"The hour of 12:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. Members will please be in their seats. 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. We shall be led in prayer today by Reverend Dr. Miley Palmer, who is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur. Reverend Palmer is the guest of Representative Flider."
"My granddaughter was one of the five (5) students shot and killed at Northern Illinois University on Valentine's Day. On behalf of the five (5) families I want to thank you and through you the people of the State of Illinois for the outpouring of support and the many prayers that have been raised in our behalf. For our prayer today I want to use a modified form of one written by Ernest Campbell, a pastor in New York City some sixty (60) years ago. Let us pray. Oh God, of every time and place prevail among us too. Within this state that we love it's promise to renew. Our people move with downcast eyes, tight, uncertain, afraid. Surprise us with Your joy divine for we would be remade. Oh Thou, whose will we can resist but cannot overcome, forgive our harsh and strident ways, the harm that we have done. Like Babel's builders long ago we raise our lofty towers and like them too our words divide and pride lays waste our powers. Behind the mask that we maintain to shut insecurity in, there lurks the hope however dim to live once more as brave men. Let wrong embolden us to fight, and need excite our care; If not us, who? If not now, when? If not here, God, then where? Our 09500244.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 forbearers kept their minds on Thee and village, farm, and plain. Help us there crowded, harried kin no less Thy peace to claim. Give us to know that Thou dust love each soul that Thou has made. Let race or gender not diminish grace, nor class or wealth make justice fade. Grant us oh God, who labor here within this throbbing maze, a forward looking saving hope to galvanize our days. Let witness of martyrs and patriots past unite our wills so often torn, make just our laws and merciful our hearts, so shall we be reborn, Amen."
"Representative McCarthy will you lead us in the Pledge."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Hannig: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Rich Bradley, Collins, Osterman, and Washington are excused today."
"And Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representatives Mulligan, Black, Fortner, Pihos, and Watson are excused on the Republican side of the aisle today."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 107 Members answering the Roll Call a quorum is present. Clerk, read the Committee Reports." 09500244.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motions were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration', referred to the Order of Second Reading is House Bill 2971, and House Bill 3203; 'recommends be adopted' is Amendment #2 to House Bill 4571, Amendment #2 to House Bill 4890, Amendment #1 to House Bill 5536, Amendment #2 to House Bill 5731, Amendment #2 to House Bill 5907, Amendment #1 to House Bill 5909, and Amendment #1 to House Bill 5912."
"So, just so everyone understands what we're going to… how we're going to proceed. I have a list of the requests, what each Member would say would be their first request to Bills that are on the Calendar, some of them are Second Reading, some are Third Readings. So, what we'll do at this moment is start with the Third Readings and go through that list in something that approaches alphabetical order and then we'll go to the Second Reading list and give opportunities to Sponsors to move those Bills from Second to Third. So that'll be the plan for today. Representative Stephens, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I don't… I don't believe it's fair at all. Representative Younge, graduated high school. She had to wait until everyone else got their diploma. She went on to college. She had to wait until everyone else got their degree. She went to law school. She had to wait until everyone else… Why does she 09500244.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 have to wait again here in the Illinois General Assembly? Let's reverse the order. Don't look at a Clerk. We don't need his opinion. You're in the Chair. You make the change. Representative Younge should go first."
"Maybe tomorrow. So, on House Bills-Third Reading, Representative Bellock, you have House Bill 4869. Do you wish us to read that Bill? No. Okay. So we'll take that… Oh, excuse me, I'm reading off the wrong list. Representative Bassi has… has the first Bill, House Bill 4159 on Third Reading. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4159, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"So, we're going to run the clock and use the rules of debate. So, Representative Bassi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this particular Bill was brought to me by a constituent, a young girl who was at the time a sophomore in high school, did a great deal of research on recycled paper and discovered that in order to cut down on waste matter in the entire state that she requested that we put in… update the state statute that would increase the amount of recycling and the use of recycled paper in Illinois schools. And this particular Bill does that. It has been amended to make sure that there is no opposition and I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Gentleman from Knox, Representative Moffitt." 09500244.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, did you say there are no opponents?"
"Yes."
"'Cause I… at one point I thought the School Board Association was."
"Yes, but they… the Amendment that we put in removed their opposition."
"Then there's a Legislator that reads a long list of mandates that the Legislature has put on schools. This would not add to that long list that would be read, would it?"
"This actually updates the statute that's already in existence and no it would not add to it."
"It would not add to that list?"
"It will not add to it, but it does… it updates the list that's already there."
"Thank you. That's good to know."
"Representative Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, can you tell me what the Amendment does?"
"Yes. The Amendment makes the language the exact same in both parts of the Bill. It says that school districts are encouraged to have procedures that provide for the investigation as opposed to having to have a definite plan."
"Okay."
"And that was at the recommendation of the School Board Association." 09500244.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"I'm sorry, could you repeat the last part?"
"Yes. The Amendment came at the recommendation of the School Board Association. It… it says that school districts are encouraged to have procedures providing for investigation as opposed to having to have a definite written plan."
"Okay."
"And when… that was at their suggestion… made both parts of the Bill saying the same thing and that was what they had asked that we do."
"Okay. I appreciate that, because I did… as I mentioned to you in committee, you know, my step-son is a principal and when I said to him well it's not… it's not a mandate on the schools, it's a mandate on the school board…"
"Right."
"…and he said, yeah, and who do you think does that work for the School Board? It isn't the school board, it is, in fact, the staff. And so he was concerned that this was going to add to his workload as a school principal. So I'm… I'm pleased to see that we've worked that out. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Representative Bassi to close."
"I would just request an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 09500244.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Beaubien has House Bill 4454. And Mr. Clerk, he wishes to return that to Second Reading. So we're going to return 4454 to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Beiser, you have House Bill 4602. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4602, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Beiser."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 4602 quite simply adds a vaccination for shingles under required coverage by insurance companies. This was the vaccine that was recognized back in May of 2006 as being effective. In October of 2006 it was recommended for those sixty (60) and older. We did an Amendment to suggest that the FDA recommendation of sixty (60) and older would be the Bill and that is what this Bill does. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"This Bill's on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Representative Miller."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Just have a question in regards to the vaccine. Is it, you know, shingles is, I believe, a herpy (sic-herpes) virus, a form of it. Is that correct?"
"Yes." 09500244.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Has this been proven via any other independent research to be effective against shingles?"
"It's… we're just basically going by the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control's recommendations, which has recognized that it does have a positive effect, not on 100 percent of the cases but on a number of the cases. I could get that percentage, Representative Miller, if you'd like to warrant the being used for those sixty (60) and older for a vaccination."
"And as far as the cost per vaccination, do you have an estimate on what that would cost?"
"The… the cost… just the cost without any markup is about a hundred and fifty dollars ($150)."
"Per…"
"Per vaccination."
"So if someone is diagnosed with shingles then… and it's covered by a health care plan and they do have to cover it? Is that what this will be doing?"
"In that case they would be treated for that. What we're trying to do is prevent cases, so actually encourage those sixty (60) and older to get a vaccination if they choose, so that they could prevent that… as it, you know, sometimes it can turn into a post-herpetic… perst… post- herpetic neuralgia which is very excruciating pain. So, what we're trying to do is not only get at those, which is a third of the cases, but as many as we can."
"Last question, concerning the insurance age. I thought shingles was primarily with older individuals of a higher prevalence. Would sixteen (16) years of age be a…" 09500244.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Sixty (60)… six, zero."
"…be really effective… Go ahead."
"Sixty (60) is… I would argue, as I get closer to that, that that's not a…"
"Sixty (60), not sixteen (16)."
"Yes. Six, zero."
"Okay. Never mind. I'm sorry."
"Okay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"How many manufacturers of the vaccine are presently available for this?"
"I'm only aware of one."
"And are there any generic alternatives?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"I'm looking at our analysis and it shows a New York Times article, I think from last year, are you aware of that?"
"Now, that I'm looking at the analysis that we have in front of us as opposed to what I have in my hand, yes."
"Okay. I'm a little concerned reading the analysis that there hasn't been a very lot of… a lot of research on the efficacy of the vaccine and how long it actually lasts. Do we know how long the vaccine will last or is this something that needs to be done every year like a flu shot?" 09500244.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"It's my impression as I read further in the information I have off the FDA's Web site that it is a onetime vaccination and as far as the percentage that it will work for I have that, Jack, but I don't have it… I'm not reading it as we speak here."
"I understand what you're trying to do, but I'm concerned on a couple of levels. Fist of all, when there's only one manufacturer of a drug that where basically, becoming a huge profit source for them I'd feel better if there was a generic alternative, number one. Number two, I'd like to see the clinical studies on this and how long it actually lasts, because it's so new. Would we be better off waiting another year to determine what the medical research shows and also, if anyone else comes into the market."
"Well… it… I mean, those are valid questions. I would suggest that the FDA and the Center for Disease Control studied this, granted, I can't dictate to you… it was a ten-year study, five-year study, whatever. But they, in my opinion, would not have made the recommendation if they didn't think it was helpful. As far as the one manufacturer I share that, but at the same time, I just think the benefits of trying to help as many people in the meantime as we can instead of waiting for a generic version, that's why I chose to move this at this point."
"I'm going to listen to the rest of the debate, but I appreciate your… your answers."
"We're working under the rules of Standard Debate at this point. We've had two (2) speak in response. 09500244.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Representative Coulson, you're next. Would you like to speak in response or in support?"
"Mr. Speaker, I have some questions of the Sponsor."
"So, the Sponsor will yield."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can you tell me, does Medicare currently cover this vaccine for those over sixty- five (65)?"
"I don't believe… It's not… I am not aware of that. I don't believe so."
"So who's going to end up having to pay for the vaccine… with your Bill?"
"The cost of the vaccination would be as… Let me just backtrack, Representative Coulson. The occurrence of shingles currently is built in to rates that insurance companies charge their carriers 'cause of a… based on the… the percent of occurrence how much a case of shingles cost over an average. So I would argue that those are current rates reflect people and the prevalence of shingles in society today. These rates obviously would be factored into the rates that insurance companies charges, but my argument is a vaccination for… just for argument's sake which costs the drug maker a hundred and fifty (150) and if they charge an extra, so let's just say its two fifty (250) for the vaccination. And I don’t know that to be accurate, but let's just say that for argument's sake that that would be a much cheaper alternative than the case of a full-blown case of shingles being treated over the course of that disease." 09500244.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"And… and do you know what the… I think what you're trying to say is that it's cost-effective for the insurance companies to do it. And… and I understand that and I use that argument all the time. The question I have is, if Medicare's not covering it I'm wondering if there's scientific evidence to show that the shingles vaccine actually is 100 percent effective against shingles, which we all know and I'm not sure if you said this before because I couldn't hear, is caused by the chickenpox virus, that you might have had chickenpox when you were a child and then later in life you might get shingles because of that. Now, there's a lot of people that are getting the chickenpox vaccine that are younger, but for those of us in our middle ages, we would not have had the chickenpox vaccine. We probably had chickenpox. And now we could get shingles because of that, correct."
"Correct. Let me correct the statement I made earlier. A staff has told me since it's FDA approved now that Medicare does cover that. So I apologize for that information."
"Okay. So, that actually helps me a lot. So, basically, people who have Medicare, which are people over sixty-five (65) then the disabled, would already have this covered by Medicare."
"Yeah."
"And in this particular case then, is this Bill only helping those who are sixty (60) to sixty-five (65)? So that's that smaller group that would be mandated."
"Yeah." 09500244.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"I'm just trying to figure out where this mandate fits."
"Sixty (60) and over and then obviously, if they are covered by Medicare, then Medicare takes that. So, that's the window we're looking at."
"So… okay. That… that helps me a lot. Now, as far as the scientific evidence, do we have… the FDA has approved it for shingles and do we have any follow up studies that show that this is an effective vaccination? The kind of question I have is because we were doing this with the HPV vaccine last year and we didn't find any scientific evidence yet. So we didn't mandate it, we just suggested it or highly encouraged it. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on with this vaccine."
"As far as the FDA, they have not seen any evidence that's contrary to what their recommendation is. So, therefore, they've not doing further studies. That's just something they don't do as a rule, unless indications are that it's contrary to what the evidence they had for the recommendation."
"So, are there any other groups that… other than the FDA that are suggesting that everyone should have this vaccine?"
"That's the one that's driving this piece of legislation. Whether other groups have got behind it, I'm not aware. I mean, I know the Center for Disease Control, like I said, they've weighed in on it along with the FDA, so it's… that's what's driving this legislation." 09500244.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"And I do understand that shingles is a very painful viral infection and we don't, you know, we want to avoid people having it. I just, not having heard this one in committee I… I have those questions about whether or not the research has caught up with the fact that everyone should get the vaccine and… Thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
"So we've had two (2) in response and one in favor and the rules would provide for one more in response and two (2) in support. Representative Eddy. You have 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I want to pick up a little bit where Representative Coulson left off regarding the input from medical professionals as to whether or not this particular vaccine should be one that is required. Our understanding is that the Food and Drug Administration is the only body that is recommending this and for example the Hospital Association and other medical institutional foundations have not weighed in. Is that correct?"
"Nobody… they did not register in opposition when we heard this in committee, if that's what you're meaning, Roger."
"Well, I guess what I'm trying to get to is where the… where the recommendation is really coming from. If it's coming from the Medical Society, medical professionals, or the Food and Drug Administration only, and that would make a difference I think in that… We hope that medical 09500244.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 professionals have a major contributing voice in stating what vaccines should be required. And I guess I'm asking you, do you have proof or do you feel like medical professionals are in support of this vaccine as being required, because it only has Food and Drug Administration and those other medical professional aren't discussed."
"I'll just… I guess the best way I could answer this… that question is this, Roger, is that… throughout this process where the FDA went and reviewed it and made the ultimate recommendation, the Medical Society or the any kind of professional organization had the opportunity and very well may have during that process, which I'm not privy to the testimony of weighed in, but they… at the very least they had the opportunity to weigh in. Much like if… if there's a… if there's any kind of drug or anytime… anytime the FDA does as far as their approval and recommendation, that whole process is open to the… those communities."
"Okay. So… so, you have an assumption that they have weighed in during that process, but you really honestly don't know that, positively, but that's your assumption. Who brought the legislation to you?"
"I had… this was brought to my attention by a constituent who has unfortunately gone through it and has post-herpetic which is really very painful, but then they did a lot of research on their own. They where made aware of it through their doctor that this vaccine had recently become recommended."
"Okay. So, this was… this was something that came from, obviously, the cost involved for a constituent, and them 09500244.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 thinking insurance, it would be a much better and more efficient way then to treat the actual shingles and this is good public policy, in their opinion. I just have some concerns about another issue related to cost. Medicare would kick in at age sixty-five (65), so there's a… there's about a five year window there under this requirement that insurance companies are going to be responsible for the additional cost. I think this type of thing is known to hurt smaller insurance companies because some of the larger self-funded companies are exempt from some of these mandates. Do you know if those larger self-funded companies are exempt from this particular mandate? 'Cause I have some current concerns for those smaller insurance companies. If they're not exempt and the larger ones are, what we may be setting up here, unintentionally I think, could be a problem and I wondered if you had any knowledge about the effect on those smaller companies?"
"No. All's I can say is that I've… before I added the Amendment that said sixty (60) and older as per the FDA recommendation, there was some opposition, but that Amendment took away the opposition from what they were telling me as far as the life… or the health insurance portion of it. Now, I… I guess…"
"And Representative, I… I don't… I would not… I'm not saying that would be your intention, I just think there's a couple questions revolving this… or involving this legislation that if you would give a little bit of time with some folks on our side of the aisle to make sure, there'd probably be a lot more support and a lot less 09500244.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 apprehension about supporting this from the medical standpoint and then from the cost possibility on insurance. So, if you're willing to bring this back after a couple of those questions can be answered, I think you'd probably see a lot more positive support rather than maybe a lot of 'present' votes 'til we find that out. I wondered if you might do that?"
"Well, obviously, the intention was not to exempt any of the insurance so I mean… if you have got some… if you have information contrary to that, though, I mean, I'd be…"
"I just think it might do well for the legislation if Representative Coulson, especially, had some of those questions answered so there could be more support from this side in that case and can bring it back…"
"Your time has expired, Representative Eddy. Would you bring your remarks to a close."
"Yes, Sir. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to. I just… I just think if we would consider that option there might be a lot more support for this. Until that happens, I would urge folks to watch this. Vote the way you have to, but there are some unanswered questions and maybe a 'present' vote 'til then would be a good option."
"Representative Patterson. Did you wish to speak? You have 5 minutes, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just have one question of the Sponsor, if I may."
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Okay. I would like to know what federal agency or medical association has done research to verify that this 09500244.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 vaccine is safe and will produce the intended outcome of curing shingles?"
"The Food and Drug Administration is the simple answer to that. The very agency that we rely on and it doesn't cure shingles, it prevents it from happening in the majority of the cases."
"Okay. Or prevent it from happening. Okay. Is there a data sheet of some sort that the FDA has sent out?"
"Yes. I…"
"Over time there's various reports that the FDA has approved certain medicines that are deleterious to human beings then they have to take it off the market after negative results have occurred."
"I… There has been no indication in the time study that the recommendation is anything but it is, in a positive recommendation. Just like any other situation, like you describe, should information or results come back and contrary to what was initially thought, yes. They then would react and in many cases they act very swiftly. But again I'm relying on the FDA, I'm relying on… of the study that's been done to this point and it's my opinion that although the concerns that you raise and those previous speakers have raised have merit, I would suggest that in this step of the process that it has obviously, opportunities for those concerns to be answered as it moves through the Senate side. So, in my opinion, and I would like to go forward with this because of the cost benefit, because of the way that it's proven to this point. Again, I accept the concerns raised. I would suggest though, that 09500244.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 as we move forward in the Senate that we work… and I would… I would pledge to this as it moved over there that would whoever pick it up, I would willing to relay those and as I'm sure you would be and to work to get those concerns answered to the best possible ability before it becomes finalized and goes to the Governor's desk."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Then Representative Beiser to close. Representative Beiser, you're recognized to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I recognize the concerns raised and again, I recognize them and I respect those; however, this situation with shingles and the ability to prevent it in many cases I think far outweighs the… the potential, if any, downfall… down at the risk because just remember, not only is it a painful disease, and I think sometimes especially those of us that have never experienced it or really have not known anyone close that has experienced it, not only is it painful, but then as we get older and the older each year after the age sixty (60) the possibility of getting shingles raises that it… fights your imun… it depresses… suppresses your immune system so therefore other conditions that seniors would have, especially if you're going through some type of a cancer treatment, are that much more amplified. So again, I would urge all Members to vote for this. If you have concerns, we can address those as the process moves forward, but again I do believe that it far outweighs… the benefits far outweigh the concerns at this point in the legislative process." 09500244.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Riley and May, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. You will request Postponed Consideration?"
"Please."
Speaker Hannig: "Okay. The Gentleman requests Postponed Consideration. Representative Berrios, you have House Bill 4881. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4881, a Bill for an Act concerning finances. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Berrios."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. What we're trying to do with House Bill 4881 is create an emerging technology industry grant. We would like Illinois to be a leader especially in the biotech industry. And with this grant we can invite new companies to the state. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would take the applications. There are specific criteria in the Bill that must be included… must be met, including creation of new jobs and potential to advance medicine or science. We've also added that if a company awarded the grants does not comply with what they put in their application, they must pay the money back to the state including interest. I can answer questions, but I'd like a favorable vote. Thank you." 09500244.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
Speaker Hannig: "This is on Short Debate and in response Representative Eddy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very quick question. Is this subject to appropriation?"
"Yes, it is."
"And do you have an estimated amount of what the appropriation would be?"
"Not at the moment. Since we don't know how many applicants would actually file, we're not sure."
"Okay. So, what… what are the criteria then that we might use as we begin to estimate how many of these grants might exist to develop a… kind of a estimate for that appropriation?"
"Well, it just depends on how many companies would actually want to come to Illinois."
"Okay."
"To start their companies up. This is, you know, for brand new companies."
"Okay. So what you're saying, I think, is there's no real way to know what this would be. I guess my question would be then, as it moves through the process and it were to become available for an appropriation, do you have a figure in mind as to what you'd like to start out with as an appropriation for this line item? Do you have an estimate?"
"Not… not really… not yet. We're just… we actually took this Bill from another state and we just want to invite new companies to come to Illinois. We have so many 09500244.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 great resources here that they can take advantage of, but they're not coming right now."
"Okay. Now, the other thing I think that's important this… this legislation has the rulemaking Amendment attached to it. Is that right?"
"Yes."
"So, if there are rules for DCEO, your intention is… or your understanding is, ours is, that this Bill would come back or that there'd be an Amendment attached or the language would come back before the General Assembly that would outline the specifics of how the grant would work."
"Yes."
"Okay. All right. Thank you very much, Representative."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "We'll put this on Standard Debate to accommodate Members. Representative Winters you're recognized for 5 minutes. Representative Winters. Apparently, your mic's not working. Could you move, Representative, to Representative Schock's microphone and we'll start the clock over. It seems like we're having a problem with the aisle. Representative Winters, could you try Representative Brady's microphone? Oh, I'm sorry, there's an empty desk next to Representative Brady. Why don't you try that. The sound man hopes… No. Come down a row. You're on, Representative."
"Well, that's one way to make sure the Minority voice is not heard is to just shut our microphones off. So, I'm Mr. Noname today, I think. Anyway, Representative, how is it set forward in your Bill as to what areas of technology 09500244.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 that you would like the state to invest in? Or is that left up to the rules making process?"
"No. Actually, right on the very first page, line 20. Emerging technology industry includes without limitations the list is thirteen (13) long…"
"Extensive."
"…so it's like semiconductors, computer and software technology, energy, manufactured energy systems, micro electromechanical systems, nanotechnology, biotechnology."
"Okay. There's…"
"So, it's a nice list."
"…there's a number of different areas if you'd like to look and thank you. I now have a analysis here that I can look at. One of my concerns is that in setting government policy we often want to see what other governments have done and I would hold forth the example of the Country of Japan that about twenty-five (25) years ago they have a Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (sic-Ministry of International Trade and Industry), MITI, where they try to go in and pick the industry that they think will be the future of the world economy and they invested billions of dollars and in fact, what happened was that was primarily wasted money because they… they bet on the wrong things. They invested public dollars taken from the taxpayers' pockets, they put it into… if I could hold up the example, they might have put it into the beta max video system when VHS was what was actually going to be the wave of the future. My fear is that the State of Illinois is probably, no matter how intelligent the people that we put in charge 09500244.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 of investment, it's not their money at risk. It's the taxpayers' money at risk, and the marketplace will typically reward investors, reward people who specialize in putting their own money at risk. And that that you ultimately will have a higher chance of success of investing dollars into areas that have potential than you will by a public agency that is not directly… their… their paycheck is not at stake. That's the caution that I put here. I… while I know that you have very fine intentions and we like to see our state as being on the cutting edge of emerging technologies, I think a wiser use of the money that you would set aside in this case to bet on the right technologies, in fact, would be better used if we put it into our secondary education and our university education, where kids of today have very little interest in emerging technologies and engineering and chemistry and biology. What we need to do is… is encourage and invest in those teachers, the stars of the high schools that can get kids excited. That is where we will develop new companies, will come from the ideas that are created from our high school and university students that study the technology, study the science. That is the place that I think we ought to putting our money. While I know you have great very great intentions for this Bill, I think that it's the wrong direction to invest state money and I would urge a 'no' vote."
"I… I understand that education… we do need money for education…"
"Representative, that… that wasn't a question…" 09500244.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Oh, oh."
Speaker Hannig: "…that was just a statement. So, Representative Miller you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"In terms of the grant amount, has there been any discussion on how much these grants would be?"
"Not yet."
"Is there any discussion that you've had with DCEO in terms of the amount of appropriation that would attract a biotech company or technological company?"
"Not at the moment, because we're not too sure how many companies would actually attempt to apply for it."
"Are there any initiatives that you know of with the state now that… that emulates a program like this trying to attract technology?"
"Not at the moment."
"The reason I ask is because President White testified, the President of University of Illinois and I asked this question about attracting technological companies with the university system. And, you know, as I think Representative Winters had said about the high risk that some of these technology companies bring, it's not necessarily a dollar for dollar and it's a very risky investment in some of the technologies that… that may emerge. So, has there been any consideration on possibly the loss… the loss leader… loss dollar that these grants may not or is it been fully understand that although that 09500244.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 they may be able to bring… to help with their particular research that it may not lead to anything?"
"Well, if they do not… if they don't comply with the requirements they put on their application, they actually have to pay the money back to the state, including interest and that is in the Bill."
"Is this grant program primarily geared towards out-of- state companies, so companies that located in Silicon Valley or any other technolog… or North Carolina?"
"Yes. We're trying to draw new companies into the state so we can create more jobs."
"Has there been any consideration or thought to expand companies from Il… in Illinois to give them the same and similar biotechnological support? Once again, those at University of Illinois, those at Northwestern, those at ITT in Chicago."
"Right. The… I don't think so. I know the universities are interested in like just bringing… making students more apt to wanting to learn about these technologies so they actually already have certain programs that they do."
"Well, I guess my concern is, is that I want to make sure that Illinois companies get… get as much leg up as trying to attract out-of-state. So, is it made sure… I didn't read the grant proposal itself, but it's to make sure that there's no… that Illinois companies that may do biotechnical research gets the same consideration as out- of-state. Will this grant apply to those?"
"If they're small enough, it would be." 09500244.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"All right. Thank you."
"We've had three (3) speak in response and the rules will provide for two (2) additional speakers in support. Representative Mendoza, would you like to speak in favor?"
"Yes."
"You have 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, House Bill 4881 I think is a critically important piece of legislation in terms of positioning Illinois as a leader when it comes to emerging technologies, in the biotech sector in particular. I think that we should look towards becoming leaders in this capacity, not just as a state or even nationally, but definitely we're poised to become international leaders. Leaders on a global level and that type of global perspective. Right now, Illinois is bleeding away these types of opportunities to neighboring states, like Indiana or Wisconsin and I believe that we're in a position right now to introduce sensible legislation that has a recapture element in there. Legislation that for a minor… minor investment in taxpayer dollars could produce a mega payoff in terms of potential sciences that could lead to amazing new developments in the medical field, as well as, the creation of jobs. Those are… those are absolutely critical components of this Bill. This legislation would encourage companies and provide funding for those start-up companies who have a pursuit of some medical breakthrough and at the same time will provide jobs to our much needed job force. 09500244.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 So, I believe that coupled with the preeminent educational institutions that we have of higher learning, that have historically had some massive breakthroughs in the sciences, Illinois is poised to, given that in support from this state and the taxpayers through a minimal investment, to have a maximum return of that investment. So, I rise in strong support of this. I think that we need to do everything and anything we can do at this point to try to position Illinois as the leader and not lose that opportunity to neighboring states like Indian or Wisconsin. Thank you."
"And Representative Berrios, you're recognized to close."
"Thank you. I'd ask for a favorable vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Dunn, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Acevedo you have House Bill 4628. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4628, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Acevedo."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4628 will penalize an adult who gives or sells a concealable firearm to a minor, who then with the 09500244.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 firearm, commits a forcible felony. I'll be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill… Excuse me, Representative Reis, did you wish to stand in response? You have 5 minutes, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Forgive us, Representative, been away from this for a couple weeks. Could you give us a little more detail as to what exactly this Bill does and if you've added any Amendments that maybe aren't reflected in our analysis?"
"I have not had any Amendments, Representative. Basically, I'll give you a perfect example. Nowadays a older gang member would give a weapon to a younger minor, who in turn will commit a forcible felony and that adult is not charged with the same crime as a minor. And basically, this legislation will charge the adult with the same crime the minor does, once he's given or sold a firearm… a concealable firearm."
"Does this apply to everyone?"
"What does that mean? I don't understand."
"Let me back up. Isn't it… isn't it already illegal to have guns in Chicago?"
"Yeah, Representative."
"I mean, don't we have a criminal law statute already on the books that would… that would be pertinent to these type of crime?" 09500244.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Well, right now, Representative, currently, the law provides for a person who sells or gives a concealable firearm to a minor and is found guilty of a Class II felony. Now, if that minor is charged with murder, the adult is still charged with a Class II felony. He's not charged with the same crime. Basically, we're making the adult responsible for the same crime being committed at the… at the… as the minor."
"What's the… what's the position of NRA and the State Rifle Association?"
"Hang on, Representative. I don't have a position on them, because I don't think this has any involvement with taking away someone's weapon."
"All right. Thank you, Representative."
"We'll move to Standard Debate to accommodate the Members. Representative Reboletti, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, are you basically suggesting here that we charge the individual who gave the firearm to the individual who commits whatever forcible felony, be it home invasion, armed robbery, murder. We charge them as accountable to that same offense as if they committed it."
"Yes."
"Representative, I know that I have some colleagues here that are fearful of… of issues of Second Amendment, as I am also concerned, but we're dealing with criminal activity here. We're not talking about… about gun owners 09500244.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 who are out hunting or sport shooting or anything along those lines, we're talking about criminal activity, we're talking about gang members, and we're talking about holding those accountable who give firearms to others and they use those to commit crimes like they do in your communities. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. I have a Bill similar to this and I hope Representative Acevedo will support me. It's about time that this House goes after those who provide firearms to those who use them in criminal activity and these are the type of Bills that will send a message to the streets of the State of Illinois to do that. That if a firearm is used in a commission of a murder, in drug dealing, in home invasion that they are also going to be prosecuted for that same level of felony. Maybe that will send a message to the gang members throughout this state that they're going to go down for the same type of crime that illegal gun is used for and Representative, I thank you for your legislation."
"Representative Rose, you have 5 minutes."
"Thank you. Representative, I think I… we need a little bit of clarification here. I think Representative Reboletti just did a pretty good job of that, but I want to make sure. You're not changing the definition of… of 'unlawful sale of firearms'. What you're changing is the sentence once that crime has been committed. Correct?"
"Yes, Representative, with the criminal activity, yes." 09500244.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Right. So, a law-abiding licensed dealer is not affected by this in any way, shape, or form. This would target those who are not licensed if that weapon is then subsequently used to commit a crime."
"That… that's who I'm targeting, Representative."
"Yeah. Absolutely. I appreciate that very much. I… I first of all, I'm glad to see this Bill here. It does appear to be something that… that makes a great deal of sense because we're going after those who… who would use a firearm in an unlawful way and not those hunters and sportsmen and others who… who enjoy the various privileges and immunities the Second Amendment brings to them. So, I intend to support this Bill and I thank the Sponsor."
"We've had three (3) in support and the rules would provide for two (2) additional Members in opposition. Representative Stephens, would you like to rise in opposition? No. Well, we're looking for opposition. Representative Cultra did you wish to speak in opposition…"
"Yes."
"…or response? Representative Cultra."
"Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"How about if someone's parent gets a gun would that… would this law then apply…"
"Can… can you repeat that, Representative? I didn't hear you."
"If… if the person that commits this crime with a gun, if he gets it from a parent." 09500244.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"If… if the parent gives it or sells the weapon to an individual, it's a different story."
"Well, how do you… what's the burden of proof? How do you prove that the gun was sold or if it was given or if it was stolen? That… that's what I'd like to know."
"Well, let me put it this way, Representative, and I'm glad you brought up that question because it was brought up to me earlier today. If the child steals the weapon from the parent, that's still a loophole… loophole that's in this… that's in the current law and it's a loophole that still exists today that in the near future will be resolved."
"All right. Thank you."
"Are there any others who wish to speak in response or opposition? Representative Fritchey, did you wish to speak in response or opposition?"
"I just have a question, Speaker."
Speaker Hannig: "Well, in response then. Representative Fritchey will be our last speaker."
"Thank you. Don't look so nervous. What's the penalty on the books if any, for providing a minor… providing a concealable firearm to an adult if that firearm is used in a crime?"
"Currently, I believe it's a Class II felony."
"So, it's a Class II for transfer to an adult and all we're saying is that illegal transfer for a weapon that's used in a crime if that weapon's transferred to a minor would logically carry a higher penalty as a deterrent than providing it to another adult. Is that correct?" 09500244.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"He would be charged with the same crime, yes."
"Right, with the same crime, but it would have a stiffer penalty because there is something more egregious about providing a weapon to a minor who's going to use it in a crime."
"Absolutely right."
"And that makes nothing but sense. I just want to make sure people understood that what you're trying to do is not create a whole new Section of law, but rather say the same way that we have aggravated offenses, and maybe that's what this should be considered is an aggravated offense. That there's a stiffer penalty for not only providing a weapon to a minor illegally, but then having that weapon used in the streets, especially when we see what's been happening to the minors in the use across the City of Chicago and around the state lately."
"Yes, Representative."
"Thank you very much."
"We've now had three (3) speak on each side and Representative Acevedo you're recognized to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. By no means this leg that this legislation takes away a person's right to… to bear arms. Basically, this legislation's to hold the individual accountable. Right now, as we speak in the streets, an adult is handing a minor a weapon to commit some…"
"So, why don't we try again and I'll give you 5 minutes to close. Representative Acevedo." 09500244.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, by no means this takes away the rights of an individual to bear arms. What we're trying to do is hold the person accountable. Right now in the City of Chicago, there's been twenty (20) killings of Chicago Public School students. These individuals, these minors are getting weapons from someone. Currently, in Chicago when you want to be initiated in a gang sometimes you have to do a drive-by shooting or possibly commit murder. And right now, we have to hel… hold these adults accountable for turning or selling these weapons over to minors and this is exactly what we're trying to do hold these individuals accountable. So, I ask for a favorable vote."
"And the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brosnahan, you have House Bill 5983. Out of the record. Representative Cole, you have House Bill 5930. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5930, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cole."
"Mr. Speaker, with your permission a demonstration. Thank you. House Bill 5930 adds LED, light emitting diodes, to the energy efficient Bill passed last year by 09500244.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 the House. In that Bill we stated that Energy Star lighting should be used in any government building over a thousand (1,000) square feet when applicable. LED lightings currently are not Energy Star rated and therefore, we need to add it to that energy efficient Bill that we passed. LED lighting diodes are currently designed to do just about everything. They last ten (10) times longer than compact fluorescents without the mercury and they last sixty (60) times longer than a regular light bulb. LED lighting can also be used in vibrating environments. They're used very often in airplanes or someplace where there are ceiling fans, exit signs, or lighting as this one is for stairways. I'll be happy to take any questions."
"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Brady and Patterson, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting 'yes', and 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Colvin, you have House Bill 5038. Out of the record. Representative Crespo, you have House Bill 1432. Out of the record. Representative Currie, you have House Bill 4705. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4705, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill." 09500244.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This measure extends the sunset on the Preschool for All program for an additional two (2) years. In the measure there is nothing that commits us to a particular level of funding. The whole program will continue to be subject to appropriation, but if we want to be able to help children whose families earn just above the limited income that was the original preschool program, the only way to make sure that will happen and that programs will not be stuck, unable to repeat in the coming school year, will be to support this extension. I'd be happy to answer your questions and I'd be grateful for your support."
"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Representative Patterson did you wish to speak on this Bill? Okay. So, then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Granberg and Winters, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Dugan, you have House Bill 5017. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5017, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Dugan." 09500244.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 5017 amends the Health Facilities Planning Act. I think all of us know last year we set up a task force to look into the Health Facilities Planning Board and the Certificate of Need Program. That task force is now active. We did unfortunately start a little bit later than we had wanted to. So, all this Bill does is to extend the Health Facilities Task Force itself to be abolished on December 31 of this year instead of August 31. It also extends the sunset of the repeal of the Act to July 1, 2009, which is now August 31, 2008, and also provides that the report that we need to give to the Governor and General Assembly can happen at any time, but we must submit the final report by November 3, which is now March 1. I'll be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 97 voting 'yes' and 11 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Eddy, you have House Bill 5768. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5768, a Bill for an Act concerning land. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Eddy."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5768 is a Bill that would allow for the Ed Jenison Work Camp to be 09500244.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 deeded to the City of Paris, Illinois, by quit claim deed for a dollar. This is excess property that is currently under the control of CMS and the work camp has been closed since '02. On a couple of occasions, the Governor has line itemed any attempt to reapporpriate the work camp out of the budget. It currently costs the State of Illinois over fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) a year in maintenance and this would actually save the state money if the camp were deeded to the City of Paris. I request an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman moves for the passage of House Bill 5768. And on that question, the Gentleman from Winnebago. And we'll see if your mic's working yet. Representative Winters. No. Yeah, why don't you go back down to the microphone next to Representative Eddy."
"This must be the problem right here, I hear all the electrical… Just one question, Representative. I understand that Representative Mendoza just spent the last week in Paris. Does this got anything to do with the recent trip to Paris that Representative Mendoza partook of? Are you trying to transfer land to the City of Paris?"
"Actually, I was unaware that Representative Mendoza was in Paris. Was it Paris, Illinois?"
"I don't believe so."
"I was unaware. Obviously, had I been aware there would have been a rousing welcome, an appropriate reception for her and probably a dinner, lavish dessert, everything… next time. But no, this actually has nothing to do with her visit, although I would appreciate knowing next time 09500244.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 because we certainly would roll out the red carpet there in Paris."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, the analysis states that there is a building on this property today…"
"Yes."
"…and that the city is planning on removing that building."
"Well, I… I don't have any specifics as to whether they would remove it. It's possible. What I do know that the city is involved in, is discussions with Eastern Illinois University and Indiana State University as to the use of the property to advance local education programs for work… work force and job development. How the buildings would fit into that plan would depend on feasibility studies and the like. It could happen, but if the buildings were useful, obviously it wouldn't do any good to tear something down and rebuild it for that public purpose. So, I can't commit to that. Perhaps that's something that is possible."
"So, when it says educational purpose that includes both four-year universities and community colleges as well as the K-12 schools in the area."
"Right. It's… it really is to develop what was a work camp into something that, you know, I think everyone would agree would be a much better alternative for the use of 09500244.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 space and that is to educate people for job development, work force development and the like. And that is…"
"Okay."
"…the plan at this point for the city."
"My main question about that building though was, if in the destruction of the building if there's any… is there any liability that could come back to the state if there's building materials in there that, since I don't know how old this building is, but there… if it's of a certain age…"
"That's a good question."
"…there could be asbestos or anything."
"There is no asbestos in the building. It was built af… it was built in '92 and it was after some of the asbestos mandates. So there is no asbestos in the building. And to answer your previous question, my understanding is the quit claim deed would remove all liability from the State of Illinois…"
"Okay."
"…with anything that's done with the property after that."
"Okay. That sounds great, thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Eddy to close."
"Thank you very much. I'd just appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Biggins, Flider, 09500244.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Patterson, Turner, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Flider, you have House Bill 5898. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5898, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Flider."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this Bill would be characterized in… in a category of what I would call a good government Bill. It's a Bill that simply would require the state to do just as families and businesses throughout the state need to do and that is pay its bills on time. And unfortunately, what we've seen here lately in the State of Illinois is that there really is no specific mechanism to insure that the administration looks at past due bills and says we have a problem. Rather the problem just continues to escalate and escalate and according to the Comptroller as of last January the state was 1.8 billion dollars ($1,800,000,000) behind on paying its bills. And currently, we have a requirement that the bills in the State of Illinois would need to be paid within sixty (60) days, but why should we be any different than any business or any individual in the state who needs to pay their bills in a timely manner within the ordinary thirty (30) days of time. So, first of all, this legislation would require the state to adhere to good fiscal practices and secondly, before any new programs 09500244.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 could be created or could be proposed or could be actually developed this… the Governor would, during the State of the State… during his budget report have to acknowledge this debt that we have in the State of Illinois and come up with a plan for dealing with that debt and therefore at that time only could new programs be created. This is a good Bill. It passed out of the State Government Administration Committee unanimously. And I would ask for your support."
"And on that question, Representative Eddy."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, is there any opposition to this Bill?"
"The only opposition that we had was actually in committee and it was by the… the state… the administration."
"Okay. So, let me make sure I understand what you're saying. The Governor… the Governor's administration, their office is opposed to the concept of prompt payment?"
"Well, the… actually, the agency that testified was the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and while they did not indicate how they felt about prompt payment, they certainly did indicate that they felt that the interest costs could end up costing the state more and could end up… at least, if we kept on the current course of business costing the state more money. Which I simply would say, well then, let's quit creating new programs until we pay our bills, this would not be a problem. That was my response in committee." 09500244.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Okay. So, I just wanted to make sure I understood though, correctly, that it was a government agency under the direction of the Governor's administration, HFS, that slipped in opposition to the concept that the state would pay its bills in a timely manner. I mean, that's what we're saying here, is that this administration opposes legislation that would require prompt payment to providers."
"That was the case. Yes, Representative, and I'll tell you, I also recall that day in committee… you know, we certainly have a number of fine state employees who work very hard to do their jobs. Through no fault of their own, we are spending money in this state on programs that have been created that have not been created under the authority of the Legislature, yet that money continues to be spent. So, we have a number of all of our employees, we need to be grateful for what they do, but it's certainly the direction of this administration that they oppose this legislation."
"It's interesting and I think like many thing that are happening regarding fiscal concerns in the state, the fact that the Governor's folks would be against this probably makes it a good idea. I mean, if you think about it in terms of common sense and reasonableness, people that the State of Illinois owes money to for services provided, being paid in a prompt manner would become something most people would say, yeah, that makes sense. So, the fact that that makes sense probably automatically has required the Governor to oppose it. Thank you very much." 09500244.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
Speaker Hannig: "We'll put this on Standard Debate. And Representative Miller, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Just a question in regards to… clearly this is to try to get the state to… to have an incentive to pay on time. I just sort of… and I will… I will support this Bill in terms of and I may actually have a conflict of interest, but I will be supporting this Bill… that even increasing the fees, how is that sort of theoretically going to encourage the administration or any administration to pay on a more of a timely basis when it's been known that the longer they delay, I believe, it's a… a few years ago it's like fourteen million (14,000,000) they say per day versus this… this level of interest rate? So, for instance, if my… if one of the companies I owe money is the thirty (30) days late, they'll just say 5 percent or 2.5 percent or whatever it is versus 1 to 1.5. What… what… I mean… you know, if you're going to encourage the state to pay, then encourage them, instead of nibbling around the edges. So, I just wanted to… was there any thoughts on that?"
"Well, I… I thank you for that comment. Actually, the current law allows for a 1 percent monthly penalty after sixty (60) days. So, what we've done is we've moved it up thirty (30) days, still 1 percent and then after sixty (60) days it becomes one and a half percent. So, we have done that. We did feel that that was a move in the right direction." 09500244.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Well, I guess… in terms of between let's say you've ha… you've got… I'm sure you're thinking of more larger bills. We've heard… all heard providers talk about the state has owed millions of dollars. Correct?"
"Correct."
"But for a bill that could be average to… to a basic provider, because the truth of the matter is that three hundred thousand (300,000) or half a million (500,000) is not just owed within services for one month within one comp… with one provider, but it could be at a accumulation of debt that has been owed over time. Wouldn't you say?"
"Yes, it could, actually."
"So, I gue… so, for somebody who's owed let's say thirty thousand dollars ($30,000), okay, thirty thousand dollars ($30,000,) then you're talking what, thirty dollars($30), if my math is right. You know."
"Right, after the first thirty (30) days that would be correct."
"After the first thirty (30) days. And I guess my point is, is that a real incentive versus the day that if fourteen million (14,000,000) is saved… or twenty-one million (21,000,000) net is saved by them… by the state delaying payment a day. My point is, if you're going to… and I agree with you in the right direction on this… but if you're going to have a penalty for not paying, then it might be more severe if you start talking about 2 percent, 2.5 unless it conflicts with Federal Law regarding what… what someone can charge in terms of interest due to a penalty." 09500244.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"We are… we are actually trying to be as reasonable as we possible could in improving on the current situation. But I think you bring up a good point, because if you talk to nursing homes, if you talk to medical providers, if you just talk to everyday vendors who do… deal business with the state… do business with the State of Illinois, you'll find that they're having to float loans, borrow money at much higher interest rates than one and a half percent or 1 percent. So, you're absolutely correct and that is really unconscionable. We're dealing with an unconscionable situation. So, I think your point is a good one and I think that's certainly something that we need to take a look at at some point down the road and we can always improve on that. But I think the one thing that also we… we need to recognize about this Bill that, really, I think will help us is that there will have to be an acknowledgement by the administration that we are behind in our bills. We can't pretend that… that is not there. We can't be creating new programs, the Governor can't be creating new programs unless this… there's a plan for dealing with this debt and how we're going to get out of it."
"Right. And I guess. And the administration aside, believe me, you can… there's ample room to criticizes this administration, but… but this form of budget balancing has happened throughout… throughout administrations and probably will go on past this administration. I guess my… the ultimate incentive is for the state to pay on time, which they should, but however, the… if the penalty phase 09500244.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 is not strong enough then the state will continue to not pay on time. Thank you, thank you."
"Representative Winters is recognized at his new temporary seat. Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, it looks from our analysis that the Comptroller has said that over the last three (3) years the amount of expenditure and I'm assuming this is for the interest from the existing Prompt Payment Act has gone in FY06 1.1 million (1,100,000), FY07 2.9 (2,900,000), and in the current FY08 over twenty million dollars ($20,000,000). Does your analysis reflect approximate numbers like that?"
"Yes, it does."
"And that… that would be a reflection of how much interest the state is currently paying under a sixty (60) day time lag and it's gone from basically a million (1,000,000) to over twenty million (20,000,000)."
"I would… I would suggest that not only is it a reflection of what's happening today, we should, by the way, all be outraged that we are spending twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in interest, but I think it's just the tip of the iceberg because if you talk to many businesses they say well, I know there are such rules and procedures in place that even though the state says I can get this interest I have to go through all these hurdles and loopholes and then some people are actually concerned that… some businesses are concerned that there's going to be some kind of retribution if they ask for interest for 09500244.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 this… these out due balances. So, I would suggest to you that the twenty million dollar ($20,000,000) number, it's a far cry from where we were a couple of years ago, is only the tip of the iceberg."
"Well, not only that, but just for a personal example, the Winnebago County Board Chairman came to me the other day and said that the Department of Corrections that pays for services provided by Winnebago County for the Department of Corrections' clients, if you will, that are being released, they have not been paid since July of last year. The bills that where incurred in July have still not been paid. Does this deal only with the General Revenue Fund or is it all funds of the state?"
"This would be… the way we worked to draft this Bill is it would include every debt that the state has."
"So, not just debt, I think that any unpaid bills, I mean…"
"Any unpaid bills, you're correct."
"…we have legitimate debts."
"Yes, unpaid bills."
"But this is bills that are paid to either providers like hospitals and doctors and nursing homes, but also local agencies that are providing services that may be physiatrists or it may be childcare agencies any… any bill that is submitted to the state is properly vetted by the Comptroller's office and presented to the Treasurer, all of these then would be eligible after thirty (30) days for this… for this interest charge to start occurring." 09500244.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"That was our intent with this and I believe that's exactly what it does."
"Okay. I think it's very critical to the state that people realize how bad this state is. The fact that we are falling continually further and further behind in our payments is exemplified by the fact that we're paying twenty (20) times as much interest as we were only two (2) years before this. This highlights the Bill… this Bill highlights that fact and I think that the more that the public is aware that we are a deadbeat state. We're asking people to provide us services but we do not raise enough revenue to pay them for those services. We're borrowing from the future from our children and our grandchildren's paychecks. I think it's unconscionable the way that this administration has done this and I support this Bill as a further way to highlight and to make public the fact that this state is not paying its bills on time. We've expanded programs when we didn't have money to pay for the existing ones. We have got to rein in our spending and this symbol of paying interest to those that we are behind in paying legitimate bills that they have incurred and presented to the state is a very positive step. And I encourage a 'yes' vote for this Bill. Thank you."
"So we've had three (3) speak in favor and one (1) in response. The rules provide two (2) additional in response. Representative Nekritz, did you wish to speak in response?"
"I actually just have a question, Speaker."
"Yeah. That would be in response then." 09500244.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Okay."
"So, Representative, the Gentleman will yield."
"Representative, if… if the Comptroller and the state, putting aside the current situation which I agree is completely egregious and… and we need to get under control, but this isn't just going to take effect now, it's going to be taking effect for perpetuity, I assume. Is that correct?"
"That would be correct, yes."
"And… and if the state is… finds itself in an unexpected position where it's trying to juggle its bills and… and manage its cash flow, does this provide any flexibility for that?"
"What this legislation will do is… will, if it passes the House with… with the hope that it passes the Senate, my hope is that the Governor will look at this and say this is the right thing to do, the Legislature has asked me and is trying to pass a law that requires us to be responsible with our state's finances and pay our bills on time before we create a new program. So, my hope and my guess is that this legislation will give the administration, if it passes the Senate, give the administration an opportunity to actually come up with a way to make sure that this legislation can be… can be implemented and I think that during the budget process…"
"Representative, I guess what I'm saying is that… that it isn't just about the next… this budget year and the next budget year and the budget year after that. This is… this is forever and while the state ought to be paying it's 09500244.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 bills on time, even the most well run businesses occasionally run into cash flo… cash flow issues and I feel like, you know, this has the possibility of tying our hands for creating some flexibility that we might need for… for managing that cash flow. You know, putting aside again what's going on right now, which we all… which I agree is egregious, that's… I just wanted to see if you felt that there was any flexibility here for being able to manage that situation if we were in a true crisis."
"Yeah. And, Representative, I do fell that it's going to take some time for us to work our way out of this. I think that there's flexibility. We actually have entertained on several occasions that I'm aware of floating a short-term loan to pay our bills as a state. There's nothing to say that we couldn't do a series of those kinds of things, but again when you play the game of hear no evil see no evil, then we're not going to ever deal with this problem. So this is an effort to deal with that problem. I think that once a law like this would be on the books, the people in this chamber and the administration can come up with a good constructive way to work our way out of this debt, but we have to have some principles. These principles should be no different then every family or any other business would operate under. And so I would submit that while just like any business that would need to work its way out of debt, we have the wherewithal to do that. We have the tools to do that and I would hope that we could…" 09500244.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"And Representative, I would agree that like any business we have to do that, but… but businesses are not… are not in this area in trying to manage their cash flow, you know, the government doesn't come in and say you have to do X, Y, Z by the… by this time and I just feel like that, you know, in true crises where we might need to manage our cash flow a little bit differently that this doesn't provide us the necessary flexibility. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The rules provide for one (1) speaker in opposition. Representative McCarthy in opposition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, the… what is the effective date of this legislation?"
"Upon… upon it becoming law."
"So, this would affect the FY2009 budget."
"That's correct."
"Okay."
"Assuming it would become law prior to that."
"Do you know that under the balanced budget fiscal note that… I don't know if you requested this but someone did and it's included in our analysis. This says that this would require an additional five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) in new revenue for the predicted budget that the Governor has introduced."
"Well, I think that… that certainly would be one way that they would look at that, but again, I think we have the flexibility to pay these bills and work our way out of this debt. It didn't…"
"But I mean, let's be realistic."
"…we didn't get in this situation over night." 09500244.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"If we want to do this and it is a great idea that means we have to have the intestinal fortitude to say we will cut five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) of spending out of that budget so we don't have to go into next year's spending in order to balance it according to this proposed law."
"I think unfortunately we tend to think here in this chamber in black and white terms. I think there are other opportunities, such as borrowing money, such as taking the burden off the businesses that have not been paid for five (5), eight (8), ten (10) months."
"I understand all of that. I'm just telling you that we passed a budget at the end of last year. I would bet the majority of the people voting for it knew that that budget was going to be out of balance, knew that our revenues where over inflated in order to cover the budget, but now you're saying we're going to pass a law that says we'll pay within thirty (30) days. It takes away a budget balancing gimmick that's been used here, not just under this Governor. It was used under the last Governor and probably the last ten (10) Governors and I'm just telling you that in order to pass this Bill if you really want to pass it and you really want it to become enacted, that means we have to cut a lot of spending out of next year's budget, because no longer are we going to be able to take the bills from this June and this May and not pay them until July and August and September of the following budget in order to say we're balanced. If you really…"
"Well, I don't think that we can…" 09500244.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Do you really believe that we're going to have the fortitude to say we'll cut this spending by close to a half a billion dollars ($500,000,000) in order to make sure that things balance so we can pay in thirty (30) days."
"Again, I… I would say to you that I think that that is one option that… an extreme option that's been presented, but the bottom line is the State of Illinois must pay its bills. We need to start…"
"I agree."
"…right now."
"I agree. But I don't think we can pay our bills. We can blame every other office in this building, but we passed the budget saying that there was this much revenue coming in and I think a lot of us knew. I voted 'no' because I knew the revenue was not going to match it. Now they're saying there's seven hundred fifty million dollars ($750,000,000) if we include the bills we're going to push into the next thing, it's well over two billion dollars ($2,000,000,000) out of budget on '08. So…"
"So, Representative, I… I…"
"Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I would just say…"
"To the Bill."
"…it's a wonderful idea. We should all pay our bills on time. But I don't think we have the fortitude to say we're going to cut the spending in this year's budget by five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) minimum in order to be able to pay our bills on thirty (30) days. I think if we went out to our agencies and said we'll do something to make it sixty (60) days, they'd be so happy 09500244.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 with that kind of guarantee that we wouldn't have to go this far. Maybe if he took this and said let's make it effective two (2) budget years from now so that not after the fact… after the Governor's come here and proposed his spending side of the budget as well as his revenue side, which people are already saying is way out of balance, but until we're ready to actually cut this budget and tell people who are asking us for more and more revenue that they're not going to get it, I don't think we should pass something like this and pretend that we're going to pay them in thirty (30) days."
"So, we've had three (3) speak on each side. And Representative Flider, you're recognized to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I do think this is a great debate. I was particularly heartened by the comment by one of the Representatives who believed that the interest payment that we would be paying to those who we owe is not high enough. And we have a problem in this state and year after year we say, you know, we have this problem, we look at the budget for the next year and we say there's a certain amount built in for bills we can't pay, but I can tell you and everyone of you knows what a disservice it is to the people and the businesses of your district when the state can't pay it's bills. When the… when the interest payment for the State of Illinois grows from a little over a million dollars ($1,000,000) to close to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), and we're not even done with this fiscal year, in a matter of less than two (2) years, we have a 09500244.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 problem. And the problem is that we are not being fiscally responsible. Certainly, we're going to have to, if this legislation is enacted prior to the next budget year or in conjunction with the next budget year, certainly we're going to have to… our feet are going to be held to the fire, but there are a number of ways to resolve our issues, resolve our problems, but a fundamental number one priority that we have as a General Assembly, we can't continue to keep our heads in the sand. We're not paying our bills. We need to pay our bills. We need to pay our bills in a timely manner. There are businesses that cannot pay their bills because we're not paying them. They're forced to lay off people. They are being forced to not be able to provide services they used to be able to provide. This is causing economic development problems in our communities. This needs to stop. This could be the biggest, best, single economic development program in the State of Illinois, just by the State of Illinois paying its bills on time. I ask for your support and I hope for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Nekritz, Riley, Tryon, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 101 voting 'yes' and 3 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Coulson, you have House Bill 4717. Mr. Clerk, read the 09500244.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Bill. Excuse me, Mr. Clerk. Representative Gordon, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Spe… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I could have you attention. We have the privilege of being blessed today, if they could please stand, the seventh and eighth graders of Immaculate Conception School also from my home parish of Immaculate Conception in Morris, Illinois, are here today to make sure that we do our job. The teachers Mrs. Vlk, Mrs. Capko, Mrs. Petric, Mrs. Yusko, and Mrs. Phillips are here as well the principal of Immaculate Conception School, Mr. DesLauriers. So, if we could please give them a big Springfield welcome, I would appreciate it."
"Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Bill, please."
"House Bill 5717, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Coulson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5717 is a trailer Bill to the HPV vaccine Bill that we did last year and basically what this does is exempts current fifth grade students from needing an additional health examination upon entrance into the sixth grade in the 2008-2009 school year. We're basically realigning the school health exams so that students only need to have one school health exam in order to enter school and I can answer any questions." 09500244.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative McGuire, Flowers, and Crespo, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Froehlich, you have House Bill 5111. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5111, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Froehlich."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5111 makes two (2) changes in the Election Code. One, it reduces the signature requirement to put an advisory referendum on the ballot from 11 percent to 8 percent of the total ballots cast in the last regular election. It also provides that every county will have the same signature requirement to run for county office. Currently, only one county has a requirement that's 300 percent higher than all the other hundred and one (101) counties in the state. So this would just make it provide for equal ballot access in the whole State of Illinois. Be happy to answer any questions."
"Okay. We're going to put this on Standard Debate to try to accommodate some of our Members. And Representative Eddy, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 09500244.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Representative, can you tell me where this legislation originated? What's the genesis of this?"
"Well, a couple of places. Actually, Lieutenant Governor Quinn's office helped put this one together. But I represent a part of DuPage County and I heard from some folks in DuPage County that weren't happy when this 300 percent higher requirement to get on the ballot was adopted and they thought that was not justified and asked me if I could do something about it."
"So, what problem specifically then does this legislation propose to eliminate? What… what are you trying to do here that they're so concerned about, specifically?"
"Well, specifically, when you triple the signature requirement to get on the ballot, you make ballot access more difficult. I am trying to make sure ballot access is not more difficult in DuPage County than it is in any other county in the state."
"Okay. Representative, what… what is your stake or interest in this related to DuPage County, specifically?"
"Well, I represent fifteen (15) precincts in DuPage County."
"Okay. What… what portion of those… what's the population of that… those fifteen (15) precincts?"
"It… it would be in the neighborhood of perhaps twenty, twenty-five thousand (20,000-25,000) people."
"In… in those fifteen (15) precincts. What… what's the population of DuPage County?"
"It's about a million (1,000,000)." 09500244.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Okay. Have you… have you discussed… obviously twenty- five thousand (25,000) as compared to the total of a million (1,000,000) means there are other people who represent DuPage County. Have… have you discussed this legislation with those other individuals who represent the rest of the… what would it be, nine hundred and approximately seventy-five thousand (975,000) residents?"
"I did… I did have a brief talk with Senator Harmon who represents a piece of DuPage County, yes."
"Okay. So, I guess more specifically, have you attempted to find out from other Representatives what their feeling or the constituents the rest of the million (1,000,000) population in that county feel regarding this and I… I'm just trying to narrow it down here. Obviously, whether or not you've discussed with those Members on our side of the aisle what their feelings are and their constituents feel about your legislation."
"Well, we… we had a good hearing in committee and a good discussion and… and actually it was not a straight partisan vote getting this Bill out of committee."
"Was there opposition in committee?"
"It was a 6 to 2 vote in committee."
"And… and hopefully, those individuals who had opposition will specifically state what that opposition was. I think it's important that Members pay particular attention to this piece of legislation and remember that there are, as the Representative has stated, a tremendous number of constituents in voting population and individuals who are affected by this legislation that this Representative does 09500244.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 not directly represent. Now, granted he does represent twenty-five thousand (25,000), and on behalf of those fifteen (15) precincts he's bringing to this Body something that he feels is important. However, I think it's important that we also hear from those individuals who represent the other nine hundred and seventy-five thousand (975,000) approximate residents of DuPage County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Lang, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I rise in support of the Gentleman's Bill. When we passed this, we made a mistake. It's clear that… it's clear that when you have a hundred and two (102) counties in… it's clear that when you have a hundred and two (102) counties in the State of Illinois and a hundred and one (101) counties have one requirement that gets something on the ballot and one county has triple the amount that gets something on the ballot, something's wrong. And so I believe that when this Bill was passed many of us where not completely paying attention. There where other things in the Bill. This is an omnibus election Bill. There were many things in this Bill that were good. Many things that we wanted to make happen. Many things that were important to do. And this was a section of the Bill that I don't think everyone was really reading very carefully. I voted for this Bill. Most of us on this floor voted for a major Bill with this being part of the Bill. So I think it's appropriate that we look back and take a look at what we did and why we did 09500244.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 it and I don't think there's a legitimate reason, Ladies and Gentlemen, for requiring DuPage County to have a higher threshold for signatures to get propositions on the ballot or to get candidates on the ballot. Indeed, one could constitutionally argue that that violates the one man one vote principle in the United States Constitution or as defined by the United States Supreme Court. It dilutes or makes more difficult to get on the ballot a proposition or a candidate in DuPage County than in any other can… any other county in the State of Illinois. And that inherently seems to me to be unconstitutional and even if we're not unconstitutional, it's clearly wrong on a public policy basis. We don't have separate election rules county by county by county, so there's no reason… there's no good public policy reason that anyone can defend that would lead us to believe that DuPage County should have a double or triple requirement to be on the ballot than any other county in the State of Illinois. And for those reasons this is a Bill that we should pass to bring DuPage County back to the same place that the other hundred and one (101) counties in the State of Illinois are on this issue. This is a good public policy Bill. I would recommend 'aye' votes."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I had a chance to watch you on local access cable. You were on the Barrett Pedersen Show, and you where talking about the signature Bill and you told 09500244.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Mr. Pederson while he was interviewing you, that they snuck this provision in. And I was wondering who 'they' were and how it was snuck in and what made you change your mind from your 'yes' vote to now bringing this Bill up and being against it?"
"The… well, obviously, the people who wanted this from DuPage County got it in the Bill. That Bill, as you may recall, last year, was an omnibus election Bill. It had dozens and dozens of provisions in it and I thought almost all of those provisions were good… were good public policy. So, sometimes we vote for a Bill even though there may be one small part we're not to enamored of because we think most of it is good and then hopefully, you can come back later and deal with the part you don't like."
"So basically now, if there's a compromise Bill where your side of the aisle gets some things you like and we don't and vice versa, what you can do now is just bring a Bill next year and take our portion out. Is that what you're suggesting here for a compromise Bill, then?"
"Well, I don't… I wasn't involved in any compromise last year on this Bill. I wasn't negotiating with anybody on this last year."
"Well, you voted for the Bill, right?"
"I did."
"Now, you said you talked to Don Harmon, who is a Legislator, and he has a portion of DuPage County, right?"
"Right."
"Did you talk to any other Representatives or Senators from DuPage County about this Bill?" 09500244.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"No."
"Did you talk to your county board members or forest preserve commissioner that represent that portion?"
"No."
"I… I was wondering why you wouldn't talk to them and see what their positions were. Is there a reason for that? I know you've reached out to Senator Harmon who's not even… not even near your district. I wonder why you would reach out to him and not those people that you share a district with."
"Well, I didn't see a good need to do it. The… and none of them have contacted me, by the way, nor have I gotten any… I'm not aware… nobody's filed in opposition to the Bill to the best of my knowl… there's no organized opposition to this Bill. I… there's no reason to think that people want to defend, you know, a requirement 300 percent higher for one county than any other county, including Cook County, has in this state."
"Are you aware of how many people, though, the forest preserve commissioner and those county board members represent in that area?"
"Yes."
"For that entire district size. Are you aware of that?"
"Yes, I am and those districts are less than half the size of the county board districts in Cook County, but Cook County doesn't have that requirement… 300 percent higher." 09500244.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Representative, I didn't ask you that question. I asked you if you knew how large those districts were."
"I think there about a hundred… I just divided six (6) districts by a million (1,000,000) people, comes out to a hundred and sixty-six thousand (166,000), roughly."
"So, do you know what the requirement is right now for those districts? Are you aware?"
"Well, the old requirement was a half a percent of the… of the voters. The new one is one and a half percent, triple."
"So, from… to be on the ballot in your Party, were you aware it's about forty-five (45) signatures to represent a hundred and seventy-five thousand (175,000) people… your current Party… your current Party. It's about forty-five (45) signatures to get on the ballot."
"Well…"
"And so you would think that a hundred thirty (130) signatures, a hundred forty (140) signatures, that would be so egregious if you want to represent a hundred and seventy-five thousand (175,000) people. That's so far over the top? We… we have to get five hundred (500) signatures and we only represent about a hundred and ten thousand (110,000) people. So you think that's egregious then?"
"Well, I… I can say your concern was… would be resolved by the Primary result February 5. Those would be the numbers that would be used in the future…"
"What… what Primary result was that, Representative." 09500244.doc 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"February 5, when you had a… a bigger Democratic number than Republican number."
"You know who's filed in those districts to run for those offices? Are you aware of the candidates on both sides of the aisle?"
"No, I'm not."
"You're not aware of any of them?"
"I didn't say that."
"You weren't aware of 'Turn DuPage Blue' when you spoc… when you spoke to them. I saw you on YouTube talking to them about this Bill. You don’t know who's running out there in your own district?"
"I've met some candidates."
"Who's the candidate for forest preserve on your side of the aisle?"
"Representative, your 5 minutes have expired. Would you bring your remarks to a close. Could you bring your remarks to a close and then…"
"Mr. Speaker, hopefully, one of my colleagues will issue me some more time… yield me some more time, but Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is an agreed upon Bill and this… this Amendment wasn't snuck in past anybody. Everybody here was familiar what was in the Bill. We all have a chance to read the Bill. We have a chance to talk to our staffs about the Bill and all we're asking is that people in DuPage County if they want to represent a hundred and seventy-five thousand (175,000) people that they go out and get some more signatures. I think it's important that they reach out to the rest of the community and do that. 09500244.doc 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 But there are also other issues with this as far as people who are appointed to positions to run that have to get absolutely zero signatures, which is the case right now. So, Mr. Speaker, thank you."
"Representative Fritchey, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Actually though. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this isn't about who represents what area. This isn't about raw vote totals. This isn't about whether something was snuck in or not. The Gentleman is taking issue with something that we had passed last year and saying we should not have done it. We saw that once already when we dealt with the moment of silence Bill about a month ago when about thirty (30) of you changed your previous position, realizing that there may be a better solution. What the Gentleman is talking about isn't a partisan issue, it's not a regional issue, it's a parity issue and it's the concept that we should have the same requirements across a hundred and two (102) counties in this state. It's not about whether you need forty (40) signatures to get on the ballot somewhere or four hundred and forty (440) signatures. It's about having equal rules for equal access to the ballot in the counties of Illinois for reasons unbeknownst to many of us and I'll tell you, I try to read the majority of Bills that come before us, if not all of them. I didn't notice what we had done, but nevertheless, we had done it and he's taken the time to try 09500244.doc 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 to correct it. If you like the fact that they tripled their requirement, vote 'no' to this Bill. If you believe that the requirement to ge… for an individual, Republican or Democrat, to get on the ballot in DuPage County should be the same as in Iroquois County or Jo Daviess County or Sangamon County, vote for the Bill and acknowledge that what we did was not the right way to do it, does not reflect our democratic process and does not reflect common sense in this state. It's that simple. Thank you."
"We've now had three (3) speak in favor and two (2) in opposition. The next Gentleman wishing to speak is Representative Biggins. Do you wish to speak in opposition or response? Representative Biggins."
"Oppos… opposition please, Mr. Speaker."
"So, proceed."
"Thank you."
"And then that will be our last speaker and then we'll close."
"You know, will the Sponsor yield for questions?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Well, Representative Froehlich, when you voted for this Bill and when it was originally presented as my Bill, a couple years ago, did… was there any meeting that took place where I informed you or you asked me if we're going to fixing the Minority Party in DuPage County with more work to get on the ballot then the Majority Party or anything like that?"
"I… I don't remember any conversation in any…" 09500244.doc 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"There was no… there was no conversation like we're going to get the Democrats with this Bill?"
"Can't recall anything."
"Is it… is it not beneficial for a candidate to walk and get signatures on petitions as a way of announcing your campaign and isn't it a positive thing to do to ask people to put their signatures on you petitions?"
"Sure it is."
"Well, wha… so why would you want to roll back a county now that has a population of a million (1,000,000) people, approaching?"
"Well, we…"
"And the last time the population was hundreds of thousands less when this thing was… before we're changing it to put the proposed change in. Why would you want to roll it back in time?"
"There's no limit here in how many signatures somebody can… can submit. We're just saying the minimum requirement should not be 300 percent higher in one county than it is in the other hundred and one (101) counties in this state."
"Yeah. And to the event that… did you happen to get letters of witness slips from the members of the DuPage Democrat Party that they were in support of this Bill?"
"Are you talking in committee?"
"Yeah."
"There…"
"No. Did you speak with the chairman of the Democrat Party about the Bill? Do you think it's right to live in 09500244.doc 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 the adjacent county and change their electoral process without the inclusion of the Party you say you're representing?"
"No. I've had discussion with some officials in DuPage County, yes."
"To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. This is an intrusion on the politics, the governments of neighboring counties in which the Sponsor of the Bill lives. He admits for the silence that he did not consult with the members of the Democratic Party in the county, which he doesn't live in. At the time he voted for the Bill he also said that we didn't tell anybody this was a plan to hurt the Minority Party, the Democratic Party, which he's now a Member of. We never said anything like that. This was never that. It was just an acknowledgement the county's growing, let's put some more signatures on some petitions and the public… went along with others and had the votes to pass it and it was signed into law and now he's trying to rescind something as an outsider intruding on the political activities of a diff… of a different county. Not… the Parties aren't even involved in this, it's just DuPage County. So, I urge everyone to vote 'no' on this Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "So, Representative Froehlich, you're recognized to close."
"Thank you. I urge a vote for ballot access that's equal in every county and for open democracy. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 09500244.doc 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 all voted who wish? Representative Dunkin, Feigenholtz, Wait, and Representative Younge, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Do you wish Postponed Consideration, Representative? Okay. So, the Gentleman wishes for Postponed Consideration. We didn't announce the roll, Representative. We took the record and I asked him if he wish to put it on Postponed, which is something that we extend to all Members. So, Representative Graham, you're recognized on House Bill 731. Representative Graham. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 731…"
"No. Mr. Clerk, let's take it out of the record. Representative Hamos, you have House Bill 5699. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5699, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hamos."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Bill that was brought to us by a constituent who is a teacher… was a teacher working full-time until she went on disability for some mental health issues. She returned back to work. She was able to do that part-time on disability and went to work part-time at the Oakton Community College only to find out that that was not permitted under our law. Under our disabilities system in the TRS system, she can only work for one of the employers covered by that system and Oakton Community College and other private schools would be out of… would be not eligible. So this really allows people on 09500244.doc 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 disability, especially those who are experiencing mental health issues, to be financially independent and to be able to take care of themselves and to go back to work to the extent possible, mostly in part-time positions. In fact, it's limited by how much she can earn while she's still on disability, but that's really all this Bill does. The TRS fund does not have any problems with this. This will not impact the Pension Code at all. I seek an 'aye' vote."
"Does anyone stand in response? Representative Eddy."
"Thank you very much. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Quick question. The person that is going to work under SERS that was a TRS employee will… will they accumulate any time toward a benefit, a second pension system benefit, or is this like the other systems where they come back part- time, they don't get a second annuity, they just simply are allowed to earn revenue or earn an income?"
"I believe it's… it's the latter. That she would be allowed to earn revenue up to a limit while she was working part-time for that system."
"Okay. And is this case is the limit based on disability or is it the amount she can earn on disability or is it an amount of hours or days? In other cases where… where someone comes back, it's limited; for example, IMRF to six hundred (600) hours or for retired teachers a certain number of days. Do you know if that's the limitation or if it has to do with the…" 09500244.doc 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Well, I don't know, Representative, and you… you are probably more well-versed in our Pension Code, but the law says, and it's the current law and this doesn't change under this Bill, provided that the teacher's earnings for that limited or part-time employment when added to the amount of the benefit do not exceed 100 percent of the salary rate upon which the benefit is based. I believe that's the limitation in the current law and again, we're not changing that and I don't know exactly how that's… that's figured."
"Well, I appreciate the answer and… and I would only request that as this moves… and what you're doing makes perfect sense, that as it moves that we make sure that the same type of protections to the pension system regarding a second pension that there are currently, also apply to this so that there isn't an accumulation of a second pension and a second set of benefits. And I appreciate you looking into that as this moves into the Senate. Thank you."
"Representative Hamos to close."
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Again, this is a fairness issue and it's an issue that I think backs up our goal of helping people with disabilities remain financially independent and to be able to live a high quality life as possible. I seek an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Schock, Saviano, Krause, do you wish to be 09500244.doc 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 75 voting 'yes' and 33 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Harris, you have House Bill 4456. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4456, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this Bill recreates the state's Commission on Children and Youth after a lapse of nearly twenty-three (23) years to take a comprehensive look at the services the state provides our young people, our children, and our families, to be sure that the activities of different state agencies and departments are coordinated and that they're working hand- in-hand with the private sector to be sure that the state's investment in children and youth is being maximized. It consists of a maximum of thirty (30) members, including Members of the General Assembly. And I would be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Tracy, Feigenholtz, and Colvin, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having 09500244.doc 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Bost, are you seeking recognition?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, if you would… House Bill 5699, when it came up, I inadvertently hit my 'no' switch. I should… I would like to be recorded as a 'yes'."
Speaker Hannig: "The record will reflect your intentions. Representative Hoffman has House Bill 5494. Out of the record. Representative Holbrook on House Bill 5212. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5212, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you. House Bill 5212 requires the ICC to post on its Web site and make available in print, at no charge to customers, complaints against gas utilities and alternative subl… suppliers. They do a lot of this already. This codifies it, plus it goes another step to have them catalog it by company and criteria. I know of no opposition to the Bill. CUB, those sort of folks, are all in favor of the Bill. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote and take any questions."
"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. 09500244.doc 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Representative Jefferies, you have House Bill 4513. Out of the record. Representative Lang, you have House Bill 4232. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4232, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. The State Board of Education Web site under its mission states, the Illinois State Board of Education will provide leadership, advocacy, and support for the work of school districts, policymakers, and citizens in making Illinois education second to none. Ladies and Gentlemen, I've been in the Illinois House almost twenty-one (21) years and the Illinois State Board of Education has never done any of these things during my period of time here, particularly advocacy. When our Governor had said recently that… in response to questions about whether we'll have a tax increase for education, when he said we wouldn't, the State Board of Education said, well, okay, we won't. Now, whether you're for a tax increase or against a tax increase is not the point. The point is that the State Board of Education exists to advocate for school children. It isn't doing that. There are wonderful people on the board. The superintendent's a fine man. This isn't about any of these folks. It's about what we demand and expect out of a State Board of Education. Additionally, I think we're all quite aware that the long arm of the Governor's Office has meddled in the work of the State Board of Education for a very long time and it's time we put a stop to that. It's 09500244.doc 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 time the state board acted as independently as we can allow them to act under our Constitution. And so this legislation would do that. Here's what the legislation does in a nutshell. It would end the terms of the current Board of Education, would strip the Governor of his power to appoint these board members at-large throughout the population as well as propose the name of a new state superintendent. This Bill would first create a new and permanent seven-member nomination panel chosen from among education experts to identify and evaluate and submit a list of qualified people that might serve on the board. This board… this nomination panel would nominate twenty- four (24) members, three (3) for each possible board position and the Governor would then choose from those, so we would still have a gubernatorial appointment. We would still have advise and consent of the Senate, but we would have a pool of people to choose from that have been prevetted, who are people who known for their education advocacy and known for their independence. Additionally, it would require the board members to be school board members, superintendents, teachers, people with business experience; in other words, people that will hit that board with independence with an ability to run with the ball as soon as they get it. The board members would have staggered terms so they would not end coterminous with the end of a Governor's term. The state superintendent of education would be appointed by this panel… by the new board without any regard to who the Governor thinks the state superintendent ought to be. Additionally and 09500244.doc 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 importantly, it would require that the state board, when it does its budgeting each year, not only give us along with the Governor's Office what their proposed budget is, but give us what we would call an ideal budget. They may say, well, we think we only have X dollars for education, but this is the amount we need to educate children in Illinois. This is the amount the Federal Government is behind paying us on No Child Left Behind. This is the amount we need to fund special education. These are the gaps between what we can afford to propose and what we would like to propose and Ladies and Gentlemen, in my twenty-one (21) years here we have never had that opportunity as a General Assembly to actually see those dollars, to actually see those amounts. This Bill would also ban ex parte communications between the Governor's Office and the board. And it would set up an advisory board with two (2) members of each caucus to work with the State Board of Education. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Bill that passed committee unanimously. This is a Bill that I think is important for the future of education in Illinois. This is a Bill that will afford us the real start to independence from the political system of people that deal with our children's education. I would heartily recommend 'aye' votes on this legislation."
Speaker Hannig: "We're going to have this Bill moved to Standard Debate to accommodate our Members. And Representative Eddy, you're first and you have 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, would you yield for a question or two?" 09500244.doc 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Indicates he'll yield."
"For you, anytime, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Lang, as I read this I am… I'm first struck at your attempt here to provide a pretty significant change in public policy with, it appears to be the objective, as you stated, of at least through a filter making the State Board of Education more aligned with its mission, that mission to be an independent advocacy for the children of the state. Would you say that's the overriding intent here?"
"Well, of course, we all share the view regardless of which Party we're in, Representative, that we're looking for a quality public education in the State of Illinois. Most of us believe that while some parts of our public school education system are pretty good, there's a lot of parts that are wanting. We also agree, I think, that the state board has not been the kind of advocate that we need. as an institution, certainly there are members on the state board who have been, and additionally I think we would all agree that over many years Governors of the State of Illinois, not just this one, but particularly this one, have reached into that board with their long arm and meddled in their affairs. We need a state board that's inde… an independent advocate for children."
"And… and I think if… if the Body would really look at this as a positive change to public policy they would see that there are several elements here that allow for whomever the Governor is to have a significant amount of input and influence, but what the difference is here is 09500244.doc 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 there isn't that total control. There isn't that long arm, there isn't that puppet string, if you will, that is somehow attached under the current system. Under the current system, the Governor names without any filtering system at all, anyone he would like to serve on the State Board of Education and whether… whether the reality is there or not the perception is certainly there that the State Board of Education has their hands tied, that their budget… that many of the decisions they make, that the rules that they write that are promulgated have an undue influence by the administrative branch. And I think it's important that we change that perception and this public policy changes that perception. It allows for a filter, a very important filter. The members of the State Board of Education who direct education policy in this state would come from a nominating panel and that nominating panel would, through the way this Bill is written, be required to look at people who have education background expertise and appoint people to the State Board of Education that… that would have that freedom, that independence and could then advocate on behalf of kids. So, I think that this is a good change. This, as you said, is not a personal vendetta or indication that any one person is not doing a good job, there's some good people on the State Board of Education, that's not what's at question here. There's some good people who work at the agency, outstanding educators, but they work under a public policy that is certainly designed to… to have an over bearance of… of influence by the Executive Branch. We made that change a few years ago. I 09500244.doc 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 think we all had high hopes that at that time that… that additional influence would end up being a good thing. But I think over time we've… we've come to the conclusion that it really has not been a good thing and members of the State Board of Education, and I know many of them, will… will discuss sometimes their frustration with their… their perception that even when they feel they're being independent and advocating independently, that no one believes that. That they're frustrated that their work is looked at as nothing but something that's done under the tutelage or direct control of the Governor's Office or the Management and Budget office, and that's not fair to the people who serve on the State Board of Education. They should not… they should not feel as if… Excuse me. They should not feel as if the opinion of them is based on Governor's control. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a good piece of legislation and I urge an 'aye' vote with what voice I have left. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "I think you need a glass of water, Representative. So, we've had two (2) speak in favor and the rules would provide for three (3). And Representative Pritchard, you're recognized next. Would you like to speak in favor? There's room for one more to speak in favor. Representative Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Lang, is there any assurance in this language that it's going to change the practices that you outlined as needing reform?" 09500244.doc 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Well, of course, there are no guarantees, Representative, but if this Bill were to become law, we would know certainly that the people on the state board would be more independent of politics. We know certainly that they'd be able to advocate without fear of someone from the Governor's Office knocking on their door. We know for sure that there'd be an advisory panel created of two (2) Legislators from each caucus who would be working with the state board, listening to their concerns. And we know for sure that the new state superintendent would have to be able to work independently from the Governor and be able to advocate. Additionally, we would get budget information we're not getting today. This Bill would give us not only what the state board is proposing for education but also what they'd like to propose in the… in a ideal world. How much are we shortchanging our children in special education, in all the other categoricals, in the school aid formula? How much is Congress shortchanging us on No Child Left Behind and other requirements that the Federal Government is not meeting? We're not getting this information today."
"So, is there any evidence, though, have you talked to any of the current board members to see that they feel like they've been muzzled in presenting the kinds of information and advocacy that you propose?"
"Well, here's what I know. I know two (2) or three (3) board members, who, of course, for obvious reason will go unnamed, who have said to me, I would like to be reappointed, but you're absolutely doing the right thing. 09500244.doc 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 And by the way, under this legislation the current board members could become part of that pool that the Governor would choose from. There are many board members who have told me privately and off the record that they believe that a change is necessary to create more independence."
"To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I think it speaks strongly that we have a system whereby an agency of the state doesn't feel that they can advocate for their constituencies, that they can't propose to the budget and proposals that they need to accomplish the goals for that agency when they present a budget to the General Assembly. I think we need to go beyond just the State Board of Education, however, and we ought to look at all of our state agencies and encourage them to be more forthcoming in terms of the needs that they have to accomplish their objectives and to be willing to propose ways that they might improve efficiency in spending of the dollars they have. I would encourage this Body to support this… this Bill."
"We've had three (3) speak in favor which is all that is provided by rule, but there are no one who is yet to speak in response. So Representative Fritchey, did you wish to speak in response? No. Representative McCarthy in response?"
"I think… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, the analysis here talks about a nomination panel. How many people are on that panel?" 09500244.doc 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Nine (9)."
"Nine (9) are on the nomination panel."
"I'm sorry, it's seven (7)."
"Seven (7)…"
"Seven (7)."
"…and our analysis, I tried to read the whole thing quickly but… it says they… the nomination panel… this is not the nominees, these are not the eventual people on the state board. Correct?"
"That's correct."
"Okay. This nomination panel would be approved by the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State."
"That is correct, Sir."
"Just like two (2) out of three (3) have to agree."
"That is correct."
"So, by Majority vote."
"Correct."
"Is there anything currently… any panel in any area of State Government today where those three (3) entities are used to select the members of that panel?"
"No, I don't believe so. We, as you know, I think, have proposed a new Bill regarding gaming where a nomination panel would be created similar to this but not exactly the same and that is not law yet either. This would probably be a first of its kind, but understand the goal. The goal is to put together a nomination panel to choose these folks where we could foster independence; where we would be putting people on the board… the nomination panel and later 09500244.doc 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 the board, who are not only independent but educators, people who know what the heck is going on in education. And here's an opportunity to get the Executive Branch of government involved in this process in a slightly different way and again finally, the backstop to all this is that we have not taken away from the Governor the power to do the final appointment. He… but the only difference is he must choose from this prevetted list that the nomination panel would put together."
"Okay. But this… this nomination panel. Now, the… for example, the Secretary of State I don't think there's any finer gentleman in the entire country than Jesse White, but the Secretary of State's Office does not necessarily have anything to do with education other than…"
"That's cor…"
"…other than their efforts on behalf of literacy through their library programs, but… And Jesse just happens to have a background in education, but there's no saying that future Sta… Secretary of States (sic- Secretaries of State) would have that."
"These folks where chosen because of their hopeful integrity. People will be coming to them with proposals for… for who should be on this board. Education lobbyists, education advocates, or…"
"Well, how did you pick"
"…others not only for the board but for the nomination panel."
"Okay." 09500244.doc 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"So, I don't think you need to be an expert in education to be a person who can broadly review the types of people who ought to be on the nomination panel. So, in the end, the nomination…"
"I… I have no doubt."
"…panel will be the experts in education…"
"Okay."
"…and they will create the pool for the Governor to choose from."
"Yeah. But, I mean, if you look at just for integrity, how come our Treasurer or our Comptroller weren't listed on this panel?"
"We just simply decided to limit it to three (3)."
"And you've spoken a lot about integrity. Who on the current State Board of Education is not living up to their nomination? Who could you point out to us and say there's a reason we should take this panel and just throw them out? I mean these are nine (9) public servants who have… who have offered their time and their expertise to the best of their ability and now we're going to pass this saying, you did a terrible job. I mean, at least to the Sponsor… I mean, if I was the Sponsor of that I would think that'd be my position. So, who on that board could you single out for me so that I can kind of look into it and say, yeah, that person really isn't doing their job?"
"Representative, I said it in my comments that I'm not pointing this at anybody on the state board or the state superintendent, I think they're all fine people. But the system we have in place is a system that does not foster 09500244.doc 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 independent advocacy for children. No state board member has ever called me and said, you know, we don't have enough money for schools. No state board member has ever called me and said, you know, we ought to call our people in Washington and find out why we're eighty billion dollars ($80,000,000,000) behind in No Child Left Behind money. No state board member's ever made a speech in my district advocating for any substantive or fiscal change in any piece of legislation for the benefit of children. So we need a new system. I don't blame the members of the board."
"So, your view is that in the near future then we could all expect in our home districts to have state board members come out and give speeches on education and the funding and maybe go to some districts and tell them how they have wonderful programs with ample funding, but then go to other districts and explain to them that they don't have it and…"
"No, I think you missed my point, Representative. My point is that these folks aren't advocating. If they haven't been to your district and they haven't been to my district and they haven't been to tons of other districts, where have they been? Good people, definitely want better education in Illinois, but the system does not encourage them to publicly go…"
Speaker Hannig: "Representative McCarthy, your time has expired. Would you bring your remarks to a close."
"Can I conclude then? I… I just think this is throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I mean, these 09500244.doc 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 are… these are people that you have… there's no concrete proof that they haven't been doing their job. Maybe we could pass a Resolution encouraging them to be more out front on funding issues or educational principle issues, but I think taking these people who have devoted a lot of their time and energy, time away from their families and just in one fell swoop saying we're going to abolish this board is really overreaching and I think an insult to those individuals, who I have a lot of faith in. So, I would… I mean, I'm not standing here thinking this speech is all of a sudden turn to tied here, but I do not think this change in public policy is the right way to go and I would really encourage people to think if you were one of the members or a family member of yours was one of the members of this board and all of a sudden no matter what you're saying there are still dispersions (sic-aspersions) being cast on these people by us saying this entire board needs to be abolished."
Speaker Hannig: "So, we're looking for two (2) additional speakers who would speak in opposition. Representative Hoffman, would you like to speak in opposition? You have 5 minutes."
"Yes. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I would just like to follow up on Representative McCarthy's questions. Have you heard problems with the state board, currently?"
"The problems with the state board are not with the individual members. The problem from that the state board 09500244.doc 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 is that what they end up doing is parroting what comes out of the second floor of this building. That… that's the board as an institution and that is also the superintendent, who's a fine man doing the best job he can. What we need is a State Board of Education who is… where the members individually and the board collectively and the state superintendent along with them are advocates and leaders to… to move forward an agenda for children. And I don’t think too many people on this floor believe that's taken place and the reason it hasn't taken place is more political than anything else. If we create a new system for them to work within, the system will work better."
"Well, let me just remind you what history has shown us. History has shown us, I guess it was four (4) years ago, the state board was in disarray. If you wanted to get a teaching certificate in Illinois you had to wait sometimes four (4), five (5), and six (6) months because of the backlog. The Illinois Federation of Teachers constantly complained about what the state board did. The Illinois Education Association had problems with what was going on at the state board. The administrators' association, the superintendents' association, the principals' association all had problems with the State Board of Education. Since that time, we, as a Body, in conjunction with the Governor's Office and the Senate, came up with a solution and we appointed new board members. Since that time, the IEA is satisfied. The IFT says the state board's doing a good job. The administrators say they're doing a good job. The principals say they're doing 09500244.doc 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 a good job. And I believe what Representative McCarthy has indicated, the people that serve on this board do not deserve the aspersions that you are casting upon them. They are people who serve for no money. They are people who do public service. They are people who care deeply about the education of our children and to say simply because maybe you think there's too much power vested in the second floor that we're going to just throw the baby out with the bathwater. The state board that is doing a good job, is working hard. A superintendent who I have not heard on this floor of the House anybody say that it is not doing a good job. We used to stand here all the time and say the State Board of Education is broken, we have to fix it. We would stand and we would call out members of the state board for not doing their job. We would say that the superintendent of schools was not doing its job and the system was broke. It has been fixed. Unfortunately, this is a solution looking for a problem that doesn't exist. Do we do everything right on education in Illinois, no, but we certainly… we certainly have put our best foot forward and we have a better state board today than we have ever had in the State of Illinois. I ask for a 'no' vote."
Speaker Hannig: "The rules provide for one (1) additional speaker in opposition. Representative Currie, would you like to speak in opposition?"
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I know that the Sponsor of this legislation is very well intended, indeed, and I know that there are many on this House Floor who share his frustrations with some of the leadership 09500244.doc 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 style that emanates from the second floor. But I would suggest that the Rube Goldberg apparatus that this Bill creates, in fact, means that in the long run we will have less accountability, less transparency, less teamwork from our State Board of Education than we may have today or we may have a better chance of having sometime down the road. I would say that if the chief executive does not appoint people who are up to the task, there's a place to hold that chief executive accountability… accountable and it's called the next election. To… to clutter us with this apparatus that involves nominations from here, specified seats for there. So, for example, someone who may be the foremost expert on elementary and secondary education in this country, but who never served as a teacher or a district superintendent, could not be a member of our State Board of Education, I think is absolute folly. So recognizing that there are frustrations, recognizing that people might like something to look a little different, I still think that to saddle us, our State Board of Education, and the school children of Illinois with this cumbersome apparatus in the long run will do nobody a service. So, I strongly recommend a 'no' vote."
"Okay. We've had a good debate, three (3) on each side. And now Representative Lang, you're recognized to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I appreciate the debate. First, let me remind you that this is a Bill that passed out of committee 18 to 0. Next, let me remind you that all of the groups that one of the 09500244.doc 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 previous speakers said didn't like the previous State Board of Education, none of these folks are opposed to this Bill. None of these folks are opposed to this Bill. Let me also remind you that at least three (3) sitting state board members said to me, this is a good thing you are doing. There is no independence of the kind we seek. We would like more of the political strings off of us. We think children in Illinois would be better off if we had a new way of doing things, a more independent way of doing things. We think we will be able to advocate publicly and independently for children if the Governor's office is farther away from us. A few years ago, the Governor came to us and wanted to make significant changes in this board. He wanted to take over this board. We wouldn't let him do it, but we agreed to some compromises. Ladies and Gentlemen, while the paper is being pushed better, while people will say, well, the license is being moved faster and the paperwork is being pushed through the system better, there aren't too many people on this floor that would say that this board is an advocate for children, an advocate for the future of education in Illinois. Very few of us would say we know what they even do down there. We need a different board. Maybe some of the same people, they can reapply under this Bill and perhaps the Governor would appoint them. The Governor still has the appointment power, but let him choose from twenty-four (24) people who have been prevetted, who are independent and let the Senate have their opportunity to vet those people, as well. This is good legislation, not just for governance, not just for 09500244.doc 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 dealing with the long arm of the Governor, but for the children of the State of Illinois. We are here to benefit children. We are here to improve education in Illinois. And while this Bill will not do all of that, this Bill will start to move us in that direction. Please vote 'aye'."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Molaro, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 86 voting 'yes' and 21 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mathias, you have House Bill 4165. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4165, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mathias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4165 changes the code for Illinois state identification cards to make it consistent with driver's licenses. Today, as you know, if you have a good driving record you can get a renewal of that driver's record by a telephone, by Internet, by mail, you don't have to go into the office of the Secretary of State. I'm just trying to apply that same rule for a one- time renewal of the Illinois state identification card or an Illinois disabled person's identification card so that they're able to also renew one time by phone, mail, or Internet. And I ask for your 'aye' vote." 09500244.doc 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Winters, Sullivan, Schock, Dunn, Representative Will Davis, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mautino, you have House Bill 5648. Out of the record. Oh, excuse me, there he is. Representative Mautino. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5648, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mautino."
"Thank you. House Bill 5648 provides that the coverage under the CHIP plan will terminate automatically as the effective date of any medical assistance or Medicaid is accepted. Basically, we're going to use the Department of Human Services Medicaid date for… for the date in which we use for paying our service providers. In the past, the CHIP board has approved applications in about a couple of weeks and with the Department of Human Services sometimes there's a lag time of about, you know, it could be anywhere up to six (6) months. So, once a person is accepted and enrolled into Medicaid this will then allow those bills and providers to be paid, and if there were any providers that are not in the Medicaid program that provided services for 09500244.doc 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 the people while they were on CHIP, they will go ahead and be paid. And that's what the Bill does. It comes at the request of the CHIP board. I know of no opposition."
Speaker Hannig: "Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative McGuire, you have House Bill 1223. Out of the record. Okay. Representative Bill Mitchell, you have House Bill 4251. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4251, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4251 provides that restrictions on driving a vehicle on the shoulder of a highway do not apply to a farm tractor or implement of husbandry or an authorized vehicle within the designated construction zone. Pretty simple Bill."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Winters, Brady, Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, 09500244.doc 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4391."
"House Bill 4391, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative May."
"Thank you, Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is the Internet Prescribing Prohibition Act. It passed out of the House unanimously last year and came out of committee, also. What it is, is a way for the licensees, the prescribers in the state, to say that they can't prescribe without having seen a patient or having their records explaining it. We think it's good medical practice. All of the complaints would be driven for the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations. So, there's a new urgency with the pharming parties, but I think this is good public policy and all of the… all of the good medical associations, the Illinois State Medical Society support it and there is no opposition. I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Lady will yield."
"Representative, why do we need to do this?"
"Because there are Web sites out there that advertise prescribing drugs, some of them sort of addictive drugs, like this right here mypharmcyworld.net that says just fill out our questionnaire and doctors will write your 09500244.doc 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 prescription. We… we license our prescribers in this st… in the state and adults can get addicted to drugs. They can get them without seeing a doctor and understanding some of the side effects."
"Well, right now, if I wanted to get a refill on a prescription that I have I can call the pharmacy, if I have an existing one. And I also presume I can send them an e- mail to say, hey, could you please refill a prescription that I have?"
"If I understand your question, were your existing prescriptions from your doctor, this will not affect that at all."
"So, this will only be for new prescriptions?"
"For new prescriptions, is your question?"
"Yeah."
"If you have… if your doctor that you have seen and it is, you know, that you have a relationship with. He can send them in to the… to the pharmacy via the Internet or e-mail or something. This doesn't affect that. I know Representative Black asked that question last year and now he's one of the Sponsors of the Bill. So, thank you for your concern."
"It's often cheaper to do the mail order and when you make the order through the mail order, you can do it via fax, you can do via phone, and you can do it via the Internet. And I'm wondering if this Bill would take away that ability for…"
"No, I don't think so."
"…wanting to have the mail order." 09500244.doc 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"No. Thank you for your concern, but I don't think that it would."
"Can we make sure on that because I don't want people to lose that opportunity."
"Absolute… Well, I… I think I can say that with certainty, Representative, because if you have a prescription from a doctor, from a veterinarian, from a dentist you have seen that and it wouldn't affect that. That's a good clarification."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Any further discussion? Representative Winters, at his new seat. Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"I noticed that in one of the Amendments that's put on here adds veterinarians to the Act. Is there a list of prescribed medicines? We don't do narcotics unless there is a medical professional that would prescribe them because of the danger of using those, where a patient if they can find access to narcotic drugs, I don't remember the term for it, we require an MD to prescribe them. I'm not aware of any veterinary customers or veterinary patents that would be capable of going on the Internet and asking for mind altering drugs for dogs, cats, or large animals. Is this…"
"Representative, there were two (2) Amendments. One (1) was to add veterinarians who are prescribers, this was at their request, and the second was to change from controlled 09500244.doc 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 substances to all medications and that was the request of the Attorney General."
"Well, did the Attorney General consider the fact that there are many farmers who have… Traditionally, they are the people who actually use the medications. They don't have a veterinarian come out every time that they need to treat a sick animal. If it's a feedlot, it cost a hundred to a hundred and fifty dollars ($100 to $150) to get the veterinarian out there. They've got a refrigerator… they're loaded up with the antibiotics and they know how to use them. They've observed the veterinarian use them. This would restrict them from going out and ordering veterinary medicines on the Internet."
"You're saying veterinarians are providing mind altering drugs to cows and horses?"
"I am not at all."
"No. Okay."
"I am not at all."
"Okay."
"My concern is that there may be many agricultural production facilities where they have traditionally used antibiotics and other medications that veterinarians would normally prescribe, but they can go on the Internet and get them today. Is that going to… Is the veterinary medicine society in favor of this restriction?"
"Yes. We did this at their request."
"Okay. I wasn't sure that…"
"So, if… this is a new concern, you know." 09500244.doc 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"It's not… Veterinary medicine and human medicine are not natural parallels in that patients… human patients can, once they know what the drug does and what they, you know, may be able to abuse it, they can go ahead and order it. That's not the case in ag… in agriculture. So, but you are saying that the veterinarian medicine society is in favor of this."
"This wa… it was their request."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"As I understand it. And thank you for bringing up the concern."
"Any further discussion? Representative May, you're recognized to close."
"I… I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Excuse me, Representative, before you close Representative Bassi was seeking recognition. Representative Bassi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With a question, if I may."
"She… she indicates she'll yield."
"Please speak up."
"Representative, does this mean that I can no longer order over the Internet my dog's flea medication?"
"Is it prescription?"
"Yeah. I think it is."
"Well, it would… it would deal with prescription drugs, but it wouldn't affect it at all if you had the prescription from the veterinarian. You know…"
"Well, yeah, you get… but that's how you know what to order." 09500244.doc 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"But I think it's the same… the same thing that Representative Franks asked. That if you have a prescription and you have dealt with the prescriber that it wouldn't affect it at all."
"Well, I… except that my veterinarian charges more than… than what I pay when I get it over the Internet. It's more expensive when I get it from my veterinarian than when I get it over the Internet."
"Your flea medicine for… I mean, your dog, sorry."
"Yes. My flea medicine…"
"Your dog's flea medicine, yes."
"…and my heart medicine for my dog. It's more expensive when I get it from my…"
"But…"
"…veterinarian…"
"…but, Representative, are you saying…"
"…than when I get it from over the Internet."
"Are you saying that you go to the Internet without ever… you're giving flea medications, heart medicashions… medications to your dog without ever seeing a vet?"
"No. The vet saw him, prescribed what it was and then I go to the Internet and get the same medication over the Internet for less money."
"Representative, because of some of the animals in this chamber I couldn't hear your question. I think the point is, if I understand your question, my point is that anything that is a prescription medication should first be seen by a prescriber."
"Well, yeah." 09500244.doc 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"You can send it in, your vet can send it in…"
"I can still get it from the Internet…"
"…or whatever."
"…once the vet has prescribed it."
"Yes, you can once you have it. Yes."
"Okay. That's all I want to know. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Representative May to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Rita, Poe, Krause, Dunn, Cultra, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 79 voting 'yes' and 28 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mendoza, you have House Bill 4943. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4943, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mendoza."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could you please move this Bill from Third Reading to Second for purpose of an Amendment at a later date? Thank you."
"So, Mr. Clerk, let's return this Bill to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. 09500244.doc 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Representative Miller, you have House Bill 5109. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5109, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5109 creates a commission comprised of the Illinois Board of Higher Ed, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois State Board of Education, to create a MAP Challenge Program which would be a pilot program similar to a program in Indiana which it does… its goal is to reduce the number of children who withdraw… who withdraw from high school before graduation, increase the number of students who prepare to enter the work force upon graduation, an overall increase in the graduation rates and to get kids into college. The commission would set the certain requirements. And this program is working and effective in Indiana. I ask for a favorable vote."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Jerry Mitchell, you have House Bill 4726. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500244.doc 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"House Bill 4726, a Bill for an Act concerning government officers and employees. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4726 simply says that state and local government officers as well as state and local government employees must repay the state or local government for compensation and benefits accumulated if they're on administrative leave pending criminal investigation or prosecution and they are dismissed for those reasons. In fact, if… if you are accused of and then convicted of a criminal offense, you must repay compensation that you received while on administrative leave. Be happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hoffman, Ford, Dunn and Currie, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 5655."
"House Bill 5655, a Bill for an Act concerning disabilities. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Moffitt." 09500244.doc 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5655 is an initiative of the Illinois Optometric Association. The purpose is that it would allow optometrists to be able to determine visual disability for purpose of issuing a disabled person's ID card and a disability license plate. The reason for doing this is that it would help our constituents be able to, if they qualified, get this with just going to one doctor's appointment rather than have to go to two (2) doctors. So it saves time and it saves money. There are no opponents to this legislation. Would urge a 'yes' vote. Be happy to entertain any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Myers, you have House Bill 5776. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5776, a Bill for an Act concerning fairs and exhibitions. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Myers."
"House Bill 5776 provides that the Department of Agriculture shall not require a premises identification or a registration number to exhibit or enter livestock or any other animal at any fair or exhibition in Illinois unless required by Federal Law. It also requires the Department 09500244.doc 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 of Agriculture to set up a process for persons to withdraw their information from a database if they've already done that."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hoffman, May, and Patterson, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5505, Representative Ramey. Out of the record. Okay. There… there the Gentleman is. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5505, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ramey."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill, 5505, sets some quorums numbers for annual town meetings and to set up some dates for adding items to the agenda. This is agreed upon Bill with TOI and there are no known opponents. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Does anyone stand in response? Representative Bost."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, this is… this just basically says during their forming meeting. Is that… is that correct?" 09500244.doc 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"The annual town meeting."
"The annual town meeting."
"Correct."
"What will this do in the case where, I mean, I have some very, very, very small townships and you get very few people to show up. I mean…"
"Well…"
"…you're saying a minimum of fifteen (15). They have to have fifteen (15) people there, correct?"
"For any… for them to vote on anything to change what the township does. What this Bill came out… the impetus came from DuPage County. You know, we have roughly sixty thousand (60,000) in Wayne Township and our problem was the same thing with low number turnout. Whereas a few people could change what the township and in particular with the road district something that they could do."
"My… my only concern that is in the southern end of the state where many of our townships may only have two hundred (200) people in the township, where getting fifteen (15) people together, you know, that's a huge percentage of that two hundred (200)."
"That is correct, but if your agenda is already set, it's not going to change anything. What we're doing here is to set the minimum requirements to change anything on the agenda of that annual town meeting."
"Okay."
"So it won't…"
"All right." 09500244.doc 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"…affect your district. We had that discussion with TOI…"
"Okay."
"…and they settled on this."
"All right."
"Is there any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Acevedo, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Reitz, you have House Bill 5614. Out of the record. Representative Rita, you have House Bill 5022. Out of the record. Representative Ryg, you have House Bill 5572. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5572, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ryg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill amends the Mechanics Lien Act to require contractors to give a property owner notice before filing a lien against his or her property. The Bill only applies to improvements made to owner-occupied single family residences. Current law requires subcontractors to provide notice to preserve a lien, but contactors are not held to the same standard. So, this Bill addresses that issue and provides additional notice and protection to homeowners." 09500244.doc 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"The Lady moves for the passage of House Bill 5572 and on that question, Representative McCarthy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Does the legislation spell out what the notice is supposed to be? Is it like certified mail or…"
"It's identical to the notice that subcontractors currently have to provide and yes, it's through certified mail."
"And is there anything in there that says you have to keep a record of that notification?"
"I'm not sure."
"Would that be a good idea?"
"It's identical to how it's done by subcontractors. So, we're trying to make sure the notice is provided in a consistent way. With the certified…"
"It seems to be…"
"…mail, there'd be a record."
"…it seems to be identical as some notice requirements that I don't know. So, that doesn't help me when you say it's identical and don't say the requirements. So, it's by certified mail or how about if they just give them a letter in writing?"
"No. There has to be some kind of certification."
"Okay. But there is… you don't know right now as far, is there a time limit? How long they should keep it or… Like the lien holder, they keep records so in case they were accused of this…"
"Well…" 09500244.doc 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"…they'd say, no, we notified them."
"…these… these liens get recorded against a title. And so, and there's time frames with different parameters based on the types of liens and, you know, there's a number of statutes that apply and how liens are recorded and enforced."
"Would there be any mention of the statute of limitations on the liens?"
"There's… there are limitations on how long a lien is valid."
"But that wouldn't be part of the notification?"
"No, I believe that's addressed in the statute. This… this Bill attempts to provide equity between how a subcontractor is required to provide notice and we want contractors to have to provide notice, as well, so property owners are not caught unaware when there's a title search and there's a lien on their property they were not familiar with."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Then Representative Ryg, you're recognized to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Patterson, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, 09500244.doc 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 is hereby declared passed. Representative Schmitz, you have House Bill 5193. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5193, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Schmitz."
"Speaker. There we go. I guess my microphone's not working, so we had to switch desks real quick. House Bill 5193's got two (2) simple previsions in it. It puts into procedures a place for reviewing doctor suspensions as well as putting the procedures peer review. This is negotiated language between the Illinois Hospital Association and the Illinois State Medical Society. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 5000, would you return that from Third Reading to Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. And Representative Tracy, you have House Bill 4179. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4179, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Lady from Brown, Representative Tracy." 09500244.doc 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4179 amends the Property Tax Code to provide that the senior citizen homestead exemption and senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption applies when a taxpayer becomes a resident of a sil… a facility of assisted living. Previously, when the Property Tax Code had been amended to allow people moving into nursing homes who still retained ownership in their homes and have the benefit of this exemption. At that time, when that Bill passed, it was… assisted living wasn't a concept that we have today and we realized in my own district when a constituent moved into assisted living that the tax assessor following the exact letter of the law was not enabled… was not able to give this taxpayer the same exemption as someone moving to a nursing home. So, this really just brings up the… the present Property Code to modern day terminology to allow a taxpayer who pro… who qualifies for the exemption prior to moving into assisted living and retains ownership of her home or his home to still have the benefit of that property tax exemption. I will entertain any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 09500244.doc 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 passed. Representative Tryon, you have House Bill 4765. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4765, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tryon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4765 directs the Central Management Services agency to provide a central Web site location that will list all the expenditures of the state by name, by agency, by district number, all contracts, all state employees, what they earn. It will also require them to list any tax credits that any business gets, anybody that's not paying their taxes to the state. It's really taking the investment that taxpayers have made in the information technology infrastructure and it puts it at the desktop so that people can watch State Government, see how we're spending their dollars and where the money's going. With that, I'd be glad to answer any questions."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? Representative Franks."
"I rise in support of this… the Gentleman's measure. I… I really appreciate your thoughts on this. Mike came to me and he showed me a Web site that Missouri had and it… the State of Missouri's Web site, I think we would probably base ours on. I think it's a great idea to open up government, to show transparency. I think it's a wonderful idea and it's long overdue and I appreciate the Sponsor, bring it forward. And I hope there's 118 'aye' votes on this."
"Representative May." 09500244.doc 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Yes. Representative, this does seem like a good idea, but what would it cost and have you talked to the state departments to find out what it would cost or how they would implement it?"
"Yes. CMS has estimated the cost at about a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) a year, but when you look at the fact that CMS is preparing responses to Freedom of Information requests on a continual basis and most of those requests are for this information. Now this information's available online. I believe they will save money there and I also believe that we will save money because contractors will become more competitive because the contracts are online and that will be able to do their research when they prepare their bid responses and they'll become more competitive. I think we'll save way more than the cost of this Web site."
"And CMS indicated that they have most of this data available and all?"
"They weren't in support of the Bill, but they have the capabilities to do it and they… and essentially, their concern at CMS was would we able… would we be able to link to other Web sites that already have this information and there are… the Comptroller has Web sites with this information. They will be able to do that, but it's going to make one central place that people can go and do research on state expenditures."
"But CMS didn't sign in in opposition to the Bill?" 09500244.doc 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Yes, they did."
"Oh, they did. Okay. Well, okay, I didn't… I don't think our analysis shows that, but thank you for the clarification. I mean… and I would state, I think that the hundred thousand (100,000), I think you make a good point that the hundred thousand (100,000) is a fairly low cost. So I thank you for your answers. I think I'll support the Bill. Thank you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "So, we'll move this to Standard Debate. Representative Will Davis is recognized for 5 minutes." Davis, W.: "Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield." Davis, W.: "Representative, as I was looking at our analysis and it bullet pointed what… some of the things this Bill is supposed to do and it talks about a number of databases and not all of the bullet points suggest that the databases be, as they say, searchable as they have it here by Representative district. 'Cause ironically, some of what you're asking for Representative Rita and I were having this conversation earlier today about just wanting to know about some of the state expenditures, organizations that are receiving resources, that are operating in our… in our particular districts and how can we go about getting that and I think your Bill kind of helps us to get to where we want to go with that. So… so my question is, and I don't know if it's… an Amendment is necessary to do so, but to make sure that everything that you ask for in terms of those databases is indeed searchable by Representative 09500244.doc 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 district. Everything that you asked for. Is that… is that already…"
"That's in here. That is in here. It will do that. In fact, there is a Web site that this Bill is fashioned after called mapyourtaxes.mo.gov and it will… that's… that language will do exactly that. It will list the expenditures in… in your district by district." Davis, W.: "Right. Now does…"
"Absolutely." Davis, W.: "Now and it may, and forgive me if I don't know the answer to this question by having read… I just tried to glance over it very quickly when some of what we often talk about here in our Member projects, initiatives, whatever you want to call them, so does this include those expenditures as well?"
"Yes. And… and right in the Bill it says, 'a database of all current state expenditures sorted separately by agency, category, customer, and Representative district." Davis, W.: "By Representative district. Okay. Thank you very much."
"Um hm."
"Representative… Okay. We've had three (3) in favor and one (1) in response. We could have two (2) additional speakers in response. Representative Bassi, in response, no? Okay. Representative Tryon to close."
"Okay. Again, I think in this day and age especially in Illinois and I know that we share the concern when we turn on the TV and we open up the newspaper and we're seeing the U.S. Attorney saying, 'the State of Illinois has pay-to- 09500244.doc 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 play on steroids.' As Legislators, I think we have a duty to make sure that we are transparent in our expenditures. I think it's our job to say we don't have anything to hide, there are no secrets in government and if you want to know what we're doing, look at our Web site that discloses how we spend your money, how we budget your money, and where the money goes. I think this is a good way to do that. Other states have done it. Some local units of government are doing it. Some of our own units of government… some of our universities are doing this. It only makes sense for the State of Illinois to do this. We should do this. We should be a leader in this and I got to tell you, I hope that we see this in action this time next year. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Lyons, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Verschoore, you have House Bill 1054. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1054, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Verschoore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is just a little clean up language of a Bill I passed last year on the 1 percent optional sales tax for schools. 09500244.doc 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 And what this does is… in the original Bill, evidently it said that it was a per pupil distribution from the superintendent rather than a per pupil distribution from the pupils that live in the taxing body. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brosnahan, you have House Bill 5983. Out of the record. Representative Colvin, you have House Bill 5038. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5038, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Colvin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5038 is an initiative dealing with early childhood education. This Bill would seek to increase funds targeted to children age zero (0) to three (3) as part of the early childhood education funding. As you know, here in the State of Illinois we've done a pretty good job over the last five (5), six (6) years funding early childhood education which is typically thought of as Head Start. This Bill creates a carve out of the head… of the early childhood grant of 11 percent of the total appropriation to early childhood. Under House Bill 5038 the 11 percent… 11 percent of funds 09500244.doc 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 being promised to zero (0) to three (3) initiatives for birth to three (3) learning. The Bill has about fifty (50) Sponsors and a whole host of proponents. Don't know of any opposition at this point. Be happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very briefly to the Bill. Representative, I stand in strong support of the legislation. This makes perfect sense that we begin to prioritize the use of those funds and zero (0) to three (3) is an age group that we have identified as a great investment and since Pre-K for all has kind of expanded beyond some of the original at-risk boundaries and we're adding programs all the time and in fact, Representative Currie earlier today carried a piece of legislation that… that continued that program. It's important that we begin to look at zero/three (0/3) and make sure that the set- aside, Illinois by the way is a state known for leadership in this area, to make sure that some of our money is set aside for that zero/three (0/3). This expands funds and resources from the line… for early childhood purposes, zero (0) thru five (5), to an area that may have a greater need than maybe some resources go to at this point. So, I think it's a great Bill. It carries on to the next level what we've been trying to do here in Illinois. And I support it strongly. I hope everybody will vote 'yes' for this, because this is an investment that we need to make and it will… it will pay dividends for this state in the long run 09500244.doc 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 as we get into these homes for zero/three (0/3) with additional resources."
"We'll move this to Standard Debate. We've now had two (2) speak in favor. Representative Flider, you're recognized for 5 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I just want to speak in support of this legislation and it's been estimated that for every dollar invested today it will save seven dollars ($7) down the road in societal costs, every dollar invested in early childhood education. So, I strongly support this legislation and hope that it passes out of here unanimously. Thank you."
"Representative Colvin to close."
"I just want to say I appreciate the comments of the previous speakers. I think it's very clear in terms of the investment that we're making here with regards to zero/three (0/3) education. This is necessary. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to put more money as it is available into these types of programs. And I appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Crespo, you have House Bill 1432. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Out of 09500244.doc 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 the record. Representative Feigenholtz, you have House Bill 4573. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4573, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady from Cook, Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4573 amends the Public Aid Code relating to filing and processing applications. It's an effort to, in some ways, go paperless so that people who are applying for some services and benefits don't necessarily have to do it at an assigned and specific location. That they're able to do it in a… in a more virtual way. I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Molaro and Mautino, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Hoffman, you have House Bill 5494. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5494, a Bill for an Act concerning land. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5494 is the yearly land conveyance Bill 09500244.doc 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 that IDOT does. It is all, I believe, agreed to by everyone and this… we do this every year and it's necessary in order to make sure that we can give the easements for highways and do all the land conveyance that is needed to do that."
"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."
"Representative, very quickly. Our analysis says this includes one parcel in Missouri."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. I apologize."
"Our analysis says that this transfer includes one parcel in Missouri. Do you have anything in your…"
"I… I believe… no, I believe and I'm talking off the top of my head, 'cause this was told to me… I believe that there was a parcel that we had obtained as a result of building a bridge with Missouri at one point and I think this is taking care of that so we won't own any parcels in Missouri. I believe that's a cor… don't… I believe that's the case."
"Okay. Well, I didn't know."
"Yeah."
"It just was interesting that that would happen and I didn't know if you checked with Representative Tryon as to whether or not he was okay with that because…"
"He has a place in the Ozarks. I know."
"He does."
"Yes, he does." 09500244.doc 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"And I didn't know if he had any objection to the fact that IDOT was parceling Missouri land away at this point, but as long as he's okay with it, we're fine. Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Patterson, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Jakobsson, you have House Bill 4642. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4642, a Bill for an Act concerning schools. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Jakobsson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4642 addresses twice-exceptional children. Twice-exceptional children are those who are gifted and talented and have a disability. This would require the State Advisory Council on Education of Children with Disabilities and the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children to research and discuss the best practices for addressing the needs of these twice-exceptional children. They would then jointly make recommendations to the State Board of Education with respect to the state board providing guidance and technical assistance to school districts in furthering improved educational outcomes for gifted and twice-exceptional children." 09500244.doc 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Winters and Schock, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Reitz on House Bill 5614. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5614, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5614 is the initiative of the Pharmacists Association. With the Amendment it makes some definition changes within the Insurance Act and we are planning on using this as a vehicle to try and work with the pharmacy benefit managers and make sure that they have some regulation in that realm. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; op… Excuse me. Representative Schmitz, did you wish to speak on this Bill? Representative Schmitz."
"We're good? Thank you, Speaker. I…"
"Proceed."
"Just listen to this that… Representative, this is a shell Bill?" 09500244.doc 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"It actually makes some changes in definitions, but essentially, it's going to be a vehicle for negotiate… or a Bill that comes back from the Senate."
"Okay. And… and the topic that you described, is it your intent to remain in this shell Bill?"
"The topic, yes. When it comes back that will… it will be dealing with that, with regulating pharmacy benefit managers."
"Okay. I just wanted to make it clear to some Members in the… on the House Floor that…"
"Could be."
"…moving through the shell Bill and making sure that we keep this subject and we keep this… the issues in it."
"Defiantly, we'll keep this subject, yes."
"Okay."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Representative Reitz, did you wish to close?"
"Appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Myers and Durkin, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We're going to now move to the Order of Second Reading for a while. And we'll work in the same general way in alphabetical order. So, Representative Bellock, you have House Bill 4867. Mr. 09500244.doc 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Clerk, read the Bill. Do you wish us to read it on Second? Do you wish us to read it on Second Reading?"
"Oh, I thought…"
"4867. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4867, 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. Just to clarify, we're just moving Bills now from Second to Third. We've got a list of Bills that have… that have… we've been advised need to move from Second to Third. So, Representative Biggins, you have House Bill 4877. Representative Biggins, do you wish us to call this Bill… to read this Bill? All right. Let's take it out of the record for the moment. Representative Bost on House Bill 4854. Out of the record. Representative Brady on House Bill 4202. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4202, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Boland, you have House Bill 4687. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4687, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative John Bradley, you have House Bill… or is it… Senate Bill 1874. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500244.doc 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Senate Bill 1874, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Rich Bradley, you have House Bill 4342. Out of the record. Representative Burke, you have House Bill 4485. Out of the record. Representative Coladipietro, you have House Bill 5525. Okay. Out of the record. Representative Durkin, you have House Bill 4578. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4578, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative D’Amico, you have House Bill 5093. Do you wish us to read that Bill? No. Out of the record. Representative Monique Davis, you have House Bill 4668. Shall we read that Bill on Second? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4668, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Will Davis, you have House Bill 4622. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4622, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Flowers, you have House Bill 4223. Shall we read the Bill, Representative Flowers? Out of the record. Representative Ford, you have House Bill 4195. Representative Ford? Okay. Let's take this Bill out of the record. Representative Flowers, did you wish us to read House Bill 4223? No. It's on Second, Representative."
"Yes."
"We'll leave it there. Representative Franks, you have House Bill 4449. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4449, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. All notes have been filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Fritchey, you have House Bill 4133. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4133, a Bill for an Act concerning recyclable materials. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Fortner, you have House Bill 5263. Okay. He's excused. That was the error by the Chair. Representative Golar, you have House Bill 5788. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5788, a Bill for an Act concerning foreclosure. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 where adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Gordon, you have House Bill 4968. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500244.doc 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"House Bill 4968, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Hernandez, you have House Bill 5230. Read the Bill… read the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5230, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment… Floor Amendment #1 was filed today. No Motions… other Motions are filed."
"Okay. We'll… we'll take this out of the record and leave it on Second, Mr. Clerk. Representative Howard, you have House Bill 5516. Out of the record. Representative Jefferson, you have House Bill 5739. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5739, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2 was referred to the House Committee on Rules. No other Motions have been filed."
"Do you wish to move that to Third then? Third Reading? Third Reading, Mr. Clerk. Representative Joyce, on House Bill 5579. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5579, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. All notes have been filed." 09500244.doc 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Kosel, you have House Bill 4736. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4736, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Krause, you have House Bill 5276. Out of the record. Representative McCarthy, you have House Bill 5707. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5707, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Molaro, you have House Bill 4383. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4383, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Leitch, you have House Bill 4627. Did you wish us to read the Bi… Okay. Out of the record. Representative Lindner, you have House Bill 5338. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Representative Lindner? Okay. Out of the record. How about… Representative Lindner, how about House Bill 50… or 4291. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4291, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Lindner, has been approved for consideration." 09500244.doc 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Representative Lindner on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment is the rulemaking authority Amendment."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"Floor Amendment #2 was filed earlier today."
"So, Representative, did you wish to move the Bill to Third or did you wish to hold it on Second? Second. Okay. So Mr. Clerk, let's hold the Bill on Second. Representative Lyons, you have House Bill 5961. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5961, 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."
"Third Reading. Representative Mulligan, you have House Bill 4660. Representative Mulligan? Out of the record. Representative Munson, you have House Bill 5586. No. 5586. Out of the record. Representative Osmond, you have House Bill 4207. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4207, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Osmond, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Osmond." 09500244.doc 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #1 was at the suggestion of the committee chairman to add the words that the sex offender resides at the property in question."
"Any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment's adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4757."
"House Bill 4757, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation has been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Nekritz, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #2… the underlying Bill creates a committee that will establish criteria and review applications under two grant programs that are administered by IDOT. And the underlying Bill has some cri… has some basic criteria for the Mem… who is going to serve on the committee. This just adds some additional requirements."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Patterson, you have House Bill 4506. Shall we read the Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4506, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 has been referred to committee. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Did you wish us to move it to Third, Representative, or hold it? Move it to Third? Okay. Third Reading. Representative Phelps on House Bill 5204. Out of the record. Representative Pihos on House Bill 5240. Okay. Out of the record. Representative Pritchard, you have House Bill 4206. Out of the record. Representative Reboletti on House Bill 4868. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4868, 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 Reis on House Bill 4137. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4137, a Bill for an Act concerning land. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Rose on House Bill 4556. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4556, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Sacia on House Bill 4811. Out of the record. Representative Saviano on House Bill 5503. Shall we read the Bill? Out of the record. Representative Stephens on House Bill 4625. Out of the record. Representative Sullivan on House Bill 4318. Shall we read the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4318, 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 Scully, you have House Bill 5286. Out of the record. Representative Smith, 46… House Bill 4696. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4696, 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. And Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4793."
"House Bill 4793, a Bill for an Act concerning economic development. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Watson has House Bill 5493. Out of the record. And Representative Winters, you have House Bill 5760. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09500244.doc 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"House Bill 5760, a Bill for an Act concerning civil air patrol leave from employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Younge… Wyvetter Younge, you have House Bill 5209. Shall we read that on Second to Third? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5209, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Mulligan, you have House Bill 4660. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4660, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 4668?"
Clerk Mahoney: "House Bill 4668's on the Order of Third Reading."
"So, return that to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 4699?"
Clerk Mahoney: "House Bill 4699's on the Order of Third Reading."
"And return that to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Dunkin, you have House Resolution 892. Would you like to present that Resolution at this time? Representative Dunkin, why don't you present the Resolution and then we'll adopt it. Why 09500244.doc 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 don't you briefly present it, Representative, and then we'll adopt it."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House. House Resolution 892 proclaims February 1, 2008, and each first Friday in February thereafter as Black Nurses Day in the State of Illinois. The honorable Charles Rangel of New York, who is a Congressman, did the same thing in establishing the first Friday in February as the day to acknowledge the contributions to the health care made by all black nurses. The first celebration was held on February 3 in 1989, and the Chicago Chapter of Black Nurses Association was established in 1973 under the leadership of the late Reverend Christine Leak, who was a registered nurse. And the current president today is Marion Summage and I would ask for a favorable vote. Thank you."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk… Representative Lang, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Pritchard, you're recognized to handle House Resolution 1026. So, why don't you briefly speak on the Resolution and then we'll adopt it."
"This is a piece of legislation that recognizes a program that the YMCAs have been sponsoring for a number of years. It's a program that produces good results with 09500244.doc 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 positive helpful outcomes for those that participate. I encourage all of us to support this Resolution."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Crespo, did you wish us to read House Bill 1432? Out of the record. Representative Jefferies, you have House Bill 4513. Did you wish… wish to have that Bill called at this time? No? Okay. Out of the record. On the Order of Second Reading, Representative Acevedo, you have House Bill 5125. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5125, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Berrios on House Bill 5687. Out of the record. Representative Boland on House Bill 5113. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5113, a Bill for an Act concerning state buildings. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Bradley on House Bill 5576. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Representative Bradley? No? Out of the record. Representative Brosnahan on House Bill 5059. Out of the 09500244.doc 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 record. Representative Burke on House Bill 4732. Out of the record. Representative Chapa LaVia on House Bill 4926. Representative Chapa LaVia, do you wish us to read this? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4926, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Colvin on House Bill 5312. Do you wish us to read this? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5312, a Bill for an Act concerning capital development. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. All notes have been filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Crespo on House Bill 5731. Do you wish us to read that on Second? No? Out of the record. Representative D’Amico on House Bill 4387. From Second to Third. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4387, 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 Monique Davis on House Bill 5729. Representative Davis. Out of the record. Representative Dugan on House Bill 5661. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5661, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Ford on House Bill 4612. Representative Ford. Out of the record. Representative Fritchey on House Bill 5141. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5141, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Froehlich on House Bill 5101. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5101, a Bill for an Act concerning victim notification. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Golar on House Bill 5019. Representative Golar. Okay. Out of the record. All right. We've got a Bill to read on Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, would you read House Bill 5115."
"House Bill 5115, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very, much Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5115 simply amends the Community Service and Education Act to require that the office of the Lieutenant Governor join along with the State Board of Education in administering what is called the Community Service Education Program. Lieutenant Governor's office will join ISBE in making grants to school districts that offer quality Community Service Education Programs. Be more than happy to answer any questions." 09500244.doc 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"The Gentleman moves for the passage of House Bill 5115. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Mulligan, Joyce, and Golar, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading, Representative Munson, you have House Bill 5585. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5585, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Munson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5585 creates the New Generation Competitiveness Council to help Illinois manufacturing companies compete in a global marketplace. It's a twenty- one-member council that will advocate, coordinate, and implement policies to help manufacturers in the state compete. It… Its duties will be to develop procedures to be used by the state to create conditions for economic growth and manufacturing investment, identify new regional, national and international markets, strengthen, educate, retrain, and provide economic diversification in the state, increase research and development, encourage innovation and ins… assist manufacturers in the state to re… retool for new products. Additionally, it will help to develop a 09500244.doc 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 technology transfer and commercialization program. I'll take any questions and I'll ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 5585. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Golar and McCarthy, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We're going to return to the Order of Second Reading for a while. Representative Biggins, you have House Bill 5069. Representative Biggins, did you wish us to read that Bill on Second? 5069. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5069, 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."
"Third Reading. And Representative Biggins, you also have House Bill 4877. Did you wish us to read that Bill on Second? Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4877, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Biggins, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Biggins on the Amendment." 09500244.doc 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Okay, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for waiting. I'd like to offer Floor Amendment #1. It provides that telecommunications carriers, commercial mobile service providers, and providers of information services, such as Internet services providers and hosting services providers are not liable under this section by virtue of the transmission, storage, or caching of electronic communication or message of others. I'd ask it be adopted."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Gentleman's Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brady, you have House Bill 4252. Shall we read this Bill? Representative Brady. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4252, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Let's hold this on Second at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Brauer on House Bill 5536. Out of the record. Representative Coulson on House Bill 5595. This is on Second Reading. Do you wish us to read the Bill? Out of the record. Representative Durkin on House Bill 5891. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5891, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Kosel on House Bill 4720. Shall we read it on Second? No? Yes? Okay. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4720, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Lindner on House Bill 4290. Representative Lindner. Read the Bill. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4290, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Mathias on House Bill 4754. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4754, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Meyer on House Bill 4629. Out of the record. Representative Moffitt on House Bill 5546. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Out of the record. Representative Mulligan on House Bill 5928. Representative Mulligan, shall we read this on Second? Okay. Let's hold the Bill then. Representative Osmond on House Bill 4157. Do you wish us to read the Bill? No? Out of the record. Representative Pihos on House Bill 5189. Okay. Out of the record. Representative Ramey on House Bill 5506. Representative, do you wish us to move this Bill from Second to Third? Okay. Representative 09500244.doc 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Reboletti on House Bill 5524. Oh, there he is. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5524, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Reis on House Bill 4843. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4843, 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 Rose on House Bill 5908. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5908, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Sacia on House Bill 5653. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5653, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Saviano on House Bill 5066. Representative Saviano. Out of the record. Representative Stephens on House Bill 5904. Out of the record. Representative Tracy on House Bill 4841. Representative Tracy, do you wish us to read this Bill? Out of the record. Representative Tryon on House Bill 09500244.doc 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 4766. Representative Tryon, shall we read it? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4766, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Wait on House Bill 5906. Representative Wait, do you wish us to read this Bill? Representative Wait. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5906, 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. Mr. Clerk, return to House Bill 5066. Would you read that Bill, please."
"House Bill 5066, 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 Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Winters on House Bill 4175. Out of the record. Representative Flowers on House Bill 5866. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5866, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Graham on House Bill 5750. Should we read that Bill? No. Out of the 09500244.doc 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 record. Representative Hamos on House Bill 5321. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5321, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 4723."
"House Bill 4723, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. All notes have been filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Harris, do you wish us to read House Bill 5192? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5192, a Bill for an Act concerning health which may be referred to as the Reducing Breast Cancer Disparities Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Hoffman on House Bill 4550. Out of the record. Representative Holbrook on House Bill 4710. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4710, a Bill for an Act concerning environmental safety has been read a second time, previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Holbrook, has been approved for consideration."
"On the Amendment, Representative Holbrook."
"Thank you. 4710 the House Amendment 2 was discussed in committee. It's a technical clean up. The IEPA Bill 09500244.doc 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 left something in from a previous write-up and it's nothing but clean up. I'd take any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Gentleman's Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Jakobsson on House Bill 4903. Representative Jakobsson. Where she at? Oh, there she is. Do you wish us to read this? Out of the record. Representative Jefferson on House Bill 5285. Representative Jefferson. Representative Jefferson, do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5285, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Jefferson, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Jefferson, you're recognized on the Amendment. You're recognized to explain the Amendment."
"I move to adopt the Floor Amendment #1."
"You've heard the Gentleman's Motion. Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Motion say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed." 09500244.doc 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Third Reading. Representative Joyce on House Bill 5318. Do you wish us to read this Bill on Second? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5318, 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."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Berrios on House Bill 5687. Out of the record. Representative May on House Bill 4830. Representative May. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4830, 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 McCarthy on House Bill 4694. Representative McCarthy, 4694. All right. Out of the record. Representative McGuire on House Bill 4725. Do you wish us to read this Bill on Second, Representative? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4725, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Mendoza on House Bill 5331. No. Yes. Do you wish us to read it on Second? Read it on Second, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5331, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 09500244.doc 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Miller on House Bill 5213. Repre… Representative Miller on House Bill 5213. From Second to Third. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5213, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. However, notes have been requested and not yet received."
"Okay. So, we'll have to hold that on Second, Representative, pending some notes. Representative Molaro on House Bill 5088. Shall we read it? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 5088, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. All notes have been filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Nekritz on House Bill 4451. Representative Nekritz, shall we read this Bill? Shall we read the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4451, a Bill for an Act concerning the lottery. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Phelps on House Bill 4931. Out of the record. Representative Rita on House Bill 5307. Out of the record. Representative Ryg on House Bill 4862. Out of the record. Representative Soto 09500244.doc 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 on House Bill 5359. Representative Soto. Out of the record. Representative Turner on House Bill 4385. Out of the record. Representative Yarbrough on House Bill 4826. Repre… No. Out of the record. Representative Younge… Representative Younge on House Bill 4922. Out of the record. Representative Ryg, you had House Bill 4862. Did you wish us to read that on Second? Okay. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4862, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. All notes have been filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Howard, do you wish us to read House Bill 842 on Third Reading? Okay. We're going to do a Third Reading Bill. So Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 842."
"House Bill 842, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Howard."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 842 creates the Good Samaritan Computer Program Act and it creates the Good Samaritan Computer Program Trust Fund. It's subject to appropriations and the money would be used to fund and assist a program for low-income individuals and families to purchase computers. And it would allow DCEO to make an annual report on the use and effectiveness of the fund. It would require that they do that. I will answer questions."
"The Lady has moved for the passage of House Bill 842. Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 09500244.doc 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Froehlich and Soto, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Hernandez, do you wish us to read House Bill 5242? Do you wish us to read this Bill on Third? Representative, it's this… do you wish us… do you wish us to read this Bill at this time? Mr.… Yes or no? We'll take it out of the record at this time. Page 6 of the Calendar, under the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, is House Bill 4393. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4393, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Dunkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Point of announcement. Today, immediately after Session, I'm inviting Members… all Members to come down to Room 118 where we've started our new State Trooper Caucus and we're going to discuss issues or ways that we can make our State Police first class. There are some issues that a lot of us need to be aware of in terms of the safety of our officers, who are on these roads, who are our first 09500244.doc 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 responders in many counties here, that we'd like to discuss with Legislators. And it's a good opportunity for you to meet some of your State Police leaders and see to it that we have a positive relationship in making sure that our State Police is at a first class level. And so the director, Larry Trent, will be there today. You'll have the president of the master sar… of the union of Local 41. You'll have the HISLEA and the ABLE and other members who manage their fleet for their vehicles. I think it will be a great opportunity for us to learn more about an agency and how we could add value as state lawmakers. So, again, I would encourage us to come down there immediately after we adjourn here today, right here in the Capitol in Room 118. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 4699? 4699?"
"House Bill 4699 is on the Order of House Bills- Third… Second Reading."
"On Second Reading. Okay. Just hold that on Second Reading. What is the status of House Bill 4471?"
Clerk Mahoney: "House Bill 4471 is on the Order of Third Reading."
"Okay. Let's return that to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. And Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 4379?"
Clerk Mahoney: "House Bill 4379 is on the Order of Third Reading." 09500244.doc 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"So, let's return that to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. Representative Nekritz, you're recognized for an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Immediately following Session in Room 114 is going to be a presentation to the Environmental Health Committee, but everyone is invited. This is a presentation by Ken Cook from the Environmental Working Group out of Washington, D.C. and it's perhaps one of the most compelling and gripping presentations I've had the privilege to see. It has to do with the chemical intake that we all experience as a result of our modern-day environment and the products we use and what… and the links that he can draw to some of the diseases that we see going on. So, it's… it's called Ten Americans. It's about the test… the body burden test… chemical testing that his… that his organization and again the Environmental Working Group did. And I think you'll be very shocked and surprised by the outcome of that. So, I hope you'll join us."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions."
"On the Order of Agreed Resolutions is House Resolution 1090, offered by Representative Colvin. House Resolution 1091, offered by Representative Acevedo. House Resolution 1094, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 1095, offered by Representative Poe. House Resolution 1096, offered by Representative Cross. House Resolution 1097, offered by Representative Dan Reitz. House Resolution 1098, offered by Representative Biggins. House Resolution 1099, offered by Representative Hassert. House Resolution 1100, offered by Representative Hassert. 09500244.doc 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 House Resolution 1102, offered by Representative Cole. House Resolution 1103, offered by Representative Cole. House Resolution 1104, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 1105, offered by Representative Arroyo. House Resolution 1106, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1107, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1108, offered by Representative Howard. House Resolution 1109, offered by Representative Poe. House Resolution 1110, offered by Representative Kosel. House Resolution 1112, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 1113, offered by Representative Will Davis. House Resolution 1114, offered by Representative D’Amico. House Joint Resolution 116, offered by Representative Yarbrough. And House Resolution 1119, offered by Representative Hamos."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Are there announcements? Representative Franks, are you seeking recognition? There other announcements? Does anyone have any announcements? Mr. Clerk, would you… would you read the list of committee meetings, after we adjourn."
"The following committees will meet immediately following Session: Agriculture & Conservation in Room 115, Elementary & Secondary Education in Room C-1 in the Stratton, Environmental Health in Room 114, Higher Education in D-1, Health Care Availability & Access in Room 09500244.doc 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 122-B. The Executive Committee has been canceled. Executive Committee was canceled."
"Representative Jakobsson, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Human Services Committee is meeting tomorrow morning, as scheduled, at 8:30 and there are some Bills on the agenda and those will be heard, but there is listed a subject matter only hearing and that part of the agenda is not happening. The subject matter only is not happening."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motions were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration' is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28, offered by Representative Franks; Amendment #2 'recommends be adopted'."
Speaker Hannig: "On page 34 of the Calendar, under Constitutional Amendments-Second Reading is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28. Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments?"
Clerk Mahoney: "Floor Amendment #2 has been approved for consideration, offered by Representative Franks."
"Representative Franks on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Amendment would apply to House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 dealing 09500244.doc 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 with the recall of elected officials. With the Amendment we would allow recall for members of the Executive Branch and of the Legislative Branch, but the Amendment would take out the Judicial Branch. I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"The Gentleman has moved for the adoption of the Amendment. Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, our staff literally was just handed a copy of this Amendment a minute ago."
"Me, too."
"I… I don't know at this point whether there's opposition, but we would appreciate an opportunity before we move this Amendment or act on it to have staff have the opportunity to read it."
"Well, we can't pass it now anyway. This is a reading and then we can have… we can move it later, but we have to read it now and then we can go forward."
"Well, if… if you would give us 2 minutes to at least browse through the Amendment to… to… check it."
"Oh sure. But what I'd like to do is… I'd like to do is adopt it now and then we could have it heard in a few days. I presume it won't be heard this week."
"Well, are you going to hold it on Second?"
"Yeah."
"You're going to hold it on Second today…" 09500244.doc 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Sure. And then… Yeah. I'm going to have it on Second. We'll adopt the Amendment and then we can move it to Third."
"Just give me one second. Okay."
"Okay."
"Okay. So… Right. We have… we have… Representative, you will… you will hold this Amendment until staff has ample time to review it?"
"It's my… it's my understanding how this works. If we adopt the Amendment today…"
"Okay."
"…what happens is, we can't hear this again for a full three (3) days. So, that puts us into next week anyway and it'll give you all a chance to… to read it very thoroughly and then we can debate it on… we can debate when it's on final form…"
"Well, let me just ask this question, Representative. We could do this tomorrow as well. Why… why is it necessary that this get kicked out immediately and we don't have any… I mean, what is the urgency of today regarding this particular Amendment that we wouldn't have it for…"
"Well, this is a Floor Amendment. So, we'll give you more time to discuss it. We want to get it out so people can… if you have problems with it. 'Cause I'm very serious about this Bill. I put this as my top priority. It was editorialized today in the Tribune and this is something we need. I think the General Assembly has to move quickly on because for this to be on the November ballot we have to pass this through the House and then the Senate by the 09500244.doc 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 first week of May. So, every day that we lose is a day that might disenfranchise our voters. So, I think it's important to put it on today."
"And I don't question… honestly, don't question your… your intent or your priorities and, in fact, maybe not even the Amendment, but just the process by which the thing comes out and we have literally no time whatsoever for staff to look at it before there's action taken on it. I think that's the objection from this side more than anything else and once again, obviously, you can do…"
"Well, we'll have our staff work with your staff and this is the first day back and we wanted to get this moving right away and we still have the full three (3) days as well and if there's problems I'll be glad to meet with your staff individually."
"Well, I appreciate that, I just want for the record to bring up the fact that we would have certainly appreciated a different consideration on this and have had that earlier. Thank you."
"Representative Winters. I think you still have to use your temporary place. Try to get your mic fixed by tomorrow, Representative."
"Okay. Thank you. Representative, I guess I don't see that twenty-four (24) hours is that critical that we couldn't wait until tomorrow, because this is a voice vote and it will record everybody. If there's something in here that we haven't had time to dig out, not that we're saying that there is, but what… what's the huge rush to do it this afternoon when we can do it sixteen (16) hours from now?" 09500244.doc 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"Let me tell you what the difference is. It's the exact same Bill except we took out the judges. That's the only difference."
"I understand that."
"So there's no… there's no hidden agenda. There's no tricks. It is what it is."
"Okay."
"It's the same Bill minus the judicial folks."
"Well, to the… to the Amendment then. Your Amendment…"
"There is an addition to make it self-executing."
"To make it what?"
"To make it self-executing."
"You're… you're telling us that you want to execute judges? What…"
"No… no… no."
"…you know, what's self-executing?"
"No."
"I thought you were a lawyer."
"Yeah, I know I like…"
"What… you might get yourself into trouble here, Jack."
"I love judges."
"Well, are we trying… by excluding the judges is this an attempt to make sure they don't find it unconstitutional?"
"No. I was worried, quite frankly, about the independence of the judiciary and I wanted them to be able to maintain their… their independence. I didn't want to be 09500244.doc 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 heavy-handed and if that's something that someone would like to do an Amendment in the future, I think that… that could be something we could discuss. But I think this is such a serious issue that… I wanted to take away, I guess, some of the opposition where people could vote against it saying, well, you're taking away the independence of the judiciary. So, it's basically dealing with the Members of the General Assembly and the Constitutional Officers. It deals with the people who work in this building."
"Okay. We were just informed, as our staff is trying to peruse this very quickly, it does look like the number of signatures that would be necessary to recall an official… an elected official of the Executive Branch is reduced. Is that a correct statement? Is that… it that a change or is that just other language… It looks like our initial reading of the Bill as introduced… as amended by the first, it would call for at least 20 percent of the last vote for that office."
"Right. What we did here…"
"And this one is now down to 12 percent."
"It's the same… we made ours the same as California."
"Okay."
"'Cause we… we were trying to make it the same because…"
"That's the whole point about allowing us maybe…"
"Right."
"…twelve (12) hours to peruse it and see if there are…"
"Right." 09500244.doc 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008
"…substantive changes that you yourself didn't present."
"Correct. I thought we had…"
"What's wrong with holding off 'til tomorrow?"
"I think we're just trying to get it moved because I'm worried about the time, 'cause then we can vote on it early next week. If we need to hold it…"
"All right. You can't… you can't vote on it… If we do it tomorrow, which is Wednesday, you have next Wednesday and Thursday to move it."
"Correct. If you need… if you need more time, I'll be happy to give it to you."
"We would… we would appreciate it."
"Okay. We'll pull it out of the record and we… we can do it tomorrow."
"Thank you."
"So, we'll take it out of the record at this time. Are there any announcements? Then allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves that the House adjourn 'til Wednesday, April 2 at the hour of 11 a.m., 11 a.m. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted. And the House stands adjourned."
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' House Joint 09500244.doc 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Resolution 99, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2210; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' for House Bill 3642. Representative Harris, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' House Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 4223. Representative McCarthy, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 4380. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on April 01, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'recommends be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2825. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1092, offered by Representative Ryg. House Resolution 1093, offered by Representative Soto. House Resolution 1101, offered by Speaker Madigan. House Resolution 1111, offered by Representative Patterson. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee. Introduction of Executive Orders. Executive Order 2008-1. Executive Order to consolidate certain application development, human resources, personnel, payroll, timekeeping, procurement, and financial processes. This Executive Order is referred to the House Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. 09500244.doc 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 House Bill 6324, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 6325, offered by Representative Bassi, a Bill for an Act concerning domestic violence, which may be referred to as the Cindy Bischof Law. House Bill 6326, offered by Representative Biggins, a Bill for an Act concerning domestic violence. House Bill 6327, offered by Representative Reboletti, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 6328, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 6329, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1881, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1887, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1923, offered by Representative Currie, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1939, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1957, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1979, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1981, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Senate Bill 1984, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. Senate Bill 1997, offered by Representative Schock, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2012, offered by 09500244.doc 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Senate Bill 2014, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2031, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2031, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2047, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Senate Bill 2049, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2102, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Senate Bill 2160, offered by Representative Dunkin, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2190, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Senate Bill 2198, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2240, offered by Representative Currie, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Senate Bill 2301, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 2304, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. Senate Bill 2314, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Senate Bill 2336, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Senate Bill 2352, offered by Representative Eddy, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2353, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 2382, offered by Representative 09500244.doc 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 244th Legislative Day 4/1/2008 Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2401, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning children. First Reading of these Senate Bills. Having no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09500244.doc 166