Illinois House Floor Debate — May 27, 2008

"The hour of 3:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. The Members will 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 for the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Father Anthony Pizzo, who is the pastor of Saint Rita's of Cascia Parish in Chicago. Father Pizzo is the guest of Representative Golar."

"Representative Stephens, will you lead us in the Pledge."

Speaker Hannig: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the following are excused absences today Representatives: Bradley, both John and Rich, Davis, but only Will, Feigenholtz, Froehlich, Osterman, Patterson, Riley, Scully, Washington, and Yarbrough."

"And Representative Bost."

"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 102 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, would you read the Rules Report."

"On the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, Representative Reboletti, you have House Bill 2916. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Reboletti on Amendment #1."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. And now, Mr. Clerk, are there other Amendments?"

"Representative Reboletti."

Speaker Hannig: "All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments."

"Third Reading. Representative Turner. Okay. Representative Pihos, you have House Bill 4320 and I'm advised the Amendment is available. So, Mr. Clerk, would you return this to the Order of Second Reading and would you read the Bill, please."

"Representative Pihos on the Amendment."

"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Lady's Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Turner, you have House Bill 4385. Out of the record. Representative Flowers on House Bill 4443. Representative Flowers, do you wish us to read this? Do you wish us to read this on Second? I'm advised the Amendment's out of Rules. So, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Flowers."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Amendment #1 would merely add another million dollars ($1,000,000)… fifteen (15)… would add another million dollars ($1,000,000) to the existing Bill… 09500273.doc 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to the existing Bill. The original Bill was a million (1,000,000) and now I'm adding another five hundred (500,000) to the existing Bill. And I would urge for the adoption."

"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?"

"Third Reading. Representative Chapa LaVia, you have House Bill 4728. Representative Chapa LaVia. Out of the record. We're going to move to Third Readings. And Representative Moffitt, you have House Bill 5845. Do you wish us to read that Bill? So, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Moffitt."

"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 Coulson and Dunn, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Currie, do you wish us to proceed with House Resolution 1185? Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. Lupus is a terrible disease, a chronic ailment that can also prove fatal to people. It makes living with lupus not an easy proposition. And I think it's important for the citizens of Illinois to understand the depredations of this difficult, chronic ailment. And this Resolution would name the month of May, Lupus Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. I'd be happy to answer your questions. I'd appreciate your support."

"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Howard, you have House Bill 1831. Out of the record. Representative Ryg on House Bill 5187. Out of the record. Representative Molaro on House Bill 4383. Out of the record. Representative Riley on House Bill 2308. Pardon me, the Gentleman's excused today. Representative Joyce on 09500273.doc 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 House Bill 2047. Up to you, Representative. Do you wish us to read it? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Joyce."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2047 would allow the persons that are working for a fire department that gets merged as a result of an intergovernmental agreement into a fire protection district to capture those years of service for terms of pension benefits, disa… pension disability benefits. I believe there is no opposition to this Bill and I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of House Bill 2047. 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 Ramey and Sullivan, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Golar, you have House Bill 4913. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Lady from Cook, Representative Golar." 09500273.doc 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4913 is an accountability Bill. As amended it creates tougher accountability provisions in the law for charter schools that fail to achieve goals set in their original charters. Once a charter is notified for failure to meet its goals, HB 4913 requires a written improvement plan within one (1) year timetable to begin implementation of the plan and includes the authority for revocation of a charter for failing to meet its own standards of achievement. I'll be happy to answer any questions."

"The Lady moves for the passage of House Bill 4913. And on that question, the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Meyer."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"I think about eighty-four (84), Representative."

"Mainly in Chicago."

"Well, I would imagine first of all you would need some sponsors to start a charter school. Basically, in most of the communities there have been people that actually come in and put in moneys and there is a portion of it that is also paid by CPS."

"By Chicago Public Schools."

"Would you repeat that, Representative."

"That is correct."

"What's that again, Representative?"

"That is correct."

"Yeah. In the present statute there is a revocation. The reason for this Bill being implemented is because when the charter schools were formed in 1995, during the initial conversations about charters, once they decided on it they put in statute that it could be either renewed or revoked. There was no time line in there. This is an agreed Bill, Representative Meyer. I met with Arne Duncan on this Bill. Have been working on it now for approximately five (5) or six (6) weeks. It was passed out of the committee based on me holding it on Second and then working with the Chicago Public Schools and charters to come to an agreed Bill. And it is agreed by Arne Duncan." 09500273.doc 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"The civic committee are… is some individuals that state that they are opposed to the Bill. I would say to the civic committee that…"

"It is an agreed Bill."

"It's agreed by Arne Duncan. That's who I was supposed to be talking to, not the civic committee. Arne Duncan."

"Well, I'm not saying that they are or not. I'm not putting any… I was supposed… according to the agreement that I made with the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee is that I would work out these details with Chicago Public Schools. That has been done. That was the agreement."

"But I just wanted you to know that it has been worked out."

"Well, it wasn't… it wasn't…" 09500273.doc 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"No, no, no. I didn't say that, Representative. I said…"

"Let me say this. Let's revisit… let's revisit the prior agreement. And the revisiting of this is, is that we decided out of the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee, they had some questions. I brought up showing there were fourteen (14) schools that were in noncompliance. Fourteen (14) out of the eighty-four (84) that were in noncompliance with very low math and reading scores. Those individuals on the committee was not aware of that, I passed out that information. In doing so, if you would look at the Bill, let's revisit it, there are four (4) Amendments that has been put on the Bill. So, it is a workable Bill. We first had thirty (30) days, we went to sixty (60) days, we went to ninety (90) days. And after meeting with the charter school representatives, these are the individuals that work out of CPS, we met with them and the final agreement was to…"

"Representative, we'll let her answer… finish answering the questions and then you can bring your remarks to a close. So, Representative Golar."

"Their objection was the ninety (90) days and… on Amendment 3. And Amendment 4… after I met with the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, we had an agreed Bill, which is one 09500273.doc 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 (1) year for the implementation of them taking care of issues that affect the Chicago charter schools."

"Representative Meyer, could you bring your remarks to a close."

"Representative Bassi."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"That… there is."

"Well, basically, it actually had in the Bill saying that they would revoke or… act… Let me back up a little. Actually, since charter schools have been… from the origination of charter schools in 1995, there have been three (3) schools that have been… actually revoked their charter."

"By?"

"Chicago Public Schools."

"Yes." 09500273.doc 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"Right. But there was not represented an accountability piece in there. There was no timetable. I mean, they could go on five (5) to ten (10) years and…"

"They have an accountability plan and it is five (5) to ten (10) years. And I feel…"

"Well, let me say this, Representative. We have six hundred and twenty-four (624) schools in the City of Chicago that are traditional schools. We have approximately eighty-four (84) charter schools, and charter schools, of course, is a choice. It is a choice for many men and women that are trying to find an alternative to the traditional schools."

"Well, let me say this, Representative."

"That may be the very best possible choice to make. But let's say this charter schools are getting public funds. Is that correct, Representative?"

"Okay."

"So, if they are getting public funds. The meeting that I had with Arne Duncan, I told him, they should be… they should have the same level playing field as the traditional public schools. And each year a public school must do a school improvement plan if they are not meeting the AYP. And right now, what is happening with the present charter schools, they are not meeting the AYP and there is no plan put in place to say, what are they going to do to correct it. This is what my Bill does."

"Floor Amendments… because, Representative… because, Representative…"

"I did work on it."

"That's the reason for the four (4) Amendments."

"Strong, in what way, Representative?" 09500273.doc 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"I don't think they change the intent. The intent is is that if they are getting public funds, they should be using the same measure that they're using for the traditional public schools. How is that?"

"No, it's not mandatory. It does not say 'shall'. It says 'may'. Read the Amendment, Representative."

"We want them to meet the standards. Let me give you an example… let me give you an example, Representative."

"Representative Bassi, you sat… Representative, can I speak?"

"Can I speak, please."

"In the Elementary/Secondary Education Committee, you sat there and Representative Mitchell spoke on behalf saying that I needed to work with Chicago Public Schools on this and get an agreed Bill. I started out with thirty (30) days and I was working with the Illinois Federation of Teachers and they brought it up to sixty (60). I was not in agreement with that because I know the measure. I told 09500273.doc 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 them that we needed more time. I talked with the IGA person, she was able to get a meeting with Arne Duncan. I sat in that meeting not only with them, but also with his charter people. And this is an agreed Bill with the Chief Executive Officer, Arne Duncan…"

"Representative, would you bring your remarks to a close and we'll let Representative Bassi finish her remarks as well."

"Is there any more question, Representative Bassi?"

"It doesn't say it… it doesn't say it in… why don't you…"

"Why don't you read the fourth Amendment?"

"It says 'shall'. It does not say 'shall'; it says 'may', 'may', 'may write up a plan to correct the issues of why they are not meeting the AYP.' There is a school, the Young Math and Science School, 1995, they are, currently, Representative, 14 percent in math in compliance and 28 percent in reading. Now, I could talk about the other thirteen (13) schools that are also having those issues. Now, if the traditional schools in the City of Chicago are receiving public funds and they have to do an improvement plan, there is no reason for the charter schools to be 09500273.doc 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 receiving moneys from the State of Illinois and they are not in compliance in the same way."

"And what makes you say that, Representative?"

"Well, you may have seen the stats, but I also passed out a stat to you on fourteen (14)… fourteen (14) schools that are very, very low in AYP."

"And I'm only bringing about a measure of accountability. I'm not trying to revoke any schools or do anything of that nature. It is only an accountability measure. I don't know how you're reading it, but I think you're dead wrong on this."

"Well, take your time, Representative, sit down… sit down and look over it."

"I appreciate that, Representative."

"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates she'll yield." 09500273.doc 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 Davis, M.: "Representative, what Amendment did Representative Black put on this Bill?"

"Representative Davis, what did you say?" Davis, M.: "No, I was… I can answer the question. Representative Black put Amendment #3 on this Bill, which extends the time, I believe, to ninety (90) days. Is that right?"

"That's correct." Davis, M.: "Okay. Representative Black is in support of this Bill based upon his Amendment that extended the time that they give the charter schools to meet the requirements by the state. I believe that those of us who represent districts that have charter schools would probably be much more concerned because they are our children. We want them to learn at the same rate at least as children in other public schools do. Now, we say we support charter schools, but then sometimes we're saying we don't want to support what will make them better or what will make them equal to the rest of the public schools in our state. I think Representative Golar along with Arne Duncan, who is the chief superintendent, almost, of our charter schools, have worked on this legislation. This legislation has been before the Elementary/Secondary Education Committee. Every time there was a major concern, the Sponsor of this Bill worked and corrected those concerns. What is she trying to do? She's merely saying that if a charter school its not doing what is charter mandates that they have to write a corrective plan. Now, in the rest of the school system, I think we call it an action plan. There… there are some 09500273.doc 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 other titles, but every school in Chicago in the State of Illinois has to write a plan of action for the coming year. This Bill merely asks the charter schools have to write a plan and maybe corrective plan if the original one is not working. It is not in any way in opposition to the charter schools. In fact, it's in support. We've had several, three (3) or so to close. Maybe they would not have had to close had they been given an opportunity to write a corrective plan. This Bill is not complicated. It is not complex. It is a Bill that supports the charter schools that this Body wants. It supports them and gives them an opportunity to perform at the same level and expectations of other schools. I urge an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Durkin."

"Yes, state your point."

"Mr. Clerk, could you advise us who the Sponsor of Amendment #3 was on this Bill?"

"Mr. Clerk, could you give us the status of the notes? Who filed them and what the status is? We're advised that all the notes have been filed, Representative. In fact…"

"The Clerk… the Clerk could look it up. They don't have them in front of him because that's typically an item that we deal with on Second Reading, but if that's an important issue for you, we'll look it up. So, Mr. Clerk, could you advise us who had requested the notes?"

"So, Representative Durkin."

"Further discussion? Then Representative Golar to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important that we look at this Bill as a measure for all schools. Charter schools is a choice. And I ask today that in my explanation of this Bill that you will give me an 'aye' 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? Representative Poe, Mitchell, Flowers, Brauer, Leitch, do you wish to be recorded? Have 09500273.doc 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Do you wish to put this on Postponed, Representative?"

"Yes, thank you."

Speaker Hannig: "Okay. So, we'll put this on Postponed Consideration. Representative Turner, you have House Bill 4385. The Amendment's been out. Would you like us to read that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Turner on Amendment #1."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Amendment #1 removes the ability of the city or of a municipality to petition the court to have a property declared abandoned if there, in fact, there's no active water service. And I move for the adoption of the Amendment. The Amendment would exclude the fact that water service is not necessary or would not be one of the provisions. And so, I move for the adoption of Amendment #1."

"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Representative Turner."

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Amendment #2 includes Amendment #1 and it also has a term in there which 09500273.doc 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 says that the property has to be unsafe. And I move for the adoption of Amendment #2."

Speaker Hannig: "All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Chapa LaVia, you have House Bill 4728. Do you wish us to read this on Second? I'm advised the Amendment is out of Rules. So, Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"No. Excuse me, Mr. Clerk. They'll take that out of the record. Representative Chapa LaVia, you also have House Bill 4927. I'm advised you need to take that back to Second and adopt an Amendment. Is that correct? Okay. So, Mr. Clerk, let's return that to the Order of Second Reading and are there any Amendments?"

"Representative Chapa LaVia, would you like to present the Amendment?"

"Speaker, I think I'm going to move it back on Second. I'm working with Representative Fritchey on his concerns before I move it forward. So, thank you for…"

"So, we'll just hold that then on the Order of Second Reading. Representative Lou Lang on House Bill 5668. What is the status of that Bill, Mr. Clerk?" 09500273.doc 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"So, let's return that to the Order of Second Reading for the purposes of an Amendment. And now Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments?"

"Representative Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. During the debate on this Bill there was some concern that there be a limit on the fee and also some language that would not allow any sweeps by the Governor's Office. This Amendment accomplishes both of those goals. I move adoption of the 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?"

"Third Reading. Representative Howard, you have House Bill 1831 on the Order of Third Reading. Would you like us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Howard."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1831 as amended would amend the current expungement and sealing laws, which seek to clarify the current law on several 09500273.doc 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 points. There's been a lot of work done on this. In fact, everybody is pretty much agreed. And the only person… the only entity that's not has no position, but if you notice everybody has worked real hard to make sure that all the changes that were necessary were made. This Bill clarifies the current law in several ways: that petty traffic offenses not bar expungement of any criminal record which would otherwise be eligible to be expunged; that in order to be eligible to have records sealed, a petitioner must satisfy one waiting period which commences at the termination of his last sentence; that individuals be allowed to seal cases with a finding of not guilty; and that the treatment of nontraffic, petty, and business offense convictions should be logically consistent. And the goal of this legislation is to ensure that ex-offenders receive the full measure of relief that the Legislature intended to grant them in the legislation of 2005. I will answer questions."

"Is there any discussion? The Lady from Kane, Representative Lindner."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"I'm sorry, would you repeat that?"

"Unfortunately, after the legislation was passed in 2005 there have been, obviously, attempts to implement it. And those who were a part of the process were noticing that there were some barriers to implementation because there 09500273.doc 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 was not enough clarification. And so, there were a number of persons who suggested that there needed to be some clarification so that each of the entities understood specifically what their role was in the implementation process."

"That… it is not a new law."

"That is correct."

"Whose initiative…"

"Well, the State Appellate Defender was one of the… one of those who asked me to assist. And there were some of the community organizations that were attempting to assist those who they believe were eligible for expungement as well."

"The Illinois Press Association is not in agreement. The State's Attorney's Office of Cook County does not agree, but they have no position. At one point, they were against it."

"That's correct. They have no position." 09500273.doc 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008

"As has been the case, as far as I can remember, their objection has been that they just don't want to not be able to access any case that they want to be able to see."

"Absolutely. Seven."

"The third Amendment was a gut and replace. The others were just an attempt to make certain that the various entities, including the State's Attorneys of Cook County, were agreeable or at least not against the Bill."

"Yes."

"As far as my… as far as I know, that is the case."

"Thank you."

Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Then Representative Howard to close."

"I would appreciate a 'yes' vote from my colleagues on this. 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk… 09500273.doc 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 Representative Cultra, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Do you wish to put this on Postponed?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Speaker Hannig: "Okay. We'll put this on the Order of Postponed. Representative May, you have Senate Bill 2380. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative May."

"Yes. Thank you. Senate Bill 2380. Well, the underlying Bill… and I'd like to thank Representative Mautino and Senator Demuzio… the underlying Bill just clarifies the transition time between ICHIP and Medicaid so that we can make sure that our providers get paid. And then the Amendment that I added was the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, which we discussed last week when it was added to the Bill. This is really groundbreaking and compassionate legislation to bring relief for health care costs to 83 percent of the uninsured families in our state because the uninsured are the only ones that pay full sticker price. This would give a discount to them. And today because of the serious negotiations between Attorney General Lisa Madigan's Office and the Hospital Association, we have an agreed Bill with many protections and safeguards for our consumers. I'd like to thank again Paul Gainer from the Attorney General's Office and Howard Peters of the Hospital Association as well as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who bore with us through about three (3) 09500273.doc 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 hearings over several years, specifically Minority Spokesperson JoAnn Osmond, Representatives Tryon, Mulligan, Krause, and Coulson who worked on this, too. It's an important piece of legislation to help these people. It'll give a deep discount, 35 percent, above hospital costs for all medically necessary services exceeding three hundred dollars ($300) for any inpatient or outpatient visit. I'll be happy to answer any questions."

"The Lady moves for the passage of Senate Bill 2380. And on that question, the Lady from Lake, Representative Osmond."

"Representative May to close."

"Yes. Thank you very much, Representative Osmond. It truly has been, as I said, a bipartisan effort when everyone recognized the compelling nature of this issue. We have a chance to make history and help hundreds of thousands of residents get a break they deserve on escalating health care costs. They will pay closer to what everyone else is paying right now for these services. We can correct this injustice. And I ask for a 'yes' vote."

"The question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ All in favor vote ‘aye’; opposed ‘nay’. The voting is open. 09500273.doc 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 273rd Legislative Day 5/27/2008 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 102 voting ‘yes’ and 0 voting ‘no’. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mathias, for what reason do you rise?"

"State your point."

"Mr. Clerk, do you have some readings?"

Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, will you read the Agreed Resolutions."

"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Are there any announcements? Mr. Clerk, would you read the committee announcements for this afternoon."

Speaker Hannig: "Are there any announcements? And Representative Currie would move, that allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motion is adopted and the House stands adjourned."