible in their home, which is certainly cheaper for our budget than having them end up in a nursing home before that… it becomes the last resort. I congratulate the Representative on her work and her effort. I think this is an idea that has… shows a great deal of work, a great deal of creativity, and I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Davis, for what reason do you rise?" Davis, W.: "To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill." Davis, W.: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I rise in extremely strong support of this Bill, this piece of legislation. Those of you who take the time to talk to people in your district, particularly seniors, know how important these types of services are, particularly for those who are wanting to remain independent but may have a little trouble getting around their homes or whatever the case may be. So… so that's why this Bill is so very important. And also just for the simple fact that being able to provide a little help to those people who are taking care of our loved ones, realizing that they don't make a lot of money and every little bit helps. They are individuals with families who 09500155.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 have their own families to take care of. They may be single… single parents, who knows? But nevertheless, this piece of legislation is important to try to provide them with a bit of assistance so that they can, again, help their families. And we appreciate the work that they're doing to take care of our loved ones. And this type of Bill has a personal significance to me. My mother, who is a diabetic and has high blood pressure and a number of other conditions, unfortunately a couple years ago, had her leg amputated below the knee. And she has been receiving these types of homemakers services for a couple of years now. And there's… And even as I speak today, chances are there is as woman at her home, who goes by the name of Miss Nellie, who is working with my mother, taking care of her, cooking for her, doing some light cleaning. And to be able to stand here today in strong support of this legislation because of the personal significance that it has, does me… does my heart very good and I'm very proud to support my colleague, Representative Golar, in her work in trying to help and provide some assistance to those individuals who are helping our own loved ones. I encourage all of you to vote 'yes' for this piece of legislation. Thank you."
"Representative Golar to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to first of all thank Speaker Madigan, who worked very hard with Local 880 to put this in as a supplemental to the original Bill. Also, I would like to reach out and thank my colleagues this morning that have given some great comments in regards to this piece of legislation that is so direly needed. And I 09500155.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 would ask for a majority vote on this. It is so important to the have-nots. And so, thank you so much for all your comments and I'll ask for a favorable vote. Thank you."
"So the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 4144?' All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. There are 105 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', 0 'presents'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Second Readings page 5, we have Representative John Bradley on House Bill 4148. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4148 has been read a second time, previously, a Bill for an Act concerning education. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4148, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Williamson, Representative Bradley." Bradley, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that fixes a problem that was created as a result of the change in the special education extraordinary circumstances funding. As a result of that change in the formula, there are over two hundred (200) districts, school districts, in the State of Illinois that were losing money, in some cases significant amounts of money. This Bill would create a hold harmless to replace the money or put back in place those districts to 09500155.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 funding levels last year without affecting the funding levels of the districts that were winners under the program. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock, for what reason do you rise?"
"To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"Thank you, very much. I just wanted to speak to the Bill as to… we all supported the change in the funding so that we could help other schools throughout the state get this special funding for disabled children. But at the same time we were hoping to pass the hold harmless to protect those schools, especially in my district in DuPage County that lost three million dollars ($3,000,000) in their schools, they just found out last Friday, including some in the districts that received about… received less three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000). So, I strongly support this Bill and ask for everybody's support to protect those schools who agreed to increase, which we wanted to do, but we wanted to hold harmless those that would not lose the money. Thank you very much."
"The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you very much, Speaker. To the Bill. Just very quickly, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I want to commend the Sponsor of the Bill for acting quickly. This was an issue that came up very quickly on school districts a few weeks ago. And the Sponsor and staff have worked very, very diligently and really, a manner that I'd like to see 09500155.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 other things worked on around here and produced a solution for a real problem for school districts. Problems throughout the state geographically, it doesn't matter if you're from the suburbs, downstate, it doesn't make any difference. Both sides of the aisle are affected by this and schoolchildren and special education children are negatively affected. So, I want to… I want to commend the Sponsor and ask for your support for a Bill that truly is bipartisan in nature and is helpful to schoolchildren around the state. Thank you."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from Lee, Representative Mitchell, for what reason do you rise?" Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this hold harmless is part of a Bill that we passed three (3) years ago to change to a formula type of funding for extraordinary children with special problems. The Bill itself had a three (3)-year hold harmless. It would sunset at the end of three (3) years. So districts knew that going in. This is the final year and being the fourth year, since we've passed it, there was no hold harmless. We have a hold harmless in the foundation level. We have a hold harmless here, which basically gives us two more types of formulas for education in the State of Illinois. I hope next year to file a Bill that will begin to reduce those hold harmlesses by a percentage amount. Had we started this saying districts that did not receive the amount of money they received last year will get 90 percent, then on the following year 80 percent, the next year 70 percent, we would gradually wean districts off of a hold 09500155.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 harmlesses, which basically, the foundation level is still paying districts for kids that have graduated from college. And they're still getting the money they got in 1997 even though some of them, their enrollment has reduced by some three hundred (300) students. So, we need to start taking care of this so we get back to the formulas that we had planned on and not have about sixteen (16) different ways to figure out how much money your school's gonna get. I think it would help us if we would start to gradually reduce those, not reduce them a 100 percent in one year, which is basically financial shock to a lot of districts. The formula is working well. There are more winners than losers, but those that lost money, lost tremendous amounts of money for the number of kids that they have. So, I certainly support this Bill and I think we need to look at something different next year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Representative, I certainly support this. Sometimes you pass things and there are unintended consequences. My only concern is the money. So, my understanding is that this Bill is going to be followed up by a Bill that's a supplemental appropriation for… in the amount of twenty-two million dollars ($22,000,000) that will fill the hole of this year?" 09500155.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 Bradley, J.: "House Bill 4149 is coming right after this and it's a twenty-one million dollar ($21,000,000) supplemental appropriation."
"And that's the only thing in that supplemental? Just that amount?" Bradley, J.: "That is correct, Ma'am."
"Okay. I'm interested in other supplementals because of some things that have happened, but I think each one should stand on its own merits because, I think, this is what we would consider a difficult year and that's an understatement. So, do you have any discussion with the Senate? Are you also the Sponsor of the appropriation Bill?" Bradley, J.: "Yes, that's correct."
"Okay. So, do you have any discussion in the Senate about… or a Senate Sponsor that is gonna pick this up that you think is gonna…" Bradley, J.: "Yeah. I called my Senator yesterday and informed him that both of these were coming over."
"And your Senator is?" Bradley, J.: "Senator Forby."
"All right. And has he gone to his Leader? Are there any assurances that we're gonna get this out?" Bradley, J.: "Yeah… Representative, I can't answer that."
"Okay. So, we're hopeful, though?" Bradley, J.: "Yes."
"That it would be the wise thing to do." Bradley, J.: "Yeah."
"All right." 09500155.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 Bradley, J.: "I wish I could give you those assurances and, obviously, none of us in this chamber unfortunately can do that."
"Okay. I just wanted to get the money side of it because the devil is always in the details. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Miller, for what reason do you rise?"
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will." Miller: Following up with Representative Mitchell's comments, Representative, when do you think that this… do you think there'll be another need for a hold harmless coming in the future?" Bradley, J.: "Yeah, I think that we're gonna continue to have these hold harmless issues until we finally fix education funding in the state."
"Well, then… that's all I need to know. Thank you."
"Representative Bradley to close." Bradley, J.: "I'd ask… this passed out of committee unanimously. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"So the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 4148?' All those in favor, should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no.' The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, 105 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', 0 'presents'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Page 5 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 4149, Representative Bradley. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500155.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"House Bill 4149, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4149, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Williamson, Representative Bradley." Bradley, J.: "Thank you very much. This is the supplemental appropriation for twenty-one million dollars ($21,000,000), that was referenced with regards to the previous legislation, 4148. I would ask for an 'aye' vote. This also passed out of committee unanimously."
"No questions. The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 4149?' All those in favor, should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no.' The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ramey. Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', 0 'presents'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 8 of the Calendar, Representative Verschoore, we have House Bill… Senate Bill 120. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 120, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. The Bill has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. 09500155.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 A state mandates note and a Home Rule note have been requested on the Bill and have not been filed."
"The Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Verschoore… Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, what this Bill does is makes the reimbursement rate for mileage effective in January like when the Federal Government raises the reimbursement rate, rather than in July. The people that drive their own cars…"
"Representative, you want move… you want a Motion that the notes on this Bill are inapplicable? Yes."
"I make a Motion that they're inapplicable."
"Right. The question before the Body… the question before the Body, are the notes applicable for Senate Bill 120? The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Looking at the Calendar, it appears that most of these notes have been filed. Would …Would the Clerk innumerate which notes have not been filed?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"A state mandates note and the Home Rule note have not been filed."
"Well, thank you. Mr. Speaker, to the Gentleman's Motion."
"Motion." 09500155.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"The Home Rule note, I would think, would obviously be inapplicable. The mandates note, I think, would be applicable. And again, just for the sanctity of the process, whenever a Majority Member has a note request filed on his or her Bill, it should not take a great deal of time to get that particular note filed. Now, if… if the Gentleman says that CMS will not respond, that's one thing. But this is, without any question, as I read the Bill, a mandate on the State to expend money. And I… I would rise in opposition to ruling that the notes are not in the… are not applicable. I certainly don't have any problem with the Home Rule note, if you want to take them separately, but I do have in all sincerity and all respect to the Sponsor, to say that a state mandates note is not applicable on a Bill that requires the State to pay reimbursement the moment the State… excuse me, the moment the federal mileage reimbursement rate were to go up, that is a mandate and that would cost money that may or may not have been appropriated. So I would… I would rise in a strong objection. I think we should be as careful as possible whenever we rule notes not applicable. That's why we have the note process, so that we can cast the most informed vote that we can. I have no idea what this will cost, but it certainly is a state mandate. And any state mandate upon a state agency requires the expenditure of state tax dollars and I would think that the taxpayers who send you and I here would want us to have some idea of what this mandate might cost. I stand in strong objection to the Gentleman's Motion to rule the state 09500155.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 mandates note inapplicable and would certainly ask all of you to look very carefully at this and vote accordingly."
"Mr. Clerk, could you give me the status of the notes? Representative Black has brought up a good point. What is the status of the notes?"
"The request for the state mandates note and the Home Rule note have been withdrawn, therefore, all notes that have been requested are filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Move the Bill to Third Reading and then read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 120, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Verschoore, the Gentleman from Rock Island."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. What this does is for the General Assembly when the government rate goes in effect in January, we get the increase. These people that work and drive their own cars do not get his increase until July 1, which is six (6) months later which is a real hindrance to them and a real cost effective… not cost effective to them. So, what this Bill does is make it just like we get our reimbursement, they get their reimbursement in January rather than July. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote and I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 09500155.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Indicates he will."
"Representative, my thanks to your colleague who withdrew the notes. I certainly appreciate that and I'm sure you do as well. Do you have any idea what this will cost by moving up the applicable mileage rate by about six (6) months?"
"Representative, it's my understanding back when I thought about calling this earlier; I think the figure was around four hundred thousand (400,000)."
"Okay. In my experience with State Government we spill more than four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) on a any given day."
"Absolutely."
"Why was… was CMS unalterably opposed to the Bill?"
"Yes. They were… they said that they didn't have it in their budget, you know, it’s hard for them to budget. And my… my answer to them was well you can budget for like the State Police and whatever, why can't you budget for this?"
"Yeah."
"These people make like maybe eight dollars ($8.00) an hour and this is really a burden to them to have to… to wait six (6) months. So, that's why I'm calling the Bill."
"Well, there is one true statement in there, CMS does have a hard time budgeting. But you're absolutely right. With the fluctuating gasoline prices, we're able to cover the costs of the Department of Transportation trucks, most state-owned vehicles, and certainly the State Police, I don't know why we can't do the same for State employees, who are asked to use their personal vehicle for state business. 09500155.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 I thank you very much for your answers. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I think Representative Verschoore should be congratulated. Until I saw this Bill I was not… I was not aware of the impact that this had on State employees. I assumed that they received the higher reimbursement rate upon the federal certification. And last year, when gasoline at times was over three dollars ($3.00) a gallon, not being eligible for that higher rate, some people were actually losing thirty-five ($35) to sixty-five dollars ($65.00) a month when asked to use their own personal vehicle for state business and I don't think that's fair. I… Mr. Speaker, I… I purchased an electric car trying to save money on my costs, driving back and forth and also trying to get on the good side of Al Gore. But I can't find an extension cord long enough. I get on the road and before I get to Champaign it unplugs itself. So, if anybody knows where I can get a longer extension cord then I would be… hopefully, I would drive my electric car over here. I just need a longer extension cord. And I might add that CMS, or CDB, or ABC, or EFG, whatever state agency's in charge, we'll need charging stations out here on the parking lot so we can charge up not only our car battery, but I wouldn't mind plugging in my pacemaker from time to time, you know, 'cause it's… after this Session it's beginning to beep uncontrollably because the pacemaker battery is gone into overtime. In fact, it was sending out such a strong signal today my landlady's garage door went up when I got in the car. So, all in all, it's a good Bill and those of us who are trying to do the work of Al Gore and others, if you 09500155.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 could help me out with that problem. I just need about a hundred and thirty (130) mile-long extension cord, then I can use my electric scooter to get over here. And I'd appreciate any help you can give me."
"Either an extension cord or a half million dollar ($500,000) solar battery."
"That's what I need."
"A solar battery will do it."
"That's what I need."
"It's good when the sun's shining."
"The car weighs twelve hundred (1,200) pounds and the solar battery would weigh three thousand (3,000). But we'll work it out."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Mr. Verschoore, you brought this to our committee yesterday and I thought you made an important… an important distinction. Presently, the law states that if the reimbursement rate should decrease, that would occur immediately, is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"But if there was an increase that would not take effect immediately?"
"Six (6) months."
"How many employees would this affect?"
"I'm not… I'm not sure, Representative." 09500155.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Is it about… you thought… you got a number that the fiscal impact would be about four hundred thousand (400,000)."
"About four hundred thousand (400,000) was the way I recall it when they first was going to call this Bill."
"Okay. Thank you. To the Bill then. And I applaud Representative Verschoore for bringing this forward because it's the right thing to do. The people who are expending their own resources should be reimbursed for the amounts that they incur. And we shouldn't be asking those that are on the front lines to pay for government. And when I was chairing this committee yesterday, I saw the opponents who had listed in and I'm just… I can't tell you how disgusted I was that all the state agencies came out against this proposal. Why on earth that they would come out against their employees in reimbursing them for what their owed, is beyond me. And for the state agencies not to have objected to the Governor's budget implementation, where he wanted to spend… where he's gonna spend a hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars ($133,000) for new leather for his plane, but they are opposed to the fact that people who are driving everyday, that they should get reimbursed, is beyond me. They didn't come out against the Governor spending six thousand dollars ($6,000) a day to commute for weeks at a time, but they do come out against frontline workers to be reimbursed. And I think it's deplorable. I hope everyone votes 'aye'."
"Representative Verschoore to close." 09500155.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask for an 'aye' vote for a, I think, a good Bill to help the frontline workers as Representative Franks stated. Thank you."
"So the question is, 'Shall the House pass Senate Bill 120?' All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', 0 'presents'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Gentleman from Kendall, Representative Cross, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a couple questions and maybe a suggestion. Have we resolved the budget yet? I don't think we have. I don't know why… who are you… yeah. Have we resolved the capital Bill yet? I didn't… How are we on the RTA, have we resolved that yet? How about… have we done those 'bimp' Bills? It seems like, Mr. Speaker, we have gone round and round… we're about to adjourn, I know, and what is this about May 29 or 30? And then we'll be done for the year? I don't think we're quite done. I think perhaps, Mr. Speaker, I'm getting to a point where I think we might have found the problem and perhaps a way to resolve it. It's clear that at least among the Leaders, and I wouldn't suggest that anybody in this particular Body has a problem in this regard, but perhaps at least at a higher level, we've had an inability to communicate to get the budget done, to take care of capital, to take care of RTA, 09500155.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 to take care of gaming. And I have a suggestion. I think there's a Committee of the Whole next week on gaming and a Committee of the Whole coming up on …on CTA, is that not right? Not a Committee of the Whole but just a committee? All right. I would like to suggest a… someone else to come in perhaps and speak before the House. I've had an opportunity to read this book, and I think this woman, Dr. Kate Wachs, would be a very… Wachs, she's from Chicago. The Chicago Tribune interviewed her and they write about her. She's interviewed with Oprah and Phil Donahue, The New York Times. She's a nationally acclaimed relationship expert and she's written a book, Relationships for Dummies, Relationships for Dummies. And she has a very good chapter on good communication, the bolts. And one of the things she talks about is finding compromises that work for you and your partners, and I thought maybe she could come to a Leaders' meeting. If you wouldn't mind, Mr. Speaker, can you talk to the Speaker about having her come in and maybe testify before the House?"
"Name of that book again?"
"It’s Relationships for Dummies. And I just… and you can get this in CD form. You can also… you can download it on your computer. Everybody could look at it over the weekend, but I'm thinking maybe there's some people more needing of this than others. So again, Relationships for Dummies, Dr. Kate Wachs. I think she should have an opportunity to come down here sooner than later."
"Your point's well-taken, Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 09500155.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaking, of dummies… we are involved in a… in a very historic time. In 1945 it was the curse of the goat, 1969 the black cat ran across the field and the Cubs' demise. 2003 I believe his name was Steve Bartman. But yesterday afternoon, I have evidence that Rod Blagojevich predicting a Cubs victory that wound up, of course, in a poor baseball decision made during the game and of course they lost. And it is known this morning on ESPN, the national news that the Governor cares about is now called the 'Curse of Rod'."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, in all due respect to my good friend and colleague, Representative Stephens, he's out of order. I want his remarks stricken from the record. And I'm this close to asking that he be censured. I …I would just remind Members of this Body, for those of you who plan to stay in public elected office for the next few years, you need to become Cub fans, it is excellent training. For what we’ve been through in the last year, the reason I remain so positive and so upbeat is I'm a Cub fan. I know we'll get this capital Bill resolved next week. I'm positive that we'll get the 'bimp' Bill, the budget implementation Bill passed in the next few days. If not, we'll do it the week after, or the day after that, or the day after that. That's why being a Cub fan is such good practice for being in elective office during these difficult times in the State of 09500155.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 Illinois. Better times will be here tomorrow. We'll win tonight, things will work out. That's why you need to be a Cub fan, you have that… you have that faith that your… your efforts and your… your loyalty to your team and to your state and to your colleagues will be rewarded on earth if not in heaven. I've waited all of my life, we've been so close. I keep hoping, just as I keep hoping we'll get all of these problems worked out. I fully expect us to get the fiscal 2008 budget wrapped up sometime prior to 2010. I know we will, we can do it. And Mr. Speaker, on another point, quite frankly, I need your advice. There's an excellent, excellent safety and supply company in my hometown of Danville, Mettam Safety & Supply. And as I looked around here this morning and came in, this chamber smells like brimstone, sulfur, fire seems to be coming out of the vents on occasion. I would move that if you authorize a slight expenditure, I will bring hazardous material suits back for all of us and respirators; we may need it before this Session is over. I've never seen a more hazardous, toxic situation than this chamber is in, in the last few years. I will bring those HAZMAT suits and respirators and protect all of us. But remember, the wish of any dying Cub fan, tomorrow's another day, it's our day, let's play, too."
"And keep hope alive. The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?"
"It is a… it's not often that I have been threatened by censure on the House Floor and I take the Gentleman's 09500155.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 remarks to heart. And I …I would like to publicly apologize to Steve Bartman, to the black cat, and to the goat."
"On page 16 of the Calendar, the Order of Amendatory Vetoes, we have House Bill 4. Representative Jefferson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I move to override the Governor's Amendatory Veto on House Bill 4."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Jefferson moves to except the specific recommendations of the Governor… moves that House… Representative Jefferson moves that House Bill 4 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations for change of the Governor. All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', and 0 'presents'. And this Motion, having received a Supermajority, House Bill 4 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations for change of the Governor. On page 16 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 1497, Representative Miller. Out of the record. Page 17 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, Representative Miller, we have House Joint Resolution 78. Representative Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber, I move for 'aye' votes on House Joint Resolution 75… 78." 09500155.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Joint Resolution 78?' All those in favor should say 'aye'… should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Wait, Osterman, Beaubien… Osterman? Clerk… Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'aye', 0 'noes', 0 'presents'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Page 18 of the Calendar, we have House Resolution 666, Representative Pihos."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I said the devil is in the details of this Resolution, I guess. But anyway, I'm here today to present House Resolution 666. This Resolution was brought to me by the Orthodox Christians from the Chicago area, that have a deep concern that the policies of the Turkish Government pose a threat to the future of the head of their church the Ecumenical Patriarch (Patriarchate). On behalf of the three hundred million (300,000,000) Orthodox Christians in the world, three hundred thousand (300,000) who reside in the immediate Chicago area, and six million (6,000,000) who reside in the United States, I'm asking you to support this Resolution that encourages the Turkish Government to allow the Orthodox head of the church to be chosen in the manner that has been in place for over seventeen hundred (1,700) years. I would be happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no questions the question is, 'Shall the House pass House Resolution 666?' All those in favor should 09500155.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution's passed. On page 8… the Resolution's adopted. The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Just a point of inquiry from the Chair and a point of information. House Bills 4135 and 4136, dealing with the hospital appropriations are still in Rules. The Governor's people put out and paid the '07 money out of all of '08. So, they took all the '08 money. Now we're into '08 and the quarterly payment for September will be late now. So, if we don’t do something about that… now we've… we've paid them '07, but we’re now moving into '08 where it's going to be behind. I would be hopeful that the Members and everyone would address this next week because we need to figure out where we're going to go with that. So, I just wanted to ask that those Bills be assigned next week so that we can move along with that money. We've already caused them enough pain, or I should say the Governor has caused them enough pain in the way they've dealt with this. So, I would urge the Chair and the Speaker to take note of that. Thank you."
"Point is well-taken, Representative. And we'll take under advisement. Page 18 on the Calendar, we have under the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 721, Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. About a year ago a doctor in Chicago named Dr. David Cornbleet, was savagely murdered by a gentleman named Hans Peterson. Mr. Peterson has fled the United States of America, fleeing justice. We know where he is, he's in 09500155.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007 France. He's claiming dual citizenship and France refuses to extradite Mr. Peterson back to Chicago so that justice can have its day. This Resolution simply calls on the French Government to consider these pleas and to return Mr. Peterson so that he could have a trial in Cook County. I would appreciate your strong support on this Resolution."
"Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall the House adopt House Resolution 721?' All those in favor should say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions: House Resolution 751, offered by Representative Tryon. House Resolution 752, offered by Representative Cross. House Resolution 753, offered by Representative Lang. House Resolution 754, offered by Representative Lang. House Resolution 755, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 756, offered by Representative Molaro. House Resolution 757, offered by Representative Tracy, and House Resolution 758, offered by Representative Miller."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, is the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry." 09500155.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"Representative Mulligan mentioned concerns related to distributions of funds for this fiscal year for health care. I have some questions. Can you give us an update on the 'bimp' Bill for education? I've had dozens of calls, e- mails, from folks regarding the foundation level increase and the implementation of that. At this time, the State Board of Education has communicated with school districts that they're not able to calculate state aid payments after November 1, unless the 'bimp' Bill is passed, then we'll have to recalculate and we'll actually lower the amount of state aid payments to school districts. Do we… do we know where we're at in the process of authorizing the appropriation?"
"Representative, I can only say today is October 4 and you say November 1 is the drop dead date. We still have a little time, not much, but I assume that in the next couple of days that we will take care of that business."
"Well, I appreciate that."
"I think all of us understand the importance and what it means to our school districts throughout the state."
"I appreciate that. And truly the intent of my inquiry is to be able to respond to districts that are concerned and are calling about that. And if we can… if we can at least let them know that it looks like this is something that if it's not soup yet, at least the water's boiling. Is that a fair… to let them know that, you know, that this is on its way, this is something that with some type of intervention and the aligning of the stars, and the moon, and the planets correctly, that this will actually take place?" 09500155.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 155th Legislative Day 10/4/2007
"I think a fair answer is to tell them that you have informed this Body and we have all been enlightened by your message to us today. And we know that November 1 is a very important date regarding schools. We also know that November 4 is a very… no, November 4 is a very important day regarding mass transportation in the northern part of our state. So, we do appreciate the information. I can give you no more facts other than we all know that time is running out."
"Thank you."
Speaker Turner: "Seeing no further questions or comments, Representative Currie now moves that the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 10, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, 'til Wednesday October 10, at the hour of 1 p.m. The House now stands adjourned until Wednesday. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 10, at the hour of 1 p.m."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to Order. Seeing no business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned 'til Friday, October 5, 2007." 09500155.doc 41