"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 laptop computers, cell phones and pagers. And we ask our 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 the Reverend Gordon Gottfred who is the pastor of the Covenant Baptist Church in Marengo, Illinois. Reverend Gottfred is the guest of Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you for the privilege of being here. Let's pray. Father in Heaven, we believe and trust that You are a God who loves us, who's majestic. And Father, You said in Your word that we should be still and know that You're God. But we humbly stop in the midst of the variety of races that exist in our mind today. Father, we praise You for the privilege and honor of humbly serving those that we represent today. We pray, God, for the grace, not only to make good decisions, but to follow through with the commitments that we've made to You, our families and to God. Lord, we place our faith and our trust in You today. We're humbled by the fact that we can come to You. Lord, sustain us, maintain us and contain us, Lord, this day when we feel weak or challenged or frustrated. Father, help us fight the good fight of faith to get the legislation across this day that could help many people in our nation and our state and our cities and towns. Father, we ask today for the peace of God, the peace that transcends all understanding so that we can have sound minds, sound hearts and healthy bodies. And Father, as I just look at these 09500231.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 men and women on this floor today, we pray for them, their health, their thoughts and their ideas. Father, we also pray for each child represented here. Lord, we pray for protection over each family. God, we're concerned with the number of things that happen this day, that You would guide them and lead them to good friends to grow in Your wisdom and stature and faith. Lord, we also pray for spouses, friends and others that we're concerned about and even those who may be wayward; we pray You draw them back today. Lord, our concern isn't just for our families but for the broader scope of our… of our state today. Lord, we praise You for the privilege of going through very prosperous times. Well now, Lord, as we're challenged by difficulties and trials and even as we face struggle, we pray, God, to be Your agents of hope in the midst of despair. Father, I pray for this absolutely brilliant group to produce legislation today as a unified team to accomplish the impossible. Father, I pray for Your courage and yet humility and pliability and flexibility. Father, we look to You who is rich in mercy, slow to anger and abounding in love. Lord, grant us success so that we may glorify Your name. Father, surround this place and may each person sense the presence and the power and love of God today. Lord, we love You and thank You for the privilege of coming to You in prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Howard."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09500231.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Watson is excused today on the Republican side."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives: Molaro, Washington, and Rich Bradley are excused today."
"Mr. Bost."
"Also need to add to that list Representative Schmitz and Pritchard."
"Clerk shall take the record. There being 112 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 5511. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #29; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 5111. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the 09500231.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 Committee on Drivers Education & Safety, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 4757; 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 4837, and House Bill 4839. Representative Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bills 4374 and House Bill 4441; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 4702. Representative Mautino, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 4379. Representative May, Chairperson from the Committee on Environmental Health, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 4812. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Health or excuse me, Public Utilities, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 4838. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were 09500231.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 5543. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 4390, House Bill 4391 and House Bill 5017; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 4513 and House Bill 5226. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bills 1809 and 4393; 'do pass Short Debate' for House Bill 4357. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motion were referred, action taken on February 26, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'direct floor consideration', referred to Second Reading for House Bill 1479; referred to Third Reading for Senate Bill 1007; referred to Third Reading, Consideration Postponed for House Bill 758. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: referred to the Order of Concurrence House Bill 1058; and 'recommendation for the adoption of the Motion to Concur' 09500231.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1058. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1030, offered by Representative Tracy. House Resolution 1031, offered by Representative Bellock. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Joe Lyons in the Chair. Representative Flider, on page 6 of the Calendar under Third Readings, you have House Bill 4536. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin "House Bill 4536, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Flider."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4536 extends by another five (5) years the current law that allows retired teachers in subject shortage areas to return to work for a full school year without losing their retirement benefits. This is important in many downstate areas. I'd ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing not, the question is, 'Should House Bill 453… Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I've had one or two (2) calls about this. Let me ask you the questions that they've posed to me. This would mean if a teacher was drawing his or her 09500231.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 pension then they could go back to work as long as they were working in a designated teacher shortage area? And I've had some people say, well, now wait a minute, they're drawing their pension and then they're going on to, we assume, what would be the full salary schedule wherever they were working. And I'll just tell you the way it was portrayed to me, is that I had some people in my district said, that just sounds like a classic double dip to me. And then I've had some young teachers call and say, well, now wait a minute, if these experienced teachers who are drawing a pension now decide they want to go back to work at full pay in a teacher shortage area, then those of us who have just graduated or have been out of school a year or two (2), that may preclude us from getting a job. And I don't know the answers to any of those questions. I'm just sharing some of the questions that have been posed to me."
"Right. And I think that's a good question, Representative. In fact, this… the way this is worked is that there are deemed to be certain subject shortage areas. And so, when there is such an area when there would not be a teacher available or a teacher with a required expertise to teach a class, then that's when this provision would kick in. And in fact, I think to your earlier point. There have been a number of applications where applications have been denied and I presume it's because of situations where perhaps other teachers may have been available."
"Then the… the language designated teacher shortage area' does not indicate an area where they aren't able to 09500231.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 hire enough teachers. Is… is it a designated subject area, like physics or chemistry or advanced math? Rather than…"
"That's correct."
"…just a district saying, well, we can't hire enough teachers so we'll entice these retirees to come back."
"That's absolutely correct, yes."
"So, it's a subject area shortage?"
"Correct."
"Okay. Now, if the teacher… and I appreciate that answer. If the teacher goes back to work, how do you handle the… the pension? Will a pension contribution be taken from their pay?"
"Representative, I… my understanding is simply they could go back to work and they would not be penalized, but during the time period that they're teaching they would not be eligible for receiving benefits from the pension system."
"Okay. Then… so, they would not have the pension contribution deducted and I assume that they would not be able to accrue an additional year or two (2) of service credit? Since they weren't paying into the system."
"Well, I think they would be subject to the provisions of the pension system with regard to, you know, being an active teacher. It's just that they wouldn't be penalized for being part of the… for previously having received a pension and then no longer receiving a pension subject to certain rules of the pension system."
"All right. Now, I understand that. But the other issue might be, let's say that you teach advanced math or 09500231.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 physics and you do it for two (2) years and then you decide again to just simply go back to a retired status. Those two (2) years that you've taught that subject shortage area, would you then be able to go back to ITRS and say, I want my pension recalculated because I've just added two (2) more years of teaching? So, instead of retiring with twenty eight (28) years I now have thirty (30). Would that count towards your pension emolument?"
"Representative, my analysis does not indicate whether that's the case or not."
"All right."
"I would…"
"I see one of… a Member on our side of the aisle who is a school superintendent saying that it would not. And I think it's important that we know that. I… I get the impression that ITRS is not opposed to this. But I would assume they would be, if they were accruing additional pension credit, which would then up their pension payment. If they aren't contributing, I would assume they would not be able to use that time to change their pension payment by adding another two (2) years or however long they taught. Maybe… I appreciate the answers that you've given, perhaps somebody else can illuminate this issue because, honestly, I don't know. I… I read through this and I'm talking with staff… All right."
"I do know, Representative, that the TRS is neutral on this legislation." 09500231.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Right. There… there is language that says, no additional service credit can be earned. That's… that's the concern I had. Thank you very much."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the… to the Bill. I stand in strong support of the Bill. There are several safeguards that are in current law. Representative Black brought up some questions that are very important. One is whether or not this would allow retired teachers, in essence, to come back and take positions that might need to… or young teachers or new teachers might be able to take. The… the actual law requires that prior to hiring a retired teacher, the school district has to attempt to fill the position with teachers first of all who have been honorably dismissed in any of the school districts, and then secondly, they have to advertise the position for a period of months prior to filling the position with a retired teacher. So, there are safeguards built in so that the district has to pursue fully certified teachers in those subject areas who are willing to work. They have to advertise it, they have to do it for a six-month period of time prior to being able to hire that person. So, they… there are safeguards there. And there are also other limitations on an annual basis the school has to check, they have to reopen the position before rehiring that… that retired teacher. And I think that's good. I think that's important that we're not just… and it is a strictly local decision as to who is hired. So, I think there are 09500231.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 sufficient safeguards built into this. There is a not a second pension that's earned. And until we're able to fill some of the shortage areas, like science and math and foreign language, this is truly in many cases the only way we're able to put a teacher in front of students in a qualified teaching area. So, I would urge an 'aye' vote to extend this until the time comes when we're able to fill those classrooms with certified teachers."
"Representative Flider to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I think as you've heard from the previous speakers, there is a bonafide need to continue this program. It sunset in another five (5) years, it will give us the opportunity at that time to determine whether we should go forward with it. But as has been discussed today, this program will continue to be needed. I'd ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Should House Bill 4536 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 112 Members voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the Calendar, Representative Jack Franks has House Bill 4639. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 4639, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Jack Franks." 09500231.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4639, we moved it through Appropriations Committee unanimously and I appreciate all my cosponsors on this. And what we're trying to do is to make sure that there's money available for DCEO for the individual programs to encourage folks to be… to build green and to retrofit. And right now we have some good programs in this state for solar electric and wind electric, but the problem is there's not always money in those funds to give the rebates for the citizens to take advantage of those programs. So, this Bill would appropriate the necessary funds to fund those programs. I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Representative, I certainly don't have any difficulty with what you're attempting to do here, but let me ask a few questions for my own edification. This is a straight appropriation Bill. It's not subject to appropriation, it is an appropriation Bill, correct?"
"Correct."
"All right. So, it's actually ten million (10,000,000); five million (5,000,000) for solar generation and five million (5,000,000) for wind power generation, correct?"
"Correct."
"Now, you… I… I have always found you to be very knowledgeable about our fiscal situation. And while we 09500231.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 certainly have to move in this direction, I think it would be a safe assumption for me to say, you probably are aware, I don't know where we have ten million (10,000,000)."
"I'd agree. But with it… if the General Revenue Fund when we've got our budget's approaching sixty billion dollars ($60,000,000,000), this is a very small amount. And we've… what we've done as a state is we've made promises often that we can't keep. And we tell people we really want you to… to be ecological. And if you, you know, put solar panels on your house the state's going to give you back part of that money in a rebate form. And then when people go to avail themselves of that state program they find that there's no funds in that state program. And I think we need to keep our word. And we've seen this so many times throughout this state. And you and I talked about a Bill the other day which was going to be heard about bonds for… where the state sold four billion dollars ($4,000,000,000) in bonds. And said, and if you do x, y, and z, we're going to give you this. And then they don't pay the folks. I'm just trying to make sure that the state keeps their word; that we have these programs. And that if people are going to be ecological, they're going to save our precious natural resources, save… and hopefully generate some energy back into the grid that we're going to keep our word and put the money into those programs. This… our long-term survival really depends on it, on these type of new industries."
"Okay. The… the underlying Bill… was it a tax credit if you put these things in or did you actually get some money 09500231.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 back upon certification that you were doing this? How… how did that…"
"I… I believe…"
"…how did the initial legislation read?"
"I believe it was a tax credit."
"Okay."
"And it was up to like three thousand dollars ($3,000) per… I think it was a maximum of three (3). But, there was some other ones where there was actual… a rebate for larger amounts. I think up almost to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). And when we've seen… and this is growing a lot in our state. And I just want to make sure that those programs are always available, 'cause I think this is the way we need to be. And I'm thinking, you know, five (5) years ago if I would have brought this… I wouldn't have brought this Bill five (5) years ago. But we didn't have gas at $3.50 a gallon five (5) years ago."
"Well, I…"
"That's why I just think it's proactive."
"Yeah."
"I understand your question, but I think that the greater good calls for it."
"Well, I… I certainly agree with your analogy. You know, I've tracked gasoline and crude oil prices for about three (3) years. And when you get crude oil closing two (2) days in a row at a hundred dollars ($100) or higher we are headed toward serious, serious trouble. But let me just ask one other question. I… I believe we've passed enabling legislation that if I have a wind turbine or I 09500231.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 have a solar and I generate more energy than I need, I can sell it under the Net Metering Law, which was a great idea a year or two (2) ago. Would I be able to recoup a portion of my investment? I… I guess I'm trying to say, would it be better for the taxpayer if we rely on the net metering sale concept than to give a grant or do we still need a grant to kick-start…"
"I think we need… I think you hit it on the head. We need the grant to kick-start it."
"Okay."
"Because the capital expenditure is so great. If you're going to do a windmill you're not going to get out for a residence for under twenty five to thirty thousand dollars ($25,000-$30,000). And if you're going to do solar panels, just to do your hot water heater you're going to be probably approaching twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). So, the amortization rate is going to take years before you get your money back, even on that net metering and by then you might need to change panels or something."
"All right."
"So, I think you need a combination of the two (2) to really give the people the proper incentive."
"Representative, as always I appreciate your… your forthright answers and Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. This is one of those where I think many of us need to take a step back and think about this. I have absolutely no quarrel with what the Gentleman is proposing and I think his… I really think his proposal makes a great deal of sense. The only pause that I have is we, again, may find ourselves 09500231.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 giving false hope to people who are willing to make this capital expenditure but ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in this fiscal year…"
"Go ahead, Representative, finish your remarks, please."
"All right, fine. I'll do so. I… I question whether the Governor will sign this. I think it's a great idea and I understand his… his analogy about five (5) years ago we couldn't even have considered it and maybe now we need to consider it. But I think we all have to ask ourselves… the way we're doing some appropriation Bills, you know, as the late Everett Dirksen said out in Washington years ago, a billion here, a billion there and pretty soon we're talking about real money. I… I think we'll just all have to vote our conscience on this issue. It's not an easy issue to vote against. And for those of us concerned about the money, it may not be an easy Bill to vote for, but I think the Gentleman is certainly well-intentioned and on the right path."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Dave Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to hear all of the previous questioning, but our analysis leads me to believe that there is five million (5,000,000) set aside for both solar electric and wind electric, so the net effect would be ten million dollars ($10,000,000)?"
"Yes." 09500231.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"And currently, there already is twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) that is available for this style of gen… this type of generation. So, you're simply increasing the pool of money. Is… is that a fair…"
"Yes. Because we… we find that… I'm not sure what's always available, because when people are making applications it's first come, first serve and it runs out. And it has run out. And I think we ought to do as much as we can to encourage folks to do that; especially in the areas where we represent. And we've got a lot of open area with high winds and if people can put some windmills up and generate, you know, 25 to 30 percent or more of their electrical needs at their home, that's a huge savings for all of us. Because, you know, it's a supply and demand. It's a commodity we're talking about. And I think it helps us all."
"Well, it's a savings only if that power is in fact more efficient than the base line…"
"Right."
"…electricity that the utilities are generating. I would ask one further question. And that is, is there any… any provision in here… any rules that might lead to wind power development in the House chamber? There seems to be enough wind blowing around here most of the time that we could generate a lot of very low cost power and would this… would this allow somebody to apply for that type of grant?"
"I… I… I'm not sure this would qualify, but it's certainly… you might have a good point." 09500231.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Okay. Again, it's a very laudable goal to increase additional forms of electric generation. I do question, however, the fact that there's a ten million dollar ($10,000,000) hit to GRF when we are in a deficit position. I just urge caution in voting for every program that we see. It… it looks good, but we simply don't have the money, that's a message that has to get out. And appropriating additional dollars when we have an unbalanced budget this year, I think maybe, while it's a laudable goal, it's not realistic. Thank you very much."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macon, Representative Bob Flider."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Yes. Representative, just curious, as I understand your Bill, it's just a flat-out appropriation Bill and it doesn’t talk about policy, it doesn't talk about what this… these moneys should be spent for other than wind or solar. And I'm curious, would these projects be individual projects, say that businesses would invest in for their own business purposes? Let's just say, you know, you've got a manufacturing operation wants to put up a solar panel or would it be for… to serve the needs of the State of Illinois?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't hear the last part of it."
"To serve… well, in the context of say a generating company like Dynegy or Midwest Generation investing in this or some other generation company that would sell into the system or through a utility?" 09500231.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Well, my goal really is to try to encourage businesses and individual residences to use these alternative sources of energy. And I know… and when I… and when I wrote this Bill I was contemplating the existing programs that we already have that give rebates and tax credits for those that utilize these. If there are other… this is moneys… additional moneys to go in the existing programs. That's the short answer."
"Okay. We… we… last year when we passed the reform legislation, the rate relief for legislation there was also a reform measure in there that created the Illinois Power Authority. And the purpose of that Authority is to… it would actually provide state oversight over the cost of generation to consumers. So, for example, when utilities buy power, instead of buying it from their sister entity which may be more profitable for their overall corporation, they would have… be forced to buy the least cost power as determined by the Public Power Authority. And in the Authority, there's a requirement that there be a certain amount of renewable fuels generation that would be built in Illinois over a period of years. How does… could you tell me how this relates to that?"
"I think this would be great, because if you have excess it goes back on to the grid where these power suppliers would have to purchase it from the individual producers. So, if I've got a windmill and solar panels at my home and I'm not utilizing as much as I create, that energy… basically, my meter would be running backwards and 09500231.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 that energy would be sold to the… to the supplier… back to the supplier. It'd be a credit on my account."
"All right. I guess my question would be, from the standpoint of this legislation we're promoting renewable fuels, but we do we know in fact that it would be the least cost policy of the State of Illinois, given that we have to provide a subsidy in the first place to even get them going and off the ground?"
"I'm not sure it's a least cost. I'm not sure it is. But I think it's incumbent upon us to push these renewable energy sources now while in their nascent stages to help create… to help create new technologies. And I… I… it's not… ten million dollars ($10,000,000) is certainly significant, but I think it's money very well spent."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"Thanks."
Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Mike Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Jack, is this money primarily to go to individuals or businesses or farmers? Is there a… a direction for this?"
"Well, there's… there's programs now that if you want to put solar panels on your home, for instance, that you would get a… a rebate."
"Correct."
"And also if you want to build a wind… you know, a windmill, then again, you would also get a subsidy. So, that's exactly where they'll go. I think most of the money 09500231.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 goes to individuals and their residences and I'm sure there's some businesses that also qualify."
"Does… would any of this go to school districts or city governments, local governments that may be interested in doing something in the…"
"I'm not…"
"…alternative energy area?"
"…I'm not sure how the program is set up for the wind." I'm… I know on a tax break it wouldn't help a school district."
"Yeah."
"So… so if there's a straight rebate, I'm sure they'd be eligible, but on the tax stuff it wouldn't help them at all."
"Right. Right. Right. Right. Well, to the Bill, Mr. Speaker. I really want to commend the Sponsor of this Bill. All of us know, of course, the… the coming crisis that is here as far as global warming; as far as climate change, we're already seeing the effects of it. I had a very personal experience in this regard when my wife and I took a vacation to Alaska and we went to one glacier. And there was a visitor center built there, huge picture window and there was an older park ranger there who was talking about the history of the glacier and so on and so forth. And he said that if you would have been standing here twenty (20) years ago your nose would have been up against the glacier. When you looked out the window, the glacier was so far away you could not even walk to it. So, this is real. It's happening, it's going to have dire 09500231.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 consequences. And we must do everything we can as individuals, as local governments, as State Government and of course, on the national level to fight against this pending crisis. This also, of course, has ramifications as far as our electric bills. The more we can move to alternative energies, wind and solar in particular, and generate electricity that is not produced by giant utility conglomerates, the better off we are all going to be as far as our electric bills. And also, this legislation, hopefully, can create jobs right here in the State of Illinois, jobs that can't run off to China, they can't run off to Mexico. Other states are leading us… Ladies and Gentlemen, we in the State of Illinois, with some of the best wind territory in the entire country should be the leader in this, but we are falling behind. This is a great Bill. I only wish it was ten (10) times bigger because the need is there. Let us hope that once we pass this Bill, then we can move on and continue this and actually escalate this. This is the type of legislation that is an investment. This will come back to us ten (10) times over in savings, in electric bills, in jobs created here in Illinois and of course, in fighting the… the peril of climate change. Thank you very much."
Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from Will, Representative Renée Kosel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Is this a… this is not a new program, this is an existing program?" 09500231.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Correct. Correct."
"You are expanding it by an additional ten million dollars ($10,000,000)? Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I absolutely applaud the basis of this Bill. I think that alternate energy is something that we all need to explore and it's good for the state. My concern is where we find the additional ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in a state budget that is already in some very, very serious trouble this year and looks even bleaker for next year. So, where I support the idea, I do not know how I can support it now without knowing where the funding is coming from."
Speaker Lyons: "Turn on record… Representative Franks' microphone. There's a question? Okay."
"I'm responding. I think we have some ideas on how to save some money and I think we have that appropriations now. We have the ability to write the budget this year. When we heard the Governor's idea, you know, a week ago, obviously, we have to put our priorities in what we want to do. Representative Bradley and I have asked the Speaker to have certain hearings throughout the state for instance to see how we can save money. We all have found abuses in the budget. I… I can tell you one right now. You look at… remember the Hate Crimes Commission that was in the paper a few years ago? And there was some problems on some of the appointments. Since then, the Governor has not reconvened that commission, for instance, but we're still paying an executive director ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) a 09500231.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 year. Okay? That commission hasn't meet in two (2) years. There's nothing for the executive director to do. The executive director gets ninety grand (90,000) a year. We can find… I can tell you so many issues. You and I have talked about this, just waste in the government. We ought to be working hard on this year's budget, finding that stuff and there's plenty of money for worthwhile programs like this. Worthwhile programs should not be penalized because there's waste in other areas. And we should be rewarding those programs that are going to save us money and help our ecology and go after the ones that aren't. So, let's work together and cut the fat out of the budget."
"I… I absolutely agree with you that we shouldn't have waste in government, there's no question about that. But until we can see everything laid out on the table, I think that our priorities… and… very frankly, this would probably be one of them that would be a priority for me but it's something that we have to decide as a Body. And where I support the program, I don't know that I can support the piecemeal way that we're doing it right now."
"Okay."
"The Gentleman from Will, Representative Jack McGuire."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to echo the previous speaker's support and I'm a longtime supporter of the wind energy. And I just want to commend Jack Franks for the Bill, also Representative Boland for his good words and my good friend behind me, Representative Mautino, who has been a longtime supporter of wind energy. I just want 09500231.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 to urge the Body to pay attention and vote for Jack Franks' Bill. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Lee, Representative Jerry Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." Mitchell, J.: "Representative Franks, I passed a Bill last year, House Bill 285, that allowed school districts to receive a grant and we called it a matching grant. They had to have the money in hand and they could match that up to a million dollars ($1,000,000) from the state for wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal. I see geothermal is not a part of this."
"Right." Mitchell, J.: "Is there any way we could add geothermal to this and allow school districts to apply for this money?"
"That's a great idea. Can we send it over to the Senate and let's have it amended over there? I'd like to keep it moving, 'cause of our short schedule. I… I didn't know about that. And I applaud your efforts last year…" Mitchell, J.: "Well, we…"
"…on that." Mitchell, J.: "…Sterling School District basically came to me with the idea. They believe that local folks will pass referendums if they know they're going to get matching grants from the State of Illinois which is an incentive for them to change our schools over to either wind energy, solar energy, but in the parts of… of the state where it's 09500231.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 very, very congested, where there's very little room, it looks like geothermal was an option that… that everybody can use as well. And that's what they wanted to go with is geothermal. So, I… I certainly applaud you for what you're doing. I think this fits in and will dovetail very nicely with the Bill that was passed last year."
"Thank you. I… I appreciate the suggestion. And I'll be glad to work with the Senate Sponsor to get that amended." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in full support of the Gentleman's legislation."
"Representative Franks to close."
"Thank you very much. And I appreciate the debate. And I appreciate the kind words of Representative Boland and McGuire. I think Representative Boland said it best. This is something we're going to… the returns on our investment are going to be tenfold. And I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Should House Bill 4639 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Granberg, McCarthy. McCarthy voting? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 96 Members voting 'yes', 16 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 5 of the Calendar, Representative John Bradley has House Bill 228. Representative Bradley, do you wish to call that Bill? Out of the record. On the Order 09500231.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 of Resolutions, Representative Osterman, you have House Joint Resolution 77, Harry? Out of the record. Representative Pat Verschoore, on the Order of House Resolutions… House Joint Resolutions on page 7, you have House Joint Resolution 84."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. What this Resolution… House Joint Resolution does is name the 280 bridge after a Medal of Honor winner from my area, John F. Baker. He's a Vietnam veteran and for meritorious action was appointed the… was given the Medal of Honor. I have letters of resolution supporting this from the cities of Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Silvis, Milan, Rock Island County and Scott County. I would ask for an 'aye' vote and I'd be glad to answer any questions."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion on House Joint Resolution 84? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Joint Resolution 84 be adopted?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Resolution, there's 112 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And House Joint Resolution 84 is adopted. Representative Beth Coulson on page 7 of the Calendar, you have House Joint Resolution 86."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 86 proclaims February 1, 2008, as National Wear Red Day. And it basically is to encourage education and public health assistance on the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke. It's the number one killer of women in the United States. And I would appreciate an 'aye' vote." 09500231.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates he will."
"Representative, you aren't old enough to remember the Army/McCarthy hearings; the late Senator Joe McCarthy, I believe from Wisconsin. Is there any hidden meaning in this wear red?"
"Absolutely not. The… the color red, as you've seen when the women on the floor here wear red, is just to highlight that fact that a heart is usually Valentine's Day and that's red."
"Yes."
"So, it's… that's what it's highlighting."
"Well, let me ask you this, Representative, are you now or have you ever been a fellow traveler?"
"A fellow traveler? Could you please define what that is?"
"The enemies of the United States of America. You know what a fellow traveler is, those who disguise themselves, but have an infinity for red or reds."
"I believe, Representative, that the Cold War is over. And I would hope that the color red would not be identified in that way."
"Well, I'm going to let Rush Limbaugh know about this. Mr. Speaker, to the Resolution. As I suspected, lulled you to sleep with the talk about the Cold War being over, the world is a more dangerous place now than it was years ago during the Army/McCarthy hearings. Suddenly the color red 09500231.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 is coming back into fashion. I just wonder what the real motivation is here. These fellow travelers went underground back in the '50s after the Korean War. They're beginning to emerge now and I… I see a pattern here. First, they elevated Valentine's Day to some form of a national conspiracy-type holiday. Now… then it was red ribbons. Now, it's… what is this? Where is it? Well, I can't find it. National Wear Red Day. Next year… next year they'll move…"
"Representative Black, what…"
"…the date to May 1."
"…what's the color of your tie, Representative?"
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker? This has white little squares and blue little squares, this is a red, white, and blue tie. So… and I see a Member of the Democrat Party in the well wearing red. I've long suspected Members of your Party. I say this, and I say this in all due respect to the Sponsor, where's John Birch when you need him? I'll… you all vote for this in whatever way you want, I don't care. But I've been taking down the names of people that go out the left door and the right door and let it be known that I always go out the right door and do things the right way. And I'll not be drawn into this conspiracy to bring red back as a special designated day. I remember those parades, I used to watch them on TV. May Day parades in Moscow. The Cold War is over? I don't think so. This is the tip of that iceberg, Ladies and Gentlemen. Make sure you know what you're voting for. Only you can prevent the 09500231.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 spread of totalitarianism and communism. Stand up for America."
"All those in favor of Representative Coulson's Resolution signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Thank you, Representative Coulson. On the bottom of page 7, Representative Chapa LaVia, you have House Joint Resolution 87."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. What this House Joint Resolution does is it encourages… or it's identical to House Resolution 128, which urges the Federal Government to meet all of its financial obligations of veterans' services from the GI Bill and its subsequent Bills or laws. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Mr. Speaker, I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"What's your inquiry, Sir."
"I couldn't vote 'no' on that last Resolution because it's just dawned on me the color of a 'no' vote here is red. I'd like Mr. Mapes, the Chief of Staff and the official historian of the historically accurate renovated chamber, couldn't we change that color? I think 'yes' should be blue and 'no' should be a different color. I'm telling you this red thing has gone far enough. The red menace is creeping back in. I want a different color on my voting switch."
"I'll take that under serious consideration, Representative. Thank you for bringing that to our 09500231.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 attention. All those in favor of… of Representative Chapa LaVia's Resolution signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Joint Resolution 87 is adopted. Representative Mendoza on page 8, you have a Resolution? Out of the record. Representative Jack Franks, on page 9 of the Calendar, you have House Resolution 865? Representative Jack Franks. A 173 issue."
"Speaker, we're going to do that as a House Joint Resolution. It's coming back through committee because the way I had drafted it was incorrect. So, thank you."
"Thank you. Out of the record. Representative Ken Dunkin… Representative Dunkin in the chamber? Representative Will Davis, on page 9 of the Calendar, you have House Resolution 853. Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This particular Resolution is simply to encourage the board to study the impact of adjusting fares for student workers at state universities. Many of our state universities lie along major rail lines and they use Amtrak to go to school from areas like Chicago, back and forth. When I was a student at Southern Illinois University, I, too, used Amtrak to go back and forth to school. So, this particular Resolution is just urging the Governor's Travel Board to take a look at the possibility of having a reduced fare for student employees of the university in the same manner that we have the reduced fares for regular state employees. We think it's a good step. And for those that would argue the possibility of lost revenue from Amtrak or others, what we see is the 09500231.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 possibility of increasing the number of individuals that will actually take the train. So, it should balance itself out. So, this Resolution is just asking them to take a look at that and possibly make a recommendation that students… student workers participating in a federal student work programs be given the opportunity at a reduced fare for Amtrak. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions."
"Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Resolution 853 be adopted?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 853 is adopted. Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Osterman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Harry."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, next week when all of us are down here working on legislation on behalf of the state one of our colleagues and his wife are going to be celebrating the birth of their new baby. So… and I was asking that Representative Joyce have a seat on the other side of the aisle, I'd like all of us to congratulate him and his wife, Krista, on the future birth of their baby next week."
"Congratulations, Kevin, you're our hero. Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative McAuliffe." 09500231.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege. Again, our Veterans' Legislative Caucus is going to meet in Room 115, we changed it. So, it's Room 115 at 5:00. All Members are encouraged to come. If you haven't filled out a slip of paper, we'll have them in committee. So, please feel free to stop by. It's Room 115 at 5:00, Veterans' Legislative Caucus. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. In recognition and in honor of Black History Month, the Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Graham."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, in Black History, I want to talk to you about Marva Collins. Marva Collins grew up in Atmore, Alabama, at a time when segregation was the rule. Black people were not permitted to use the public library, and her schools had few… few books, and no indoor plumbing. Nonetheless, her family instilled in her awareness of the family's historical excellence and helped her develop a strong desire for learning, achievement and independence. After graduating from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, she taught at school in Alabama for two (2) years. She moved to Chicago and taught in Chicago Public School System for fourteen (14) years. Her experience in that system coupled with her dissatisfaction of the education of her two (2) youngest children, that they were receiving at private schools, convinced her that children need a better education. So, she started school in the second floor of her home with five thousand dollars ($5,000). And she began with the enrollment of her two (2) youngest children and neighborhood youngsters. Thus, the 09500231.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 Westside Perpetorial (sic-Preparatory) School was founded in 1975 in Garfield Park in Chicago inner-city area. During the first year, Marva took in learning disabled, problem children, even one who was labeled by the Chicago Public School authorities as borderline retarded. At the end of the first year, every child scored at least five (5) grades higher, proving that the previous labels placed on these children were misguided. The CBS program 60 Minutes visited her school for the second time in 1996. That little girl who was labeled as borderline retarded graduated in 1976 from college, suma cum laude and was documented on the 60 Minutes program in 1996. Marva's graduates entered some of the nation's finest colleges and universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, just to name a few. They became physicians, lawyers, engineers, educators, and entered other professions. Ms. Collins received numerous accolades in recognition of her outstanding work with children. She was featured on Good Morning America, 20/20, and Fox News and many more too numerous to… to list. A TV made movie called, The Marva Collins Story, starred Cicely Tyson and Morgan Freeman, aired in 1982. She was awarded the Nancy… she was awarded the Jefferson Award for Benefiting the Disadvantaged, the Humanitarian Award for Excellence, Legendary Woman Award of the World. And she was also offered the Secretary of Education by President Bush, which she declined because she wanted to stay at her post for helping disadvantaged children. We take our hats off to Marva Collins today because she has really poured her heart and soul into 09500231.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 education and has raised the level of education awareness for all of us. Thank you for sharing this moment with me today in Black History with Marva Collins. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative Graham. Mr. Clerk, Committee Announcements."
"Two (2) committees scheduled for this afternoon have been canceled. The 2:00 Tollway Oversight Committee has been canceled and the 3:00 International Trade & Commerce Committee has been canceled."
"Going to be an update on some of the committee schedule for tomorrow. So, Mr. Clerk, tomorrow's committee schedule?"
Clerk Bolin: "Three (3) committees scheduled for tomorrow morning have been canceled. The 8:30 Judiciary II-Criminal Law Committee has been canceled. The 9 a.m. Railroad Industry Committee has been canceled and the 11 a.m. Adoption Reform Committee has been canceled."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolution. House Resolution 1029, offered by Representative Saviano."
"All those in favor of the Agreed Resolutions signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Debbie Graham."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like the Body to help me welcome Dominican University's social workers here, a group in my district. Please welcome them." 09500231.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008
"Welcome to Springfield. Glad to have you. Seeing no further business to come before the Illinois House today, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 12 noon tomorrow, Thursday, February 28; adjourned until 12 noon tomorrow, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Illinois House of Representatives stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and Reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 6185, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6186, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6187, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6188, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6189, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6190, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6191, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6192, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6193, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6194, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6195, offered by 09500231.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6196, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6197, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6198, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6199, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6200, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6201, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6202, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. And House Bill 6203, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6204, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6205, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6206, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6207, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6208, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6209, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6210, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6211, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6212, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act 09500231.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 making appropriations. House Bill 6213, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6214, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6215, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6216, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6217, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6218, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6219, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6220, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6221, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6222, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6223, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6224, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6225, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6226, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6227, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6228, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6229, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 09500231.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 6230, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6231, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6232, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6233, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6234, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6235, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6236, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6237, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6238, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6239, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6240, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6241, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6242, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6243, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6244, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6245, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6246, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6247, offered by Representative 09500231.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6248, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6249, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6250, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6251, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6252, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6253, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6254, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6255, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6256, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6257, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6258, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6259, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6260, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6261, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6260 (sic-6262), offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6263, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6264, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act 09500231.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 making appropriations. House Bill 6265, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6266, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6267, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6268, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6269, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6270, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6271, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6271 (sic-6272), offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6273, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6274, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6275, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6276, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6277, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6278, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6279, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6280, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6281, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making 09500231.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 appropriations. House Bill 6282, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6283, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6284, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6285, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6286, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6287, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6288, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6289, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6290, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6291, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6292, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6293, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6294, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6295, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6296, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 6297, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 6298, offered by Representative Golar, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 6299, offered by 09500231.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 231st Legislative Day 2/27/2008 Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations and House Bill 6300, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09500231.doc 43