"The hour of 12:00 having arrived, the House will be in section. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the assistant doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops. Turn off all cell phones and pagers and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today honoring Your life and accomplishments. We pray that on this day that You would look over these Representatives and their families. We ask that You look over the men and women of our armed services, both here and abroad and pray for them to come home safely. These things we ask in Your Son's name, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge today by the Gentleman from Cook, Representative McAuliffe."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Rich Bradley; Collins; Hoffman; Molaro; and Washington are excused today."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the record would reflect that Representative Jerry Mitchell; Representative Schmitz; Leitch; and Watson are excused today." 09500232.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
Speaker Turner: "The record will reflect. There are 108 Members present and we do have a quorum and we will proceed with business. The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege, if I might."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. If you'll bear with me for just a moment. I noticed in today's State Journal-Register that the director of the Department of Agriculture Chuck Hartke is retiring, effective today. Those of us who were privileged to serve with Director Hartke in the House, certainly thank him for his service. He's done an outstanding job as the director of the Department of Agriculture and I know his wife is certainly facing some difficult times in her life and my thoughts and prayers go out to Director Hartke and his wife and certainly wish both of them the best and thank Director Hartke for his outstanding service to the people of Illinois."
"Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Mahoney: "Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motion were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the following back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' and aprov… referred to the Order of Consideration Postponed is House Bill 796. Representative Joyce, Chairperson from the 09500232.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Committee on Aging, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 5308; 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 4585. Representative McAuliffe, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans Affairs, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 4746; and Senate Bill 782. Representative Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Computer Technology, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 842. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 4179. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Human Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 5095; House Bill 5215; House Bill 5276. Representative Monique Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-General Services, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 09500232.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 4158. Representative McCarthy, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher 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 as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 4193. Representative Ryg, Chairperson from the Committee on Disability 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 as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 4867. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy, 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' House Bill 4710; and House Bill 5256. Representative Yarbrough, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, 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' is House Bill 4342; and House Bill 4747. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' is House Resolution 850; and House Resolution 09500232.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 929; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 4297; House Bill 46... 4765; House Bill 4779; House Bill 4920; and House Bill 5310; 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 4665; House Bill 4720; House Bill 4736; and House Bill 4767. Representative Osterman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor, 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' is House Bill 4470; and House Bill 4724. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Local Government, 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' is House Bill 4518; House Bill 4700; House Bill 4768; House Bill 4956; House Bill 4992; and House Bill 5505. Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson from the Committee on Tourism & Conventions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 27, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' is House Joint Resolution 81. Representative Colvin, Chairperson from the Committee on Personnel and Pensions, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 28, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 4644; and House Bill 5699. Referred to the House Committee on Rules is House Resolution 1037, offered by Representative Franks, and 09500232.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 House Joint Resolution 111, offered by Representative Fritchey."
"Clerk, Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Mahoney: "House Joint Resolution 110, offered by Representative Currie, RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, February 28, 2008, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 12:00 noon; and the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 05, 2008, at 12:00 noon."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. The Lady from Lake, Representative Osmond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of perfin… personal privilege."
"State your point."
"This week is been a very happy week for a lot of the women on the Republican side. Suzie Bassi celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. Today is my roommate Ruth Munson's very special birthday and Jil Tracy turns thirteen (13) tomorrow. She's a leap year baby. So, join me in wishing them a happy birthday."
"…wishes. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 09500232.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"On the Order of Agreed Resolutions is House Resolution 1032, offered by Representative Graham. House Resolution 1033, offered by Representative Graham. House Resolution 1034, offered by Representative Graham. House Resolution 1035, offered by Representative Graham. House Resolution 1036, offered by Representative Graham. House Resolution 1038, offered by Representative Mendoza. House Resolution 1039, offered by Representative Durkin. House Resolution 1040, offered by Representative Jefferies. House Resolution 1041, offered by Representative Granberg. House Joint Resolution 109, offered by Representative Dugan."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to go to the Order of Second Readings. The Bills that we will be dealing with are those where Amendments have already been approved and if the Members want to move them to Third Reading we ask that you be prepared to do so. We're going to start on page 3 of the Calendar and the first Bill that we will consider will be House Bill 4162. Representative Osmond. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill…"
Speaker Turner: "Out of the record. Out of the record. Representative Bassi, on House Bill 4167. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500232.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 4167, 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 Holbrook, on House Bill 4174. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4174, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Fritchey, on House Bill 4180. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4180, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Bradley, on House Bill 4183. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4183, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Hannig, on House Bill 4190. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4190, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500232.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Sommer, on House Bill 4201. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4201, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Currie, on House Bill 4212. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4212, 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 Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Currie, on House Bill 4215. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4215, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Munson, on House Bill 4219. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4219, 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."
"Third Reading. Representative Flowers, on House Bill 4223. Out of the record. Representative Eddy, on House Bill 4226. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4226, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 09500232.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Saviano, on… Out of the record. Representative Ryg, House Bill 4264. Out of the record. Representative Lindner, on 4294. Representative Lindner. Lindner. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4294, 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 Reis, on House Bill 4309. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4309, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Feigenholtz, on House Bill 4314. Out of the record. Representative Acevedo, on House Bill 4357. Re… Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4357, 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 Mautino, on House Bill 4378. Out of the record. Representative Colvin, on House Bill 4379. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. 4379." 09500232.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 4379, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Mautino, on 4378. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4378, 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 Feigenholtz, on House Bill 4314. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4314, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Representative May. Third Reading. Representative May, on House Bill 4390. Representative May on 4391. Out of the record. Representative Arroyo, on House Bill 4393. Out of the record. Representative Lindner, on House Bill 4428. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4428, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lindner, on House Bill 4434. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4434, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. 09500232.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Fortner, on House Bill 4450. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4450, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Beaubien, on House Bill 4454. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4454, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Harris, on House Bill 4455. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4455, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Eddy, on House Bill 4457. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4457, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Jefferies, on House Bill 4513. Move the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Read the Bill." 09500232.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 4513, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Feigenholtz, on House Bill 4574. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4574, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Flider, on House Bill 4588. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4588, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motion filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Currie, on House Bill 4590. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4590, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Beiser, on House Bill 4603. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4603, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Leitch, on House Bill 4627. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500232.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 4627, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Acevedo, on House Bill 4628. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4628, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Coulson, on House Bill 4641. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4641, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Leitch, on House Bill 4648. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4648, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Leitch, on House Bill 4653. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4653, a Bill for an Act concerning land. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"House Bill 4664. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Move the Bill to Third Reading. Next Bill is House Bill 4664. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500232.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 4664, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Osmond, on House Bill 4702. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4702, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was approved in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Reitz, on House Bill 4727. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4727, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Soto, on House Bill 4730. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4730, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. No Amendments. No Motions filed. Second Reading of this House Bill."
"Third Reading. Representative Nekritz, on House Bill 4757. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4757, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was approved in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Coulson, on House Bill 4837. No. Representative Kosel, on House Bill 09500232.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 4838. 4839, Representative Kosel. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4839, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Re…, I mean, Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4838. 4838."
"House Bill 4838, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Dugan, on House Bill 5017. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5017, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Froehlich, on House Bill 5111. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5111, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lang, on House Bill 5226. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5226, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 where adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Miller, on House Bill 5511. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500232.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"House Bill 5511, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Sullivan, on House Bill 5543. Sullivan. Out of the record. The Gentleman from McLean, Representative Mc… Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House I'd like you to please give a warm Springfield welcome and a Illinois House of Representatives warm welcome. In our gallery behind me is Reverend Fonnan Tortia from Libya (sic-Liberia). Who is here through the United Methodist Church Conference. The reverend is a district superintendent in that country and is here visiting. So, please give a nice round of applause to the reverend visiting from Liberia. Thank you."
"Welcome… welcome to Springfield. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4390."
"House Bill 4390, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Ford, for what reason do you rise?"
"I rise in celebration of African Heritage Month. Today I want to recognize Dr. Carter G. Woodson. I believe that Representative Yarbrough may have said something about Dr. 09500232.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Carter G. Woodson earlier, I spoke with her. It's important that we know that the reason why we celebrate African Heritage Month is because African history has been left out of history books. So it was great that Dr. Carter G. Woodson back in 1926 started the first Negro History Week and now today we celebrate African Heritage Month. It is important that we salute all of the African Americans that went before me and made things easier for all Americans. It's important that we recognize the Dr. King's the Coretta Scott's and it's important that we recognize everyone that made it possible for all of us to be here together today. It's also important to me, knowing the sacrifices that I've made since I've been here for a little over a year, knowing the sacrifices that were made by all the leaders. That we recognize a few of our great leaders in this House. That I find to be very, very supportive to me and that have made great sacrifices in their life. I'd like for us to rise and give recognition to Wyvetter Younge. Wyvetter Younge, she's been very much keeping the ball rolling for civil rights for all the people throughout the State of Illinois, making all of our lives better. And my good friend, Art Turner. Thank you very much. And my great friend Mary Flowers and Monique Davis. These people have kept the fight alive for African Americans and improved life for all of us and I tell you there is not much that I could create that they haven't already started. And I really thank them because what I'm doing is only trying to do something that they've been tearing down the 09500232.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 walls for all the years that they've been here, and I just want to say thank you."
"I'd like to re… make an announcement. If we can have your attention, Members. I want to remind the Members that they are to get all of their House Bill requests into the Speaker's Office by Tuesday, March 4. Our deadline is approaching us very fast and we need all House Bill requests, if you want your Bill moved from Rules to a particular committee, all those requests should be into the Speaker's Office by Tuesday, March 4. The Lady from Brown, Representative Tracy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Well, my point is, I would like to wish Representative Ford a happy birthday, too. From one birthday baby to another. It's his birthday today, as well."
Speaker Turner: "Representative Ford, happy birthday. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Crespo, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"And I think the former Legislator beat me to it. I just want to congratulate someone that I have a lot in common with, whose birthday is today. He's a freshman Legislator like I am, he's a realtor, like I am, Loyola grad, like I am and tall, dark and handsome, Mr. Ford. Happy birthday." 09500232.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 232nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
"Congratulations again. And now the birthday boy from Cook, Representative Ford, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, I rise to tell Representative Scully happy birthday, too. I don't see him, but today is his birthday. So, we have another birthday and I want to tell him happy birthday. We're alike, but we're not alike."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker for a qu… inquiry of the Chair. You know, we had the rule, back before the chamber was fixed we used to have cake, and I know that stopped and I understand that, but you would think if we had like four (4) birthdays on one (1) day we could probably have cake. Could we look into that? No. Mr. Mapes is shaking his head no. Just thought I'd ask."
"And now seeing no further business to come before the House, Representative Currie moves that the House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 4, at the hour of 12:00. Allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House will now stand adjourned 'til Tuesday, March 4, at the hour of 12:00 noon. And the House now stands adjourned. 09500232.doc 20