Speaker Lyons: "Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. The Illinois House of Representatives will come to order. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops. Turn off all cell phones, BlackBerrys, pagers, telephones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members should be at their desks. We shall be led today in prayer by Reverend Ervin Williams, who is the Pastor of Restoration Urban Ministries in Champaign, Illinois. Pastor Williams is the guest of Representative Naomi Jakobsson. Reverend."
Reverend Williams: "Good morning. I'd like to express my gratitude for just being allowed to be able to deliver the invocation for this Session, and special thanks to Representative Naomi Jakobsson of the 103rd District. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we first come with a grateful heart for this great day that You have given each of us. You blessed us to be born in a great nation and You've given us a great state to live and to raise our children in, with freedoms that are unparalleled anywhere else in the entire world. We pray that great things will be accomplished here today that will bring honor to You and to Your children. We pray for this Body of men and women who has been given the task of leading our state, that You would crown them with godly wisdom tempered with truth, justice and mercy; that from here would flow compassion for the greatest to the least that dwell within our borders. We also pray that by Your spirit You would give them a united vision that goes far beyond political views and embrace the very interests, the best interests of all of 09500226.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Illinoisans. And as they are united for a common gall… cause, let it trickle down also to all parts of our government and be reflected in the faces and in the voices of all Your people. We are so blessed and we don't take this lightly. So, thank You for all that You do and thank You for the great things You're going to do among Your people. We humbly submit our hearts, minds, and hands to You this day and in Your name we offer our prayers. Amen."
Speaker Lyons: "We'll be led in prayer (sic-Pledge of Allegiance) today by our Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Lyons: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The excused Democrats today are: John Bradley, Rich Bradley, and Bob Molaro."
Speaker Lyons: "Thank you, Representative. Republicans? Representative Roger Eddy."
"Thank you. Please let the record reflect that Representative Jim Watson is excused today. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Clerk, take the record. 113 Members present, there is a quorum ready to do the State of Illinois business on the Illinois House of Representative floor. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules to which the 09500226.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 following measures were referred, action taken on February 20, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendations: direct floor consideration for House Bill 750, referred to Second Reading; a Motion to take from the table for House Joint Resolution 87; direct floor consideration for acceptance… Veto Acceptance Motion for House Bill 4144. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1000, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 1001, offered by Representative Coulson. House Resolution 1002, offered by Representative Kosel. House Resolution 1006, offered by Representative Bost. House Resolution 1008, offered by Representative Coulson. House Joint Resolution 103, offered by Representative Bellock. House Joint Resolution 104, offered by Representative Tryon and House Joint Resolution 105, offered by Representative Tryon. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1003, offered by Representative Lang. House Resolution 1004, offered by Representative Holbrook. House Resolution 1005, offered by Representative Turner. House Resolution 1007, offered by Representative Holbrook."
Speaker Lyons: "Adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Lang moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted." 09500226.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Committee announcement. The Juvenile Justice Reform Committee that was to meet at 4:30 p.m. in Room C-1 of the Stratton has been canceled. Juvenile Justice Reform, meeting today at 4:30 p.m., has been canceled."
"The Regular Session will stand in recess. The Chair recognizes the Doorkeeper for an announcement."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable President Jones and the Members of the Senate are at the door and seek admission to the chamber."
"Mr. Doorkeeper, please admit the Honorable Senators. As designated in House Joint Resolution 96, the hour of 12 noon having arrived, the Joint Session of the 95th General Assembly will now come to order. Will the Members of the House and our esteemed guests from the Senate please take their seats. Mr. Clerk, is a quorum of the House present?"
"A quorum of the House is present."
"Mr. President, is a quorum of the Senate present in this chamber?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A quorum of the Senate is present."
"There being a quorum of the House and a quorum of the Senate in attendance, this Joint Session is convened. Ladies and Gentlemen, we need people to take your seats, please. Please take your seats. Please take your seats. Would everyone take a seat. Ladies and Gentlemen, everybody please take your seat. We'd like to introduce certain dignitaries who have joined us today. The Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Mr. Pat Quinn; the 09500226.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Attorney General, Lisa Madigan; the Secretary of State, Jesse White; the Comptroller, Dan Hynes; the Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias; the Auditor General, Bill Holland; the Superintendent of Education, Christopher Koch. We'd like to acknowledge the wife of Senator Jones, Lorrie Jones. Dr. Lorrie Jones. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Would the Clerk please read Joint Resolu… Session Resolution #2?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"Joint Session Resolution #2. RESOLVED, That a committee of ten be appointed, five from the House, by the Speaker of the House, and five from the Senate, by the President of the Senate, to wait upon the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois and invite him to address the Joint Assembly."
"The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move for the adoption of Joint Session Resolution 2."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to the Resolution, the following are appointed as a committee to escort the Governor. The appointments from the House would be: Representative Berrios, Representative Will Davis, Representative Lindner, Representative Mautino, Representative Jim Meyer. President Jones." 09500226.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"The appointments from the Senate are: Senator Randy Hultgren, Senator Mattie Hunter, Senator Dave Koehler, Senator John Millner, and Senator Michael Noland."
"Will the Committee of Escort please convene at the rear of the chamber and await His Excellency, the Governor. Mr. Doorkeeper. Mr. Doorkeeper."
"Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Governor of the State of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich and his party wish to be admitted to this chamber."
"Admit the Honorable Governor. All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, could we all take our seats. The Governor has promised to be reasonably short. Mr. Governor."
Governor Blagojevich: "Thank you, Speaker Madigan, Senate President Jones, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly. As we gather here in this historic chamber, we can feel the presence of history, of great events that shaped our state and nation. But today we must pause to remember a tragic and inexplicable event, one that words cannot heal, perhaps only time can and surely never completely. To the parents and loved ones of those lost last week at Northern Illinois University, to those heroically recovering, we offer our prayers and our support. And for the students who were taken from us, may God bless them and keep them close and watch over them. There is little we can do to explain or understand why. It is for us to gather closely those we love, to appreciate what we have and to be there for those who lost so much. A moment of silence, please. Thank you. Now I'd like to 09500226.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 turn our attention to the future and to the tasks that lie ahead. In a time of economic challenge, it is our challenge to offer a way forward. Times are tough. People are worried. But there are solutions. I'm here to talk about the state of the State and to present a budget. But how do you talk about the State of Illinois without first talking about the state of the nation? Today, we're a country at war. Leading economists warn of a recession, unemployment is up, more and more Americans find themselves without health care, and many families face the very real possibility of losing their homes. In America, the promise of the 'American Dream' is a promise that's getting harder to keep. In Illinois we are guiding a ship that's in the midst of a storm. But, by working together and sometimes not always working together, our ship of state is on the right course to navigate through that storm. In spite of national trends, here in Illinois we have made real progress for people. Over the last four (4) years, we led the Midwest in job creation. We raised the minimum wage, not once but twice. More than three quarters of a million (750,000) people have gotten health care, including All Kids. We're the first state in the nation to create a fund to help families keep their homes. We put a record amount of money in our schools without raising taxes on people and, most recently, Illinois became the only state where a senior citizen can ride the bus for free. We've made… Thank you. Thank you and you're a long way from being a senior citizen. We've made a lot of progress for people. But make no mistake about it, these are tough times. And 09500226.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 when times are tough, I believe the best way to fight for families and to fight for people is to focus on strengthening the economy. The economy is about interest rates, inflation rates, the velocity of money and subprime mortgages. It's about the balance of trade and taxes, fiscal and monetary policy, the unemployment rate and more. But what it really comes down to is families and their economy. Today, as we focus on what I believe we must do to strengthen our economy, we must never lose sight of the fact that it's all about families and our ability to help them build a better, more secure life. What I will propose today is a comprehensive approach to the economy. It will focus on three (3) clear and achievable goals. It will be challenging, but we can do this. A stronger economy requires an infrastructure that will support and spur growth. A stronger economy requires that families get more of their hard-earned money to spend and save the way they want to. A stronger economy requires that we cut taxes for businesses that create jobs and growth. That's it. Infrastructure, relief for families, tax cuts for businesses. If we make the tough choices elsewhere in our fifty-eight billion dollar ($58,000,000,000) budget, we can do these things and we can strengthen our economy. And we should do it now. My first proposal focuses on families. Why? Because our state’s economy is based on the family and every month, at the kitchen table, that reality hits home with the parents as they try to balance their checkbook with all the bills their families face. They don't need an economist to tell them the economy is in 09500226.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 trouble. They know it. Because at the end of every month, they don't have any money left over. Our focus on the economy must always keep in mind that family. If they are stronger, our state is stronger. If they are struggling, our economy is weakened, our future diminished. So here is what I propose: we do in Illinois what Washington just did, help middle-class families. Help middle-class families by giving them another three hundred dollar ($300) tax credit for their children. This doubles the tax credit Washington just passed. Doubling the tax credit would give parents a little more money to pay for the things their kids need now and maybe, have a little left over to invest in their kids’ future. A Republican President and a Democratic-controlled Congress put aside their differences and came together to act quickly. If Washington can do it, we can do it. They did their share, we should do ours. Economic experts say this is good policy. It will strengthen the economy by putting more money into the hands of families. And besides, families need it. It's hard to make ends meet these days. When I was growing up, every hard-earned penny my parents made was spent on paying the rent, feeding their children, and paying their bills. Like a lot of families, my mother and father lived paycheck-to- paycheck. There was no money left over for things like movies or restaurants or vacations. For my parents, life was hard, but they had real opportunity. Hard work meant a better life for their kids. But imagine how hard it is for families to make ends meet today. How can they afford to build a better life for their children when the cost of 09500226.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 virtually everything is going up? In the last five (5) years, the cost of gasoline has doubled. The cost to heat your home is up more than 50 percent. It costs 25 percent more just to turn your lights on. Eggs cost twice as much. Bread costs three (3) times as much. And a gallon of milk is a dollar more than it was just a few years ago. Wages don't keep pace. And leaders at every level of government keep talking about raising taxes on people. Enough is enough. The middle class is getting squeezed. They're doing their part. They're working longer and harder than ever before. But they're finding it harder and harder to make ends meet and provide for their families. Let’s help those families and let’s do it now. So, I am asking you to immediately pass this child tax credit. Pass it right away. Let’s give parents the help they need as they work and raise their kids. (Governor speaking Spanish) So let’s strengthen our economy by helping families. I knew that would wake you up. So let's strengthen our economy by helping families and let’s strengthen our economy by helping businesses. I propose we cut taxes on businesses by 20 percent. Cut taxes, that is, on those businesses that actually pay corporate taxes. Now last year I proposed the GRT, designed in part, to make our tax system more fair. I didn’t believe then, and I don’t believe now, that 20 percent of businesses in Illinois should pay 96 percent of corporate taxes. The tax system in Illinois is loophole ridden, it's outdated and it's unfair. I believe it actually stifles economic growth. But after proposing the GRT last year, I can tell you I now have a better 09500226.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 appreciation for that old Hank Williams song, 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry'. Needless to say, I'm not asking you to do that again. But… but what I am asking you to do is to cut taxes on those businesses that are paying more than their fair share. They're the businesses that are driving our economy. They are small. They are mid-sized. They are start-ups. They are family owned. They are the few big corporations that actually do pay corporate income taxes. They are meeting their responsibilities and, most importantly, they are creating jobs. When times are tough it's hard for businesses to keep people on their payroll. Cutting taxes on those businesses will allow them to invest more, to stimulate the economy, to keep people working and to put more people to work. Cutting taxes on businesses is a way to strengthen the economy through the private sector. But we should also strengthen the economy through the public sector. I know I'm not alone when I say, it's about time we pass a capital Bill. Let's pass… Let’s pass a capital Bill. Let’s make those necessary investments in our aging infrastructure. Let’s make our bridges safe. Let’s repair our roads. Let’s build schools. Let’s put people to work. And let’s put an end to the delays, the excuses, and the poison pills. How is it that virtually everybody here says they support a capital Bill that will create jobs, but you have yet to send me something I can sign. Actions speak louder than words. Act, please act and send me a capital Bill that I can sign. And here’s why: in a global economy with national economic forces, when so much of the economic activity that affects us here in 09500226.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Illinois is out of our control, the single most direct thing we can do at the state level to create jobs is to invest in our infrastructure and invest in a public works jobs program. If the Bush administration can invest billions in the rebuilding of Iraq, the least we can do is to invest to rebuild Illinois. Those of us who are Democrats; those of us who are the descendants of Franklin Roosevelt; those of us who philosophically believe that it’s the proper role of government to put people to work through public works programs, especially during hard economic times; and for those of us, the Democratic Governor, the Democratic Senate and the Democratic House, this shouldn't be hard to do. All we have to do is do what we say we're for and pass it. Just pass it. And we're not alone. The two (2) Republican leaders, Representative Cross and Senor (sic-Senator) Frank Watson and most rank and file Republican Members, have joined us in our call to invest in our infrastructure and pass a capital Bill. In fact, I think our Republican colleagues are just as enthusiastic as we Democrats say we are. The stars are perfectly aligned and we have a golden opportunity. Let’s seize this opportunity and strengthen our economy. I like the idea of a capital Bill of the size and scope I'm proposing because first and foremost, it means that we will put more than seven hundred thousand (700,000) people to work, more than seven hundred thousand (700,000) jobs, seven hundred thousand (700,000) jobs, good jobs. Jobs that pay good wages; jobs that have good benefits; jobs that help families; jobs that help businesses; jobs that strengthen 09500226.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 our economy and jobs that does the work, jobs that do the work that needs to be done. There are bridges across Illinois that desperately need to be fixed. There are bridges that need to be built. There are roads in each of your districts that need to be repaired. And there are too many of our school children trying to learn their lessons in classrooms that are overcrowded, or going to school in buildings that are old and crumbling and not good places to learn. Let's build them good places to learn. And speaking of good places, I think Chicago is a great place to host the Olympics in 2016. Strengthening… strengthening Chicago's infrastructure strengthens Chicago's bid to get the Olympics. So let's pass a capital Bill and let's help Chicago win the Olympics. It has been nine (9) years, nine (9) years since Illinois has had a major plan to invest in our infrastructure. And there are millions of federal funds waiting to be matched by state dollars. If you don't act, that money will be left on the table and we will miss yet another summer’s construction season. So, again, I'm asking you to pass a capital Bill and I am asking you to get it done now. And how do we get it done? I'm flexible. I'm convinced we can find common ground; that old options and new approaches can and should be put on the table. But because I want to help people, and not hurt families, I will not raise taxes on people. There are other ways to achieve our goals. Now last year, many of you proposed expanding gaming in Illinois as a way to invest in our infrastructure. I was, in the spirit of compromise, open to that idea. But after months of haggling, pretending, 09500226.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 poison pills, and no results, let me suggest another way. I'm proposing a multifaceted approach that centers around private investment in the Lottery. It's a fiscally sound idea. And if linked to a capital Bill, it's an idea that I believe could easily pass. It would preserve current education funding, and the proceeds from the Lottery along with other funding mechanisms will allow us to fund a twenty-five billion dollar ($25,000,000,000) capital Bill. This proposal is the same size and the same scope as the State Senate passed last September with bipartisan support. I'm appointing a team of business, labor, and government leaders to join with me and the other Legislative Leaders to immediately begin work on passing a comprehensive capital Bill. I am inviting the members of this working group to be as much a part of the process of passing a capital Bill as the Governor, the Legislative Leaders, and the Members of the General Assembly. These leaders know we need to act now to strengthen the economy. We know it, too. The idea of giving parents more money to help pay for their children and the things their children need is exciting. The idea of cutting taxes on businesses that already are paying more than their fair share is good policy. The idea of a major public works program that put… that puts hundreds of thousands of people to work in every part of Illinois, what's not to like? All of this is a way forward to help families and to strengthen our economy. I can't wait to get started. But like most things in life, nothing good worth doing comes without some sacrifice. To give families and businesses more of their money back, we 09500226.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 have to cut spending. These spending cuts will allow us to cut taxes and get the economy moving. The sacrifice I'm suggesting is a 3 percent spending cut across the board, in areas outside of health care, education, and public safety. I'm also proposing that we cut more pork, consolidate more administrative functions, and close unnecessary and wasteful facilities. By cutting spending and eliminating pork we can afford to give the people more of their money back and afford to cut taxes on business. If we manage our budget in tough but clear-eyed ways, we can move, and move quickly, on strengthening our economy and by strengthening our economy, we also strengthen our state budget. There are, of course, other important priorities of government. We will continue to fund and support our State Police. We will continue to provide critical social services to protect children, seniors, and help families in need. We will fund our schools and continue to work for higher standards and accountability. And without question, we will continue on our important mission to provide affordable, quality health care for all. To my fellow Democrats, who the people have entrusted to run State Government, we need to make good on our campaign promises to pass legislation that provides access to health care to all of the citizens of Illinois. The Democratic Party platform of Illinois states that health care is one of the most critical issues facing families. Senator Obama is running for President on the platform of providing health care to all Americans. I am calling on the Democratic Leaders here in Springfield, to join Senate President Jones 09500226.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 and me and do what our Party platform pledges, and expand access to health care to all of the citizens of Illinois. We all know the urgent tasks that lie ahead. We have a deadline. It is real. It is the deadline that every week a family faces when balancing a paycheck against the cost of gas, electric rates, food prices and an economy that is faltering. Build our infrastructure. Give families more of what they've earned and now need. Help businesses by cutting their taxes so they can create jobs. These actions by us, now, will strengthen our economy, now. My father spent every working day punching a time clock. I grew up in a neighborhood where people worked shifts and those shifts were defined by the mechanic click of punching in and punching out. I can hear that noise now. I can smell those factories. I can see the worn and calloused hands of those people holding those time cards. I know their work ethic. I know their dreams. I know their worries and the hopes and aspirations they have for their children. There is a clock here in this chamber, it is our time clock. It is our time to get to work. The economy needs our attention. Time marches on and unless we act, a recession will deepen, and hurt, real hurt will spread and real people will pay the price. It is time to strengthen our economy. It is time to get to work. Thank you very much."
"Will the Committee of Escort please come forward to escort the Governor from the chamber. The President of the Senate is recognized for a Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Joint Session now arise." 09500226.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"The President of the Senate has moved that the Joint Session do now arise. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it and the Joint Session will now arise. The Regular Session shall come to order. The Members of the House are advised that we will proceed to the business of the House as soon as the Governor leaves the chamber."
"Representative Hannig is in the Chair and we're going to go to the Order of Amendatory Veto Motions. And on page 5 of the Calendar, Representative Burke, you have House Bill 1279. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Burke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I would move to concur with the Governor’s Amendatory Veto. It is a Veto that I had requested. What it does is repair the Senate Amendment damage that removed forest preserve and park districts from the effect of the legislation. And for the Members' information, this is a matter that deals with the placement of AEDs in our communities across the state. Be happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Burke moves to accept the specific recommendation of the Governor as to House Bill 1279. Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Knox, Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he’ll yield."
"Representative, with this action then will there be any… any exceptions to what was passed this…" 09500226.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Mr. Speaker, could we have some order in the chamber? I can’t even hear the question."
"With this Motion, will this puts it back to original… The Governor’s action puts it back to the original, what was passed the House. Is that correct?"
"That is correct, Representative."
"So our concurrence, to accept it, would be to go back to the original Bill that was passed here."
"That is correct."
"The Senate put in some exceptions."
"They mistakenly eliminated two (2) of… two (2) very important areas in our communities where AEDs would be very, very important and that would be forest preserves, park districts."
"With that exception in there, I had a municipality want… want it further expanded. So, I mean, it’s back to the original form with this action."
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Then Representative Burke moves to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to House Bill 1279. All those in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. This requires 60 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 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. The Motion, having received a Constitutional Majority, the specific recommendations of the Governor as to House Bill 1279 are 09500226.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 accepted, and this Bill is declared passed in that form. On the Supplemental Calendar #1, Representative Golar, you have House Bill 4144. And I understand you have a Motion to accept. The Lady from Cook, Representative Golar, is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I move that… to accept the specific recommendations on House Bill 4144 that the Governor has recommended. This will… this particular recommendation will change the date from January to July 1 of 2008, which will actually give the home health care workers, deem them one dollar ($1) and also by 2010 the health care provision will be in place for the dollar and thirty-three cents ($1.33)."
"Is there any discussion? The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she’ll yield."
"Representative, is the only thing that was changed the effective date of the raise?"
"That is correct, Representative."
"But the rest of the provisions were still there?"
"Yes."
"And does it still include the ability for health insurance?"
"That is correct, and will take effect 2010."
"So that would happen next July?"
"That is correct."
"Or this July."
"They’re in the negotiation stage right now." 09500226.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"I’m sorry, this July."
"Well, the… the…"
"July of 2008…"
"…the increase in the home health care workers pay will start this July."
"All right. So, it’d impact the FY09 budget?"
"Yes."
"Okay, thank you."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I just want to again commend Representative Golar on this… on her efforts on this legislation. For individuals who have trouble caring for themselves, the people that come to their homes and do what many of us may call menial tasks like some cooking, some light cleaning, just basic things like that. We many take those things for granted, but if you’re in a situation where you may be an amputee or you may be suffering some certain illnesses that just don’t allow the opportunity to move around the way you’d like to and to care for yourself the way you’d like to, the individuals that come to your houses are excellent people and provide a great service. And the fact that they’re in a situation and where they are, where they are… they don’t have access to health care, their wages are not the highest or the best amongst individuals that do this type of work, so to provide them with this extra bump or this extra opportunity is tremendous. And I know Representative Golar has worked very hard on this piece of legislation and I 09500226.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 certainly want to commend her for her efforts and ask that everyone obviously vote to accept the Amendatory Veto. But, again, just be mindful of those individuals and whenever we have the opportunity to support these efforts to help those individuals, we should all do so. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens."
"Would the Lady yield for a question?"
"She indicates she’ll yield."
"This is an appropriation, is that right?"
"Could you repeat that, please?"
"Is this an appropriation?"
"Yes, it is."
"Sixty-four million dollars ($64,000,000), is that right?"
"That is correct."
"Well, I’m wondering since the… this administration is unable to pay the hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacists, and doctors who provide Medicaid services, several nursing homes that I’m aware of, at least one within an hours drive of here has closed already this year because of lack of payments. Will this sixty-four million dollars ($64,000,000) further exacerbate that problem? Where are these dollars coming from? I mean, it’s a good cause. Of course we want providers to get paid, but we’re not paying our bills now, are we?"
"Well, that is something that we could discuss in the future. Right now, Representative Stephens…" 09500226.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Well, I think we should discuss it Bill by Bill. I really do. I mean, we just never want to pay the piper. We are almost two billion dollars ($2,000,000,000) behind in Medicaid payments. And all we’re doing now is making another false promise. With all due respect, Representative…"
"I don’t think this is a false promise, Representative."
"Oh, indeed it is. Indeed it is because of…"
"Well, you do have your opinion and I accept that."
"Well, yes, I do."
"Thank you."
"And I believe it’s worth some consideration. Thank you. To the Bill."
"…Bill."
"The fact of the matter is that nobody wants to talk about the fact that we’re not paying our bills. Well, I want to talk about it. I want to know what this administration, the Gentleman… the Governor of the state just stood here with a pie-in-the-sky attitude, his head in the sand quoting Hank Williams' songs. I’d like to quote a Freddy Fender song, Wasted Days and Wasted Nights."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Golar, would you like to close?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, this Bill is very important to workers that have spent many, many tireless days and nights, many years taking care of the disabled and seniors and they deserve a livable wage. This Amendatory Veto by the Governor will allow them one dollar ($1) increase by July. And, of course, many of them 09500226.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 do not have health care and by the year 2010 they will have health care benefits. I will ask for a favorable vote. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Golar moves to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to House Bill 4144. All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? This requires 60 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 111 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Constitutional Majority, the specific recommendation of the Governor as to House Bill 4144 are accepted and this Bill is declared passed in that form. Representative Colvin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, announcement. Just rise for an announcement. The Consumer Protection Committee that's scheduled for 4:00 p.m. today is canceled."
"We're going to go to the order of some House Bills on Second Reading. Excuse me. Representative Reitz, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to announce that the Agriculture & Conservation Committee for today has been canceled. So, all the Ag Members, Ag is canceled."
"On page 3 of the Calendar… on page 2 of the Calendar is House Bill 4093. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4093, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. 09500226.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. House Bill 4129, Representative Mautino. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Representative Mautino, from Second to Third? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4129, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Dugan, you have House Bill 4130. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 4130, a Bill for an Act making reappropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Bassi, you have House Bill 4159. Representative Bassi, do you wish us to read this Bill? Out of the record. Representative Osmond, on House Bill 4182. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4182, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Bradley, on House Bill 4183. He's excused. So, Representative Pritchard, on House Bill 4189. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4189, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 09500226.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4199."
"House Bill 4199, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Black, do you wish us to read House Bill 4209? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4209, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Fortner, on House Bill 4216. Shall we read the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4216, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Gordon, on House Bill 4228. Representative Gordon, do you wish us to read this Bill? Do you wish us to read this on Second? Out of the record. Representative Pritchard, you have House Bill 4255. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4255, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 09500226.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Holbrook. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4283."
"House Bill 4283, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lindner, you have House Bill 4288. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Rep… Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4288, a Bill for an Act concerning legislative Member initiatives. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Jakobsson, on House Bill 4350. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4350, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Ryg, on House Bill 4353. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Representative Ryg. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4353, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500226.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Lindner, you have House Bill 4428. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Representative Lindner, do you wish us to read the next two (2) Bills that are yours? 4428. Out of the record. How about 4434, Representative Lindner? 44… Out of the record. Representative Yarbrough, you have House Bill 4459. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4459, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Pritchard, on House Bill 4522. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4522, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4523."
"House Bill 4523, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Franks, you have House Bill 4639, an appropriation Bill. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 4639, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 09500226.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lyons, on 4643. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4643, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Moffitt? Okay. Out of the record. Representative Gordon, do you wish us to read House Bill 4228? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4228, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 6 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, House Joint Resolution 82, Representative Fortner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Joint Resolution 82 urges Congress to take action to restore some of the funding for one of the most important activities that boost technology in the State of Illinois, and that's the work at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. In December, the budget made a surprising cut to that. Already that has ramifications not just for the main research but for the businesses that support that facility and all of the economic interests around that. For that reason I would urge an 'aye' vote and would be happy to answer any questions." 09500226.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"The Gentleman moves for the passage of House Joint Resolution 82. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the Resolution be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Reis, you're recognized on House Joint Resolution 83."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Joint Resolution 83 renames that portion of Route 50 extending from Salem, Illinois, to the Indiana border at Vincennes, the George Rogers Clark Memorial Highway. Be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 83. Is there any discussion? This requires a Roll Call vote. So all in favor of the Resolution vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Well, you're winning, Representative. I think we'll have to dump the Roll Call and start over. Testing one, two, three. So we're advised by the electrician that there's a technical glitch in the system, as you can well see, and so we're going to have to take a short at ease. We're going to have to stand at ease for a few moments 'til we can get that resolved and then we'll get back. So, we're going to be at ease for just a few moments. Okay. We're going to do a test vote here. So, what we'd ask is that everyone push the 'yes', 'no', or 'present' button and we see how that works. All right. We're going to take the roll on that. It appears that we are working and so we're going to resume our business with House Joint Resolution 83. And 09500226.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Representative Reis, did you have any… you want to remind us what we’re voting on?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Again, House Joint Resolution renames a portion of Route 50 to George Rogers Clark Memorial Highway. And hopefully, people will have a couple minutes to read the Resolution. It’s a good reminder of what an important role Colonel Clark had in the founding of our great country. So, I’d appreciate an ‘aye’ vote."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? Representative Black, do you wish to speak on the Resolution?"
"No, Mr. Speaker. On the test vote I was recorded as an ‘aye’. I’d like the record to reflect I wanted to vote ‘no’."
Speaker Hannig: "Thank you, Representative Black. Representative Lang, do you wish to speak on the Resolution?"
"Thank you. I just want to know if this is the same Resolution that just got 8 votes. Did someone make a Motion to reconsider? All right. I’ll withdraw my request. I can tell you’re not amused, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Hannig: "Actually, we all are. Thank you, Representative Lang. So the question is, ‘Shall House Joint Resolution 83 be adopted?’ All in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And the Resolution is 09500226.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 adopted. Representative Karen May, for what reason do you rise?"
"Yes, for purposes of an announcement, Mr. Speaker."
"…ceed."
"Tonight is the annual meeting of the Conference of Women Legislators. It’s a dinner meeting at the Hilton. And because there are so many receptions we are going to hold the dinner until 7:00. But don’t be late; be there at 7:00. If you haven’t made a reservation, call our Executive Director Deborah Murphy at 725-4911. Thank you."
"And, Representative Franks, you’re recognized for a Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to do a Motion to Table House Bill 4156."
"The Gentleman wishes to table House Bill 4156. All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it, Motion’s adopted and the Bill’s tabled. Representative Mitchell. Representative Mitchell, are you seeking… Bill Mitchell, are you seeking recognition?" Mitchell, B.: "Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, just a point of personal privilege. Yesterday was a black day in terms of economic history, is that oil for the first time in our history passed the hundred dollar ($100) mark. And I have a chart here and as driving to Springfield this morning from Forsyth… Yeah, you want to hold my chart. Chart. Chart. We… Gas was at three-twenty ($3.20). So one of the things that the Governor did not mention in terms of his budget address, he didn’t address the people that… who send us to Springfield, their financial budget. We have… gas 09500226.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 now at three-twenty ($3.20). For every fifty cent ($.50) increase in the gallon of gasoline, the State of Illinois is making over a hundred and twenty ($120) new dollars. That’s something that the Governor didn’t talk about. And so when gas is at three bucks ($3.00) we’re making six hundred and sixty-eight million (668,000,000); if it goes up to three hundred… three dollars and fifty cents ($3.50), we’re making seven hundred and eighty-eight million dollars ($788,000,000). Let’s do something for the people of the State of Illinois and give them some relief. Thank you."
"On page 7 of the Calendar, Representative Mendoza, you have House Resolution 288. Do you wish us… No? Okay. Out of the record. Okay. Representative Mulligan, you have House Resolution 639. Would you like to present that to the Body? The Lady from Cook, Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 639 urges Congress to review and revise the U.S. EPA’s requirement for reporting contamination of toxic chemicals such as PCB’s contamination and natural gas. This actually was in response to my working with them in a situation we had in Park Ridge where the lag time between the homeowners were told about what was going on and when it was actually found was evident, and the U.S. EPA suggested that we urge the rules to be changed in order for them to be notified sooner and for them to be able to notify us sooner."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Resolution. And on that question, Representative Durkin." 09500226.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Mr. Speaker, I understand this is… it’d be a voice vote, but I would like the record to reflect that I am voting ‘present’ due to a conflict of interest."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman announces his conflict of interest and his desire to vote ‘present’. Is there any other discussion? Then the question is, ‘Shall the Resolution be adopted?’ All in favor say ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The ‘ayes’ have it and the Resolution is adopted. Representative Rose, you have House Resolution 749. Okay. So, out of the record. On page 8 of the Calendar, Representative Brady, you have House Resolution 869. Representative Brady. Would you like to present that briefly to the Body?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Sorry for that. House Resolution 869 is simply proclaiming Adlai Stevenson Day in the State of Illinois in memory of the former Governor and Ambassador of the United Nations was brought to me as a project for… or from Oakland School grade- schoolers in Bloomington, Illinois. And I would ask for your support on the Resolution."
"Is there any discussion? This requires a Roll Call vote. So, all those 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 Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Holbrook, do you wish us… do you 09500226.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 wish to present House Resolution 875? Representative Holbrook, would you like to present the Resolution?"
"This Bill (sic-Resolution) recognizes Bill Child. He worked for over three (3) decades for IEPA. He did the land. And many of his coworkers, you know, asked me to come forward with this. He had an exemplary career with the State of Illinois and I support it. Ask for your support."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? Representative Collins is recognized."
"Oh, yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to announce that Juvenile Justice Reform Committee will be canceled for the evening."
"Any discussion on the Resolution? Then all in… This would require a Roll Call vote. So, all in favor of the Resolution vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Schock, Saviano, Fortner, Collins, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Ford, you have Senate Joint Resolution #5. Would you like to present that to the Body at this time? Representative Ford. Do you wish to present it now? Okay. Representative Ford."
"I move to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 5. I ask for all 'aye' votes to honor Oprah Winfrey for a week."
"There any discussion? The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens." 09500226.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"You're doing what? Oprah Winfrey, with all due respect, I mean we're talking about an enterprise, a business. Are we promoting Oprah Winfrey business by this Resolution?"
"You like Oprah?"
"Never met her. Never met her."
"Vote for this one and we'll work on it."
"I have never met her. Have you… have you had the honor?"
"Yeah, of course. Yes."
"What does she do?"
"What does she do?"
"Why are we honoring her with a week?"
"Oh, you want to know why should we honor her."
"For a week."
"Well, you know…"
"A week."
"…given the fact…"
"We don't honor Abraham Lincoln for a week."
"I wasn't going to say that. How many days do you suggest?"
"How about… about 15 minutes?"
"Come on now, you got to go longer than that."
"All right. We've begun the negotiations."
"Tickets?"
"Take the Bill (sic-Resolution) out of the record, make it a day and I'll vote for it."
"Oh, okay. Thank you." 09500226.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Representative Eddy."
"Representative, I think you're onto something. We just heard the budget address and you have provided the Assembly with a real possibility here for revenue. If we begin to name weeks after various celebrities and others in the public eye and we amend this to include some type of charge, perhaps… perhaps we could begin to do something to deal with the budget shortfall in the State of Illinois. I hope you're open to the idea. I don't know what a week's worth… Representative Stephens had a 15-minute possibility. We could have Jim Sacia auction off time. This could be really the answer we've been looking for."
"Any further discussion? This requires a Roll Call vote. So, the question is… Excuse me, Representative Black. I almost overlooked your light."
"Mr. Speaker, if I might. One… obviously, my good friend that just spoke, we know the ethics laws. We can't raffle off special weeks; might be a good idea if we could. But I simply rise to say Oprah Winfrey donated a great deal of money to a program in my district dealing with post- adoption and a senior citizen village in Rantoul. She is a delightful woman, a wonderful woman. I'd like her to make another donation to the program in Rantoul, so I stand in strong support of this. Everyone gets at least 15 minutes of fame. And I think we would have remembered Abraham Lincoln for a week if he had had a television show, but unfortunately, it wasn't invented when he was there. I don't think it detracts at all from our great love of 09500226.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Abraham Lincoln and other giants in Illinois history. But she is a remarkable woman. But she has endorsed a political candidate, so my inquiry of the Chair, since we're in the middle of this political campaign and she has endorsed a candidate, can we do this? Does this become politicized or would there be leave for a partisan Roll Call? Those who are supporting Senator Clinton may not want to back this Resolution because of Ms. Winfrey's endorsement of Obama. I just… Are we getting ourselves into a sticky wicket here? I, as always, Mr. Speaker, you know me. I'll just follow whatever advice you give. I never argue with the Chair."
"Thank you, Representative Black. Looks like this may generate some interest. Representative Lang."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I'm just wondering, like someone on the other side of the aisle, why do we need a whole week? Why not just a congratulatory Resolution? Is that 'cause you didn't want to spend the fifteen bucks ($15) for the congratulatory Resolution?"
"No, I think a week is actually not enough. But I settled for one week, thinking that we could compromise for a week."
"You wanted to make it longer?"
"Yes."
"I see. And I'm just wondering if you've talked to Oprah about this to see if she's willing to accept… I remember 09500226.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 once Marlon Brando refused an Oscar. I'm just wonder… I'm wondering if Oprah would accept this largesse."
"She's pretty humble, so if she didn't, we would bestow it upon her anyway and she deserves it."
"But you haven't talked to her?"
"No and she won't return my call."
"Well, I think if you're going to do this, you're going to plaster her name all over Illinois, I just think you should ask her first. I'm just saying, I really think you ought to ask her."
"Okay. I'm going to work on that."
"Well, so you want to take the Bill (sic-Resolution) out of the record while you do… Is this your first Bill, Sir?"
"Yeah, let's make this the first one."
"Yeah. Okay. Well, you really should have had some staff around you during this one."
"Representative Washington."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Sponsor, I don't know if he wasn't here that day, we've already did this. This was legislation that I entered and passed out of the House for Oprah Winfrey Week last year. And we even formed a committee to do something special, but everybody got caught up in their own personal election that we didn't do that. So I'm trying. And for the record, I would like my colleague to know that we've already done this exact identical same language, same Bill, for the first week of February to be from now on. So, it's already been done and passed out of both chambers."
"Representative Bost." 09500226.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, at any time have you or a member of your family received a car from Oprah Winfrey?"
"A personal call?"
"A car. I know she's known for giving away whole cars to a lot of people and I wondered if any time that you or a member of your family have received a car from Oprah Winfrey?"
"No."
"Okay. I just wanted to make sure. Have you talked to the… Oprah Winfrey to see if she'll give a car to everybody in the Legislature here like she did for her audience? I thought maybe that would be, you know…"
"No, I really hadn't. You think that'd help?"
"Well, you know, I don't know. It couldn't hurt, I guess. I'm just amazed. I mean, it's wonderful what she does for everybody and everything like that, but… and I understand that what we're trying to do, but we don't normally even make special days even for Presidents, until and I'm not suggesting this any way, shape or form, but until they pass. And now here, Oprah's still going strong and still actually providing a tremendous amount revenue to the United States and doing some wonderful things, but I just don't understand this. Explain where it came from, what the idea came… Obviously, it came from Representative Washington, that's where it came from."
"It came from LRB, my Leader said." 09500226.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
"Well, LRB is just wonderful in putting it in. Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Meyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Representative, earlier Representative Lang indicated to Representative Ford that… I guess he asked the question if he was trying to save fifteen dollars ($15) for a Resolu… Is that what the Democratic Membership pays, is fifteen dollars ($15)? We pay twenty-five ($25) and I was wondering, if I wanted to switch to that side of the chamber if I could save my ten bucks ($10)?"
"We'd be happy to have you, Representative."
"Oh, thank you."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "You know what? Excuse me, guys. I just found out who the Senate Sponsor is and I don't know if we want this Bill (sic-Resolution) or not. I'm sure… I'm not sure we do, really. Anyway, this is African-American History Month and I don't think we have had an opportunity to address that in this Body. I think a few people have made some remarks in reference to historical figures. Being an African-American woman, I stand in support of this Resolution. And, in fact, I think we should add a license plate to it. We should be able to purchase a license plate that says, Oprah Winfrey, and bring the state some new revenue. African-American History Month honors Oprah Winfrey and the license plate could go for like fifteen or 09500226.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 twenty dollars ($15 or $20). I believe that we should all support this legislation in honor of African-American women, especially those who use their God-given talent for all mankind across the entire world, not just Illinois, not just America, but Africa and other areas where her expertise and her money is needed. You know, I'm really kind of sad about the Senate Sponsor, but we'll go on and vote for the Bill (sic-Resolution)."
"Representative Black."
"Mr. Speaker, an inquiry of the Chair on a serious note, if I might. We… I think Representative Washington pointed out; we've already adopted this Resolution on an HJR by voice vote that does the same thing. Isn't that correct? So, we've already passed a House Joint Resolution. I assume… was it passed in the Senate, Representative? So it's already… the Resolution has already been passed making this week, and by the way, in all seriousness she is a remarkable, remarkable woman. The House Joint Resolution was passed on a voice vote. So, now we have a Senate Joint Resolution that does exactly the same thing. There isn't one iota of change in this. Why would we have to do a Senate Joint on a Roll Call vote when this Resolution has, in fact, already been passed by both chambers and was passed in the House on a voice vote. It seems to me that we're just duplicating what has already been done and perhaps rightfully so, but one on a voice vote and then one on a recorded vote. That is my inquiry of the Chair, why would we do this?" 09500226.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008
Speaker Hannig: "Representative, I think you're probably correct on the first part of the question on duplication. But we do that, unfortunately, frequently pass Bills in the House and send them to the Senate. In fact, we'll see a number of Bills, I suspect, again this year that we passed last year and send them over. On the second item, it's typical that when a Resolution costs the state money or in some way… obligates the state in some way, that we should have a Roll Call vote. Now, that's a little bit of a close call. Usually, I would take the view that if it's a close call we'd just do a Roll Call vote."
"What would this cost? I'm trying to figure out what… what costs might we incur? I mean, this is purely a commemorative Resolution, correct? There's no day off, there's no mandatory inclusion in the curricula of the School Code."
"You're correct, Representative."
"So it's purely commemorative, right?"
"You're correct."
"Okay. I just thought if it… if we could do the House Joint on a voice vote, I don't know why we then have to do the Senate Resolution, which is exactly the same on a Roll Call. But again, Mr. Speaker, having turned over a new leaf, I will follow the lead of the Speaker."
Speaker Hannig: "Thank you, Representative Black. 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? Have all voted who wish? Representatives: 09500226.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Sullivan, Mitchell, Leitch, Kosel, Fortner, Bost, Bassi, you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Howard, you're recognized for a presentation."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In recent months there's been much discussion regarding the possibility of the first African-American President of the United States. And as this discussion has ensued and because this is African-American History Month, I've become interested in other firsts in the African-American community. I've found a number of areas in which there have been notable African- American firsts including: law, diplomacy, military, science, medicine, and of course, government. I will focus my remarks on government. Let's start with local elected officials. The first African-American local elected official was John Mercer Langston. In 1855 he became the town clerk of Brownhelm Township in Ohio. The first African-American state elected official was Alexander Lucius Twilight. In 1836 he was elected to the Vermont Legislature. The first African-American mayor of a major city was Carl Stokes. He served as mayor of Cleveland, Ohio from 1967 to 1971. The first black woman to serve as a mayor of a major U.S. city was Sharon Pratt Dixon Kelly, and she served as the mayor of Washington, D.C., from 1991 through 1995. Now there were two (2) categories of Governor firsts. There was an appointed and also an elected. P.B.S. Pinchback served as Governor of Louisiana from December 9, 1872 to January 13, 1873. And the first 09500226.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 African American who was elected Governor was L. Douglas Wilder in Virginia. He served from 1990 to 1994. The first African-American United States Representative was Joseph Rainey. He became a Congressman from South Carolina in 1870 and was reelected four (4) more times. The first African-American female U.S. Representative was Shirley Chisholm. She was Congresswoman from New York from 1969 through 1983. As far as United States Senators are concerned, Hiram Revels became Senator from Mississippi, and he served from February 25, 1870, to March 4, 1871, during Reconstruction. Edward Brooke, incidentally, became the first African-American Senator since Reconstruction and he served from '66, that is 1966 to 1979. Carol Moseley Braun became the first African-American woman Senator and she served from 1992 to 1998 and of course, she was from Illinois. Robert C. Weaver became the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He served from 1966 to 1968 under Lyndon Johnson. And the first African-American female cabinet minister was Patricia Harris who served as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Jimmy Carter. She began that in 1977. And lastly, the United States Secretary of State General Colin Powell served from 2001 to 2004. And of course, the first African-American female Secretary of State is Condoleezza Rice, who began that in 2005 and is still serving. These are firsts that my research uncovered and of course, there may be others and if so, I'd be very interested in knowing about them. Meanwhile, who knows? Maybe as we celebrate African- 09500226.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 American History next year, there will be a significant addition to the list. Thank you."
"Representative Moffitt, did you wish to make an announcement? Why don’t we use Representative Smith's microphone."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two (2) announcements: Fire Protection Committee scheduled for 4:30 is canceled. Representative (sic-John) Bradley will not be here to present a Bill and Finance Authority had some additional questions on the Bill I had. So, no Fire Protection Committee. Secondly, the Fire Caucus Breakfast, you should find that on your schedule as Friday at 7:30. Friday at 7:30 a.m., Fire Caucus Breakfast down in the Bistro, a.k.a. Rathskeller, and Representative Smith will be making announcements about that in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"…Clerk. Mr. Clerk, could you recap for us the cancelations that we have on our committee schedule."
Clerk Bolin: "The following committees scheduled for this afternoon have been canceled: the Agriculture & Conservation Committee at 2:30 has been canceled. The Insurance Committee at 2:30 has been canceled. The Consumer Protection Committee at 4:00 has been canceled. The Fire Protection Committee at 4:30 has been canceled and the Juvenile Justice Reform Committee at 4:30 has been canceled. One change has been made with regard to committees scheduled for tomorrow morning; the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee scheduled for 8:30 will start at 9:30 a.m., rather than 8:30. Again, Elementary & 09500226.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 226th Legislative Day 2/20/2008 Secondary Education tomorrow morning will start at 9:30, rather than 8:30."
Speaker Hannig: "Are there any other announcements? Then allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, February 21, at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted and the House stands adjourned." 09500226.doc 46