"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We ask the Members and our guests in the gallery to turn off laptop computers, cell phones, and pagers. We ask the guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper."
"Let us pray. Dear Lord, we come before You today in sound body and mind, praying that on this day, You grant us wisdom and guidance. During these hard times of negotiations, we pray that everyone can come together on one common ground and resolve the issues for the people of Illinois. We pray for our men and women in the Armed Services, both here and abroad. Provide them with Your protection and give them the strength to make it through these tough times. Let us also pray for the men, women, and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country. These things we ask in Your Son's name, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Patterson."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the excused absences of Representatives Arroyo, Berrios, Burke, 09500288.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 Collins, Colvin, Ford, Fritchey, Granberg, Hernandez, Jefferies, Joyce, Lyons, Mendoza, Molaro, and Ryg."
"Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Bassi, Brauer… Brauer, and Dunn, Lindner, and Schmitz are excused today on the Republican side of the aisle."
"The Clerk shall take the record. There being 92 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we could have your attention for just a few moments, please. This would concern our plan for the day. The House is prepared to consider the Governor's Vetoes to Senate Bills, both Total Vetoes and Amendatory Vetoes. I'm not sure of the exact number. It's in the nature of less than fifteen (15) Bills, maybe eleven (11) to fifteen (15) Bills. Some of those were acted on by the Senate yesterday. Three (3) of them were acted upon by the Senate this morning. And so today, we will take up for consideration all of the Governor's actions on Senate Bills, both Total Vetoes and Amendatory Vetoes. In addition, there were negotiations overnight among the budgeteers, which I'm told has resulted in an agreement concerning a sweeps Bill and a supplemental appropriation Bill. We're still developing the language for the sweeps Bill and the supplemental appropriation Bill. As soon as that's available, we will give it to the Minority Leader's office and then, the Minority Party will go to a Party caucus. So for now, we would ask you just to stand at ease. Hopefully, it'll be a very short time. As 09500288.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 soon as the material is available, we'll come back into Session. Mr. Brady will call for the caucus. And then the plan for the day would be what I just set out: Governor's actions on Senate Bills, a sweeps Bill, and an appropriation Bill. Mr. Black."
"Yes, Sir."
"Didn't your mother always tell you to keep an open mind and be flexible about things?"
"Absolutely."
"Right. My mother did, too. So, with all that in mind and that fine speech that I practice so much, I'm told that we can proceed to Governor's actions on Senate Bills right now. Okay. And with that in mind, does anybody have a Bill they wish to call to move to override the Governor? Representative May. Turn on Representative May. Representative, your Bill is Senate 2380. Representative."
"Yes."
"So, on page 3 of the Calendar, on the Order of Amendatory Vetoes, there appears Senate Bill 2380. Representative May."
"Yes, thank you, Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Especially the Members of the Health Care Availability & Access Committee are very familiar with this concept. Senate Bill 2380 is the language we amended on to a Senate Bill because it was late in the Session. It deals with a discount for the uninsured at the hospitals. As we know, now they pay about 250 percent above costs. This Bill would limit them to 35 percent above cost. There were 09500288.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 changes made by the Governor in the Amendatory Veto, but this was a… carefully crafted and negotiated Bill that I think should stand as it is."
"Representative, please restate your Motion. You move to override the Governor?"
"Yes, I move to… "
"All right."
"…override the Governor's Amendatory Veto…"
"All right."
"…on Senate Bill 2380."
"On that question, the Chair recognizes Mr. Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to support the Lady's Motion. The actions of the Governor in this particular Bill were really way over the top. In fact, if you take a look at Chicago Tribune editorial, they refer to this as performing heart surgery with a chainsaw. They go on to say, and I don't think I could say it better so I'll read it. 'The uninsured shouldn't be gouged by hospitals charging outrageous markups. It's even worse when they're victimized by a Governor who grandstands about helping them pay their medical bills, while effectively torpedoing efforts to do just that.' I would strongly recommend 'aye' votes."
"Mr. Patterson. Turn on Mr. Patterson, and could someone help him with the microphone, please? Okay. Representative Osmond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. This Bill was in the making for the last year to eighteen (18) months in 09500288.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 negotiations with the hospitals association of Representative May and many others worked hard to work on the wording that was sent to the Governor. And therefore, I stand in support of overriding the Governor's Veto."
"Mr. Franks. Mr. Black. Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In keeping an open mind, will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields?
"Representative, in your opening remarks, I didn't hear you say but I think you implied it. When this Bill passed both chambers, it was agreed to by the Illinois Hospital Association, was it not?"
"Yes. There were intense negotiations with health care attorneys in the Attorney General's Office and the Illinois Hospital Association."
"And if my memory serves me, didn't a major metropolitan daily newspaper just editorialize against the Governor's Amendatory Veto?"
"Yes, Representative. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to pass it out to all the Members of the floor…"
"Okay."
"…but this Sunday, the Chicago Tribune did editorialize in favor of the… the Veto override."
"Okay. Did… did you not give me a copy because you thought my mind would be closed or…"
"No, I know your mind is very open because I think you have spoken in favor of the agreed negotiations that we had on this Bill…"
"Yes." 09500288.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"…so I appreciate that. And I also appreciate that this… the agreed Bill we had dealt with not being burdensome to downstate hospitals, which is very near and dear to your heart also. So, the compromise, the crafted Bill that we originally passed, was… did have the interest of downstate hospitals in mind."
"I appreciate that very much because you're absolutely correct. This is good legislation. Your Motion is certainly in order and I hope it gains unanimous support. I congratulate all those who worked so hard to make this a good Bill, and I think Representative Lang has summarized adequately and accurately what happened to this in the Amendatory Veto process. I hope you'll all vote 'yes'."
"Representative May moves that Senate Bill 2380 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. For those in favor of that Motion, vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion requires 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 97 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2380 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of Total Vetoes, there appears Senate Bill 2298, Mr. Verschoore. Mr. Verschoore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. What this does is extends the TIF district in the City of Milan in my district and West Frankfort in Representative Bradley's district. Before, it passed the Senate 52 to 0 09500288.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 and the House 107. And I would ask you to help me override this Veto. Thank you very much. I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, in my notes, I don't have the Governor's Veto message. This seems to be rather straightforward to me, nothing that we haven't done in the past. Why did the Governor veto it?"
"I have no idea. All it says here is, I recognize and appreciate the hard work of the Sponsor's passing. However, I don't agree with it. I guess he just doesn't agree with it, Mr. Black."
"He did not talk to you about it?"
"No. He and I… he and I aren't on a first name basis."
"I'm… I'm shocked to hear that. So, he… he never contacted you about this TIF district extension, whatsoever?"
"No. No, he didn't, Bill."
"All right. Well, thank you very much, Representative. Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Motion to override. We can find no substantive reason for the override. These Bills are, rightly or wrongly, routinely accepted at the request of the various Sponsors. I see no reason not to concur in the Gentleman's Motion. Would urge an 'aye' vote." 09500288.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Mr. John Bradley." Bradley, J.: "I… I have West Frankfort. I don't know the answer either. I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Verschoore moves that Senate Bill 2298 do pass, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Those in favor will vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. This will require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 95 people voting 'yes', 2 people voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2298 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Representative Coulson, Senate Bill 2685."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to override the Governor's Veto of 2685. The underlying Bill is about chronic health conditions and teaching teachers to preserve the chronic health mandate. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The Lady moves that Senate Bill 2685 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. This Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2685 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Hannig, on Senate Bill 2887. Mr. Hannig."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I would move to override the Governor's Veto of this Bill. The underlying Bill was a recommendation from the 09500288.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 Procurement Policy Board, a board that has roots in the Legislative branch of government. The Governor made some changes to the Bill that were not accepted in the Senate and so at this point, the… the only options we really have are to override the Governor's Veto or there would be no Bill. The underlying Bill, as I said, came to us from the Procurement Policy Board and helped clarify the definition of 'ten (10) years'. So, I'd ask for your 'yes' vote."
"Representative Hannig moves that Senate Bill 2887 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, it appears to me that the Governor's Amendatory Veto language was made at the request of one of the major universities in the state. And that university, while I don't think it wants to be drawn into this fight, seemed to make sense to me because they… they often have to enter into agreements for contracts and leases longer than ten (10) years in order to get anything done. And it would seem like carving out that exemption would simply recognize what is being done and what I think, perhaps, should continue to be done unless you can convince me of some overriding reason why a major university couldn't enter into such agreements for a period longer than ten (10) years."
"Well, Representative, you know, you may be right. I… I don't know, but the point is that I would make is that 09500288.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 the Senate has already overridden. So, we don't have the option to accept. We can either join them in overriding or if the Motions fails, there would simply be no Bill. Now, I think the underlying Bill, actually helps us take a step forward in an… in an important area and I would suggest that if the university wishes to introduce a new Bill as we go forward that that would probably be at this point the most appropriate way to deal with the issue."
"I… I have no fundamental disagreement with the underlying Bill and I think it's a positive step forward, but just… one thing I have noticed at the University of Illinois, if you cannot enter into certificates of participation for longer than ten (10) years, it would be extremely difficult to get certain things done. For example, many of us in that area of the state have been waiting for the state to assist in the renovation of Lincoln Hall for a number of years, and I don't know whether that will be done in my lifetime or not. It just seems to me, and I will certainly be… I will certainly keep an open mind on the rest of the debate, but it would seem to be that the Amendatory Veto carving out that one single exemption would make sense…"
"Yeah."
"…but I also understand what you're saying about we are somewhat in a dilemma. If we fail to override we have no Bill and the underlying Bill is good. But I think also, the amendatory language is necessary for a world class university. So, we'll keep an open mind on the debate and I thank you, as always, for your response." 09500288.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Representative Hannig moves that Senate Bill 2887 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. This Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 54 people voting 'yes', 43 people voting 'no'. The Motion fails. On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of Amendatory Vetoes, there appears Senate Bill 1864, Mr. Boland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am subbing for Representative Ford here, and we want to override the Governor's Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 1864. The underlying Bill recreates the twenty-one-member Council on Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2008."
"Representative Boland moves that Senate Bill 1864 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. This Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 97 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 1864 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Smith, did you wish to call Senate Bill 2676? Mr. Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is legislation on behalf of the City of East Peoria and the Village of Morton in Tazewell County. It is permissive 09500288.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 language that would allow them to increase the hotel/motel tax for tourism purposes, allow them to do what other Home Rule communities in our convention and visitors' bureau have done. There is no opposition locally to this. I would ask for the Body's favorable consideration on a Motion to override."
"Mr. Leitch."
"All right. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to thank Representative Smith for his leadership on this measure. Our communities are trying to work very hard to build convention trade. They're all trying to come together and work on the same page, pulling on the same oar. And this Bill is very important to our community and as Representative Smith said, this is a permissive Bill. It enables the communities to come together and… and work together, and it's a very positive, important Bill. And I would ask for your support."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, the Governor issued a Total Veto. In his message, he said it raises taxes on consumers. I don't see that in this Bill. Did the Governor not read it or am I not reading it correctly?"
"No, Representative Black, this is a permissive Bill. All this does is give the authority to the City of East Peoria and to the Village of Morton, two communities in the Peoria area convention and visitors' bureau territory who 09500288.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 don't have the authority without this legislation to increase the motel/hotel tax which as you know, supports our convention and visitors' bureaus throughout the state."
"In other words, a 'yes' vote on this doesn't raise anybody's taxes."
"That's correct."
"All it does, if I read it correctly, is to grant two (2) cities permissive authority to raise the hotel/motel tax if they choose to do so for local purposes. Correct?"
"That is correct, yes."
"So, if there was to be any backlash against the increased hotel/motel tax, that backlash would best be given to those local officials who may decide to do that. Correct?"
"That's right."
"Thank you very much, Representative. And Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, to the Gentleman's Motion to override. Here again, we sometimes tend to paint things with a broad brush. We are not voting to raise the hotel/motel tax in two (2) cities. Only those governments can do that. We would give them permission to do it. They must decide whether or not they want to do it. The City of Peoria and the surrounding area has seen a tremendous growth in tourism. They now host the State Basketball Championship at the Peoria Civic Center. If East Peoria and Morton want to develop their tourism abilities and want the money raised locally to do that, I think that's within the purview of their responsibility. We're not raising the tax. We're simply giving local governments the ability to 09500288.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 look to raising the hotel/motel tax if they can justify it to the people who live there. To me, that's just local government. That's where the decision should be made. I stand in complete and total agreement with the Gentleman's Motion to override."
"Representative Sommer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I rise in support of this Motion. As a resident of the Village of Morton, I support their effort regionally to further economic development. This is a positive step in that direction. Your positive vote, 'yes' vote, will allow them to decide. Now, should they decide to raise the tax and collectively decide… some years from now that they're not getting a great benefit from it, they can reduce it. So, let's put it in their hands. Thank you."
"Mr. Smith moves that Senate Bill 2676 do pass, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 74 people voting 'yes', 23 people voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2676 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Mr. McCarthy, Senate Bill 2679."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd move to override the Governor's Total Veto on Senate Bill 2679."
"The Gentleman moves that Senate Bill 2679 do pass, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. The Chair recognizes Mr. Black." 09500288.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, I am trying to keep an open mind, but will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes."
"Representative, I didn't hear you give any explanation of the Amendatory Veto at all, and why you want to override it. You must have some compelling reason to want to go against your Governor. A close personal friend, a Member of your Party…"
"That's enough. Former resident of Danville, so… or future resident. If you've seen the Governor's veto legislation, I think you could understand that… why I wish to override it. He basically doesn't say anything about why he's doing it other than he does not agree with certain aspects of the legislation. I'm at a loss to what those aspects are, but…"
"So, he… he issued a Total Veto and the underlying Bill said that a CTA employee may not hold any other federal, state, county, or municipal office, or employment unless their compensation for that position is less than fifteen thousand ($15,000) dollars annually. Isn't that one of the Governor's primary new moves in ethics, to stop such double dipping?"
"Well, his Veto message certainly didn't say that and…"
"Oh."
"…and I've been told that they are no longer against the Bill and they're not against the Veto, as well."
"So, he's had a epiphany, a revelation? What… what… what…" 09500288.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"A resurrection."
"I could pursue that line of questioning, but I won't."
"I mean, this… we're laughing about it but it does affect a certain individual in our area that Representative Kosel and I have represented for many, many years. I think it's a fair step forward. This is a person who has volunteered his services, a trustee, and now would have to be taken out of that position if this old, arcane rule that was passed like twenty-five (25) years ago. We don't know exactly who it was passed against. And there was some misunderstanding in the original debate that this would affect the salary of the board members. It in no way affects the salary of the board members going up or down. So, I think it's a fair move forward, and this, the trustee in the Tinley Park Village Hall, a protégée of a former Republican State Rep, Ed Zabrocki, the mayor there is very much in support of this. He thinks this man is a valuable contributor to the board and the compensation on the Tinley Park Board was just recently raised to about nine thousand dollars ($9,000) for a job that you can spend many, many hours performing. So, it would affect this individual and I think it's somewhat arbitrary at five thousand (5,000) and I would hope that we pass this so that this person can continue to serve."
"And so… You said he volunteered at a trustee…"
"But he's elected. Yeah…"
"I assume that he's elected…"
"Correct. Correct." 09500288.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"…and he gets a salary. All right. Is there any prohibition against the CTA Board coming up with a policy that says you cannot hold elective office while a full-time employee of the CTA? Or would State Law…"
"I think they'd have to come to us…"
"…have to be applicable?"
"…and amend that Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. This is part of that."
"So, we're… you're asking us to change the Transit Authority Act to allow a higher threshold. Correct?"
"Correct. Correct."
"What… what would constitute an office where there may be a perceived conflict of interest? If… if I… for example, if I'm serving as a trustee in village A, and I'm working behind the scenes to extend a CTA route or a Metra route to that particular city, would I not be in a position, perhaps, of conflict of interest on land deals or the purchase of land for that transit right-of-way?"
"Well, depending on the circumstances, you could or could not. I mean, I think that the personal ethics of the individual would come into play there and hopefully, if they were acting on behalf of the… the best interest…"
"All right."
"…of their village or city, that there would no… be no…"
"All right."
"…conflict." 09500288.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"And I would assume, in such a case, the legal counsel for that village or board would advise that member of a potential conflict."
"I think they would and probably advise them to abstain from voting on it."
"All right, fine. Thank you very much."
"Thank you, Representative."
"Representative Kosel."
"Thank you. I just wanted to accentuate some of the points that the previous speaker made. This is a Bill that allows us to have the very best and brightest serving us as our trustees and local elected officials despite some very archaic old limits that were there. And I would strongly encourage you to vote for the override. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative McCarthy moves that Senate Bill 2679 do pass, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Those is favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 63 people voting 'yes', 34 people voting 'no'. The Motion fails. On page 2 of the Calendar, on the Order of Amendatory Vetoes, there appears House Bill 4182. Representative Osmond. Does everyone understand this is the last day? Senate Bill 1879. Representative Colvin. Mr. Colvin." Colvin: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm moving for an override of the Amendatory Veto that the Speaker has implemented on Senate Bill 1879. 1879 was a Bill dealing with mortgage foreclosure. And real briefly, it… it really did five (5) 09500288.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 essential things. It required the plaintiff in a foreclosure action to attach a homeowner notice to the summons that provides the homeowner's rights during foreclosure proceedings. Very basic, simple, no legalese language pointing out the rights of an owner in facing foreclosure. It requires lenders to provide payoff letters upon request simply to request to the… a request to the lender when they ask for a payoff request, what the whole mortgage would cost to pay it off in full… that they provide that. It allows prevailing homeowner to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs when they're facing foreclosure and the court proceedings that it… that follow. It also increases the fine that the Attorney General can seek dealing with discrimination, dealing with real estate transactions or discrimination dealing with financial credit violations. A very important protection in making sure that people get quality loan products and are not swindled. And it also prohibits financial institutions from denying or varying terms of the loan because of a borrower's race, gender, disability, and national origin. This Bill was worked on by a number of Members of the General Assembly, State Senator Jackie Collins and Representative Deborah Graham, and Representative Karen Yarbrough who, under one (1) umbrella, Senate Bill 1879, we were to pull together the various provisions of this Bill. It passed without… it passed unanimously in the House with one (1) abstention. It passed unanimously out of the Senate when it was sent to the Governor. I simply ask for override of the Governor's Amendatory Veto, which really 09500288.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 took into account many of the things that are already addressed. I know that the Governor had… office sponsored a Bill, Senate Bill 1998. A lot of that language in the underlying Bill is part of this effort. To be honest with you, completely honest with you, I can't really understand what the motivation of the Governor's Amendatory Veto really was since we took into account what the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations wanted and got in this Bill. With that, I'll be happy to answer any question with respect to the Veto."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield? Representative, when this Bill left the House, I'm looking at it, and the Senate, I believe as well, this was a… an agreed Bill. Correct?"
"That's exactly right."
"I don't believe it had a 'no' vote in either chamber."
"It had one (1) abstention in the House."
"What… Well, it isn't gubernatorial noncompliance, because you're voting to override. Did he… did the Governor reach out to you about this Amendatory language at all?"
"No, I read it on the Internet."
"All right. It… it… Well, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this was an agreed Bill when it left the House and the Senate. I have no idea why the Amendatory language would have been added, particularly without the common courtesy of talking to the Speaker. I intend to vote 'aye'." 09500288.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Representative Colvin moves that Senate Bill 1879 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion requires 71 votes. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 98 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 1879 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Clerk, for the purpose of an announcement."
"Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1518, offered by Representative Tryon. House Resolution 1521, offered by Representative Coladipietro. House Resolution 1531, offered by Representative Coulson, and House Resolution 1535, offered by Representative Black. These Resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee as long… as well as House Joint Resolution 143, offered by Representative Boland. Attention, Members. The Rules Committee will meet immediately. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
"The Clerk has announced a meeting of the Rule's Committee. Rule's Committee. Mr. McGuire, did you wish to call Senate Bill 1975? Mr. McGuire."
"Yes, I would, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I'd like to override the Governor's Veto on Senate Bill 1975. And if anyone has any questions, I'd try to answer them. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "The Gentleman moves that… Representative McGuire moves that Senate Bill 1975 do pass, 09500288.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 98 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 1975 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Mathias, did you wish to call Senate Bill 2190? Mr. Mathias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to override the Governor's Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 2190. The Bill… the underlying Bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House. The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform opposes the Governor's Amendatory Veto as being constitutionally defective. The underlying Bill basically closes some loop holes to the election laws to determine who must register as a local or state political committee with the state board. The Governor added many provisions to this. And I ask the Body to override the Governor's Veto… Amendatory Veto."
"Representative Mathias moves that Senate Bill 2190 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 98 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2190 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific 09500288.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Winters, on Senate Bill 2632."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2632 was to study critical skills shortages in the labor market. I move to override the Amendatory Veto as the Governor wish to study an increase of the income tax for individuals from 3 to 5 percent, and then remove the language which made this subject to appropriation. The cost to DCEO is over ten million dollars ($10,000,000) even before the tax analysis. I move to override."
"Representative Winters moves that Senate Bill 2632 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 98 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2632 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1509, offered by Representative Washington. House Resolution 1510, offered by Representative Cole. House Resolution 1511, offered by Representative Joyce. House Resolution 1512, offered by Representative Howard. House Resolution 1513, offered by Representative Meyer. House Resolution 1514, offered by Representative Currie. House Resolution 1519, offered by Representative Tryon. House Resolution 1520, offered by Representative Berrios. House Resolution 09500288.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 1522, offered by Representative Lyons. House Resolution 1523, offered by Representative Acevedo. House Resolution 1524, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1525, offered by Representative Granberg. House Resolution 1526, offered by Representative McGuire. House Resolution 1527, offered by Representative Hannig. House Resolution 1528, offered by Representative McCarthy. House Resolution 1529, offered by Representative Black. House Resolution 1530, offered by Representative Ryg. House Resolution 1532, offered by Representative Monique Davis. House Resolution 1533, offered by Representative Ramey, and House Resolution 1536, offered by Speaker Madigan."
"The Clerk has read the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Attention Members, the Rules Committee is meeting in the Speaker's Conference Room immediately. Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on September 23, 2008, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'direct floor consideration' for Motions to accept the Amendatory Vetoes for Senate Bill 546, Senate Bill 2327, and Senate Bill 2340; 'direct floor consideration' for House Resolution 1535, referred to the Order of Resolutions, and Senate Bill 1511, which is referred to Third Reading." 09500288.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"On Supplemental Calendar #1, there appears Senate Bill 546. Mr. Brosnahan. Mr. Brosnahan on Senate Bill 546."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd move to accept the Governor's specific recommendation on Senate Bill 546. It extends the program for four (4) years, and it also extends the effective date for one (1) year. This was made at the request of myself, also the Senate Sponsor, as well as the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Cook County State's Attorneys Office."
"Representative Brosnahan moves to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 546. This Motion shall require 60 votes. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Winters. The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 85 people voting 'yes', 13 people voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Constitutional Majority, the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 546 are accepted. Mr. Fortner, Senate Bill 2327. Fortner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask that the House concur with the Senate in accepting the Amendatory Veto issued by the Governor. It's a very simple change. It makes this particular activity involving Central Management Services subject to appropriations."
"Representative Fortner moves to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 2327. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 09500288.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 The Motion shall require 60 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 98 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Constitutional Majority, the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 2327 are accepted. Mr. McGuire, Senate Bill 2340. Mr. McGuire. On the Order of Resolutions, there appears HR1535, Mr. Black. Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I recently had a visit from a… a young family who asked me to carry this Resolution naming the third week in September as Mitochondrial Awareness Week. Their son has been diagnosed with that illness. I must admit I was not that familiar with it. There is a great deal of information on their Web site. And I would ask that the House give favorable consideration of this, naming the third week of September as Mitochondrial Awareness Week. Hopefully call attention to this illness that has had such a dramatic and drastic impact on their young son. Be glad to answer any questions that you have."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Black moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those is favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, do you have a Motion relative to Senate Bill 2679, 2679?"
"Senate Bill 2679, a Motion has been filed by Representative McCarthy to override the Veto."
"Mr. McCarthy." 09500288.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We had quite a discussion on this Bill. We have reached out to a couple of the Members, and I'd ask for a vote on the Motion to override the Total Veto of Senate Bill 2679. Thank you."
"You've all heard the Gentleman's Motion. The Chair recognizes Representative Kosel."
"Thank you very much. I would really help… appreciate your help and assistance in getting this passed so that we can have the best and brightest service in our local communities. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative McCarthy moves that Senate Bill 2679… Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Before we vote, inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"It's been a while since we've done this. You get two (2) bites of the apple on a Total override?"
"All right. You've caught us without our parliamentarian on the scene. You caught us…"
"I heard he's…"
"…without our parliamentarian on the scene."
"Yes, he's…"
"Good move."
"…he's busily writing a new book. Yes, I… my rulebook, Mr. Speaker, I was looking to see if this was a renewable Motion…"
"Doesn't matter."
"…but evidently sometime after we adjourned in May, the mouse… mice ate my rulebook." 09500288.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"You now understand the wisdom of Mr. Mapes's directive to keep food off the floor."
"Yes, I… Well, if you could listen to my stomach right now, I'm not sure of the wisdom of that rule. Will we be breaking for lunch later on, Mr. Speaker? Are you buying? As long as we're, you know, just… I remember in the good old days, you used to do that on occasion. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Rule 79, he is granted a renewable Motion of… for a second chance at the apple. So we'll… we'll accept… without your parliamentarian being here, we'll accept his ability to call for a second vote, but let me make it perfectly clear, Sir, there will be no third vote. All right. Thank you."
"All right. Mr. McCarthy moves that Senate Bill 2679 do pass, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 75 people voting 'yes', 25 people voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Supermajority, Senate Bill 2679 is hereby declared passed, notwithstanding the Veto of the Governor. Mr. McGuire, did you wish to move Senate Bill 2340?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I… I do like to move it."
"All right. The Gentleman moves to accept the Governor's Amendment. Representative McGuire moves to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 2340. The Chair recognizes Mr. Reboletti." 09500288.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I talked to your Senator last night and… and I had some concerns about what was happening with this Bill, and I know you're not an attorney, maybe Mr. Brosnahan could… could help out on it but part of the problem is that… I'm not sure if the Bill is really trying… is trying to get to where it's going. So… Let me share some of my concerns with you and with the Body, is that right now, if you are a narcotics prosecutor like I was, you have to follow Motion to destroy evidence after the case is resolved and after all of the appeals have been resolved, being after thirty (30) days. This does introduce some new substances that can be destroyed pretrial part, but the Governor's Amendatory Veto talks about a pretrial hearing as well as a post trial hearing and so, basically I find the Bill to be at a status quo. So, I did tell Senator Wilhelmi that I would support it, but I would like to work with him as well as you, to deal with some of the smaller issues that the Illinois State Police and the county sheriffs have to deal with."
"What… what would you like me to do, Sir?"
"Well, I…"
"You… you say you talked to the Senator?"
"I talked to Senator Wilhelmi about it. I think we're going to have to look… take a look at it again in the… I don't know if we're going to come back for Veto Session. I think this is it, but maybe in the spring and I'll be looking to work with you because I… I still think 09500288.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 this leaves some parts out that the initial Bill is trying to capture."
"Well, how did your… how did your conversation come out with the Senator? It's his Bill. He's an attorney. You're an attorney. I'm not an attorney."
"I… I share the concerns with him and I said that I would make some comments on the floor, but I thought that the Amendatory Veto really wasn't changing very much, but that he and I agreed that we would work on it."
"Would you like me to take it out of the record and…"
"Just for a moment if you would."
"…we'll work with the Senator and see that he's on board…"
"Just for… yeah, if you could for one moment."
"…to any change you want to make. Sounds good to me."
"Thank you."
"Could we take this Bill out of the record and we'll come back to it?"
"The matter shall be taken out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we can have your attention for the plan for the remainder of the day. We now have completed all but one of the Governor's actions on Senate Bills. In addition, we shall call a sweeps Bill and a supplemental appropriation Bill. The language for the sweep Bill and the language for the supplemental appropriation Bill is still being worked on and shared with all the interested parties; therefore, the House shall stand at ease providing for a Republican Caucus at 1:00, and the House shall reconvene at 2:00 this afternoon for three (3) more items. 09500288.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 So again, the House shall stand at ease. Republican Caucus at 1. House reconvene at 2. Thank you."
"The House will be in recess 'til the hour of 3 p.m. The House will be in recess 'til the hour of 3 p.m."
"The House shall come to order. For what purpose does Mr. Wait seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I'm the lead Sponsor on House Bill 6683, which has been assigned to the House Rule's Committee. I, along with the people of Rockford, would very much like to have this legislation known as the Bachman Law assigned to the House committee so that it can be considered and voted upon. This legislation has been discussed extensively by members of the Illinois law enforcement personnel. I am confident that the Members of the Legislature will… would like to hear this and discuss it with them. I can work with the colleagues. Please, Mr. Speaker, would you allow me to get this out of Rules? Thank you very much."
"Mr. Bost. Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just would like for the record to report that Representative Sullivan is excused today, as well."
"Mr. McGuire, are you ready to call Senate Bill 2340?"
"Yes, Mr… Mr. Speaker, yes, I am. Yes. I'd like to accept the Amendatory Veto on 2340…"
"Okay."
"…Senate Bill 2340."
"All right. On that question, Mr. Black." 09500288.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know we're all anxious to, perhaps, conclude business and go home, but I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Yes. Representative Wait had risen to a point of personal privilege and asked a question about a Bill of particular interest to him, as to whether it could be discharged from Rules, and I… I don't think he ever got the courtesy of a reply, yes, no, maybe."
"Well, we'd be happy to pull the record, Mr. Black. We didn't hear any kind of a Motion, but let me suggest this to… The Gentleman's request with me was a matter of first impression. I just asked for the summary of the Bill. And why don't we do Mr. McGuire's Bill and then we'll come back to the Wait matter."
"That… I think that's a fine idea. Are we going to move right to Mr. McGuire's… McGuire's Bill, at this point?"
"We… we'd like to with your permission."
"Well, yes. I… I'm cooperative. I… I intend to give Mr. McGuire an answer."
"Right."
"If… if the Speaker would let me ask a question of Mr. McGuire."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. McGuire, I think your Motion is a fine Motion. It's in order, and we all need to vote 'yes'. And then you can help us address the question that Mr. Wait had as soon as we're through. Would that be fair?" 09500288.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"That's fair enough."
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative."
"All right. Mr. McGuire has… Mr. McGuire has moved to accept the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 2340. Those in favor should vote 'yes'; those opposed should vote 'no'. The Motion shall require 71 votes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 99 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. The Motion, having received a Constitutional Supermajority, the specific recommendations of the Governor as to Senate Bill 2340, are accepted. Mr. Black, concerning your inquiry relative to House Bill 6683, the Rules Committee is in the process of assigning that Bill right now."
"I think that's very fair…"
"Okay."
"…and we appreciate that. I have often thought that all Bills should receive a fair hearing. Some receive more of a fair hearing than others, but that's… that's a good answer and I think Mr. Wait… Representative Wait appreciates it. Those of us in the Republican Caucus appreciate it. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, the people that will be helped by this Bill appreciate your response. Thank you. This will not soon be forgotten, Sir. I can assure you of that. This may be worth another hug."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege." 09500288.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008
"State your point." Davis, W.: "Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, would you please join me in wishing my district mate David Miller a happy birthday, as he is in Springfield today on his birthday."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me explain our current status. So, please, this concerns our current status. Most of you know that we've had negotiations among the budgeteers through the afternoon. Not too long ago, maybe within a half an hour or 45 minutes there was a breakdown in the negotiations. The last report from the negotiations was that the Senate Democrats plan to call the sweeps Bill and the supplemental appropriation Bill that passed the House about two (2) weeks ago. Both Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans are in caucus right now, but the report was that the Senate Democrats would simply call the sweeps Bill that we've already passed, and the supplemental appropriation Bill that we have already passed. I think it would be wise if we would simply await the result of that action in the Senate before we adjourn the regular Session. However, we could adjourn the Special Sessions into the Perfunctory Session schedule that's already been established."
"Mr. Cross."
"Mr. Speaker, thank you. I guess an inquiry of the Chair as to what the intention of the Chair will be, assuming the rumors we hear are accurate and that the Senate does in fact… moves forward with what we did. Is it your intention that you will come out and just announce 09500288.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 that we've adjourned and we'll… we'll be going home until another Session is called?"
"Yeah. The answer is, yes."
"I… I… and I don't… and on this issue, I don't direct it at you at all, I direct it to the Governor. I don't know if he listens. If in fact that happens… Okay. I don't know if he listens to the floor, but I guess the concern of ours, and it perhaps is a concern of many of yours is that, if that in fact does happen, your Members, there's a lot of uncertainty out there in this state right now, in the area of, for those people that work at parks, or historic sites, or provide DD services, such as abuse services, the list goes on and on, that they realize or have some certainty in their lives with respect to their jobs and the services they provide and I'm maybe speak… speaking the obvious to those in this chamber, but we would simply challenge the Governor and ask the Governor to see that the wishes of the House and the Senate, if that's what the Senate does, are carried out, and that the money that's appropriated in the Bills we sent over to the Senate is spent in the way that we've outlined. I think it's unfair to the people in this state, whether you're in downstate or upstate, to continue in this uncertain mode. And we may not have a chance to be back here in the next couple of days, who knows, but I would… on behalf of this caucus would certainly ask the Governor to keep in mind the uncertainly going on in people's lives and move forward and hopefully, we'll have the Bills sooner than later, and provide this necessary funding to those particular entities and agencies that rely 09500288.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 on that money. So, we may be back, Mr. Speaker. There's a… I know there's… there are rumors going around that we may be back. I don't know if you know that, anything with respect to Special Sessions, but if you have any… anything to… any light to shed on that, we'd certainly be open to it."
Speaker Madigan: "Mr. Cross, I'm sorry. I was a little diverted. I think you're… you're asking my view on what you just said?"
"That, and also if you know of any other Special Sessions that have been called. There's a rumor going around that that's happening, as well."
"Well, number one, I would agree with your desire that there be some certainty brought into the lives of people that provide services to the State of Illinois. Number two, generally speaking, I'm one of the last people to learn about the call of Special Sessions."
"So, you don't know?"
"Tom, on this one, we're together."
"Makes me feel very good. No hugs, but it makes me feel good. Thank you."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an inquiry of the Chair, maybe the parliamentarian can answer this. Are there any further Bills that the Governor has either vetoed or amendatorally vetoed that will come before this Body?"
"The answer is 'no'."
"So, we've done all… I guess I have to ask the Chair, and maybe you're not prepared to answer this. I was 09500288.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 checking my calendar in November and saw that we were here for six (6) days for the Veto Session. Are we still going to have those days since we've now done every Bill that the Governor has vetoed or amendatorally vetoed?"
"Yeah. Mr. Franks, I'd… I'd like to have a few days before we make a decision on the already scheduled Veto Session. Obviously, the first reason that we come here for a Veto Session has already been accomplished, but as we've learned in our lives recently, why there's a need to be here from time to time, and there may be a need to be here on those days that have already been scheduled, but as quickly as possible, we will advise you as to… my view of that scheduling. And I say my view because, you know, we're subject to calls of Special Sessions. And I would simply suggest that we stand at ease until we get a result from the Senate. The House shall come to order. Representative Currie moves that in accordance with Senate Joint Resolution 105, passed on May 31, the House stand adjourned until November 12, 2008 at 12 noon or subject to the call of the Speaker. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned pursuant to that Motion."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 6712, offered by Representative Mitchell, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 6713, a Bill for an Act concerning vendors claims against the state, offered by Representative Mitchell. House Bill 6714, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act 09500288.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 288th Legislative Day 9/23/2008 concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 6715, offered by Representative Lindner, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 6716, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning the use of motor fuel tax funds. House Bill 6717, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. And House Bill 6718, offered by Representative Brauer, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09500288.doc 38