Illinois House Floor Debate — January 13, 2009

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that all Republicans are present."

"Yes, Mr. Speaker. An inquiry of the Chair. It's my understanding that the only Amendment you really want to adopt is 3, not 1 nor 2 but perhaps 3. As I recall, 3 calls for an immediate election for the United States Senate seat."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Representative, this only deals with those companies that are attempting to sign up a customer under what we would call the 'alternative retail gas' or what in my area we'd call a wheeling of natural gas where you sign a contract with a company for what you think will be a 09500302.doc 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 savings. It doesn't impact any of the utilities that we would know by name: Ameren, AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS, Commonwealth Edison. It's the alternative retail gas suppliers, correct?"

"Okay. And let me ask you a question. Some of these… and I just was looking at the analysis… some of these companies, however they do it, show up and say they have a contract with you. I had one of these in my district. And the individual said, I didn't sign any such contract. It's my understanding now the ICC will adjudicate that in the case of an alternative retail supplier saying, well, you signed up for our contract. And the consumer or the company says, no, I didn't. I didn't sign any such contract."

"We later found out they signed something at a mall."

"All right. And there would be… would there be opportunities, I assume, for the person who felt they were entered into this contract illegally or without their due process rights could recover, I would assume."

"All right. Thank you very much."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'm not bringing a Resolution forward asking for an unfunded mandate or to turn over some other issues that have been relevant. What we're trying to do is to continue a policy we've had in this state and across the country in limiting underage drivers, or young people, from consuming alcohol. In 1963, the minimum age for consuming beer and wine was set at twenty-one (21). In 1973, it rolled back to the age of 19 and several studies found that there was a significant increase in auto crashes among teens at that early age. So, that in 1984 there was a uniform drinking age Act passed that concerned teens who would drive in neighboring states and therefore, we needed a uniform age at which young people could drive. That legislation will be coming up for renewal this year in 2009 and already a number of university presidents have already come forward supporting what's called the Amethyst Initiative to lower the drinking age to eighteen (18). 09500302.doc 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 Ladies and Gentlemen, there are countless studies, well over thirty (30), that promote the fact that having the drinking age at twenty-one (21) has reduced significantly the number of fatalities of young people driving drunk. I would ask for your support in renewing this initiative of keeping the drinking age at twenty-one (21) and thereby, saving lives. I would ask for your support on this Resolution."

"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… To the Resolution. I've spoken to this family and it is with regret that I rise in opposition to this Resolution. I… I will not request a… a voice vote is just fine with me. However, I want the Body to understand that you would think a memorial to a soldier who was killed is appropriate, but one of the things that I believe in very strongly is that we should recognize every veteran and not just single out a few because they might have political influence. And for that reason I would suggest that we name this Veterans Parkway or… in honor of all veterans and put a commemorative sign with this soldier's name. Those of you who have been around awhile know that I… I would never 09500302.doc 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 speak against veterans' issues and never demean the character or the memory of a veteran, but I think it's more appropriate that any highway that is used by all the public is named in recognition of all veterans. With that, I… I'd like to be recorded as having voted 'no'."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just stand in support of the Resolution as a cosponsor. The individual family, the mother of the decedent and the widow of the decedent live in my legislative district and I very much applaud the effort and stand in support of the Resolution to name this highway in Ron Gebur's memory."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 1214 requests the state to designate Route 20 within the Elgin city limits as Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Highway in honor of this visionary civil rights leader. The Elgin Human Relations Commission asked me to pursue this initiative, in particular, Commissioner Ina Dews who just happens to be the aunt of Representative Ford. I'm happy to answer any questions and respectfully ask for your 'aye' vote."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On December 17, 2002, the Illinois General Assembly suffered the loss of two dynamic Members: Representative Doug Hoeft in the morning and Representative and my husband, Tim Osmond, that evening. 09500302.doc 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 With their deaths, the district did their search and I was sworn in on December 27 and Representative Ruth Munson was sworn in on December 30. I would like to point out that on more than one occasion in the past six (6) years I have mentioned my seniority status of three (3) days and the fact that my license plate would always be one number lower. We both felt our ways through the first year with the guidance of Leader Cross and courtesy of Speaker Madigan. We decided the second year that we would share a home and become roommates and have been for the past five (5) years. When we moved in, we discovered that we both owned Phil Austin paintings of the waterfront in Waukegan, both had been raised and educated in Waukegan and had many of the same friends and acquaintances. Ruth's vision and passion for women's issues gave birth to the Republican women's voices and drew the Republican women Legislators closer into a family setting. Ruth's vision for making Illinois and the Members of the Illinois General Assembly more aware of the problems evolving with the manufacturers of our state, she started the Illinois Manufacturing Caucus. This caucus is one of the first of its kind which we all owe a thank you to Ruth. You may know that Ruth carries a black and red backpack which holds her computer. Now, some of you would call her a computer geek, but I call her a wealth of knowledge of cyberspace. She has brought things back that I have sent to nowhere with only a click of her… of her computer. Even though her time in the General Assembly starts with an intermission tomorrow, I believe her book is just a new chapter for the women of 09500302.doc 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 vision. Representative Ruth Munson has done what so many of us attempt to do while we are down here. She has made a difference. I'm very proud to call her my roommate and my friend. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen in the House. Since 2003, Representative Ruth Munson has served the Elgin area with honor and distinction. I am proud to recognize her and the great work she has done in her six (6) years here in the Illinois House of Representatives. Representative Munson has proven her dedication to making her district and all the State of Illinois a better place to live and do business. She has brought unique insight and deep passion to her office and has made a profound difference to the people that she has served. Her contributions during her time in the General Assembly have left a lasting, positive impact on the community she represents. Representative Munson brought a unique set of skills to the General Assembly. Her knowledge and expertise in technology has allowed her to make an incredible impact on the Illinois House Computer Technology Committee. Understanding the plight of small business owners led her to form the Illinois Manufacturing Caucus which has won support from all of the Legislators right here in this Body and is making a huge difference for business here in Illinois. Yet, Representative Munson has truly distinguished herself on many quality of life issues that have been important to the residents of her district. 09500302.doc 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 She has championed causes that are close to her heart. Her work to help create fast-growth grants for school districts with rapidly expanding enrollment has proved indispensible in helping many suburban school districts cope with booming populations. She became a leader on crime issues sponsoring numerous pieces of legislation to protect families from the problems of gang crime. Her work on protecting children from Internet predators and citizens from identity theft is equally as impressive. In short, Ruth Munson has become a true legislative champion for the residents of her district and is always invited and encouraged members of her community to join in discussions of issues, problems and possible solutions. The impact she's made will be felt for many years to come. She's excelled as a Legislator and as an advocate in her seven (7) years of dedicated service here in the General Assembly. Please join me in thanking Representative Ruth Munson for her outstanding contributions. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know that your seatmate is always a special person and Ruth has been my seatmate from the very beginning. When I was supposed to champion her and try to get her up to speed in what was going on and of course, I missed Doug because he'd been from my class, but Ruth was a really good addition. And very shortly she was more up to speed and she was always very careful about my switch when I'd be away at meetings or anything and so, I'm going to miss her. She… you could 09500302.doc 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 always count on her as far as show me your iPod or show me why this isn't working. We're going to really, really miss that, but we really know that people that win and lose here aren't always fair. The best people aren't always the ones that are here. Sometimes they leave for others and best of reasons. Quite frankly, I think her loss will be felt. She's one of the brighter, younger people in our General Assembly here who comes up with great ideas for her area, some that other people in that area won't be able to do only she champions everyone. She served more than one term on Human Service-Appropriations that rates her a gold star in my book because most people don't want to sit there and listen let alone work on the issues that actually bring home money to their area or work for people in a bipartisan way so that they're served well. I'll miss Ruth a lot because she's my seatmate, but I think we're all going to miss her and the people she serves are going to miss her because she cared about them, she did a good job and she's one of the people that deserves to be here, an honest, ethical person with great ideas, a young person that deserves to be in this General Assembly."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I rise to add congratulations for the years of service that Ruth Munson has brought to this chamber. All of us have memories of Ruth and her passion for a number of issues that affected her district and how she has been the best example of what a Representative should be in this 09500302.doc 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 Body. I think we all have concerns for some of the issues that she championed, whether it's making Illinois more competitive in the broadband and information technology area, whether it's trying to save the businesses we have in the manufacturing area and how her district has noticed so many of those changes over the past decade or so. How she has championed the biotechnology area and clearly as Illinois looks to be competitive in a global marketplace, biotechnology is one of those areas where we do have a competitive advantage, where we do have close to a thousand companies engaged in various biotechnology from medical efforts to agricultural and how from Chicago to southern Illinois our land grant and other universities are engaged in revolutionary biotechnology research. This is an area that we must continue. All of us will have memories of Ruth as she leaves this Body. Fortunately, I understand she will be standing by the rail next Session to deal with some of these issues that she has been passionate about and I look forward to her information and sharing in that area. And I hope that somewhere along the rail there'll be room for those little candies known as Baby Ruth's that she can help give us some memory of what our jobs are all about and how we are to represent our district with a passion and the vigor and the courage that she has over these last years of her service. Thank you, Ruth, for being here. Thank you for setting a good role model and championing so many important issues to Illinois."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, about six (6) years ago my housemate Doug Hoeft, when we lost him I didn't know how he could possibly be replaced. And as time goes on and you watch different people come in and out of this House, I heard about this person that was going to be appointed to Doug's seat and I also lived with her Senator at the time who said, now, you keep an eye on Ruth when she comes into the General Assembly and just help her where you need. Ladies and Gentlemen, it didn't take me long to realize that she didn't need help. She's well aware of the circumstances of her district and the circumstances of the State of Illinois. Ruth has served the State of Illinois very, very well. She has been respected by her colleagues and by her friends, by her district. She became my officemate and I'm used to coming in early in the morning and see her working diligently on her computer dealing with her constituents and dealing with the issues that we face in this House and starting early, she's one of the early risers. She will be terribly missed in this House, terribly missed by her friends, terribly missed by her colleagues. I am looking forward to her working along the rail and helping us with other issues and keeping her knowledge present. But I really do hope that her district understands what a great loss it is to them not having her as a State Representative. We love her and we'll miss her in this Body, but we know she'll still be around here."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to add my thanks to Ruth. You know, the last three (3) or four (4) weeks we've seen the worst that Illinois politics has to offer, but for the last six (6) years, unfortunately, the public sometime doesn't get to see the good that resides in this Body. And I think we'll long be remembered more for how we treat people than for some of our legislative accomplishments and Ruth, you're always there with a smile on your face and sometimes out of the blue when I was seven thousand (7,000) miles away from home I would get a nice e- mail just checking in and that's the kind of person you are, that's what we will miss in this Body. So, thanks for being you."

"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And echo the comments of my colleagues regarding, as Deborah Graham so aptly put it, Ruth's generosity in the sharing of her talent to put the other Members of, not only our caucus, but the other side of the aisle. She's extremely talented on things that we all aren't talented on and it's been wonderful to work with her and to watch her as she works from… worked on behalf of her constituents."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my friend, Ruth, and there's a few accomplishments here that haven't been listed and I'll just highlight one. You were the first to bring WIFI to the Stratton Building. It was an unsanctioned WIFI that eventually was found out and removed, but for a brief moment the Illinois House of Representatives was brought into the 21st century and I was glad to be on your WIFI network for that little tiny time before we were found out. But I thank you for always being there to help me with my computer, Ruth, and for your friendship. On a professional note, you've been an outstanding Member of this House of Representatives. Your, frankly, ingenuity measured with your energy has been unparalleled and in short, we need more Members like Ruth Munson and not less. So, good luck to you, Ruth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 09500302.doc 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. New Legislators will sorely miss having Ruth Munson as a role model in trying to develop a sense of what we do and how we do it. I know, myself, when I began over at the Old State Capitol in Session over there that I immediately tried to get a sense of what our role should be and how to conduct ourselves and immediately, I found Ruth Munson to be that role model: her supreme work ethic, her professionalism, her insightful and thoughtful consideration, always striving to another level of excellence, never being satisfied with the status quo. I echo the sentiments that it's an extreme loss for the people in her district and the people of the State of Illinois to no longer have Ruth Munson serving in the House of Representatives, but I congratulate her on a job well done and I know that her talents will carry her and continue to have her serve the people in her best capacity. Congratulations, Ruth."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to make sure I had the opportunity also to… to congratulate Ruth on her 09500302.doc 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 service to her constituents and in a broader sense, the people of the state, because her work really went beyond her constituency to affect the public policy in the State of Illinois and I think that doesn't happen all the time with people that come to Springfield. She's certainly, as the comments have indicated, a unique combination of intelligence, integrity, service and caring that this Body will miss and she also is able to provide us with a technology insight that really will be missed as much as anything else. And I'm glad to hear that she's going to be around and I do pledge to her that I will improve my texting skills, especially in an effort to find the right keys in the right sequence at the right time. Good luck to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Ruth, it's a very sad day for us to see you leaving us, but I don't think your career in public service is over quite yet. I'm sure you'll find your way back into some forum. But what I'd like to thank you for is your contribution to public safety in the State of Illinois. We've heard quite a bit about the Manufacturing Caucus and about technology, but you came before a JUD II, which probably was one of the more difficult committees to come with… to come to and had some very difficult issues and you always were prepared. You always thought about the public safety issues that were in your community, as I know you and I have dealt with the gang issues on numerous occasions and I thank you and the 09500302.doc 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 people of the State of Illinois thank you for that. And good luck to you in your future."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ruth, I, too, just want to join in with the grey-haired guys club behind you here and wish you the best, Godspeed. You have been an individual with compassion, kindness and consideration for others which we need a lot more around this place. We'll miss you, but I know you'll be back. We look forward to working in the future together on many, many initiatives that you've started here. God bless."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. We've all talked about how wonderful Ruth is. She has so many wonderful things about her regarding everything that she's done with computers and everything else, but I think the most that Ruth has been the best at and that we all appreciate is your district. I've never seen a Legislator who worked as hard for the people of her district and was so compassionate about their issues. So, we thank you, Ruth and I wish you the best of everything. Thank you."

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but I… I was… I just couldn't leave with… without telling you how much your comments here on the floor today mean to me and your 09500302.doc 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 comments in private. I want to thank you for that. It's been amazing privilege to serve with… with all of you. We've served during some interesting times and whether you consider it a curse or a blessing it's a bond that ties us together here today and… and in the history books. And so, I want to let you know how much I appreciate this opportunity, how grateful I am for your help with legislation, for your dedication to the state and your camaraderie and most important for… for the friendships that I've made here. It's been an honor. Thank you."

"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution's honoring my seatmate, Joe Dunn. Joe and I had a lot of things in common when he came here in 2002. He went through one heck of a tough Primary, we're about the same age and neither of us were endorsed by our respective Parties when we were first running for office. Joe came here the right way, he pounded on doors, he went to the forums and he spoke his mind on the district and he served ably here for the last six (6) years since 2002. During Joe's time here in the Illinois House, he's gone through a period of the Legislature that few of us have seen, difficult times here in the House with Special Sessions, tough budgets and trying to handle this with his 09500302.doc 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 young children back at home. So, as I was disappointed when Joe told us that he was going to retire from the House after three (3) terms, we enjoyed his company here. We look for his knowledge, as many of you may know or you may not know, Joe has his masters and he's also a CPA. So, his knowledge on financial issues in our caucus was something that we always valued. But Joe's leaving on to a new chapter right now and I'm envious of him because he came in here on his terms and when he announced his retirement, he's leaving on his terms. But as he goes back home, he knows that the six (6) years that he served here in the Illinois Legislature, the things that he accomplished for his district and the spark that he had to serve. He now goes back home to his roots and he will begin a new chapter where he finishes out a term on the Naperville City Council. I ask that you join me in congratulating Joe Dunn for his time served here and the thanks and… I know we weren't supposed to say anything where we could roast him, but he's my seatmate and some of you colleagues on the Democrat side of the aisle, got Joe and I confused occasionally. We somewhat look alike. So, Joe's seat won't be sitting here anymore. I'll be here still. And if you want to come yell at me for a vote that was actually Joe's vote, you come chat with me now. But I… Joe I'm going to miss you and you did a great job for us. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a Member just finishing up his first two (2) years in the House, I've come to appreciate one of the most important people that one needs to know and has to rely on is the person who shares the other half of one's Senate District and Joe, in the 96th District, is that person for me. And being able to watch 09500302.doc 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 how he has worked, how he has represented his communities and fought hard for his constituents in this Body, has been something that has helped me see the kind of role that I can play in the northern half of the Senate District that we both have shared these last two (2) years. So, Joe, I want to wish you a great future. You've done a great job here, at least the two (2) years that I've seen and by reputation, all six (6) of the years that you've been here and I wish you all of the best in your coming years. I know you've got great things ahead of you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Joe Dunn probably said one of the smartest things I've ever heard said on this floor and that was not every good idea needs to be a law. So, Joe, I hope we can carry on that wisdom in the years to come."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. When Joe first came down here, he sat in-between Sandy Pihos and I and for two (2) years he swore that that was just the best experience ever until he got an opportunity to change his seat and immediately moved over there. Everybody in this House brings something to us and 09500302.doc 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 in Joe is a wealth of experience, many of which we can't talk about on an open mike, but one of the best things is to watch him blush and you've all seen that. He can… I know of no one who can turn red quicker. You have… you have been a blessing to us. You have contributed and the very best to you in the future."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joe is one of the brighter young guys down here, so it's always a shame to lose him, although he's leaving on his own. So, that's important. I didn't get to know Joe too well until we went to Israel and somebody said to me, can you tell us some stories about Israel. I just want Joe to know what happened in Israel stays in Israel."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, it seems like everybody's had a trip with Joe. But one of the most fun trips was Patti Bellock and Joe and I going on a road trip to the Rolling Stones concert. And we left at 5 in the afternoon and Patti drove us back at 3 in the morning. But it was really a fun concert and I'll reiterate what Rosemary said, what goes on at the Rolling Stones concert stays at the Rolling Stones concert."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. It's really been an honor. It's been a wonderful six (6) years. You know, when you honored Ruth previously, you talked about the legislation she worked on, the committees she served and computers that she brought up-to- date here in the House and it sounded like my going away 09500302.doc 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 was a little different. Thank you for sharing those stories and the trips that we've taken and the other personal experiences that we've shared. And thank you very much for the stories that you didn't tell here on the House Floor today. It truly has been a wonderful experience. It's been an honor to serve with each of you. I wish that I was coming in and I got to redo these six (6) years. You're wonderful people. It's been a wonderful experience. I'm going to miss it greatly."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. It's my privilege to make a few comments about Jim Meyer. Jim and I, we came in together after the '92 election in that class of '93 and we were the largest class on record for many decades and it's been a great experience. We continued to work together and for the last three (3) years, Jim and I have rented a house together and you… you get to know a person even better when you're sharing a house. And I can truly say after all that time, these sixteen (16) years that I've served with you, Jim, you truly came to Springfield for the right reasons, you stayed in Springfield for the right reasons. Alphabetically, I follow you in seniority, so I was always one number behind you on license plate; your car right now 09500302.doc 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 twenty-three (23) and mine twenty-four (24). So, I'll always think of… I move up an extra place. I wish that wasn't the case because of your retirement because I really hate to see you go. I don't know if Jim has shared this with the rest of you, but as a child out in Iowa, small town in Iowa, he would bike down to the local feed store because the mayor of the town operated that feed store. He wasn't even old enough to drive, but when they were having the town meeting, Jim would go down to watch it. It had a porch on this… this store and the mayor said, well, you can sit out here on the porch and listen to our town meeting and that's what Jim would do and really a dream of public service was born at that time. And Jim, you wanted to move on into that room and be a part of that town meeting. That was when the dream was born to have a career in public service. I just want to say it's been an honor to share with you, you living out your dream of getting to come into this big room and have a career of public service. You've been an excellent floor debate leader. You're a great family man. I hear… I've heard many times about your wife, your daughter, and your grandsons. And Jim, I will frequently think of you for being the champion of legislation dealing with road rage. I remember when you presented that Bill and started championing the cause that we needed legislation dealing with the issue of road rage. And I'll have to say, on the way in this morning, as I observed a car cut someone else off in front of me, I did watch for sign language between those two (2) drivers and I thought of you. But you did champion that cause, something 09500302.doc 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 that needed to be brought up. Jim Meyer, you've been about good government, you've been about fiscal responsibility, you have been an advocate for a good, strong local government. Jim, it's been an honor and a privilege to serve with you. You've set the bar very high on what it means to serve honorably and what it means to serve with integrity and honesty and truly Illinois is a better place. Jim, it's a better place because of your service here in the Legislature. A few years ago the American pilot was shot down, I believe it was over Bosnia, and his name was Captain Scott O'Grady and he survived several days, I think a week or so, evading the enemy and was eventually rescued. And a book was written about his service and being shot down and coming back and that book is called, Return with Honor. Jim Meyer, as you return to your district after eight (8) terms in the Illinois Legislature, you are returning with honor based on the record and the distinction with which you served. We came together as elected officials, we served together as colleagues and we leave today as friends. Jim, we'll all miss you. We thank you for your service. We wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Godspeed. Thank you very much, Jim Meyer."

"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I think of Jim Meyer, I remember quiet dignity of his demeanor. The… You know, I've worked on a lot of veterans' issues over the years and I want to recognize that Jim is a veteran. He 09500302.doc 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 wore the uniform of our country for four (4) years. Many times in my office, he would come to me and say, you know what, there's this Bill, Ron, you need to… you need to help me with this or help me with that. It might be somebody else's Bill, but he was quietly lobbying on behalf of those who had alongside Jim Meyer served their country. He was never boisterous about it, never seeking the spotlight, but like a good airman, a good soldier, you were always there. And for those of us who have worn the uniform, Jim, we could never say thank you enough and as for me, I will never forget you. God bless you and Godspeed."

"Thank you. As a freshman here six (6) years ago, you look around the room and you… and you see, you know, who… who in this Body is it you can look up to that make sense when they speak. And Jim Meyer to some degree is almost like the E.F. Hutton guy, when he talks people listen. And Jim, you don't talk a whole lot, but when you do it makes sense. And I want to say how much I appreciate your guidance and counsel over the few years that I've been here. It's certainly not anywhere near what you have. More to the point, your quiet way has changed this Body for the better and your advancement of legislation for the people in your district, all the different Bills I've watched you put forward has made our state a better place. Now, before I get too sappy, I need to remind the Body there's something about Jim Meyer that they may not know and that is that Jim Meyer played football for the great University of Iowa. And if I would remind Jim Meyer, 09500302.doc 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 before he gets too far down the road, that the University of Illinois beat Iowa in football this year. So, with that, Jim, I hope that… and you and I have talked a number of times about how much you're looking forward to retirement with your wife and taking the trips that you've told me about and Godspeed and I hope it's everything you want it to be. So, thank you, Jim."

"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My friend, Jim and I have spent many meals… had many meals together and participated helping in the COWL show together as Jim donated his skills every year there's been a show and he's shown up. And he's been a very good friend, loyal to all of us. And we'll see him from time to time. We're going to miss working with him. There's only one thing that I had a difference with him about and that was his road rage Bill. Now, I hope… now, that you're gone, I hope we're done with road rage Bills. But I don't want anybody in here to bring up another one 'cause I'd be… I'm not going to get too upset about it, but you'd take that Bill and we're never going to see that again. Other than that, you've been fine. Thanks."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. I rise to thank Jim. Jim is my district… to the other half of my district. So, I've never taken a trip with Jim, but I've been to one thousand five hundred (1,500) events with Jim all through DuPage County. And he has just been an outstanding Legislator and just like some of the other people have said, I would describe Jim as a quiet man. He grew up in a small farm town in Iowa, but a man of few words, but when he has the words to say, they're strong words and he makes an impact. And you 09500302.doc 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 have made an impact down here with all of us, Jim. And your legislation dealing with foster children and joining the group of all of us who wanted to change the child support system in Illinois, you really shook up that system a couple of years ago and made it much, much better. We thank you all for everything you've done. You're a wonderful family man. You've been a wonderful Legislator. You have a wonderful wife, Bonnie, grandchildren. You're everything… you're respected by everybody in this General Assembly. And we just want to thank you here today, give you all of our well wishes for a happy, healthy life in the future and enjoyment in your retirement. And the one thing everybody may not know about Jim is his favorite thing is a pie. So, if you want to give him a sendoff, send him a pie. Thank you very much."

"Thank you. I also would like to stand and say a few kind words about Jim. Most of us learn about each other from the things that we say in committee and say on the House Floor, but Jim is a very, as was said, a very soft- spoken, quiet person. I have learned a lot from him just by the numerous dinners that we've gone out together and just for me listening to really to good Illinois… good public policy in Illinois. And I've learned a lot of that from Jim and I admire him. I… He was one of the… in our… I've had a few contested races, one just recently, some contested Primaries and even though Jim is not in a neighboring district of mine, he always came down to my district to walk for me and I always am eternally grateful 09500302.doc 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 for that, especially in those hotly contested races when you need people to… to… not only to come and just walk, but actually to knock on doors and to talk to people and tell them the reasons why someone should be reelected and I always appreciate that. I appreciate all the dinners we had together, all the knowledge that I've learned from Jim. And again, I think, it is always better to go out on your own terms which sometimes in this business we can't do, but fortunately for Jim, because of the respect that he has in his district, he doesn't have to worry about… about any contested election. So, it has been a pleasure in all the years that I've been here now, ten (10) years, to serve with you and to learn with you. And Godspeed and have a great, great retirement."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, when I was appointed to this seat three and a half years ago, Leader Cross found the wisdom to set me by Representative Meyer which I… I appreciate dearly. When I first came in and Jim was sitting here, he looks over at me and goes, you're Senator Philip's stepson, aren't you? I said, yes, I am. He goes, let me tell you a story about Pate and I think many of you across the aisle can understand his problems with the fine Senator from DuPage County in that one of his Bills was killed and… but then Jim worked it and he got it called and passed his piece of legislation. And you know, for the little over a year I got to sit next to Jim, got to talk with him, learn things and you know, I came down here knowing many things, but learned many more 09500302.doc 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 sitting with you, Jim and I certainly appreciate that. And I think one great piece of wisdom that he taught me and I will keep with me forever is that when Raymond Poe's butter cake is served, you take two (2) pieces. Jim, thank you very much for your time and efforts and I appreciate your wisdom. Thank… Have a good day."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Jim, I just simply want to say thank you for being a friend and a mentor to me during my first two (2) years here in the General Assembly. I couldn't have asked for a better seatmate. And while you may not miss all of the incessant and annoying questions that I ask you, I will surely miss your advice and your counsel. And I just want to congratulate you on a distinguished career. And I know this is not goodbye 'cause we'll see each other back in DuPage County."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Jim, I'm going to miss you. I don't know if you remember or not, but when I first came down here under the wings of Representative Art Tenhouse, at the time, you were one of the first people that I met, one of the first people that Art introduced me to. You offered me words of encouragement and words of advice at that time and I greatly appreciate that, greatly appreciate your help over the years. And I think you and I certainly came to know each other a little bit better about eight (8) years ago when my daughter went to school at the University 09500302.doc 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 of Iowa and you got… you and I got to talking about your experiences in Iowa and we developed more of a common bond then, in addition to our somewhat similar names. I'm going to have to break in a new caucus seatmate now. While we don't sit together on the floor, at least in caucus, what I didn't catch, you caught and what you didn't catch, I caught and so I think we helped each other out there. But I have to say that after our experience of when you were across the hall from me in the Stratton Building on the second floor, I'm glad that you moved to sixth floor here. And now that you're going to be leaving, and I regret that you're going to be leaving, but maybe now people will understand my name. I think it was alluded to earlier, there is a lot of confusion between my name and your name. You get pluralized and I get singularized. It's always Meyer and Myers and it's… it seems like they never get the right one straight. Jim Meyer, M-e-y-e-r, we're going to miss you. And it's been a pleasure having you in the House and a pleasure knowing you over these years and God bless you and we wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And since my dear Italian- American friend down there, Representative Coladipietro, spoke I feel obligated to speak also. He doesn't rise very much, but he knows when it's very important and this is a good reason. Representative Meyer, from the day I got here 09500302.doc 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 made sure that I found my way around, that I knew where to go and that I knew the reason I was here was to represent the people of my district and people of DuPage County. And having replaced somebody that had been here for a long time and was a very integral part of State Government. It's difficult to replace that person and I hope that you're successor is listening right now, because he has absolutely big shoes to fill to fill the role of the statesman that you are for your district with the people of DuPage County. It's been an honor to serve with you and look forward to working with you in the future for the people of DuPage County."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Yeah. It's been a pleasure to serve with you, Jim. We… actually, it was Rich Myers, Bob Biggins, and Moffitt and myself. We took Jim out last night and yeah, we even bought it, Alexander's. Had a good time to visit. One thing I do have in common with Jim, as you know, he grew up in Iowa and went to the University of Iowa while I went to Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, for seven (7) years. So, we do have a lot in common. I think, one thing, if you go to school in Iowa you learn a lot of common sense and that's what I saw here with Jim that he does use common sense. He's very passionate on Bills that he did support and it's been a real pleasure, Jim, to work with you. And we… even stayed at the cheap places like the Red Roof Inn and 09500302.doc 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 anyway, I just want to wish you the best of luck, Jim and may God bless you. Thank you very much."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to add my word of respect and friendship for Jim Meyer. Jim, you have just been an outstanding State Representative, you've been such a good friend to so many of us. You truly will be missed. I've admired your work in the caucus and your leadership on the floor and I, for one, regret that you will not be with us and have enjoyed every minute of working with you. So, thank you, Jim, for your service."

"Well, thank you very much and first let me say what an honor it has been to serve with all of you. I need to really straighten out some of the stories that have been told here. My football prowess that's been spoken of, I have to admit I was a walk-on to the freshman team in Iowa back in 1962 or '63, I forget which it was now. I'd never played football before and it certainly showed on the field. I was invited back for my sophomore year, but by that time they said, you have to do something besides play football and bridge. So, I decided maybe Iowa wasn't the place for me and I graduated from Upper Iowa and I was a classmate with Mike Boland. And we did have an outstanding college professor that… and we were classmates, we graduated the same year and there are only eight (8) or ten 09500302.doc 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 (10) of us that graduated with that major… and we had an outstanding college professor that ended up in… as an intelligence officer for MacArthur, when the Second World War ended. And he brought that kind of expertise into the classroom and so, I've been extremely fortunate to serve or to go to school with that kind of training. To all my friends down here, I have to admit when I first was sworn in as a State Representative in Illinois in '93, as Don said, the largest class that they'd had probably during the… that century, considering both sides of the aisle. When I was first sworn in, I naively believed that I would just come down to Springfield and within a couple Bills that I've introduced and my ability to influence others and we'd solve the problems of this state in about six (6) months. And now… it was a marvelous learning experience and the first learning… the first experience that I learned was the fact that this state is so diverse and that each of us gets here the same way, we get elected. And once we're elected, we represent the people that elected us and there's just a whole… so many different philosophies and personal experiences and regional differences between everyone that lives in this state and it all comes down here to this House Floor and to the Senate and it gets melded together. And that's the beauty of democracy, that we have the ability to interact with people and to influence and to change the direction that our communities are going or our state is going or our nation is going. And it's just been a marvelous experience for me. I can't say enough about the staff members, certainly on the 09500302.doc 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 Republican side, of the aisle as well as the Democratic side of the aisle. It's been my experience during the last sixteen (16) years that certainly I look to staff and these young people, even though there a number of us that have white hair, these young people have a great deal of influence on… on the state. We depend upon them in order to help us develop our ideas that we come out here and we propose and convince people to vote for and without them we wouldn't be able to operate the way that we do. And I can not only thank my staff, but also the… that on the Democratic side of the aisle. Over the years, when my staff hasn't been around in a meeting or they've left and it's after the meeting and we're walking and I have a question, I feel very comfortable in asking the Democratic side of the aisle staff members a question and I know I'm going to get an honest answer. And I'm certain that Democratic Members would feel the same way about our staff too. It may be a different perspective, but it's an honest answer. And I think that backup is what helps us to legislate what… the way that we do here. The Membership, even though there are differences regionally, even though there are differences philosophically, I can't tell you how great the experience has been to serve with each and every one of you. And I thank you for being part of that experience. You know, we have a lifestyle, as elected officials, that is hard for others to contemplate and to understand and if you think about how we live our lives and I've done it for the last sixteen (16) years at this level, ten (10) years before, but here at this level at least we 09500302.doc 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 live our lives in little chunks. We're always looking at deadlines, we're looking at elections, we're looking at the calendar, everything is two (2) weeks to two (2) months and it goes by very, very quickly. And sixteen (16) years is a long, long time, but to me that sixteen (16) years it's like it started yesterday. And I truly have enjoyed all sixteen (16) years. It's going to take some time for me to reflect back on all the different experiences that I've had both with my constituency and also here in Springfield and to relish those experiences and to in a way share those experiences over and over again as I reflect on them. And I thank you for being part of my life for the last sixteen (16) years. I wish all of you Godspeed and good luck as you lead the state into this century. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is kind of a tough day for me. I'm losing a great number of the people that came in in the class that I came in and this is one of the bigger losses for me because she's also the other half of my district. Carolyn and I both came in, elected in '92 started in '93, there were forty-four (44) Members in our class, twenty-four (24) in the Republican Caucus. Actually, we were more new Republicans than there were old Republicans, we just didn't figure out the power we had until it was probably too late. But we've served under three (3) Governors, two (2) Leaders and when Carolyn and I first came in with Senator Marty Butler and we were a real good team and I'll always miss all of them, I miss Carolyn particularly. But I think Carolyn who was… the outstanding thing about Carolyn is she's given half a lifetime to public service and that's no mean feat. She was mayor of Mount Prospect for twelve (12) years and she served in this Body for sixteen (16) years. And when you talk about respected Members, Carolyn certainly falls in one of the top categories, I think, of people respecting her on both sides of the aisle. She brings a quiet passion to what she does and she always does her homework. There's no one that 09500302.doc 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 you'd rather go to a meeting with, go to a meeting in her district, go to a meeting with an agency, because she always does her homework and she's right there whether we have staff or not. She's a learned lawyer. She's great on municipal issues. But one of the things I think that a lot of people forget because it's been a long time, for a time she served as the chair and the spokesman for the Health Care Committee. She was one of the original authors, along with Barbara Currie, of the original KidCare legislation. She's worked hard to provide fair insurance coverage with business for their employees, a really difficult task. She was outstanding in the area of long-term care insurance and mental health. She's always been there whenever I've needed her to support me whether it's on airport issues or things in our district that were really important. When COWL was foundering for a while when some of our leaders had left the General Assembly, Carolyn stepped in and was one of the coconveners of COWL. She's very passionate on women's rights and maybe people don't always get that from her, but she's right there and she always reminds the rest of us not to forget that. If you want an organization to stay focused or you want a caucus to stay focused, Carolyn's right there. One of the other big issues is, she's shorter than I am and I've always appreciated that in the district. It's really nice when you're standing up with really tall people and there's at least one person that's shorter than you are. I think there are so many things that people are going to say about Carolyn that no matter what I say it's not enough, but they'll be a whole 09500302.doc 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 lot of people that are going to add to this. But really, I think the best thing you can say about her, she is a respected Member, she stands up and she does her homework, she drafts her Bills correctly, she's worked in a variety of issues. The wealth of information that she brings, well, it'll be sad for me to lose because I could always count on her whether it was about property tax, anything municipal, as… in her former mayor's life that she would be helpful with us. And the fact that so many people on both sides of the aisle respect her, so many people in the district respect her. She brings a quiet passion to everything that she does. I'm going to miss Carolyn greatly, but I hope that she and her husband David enjoy a retirement. I know I'll get to see her because she'll be around the district, if she's not in Cape Cod too much. But I know we, particularly in our caucus, the Members that came in in my class, are going to miss her very much. But I hope, as she leaves now, having brought so much to the State of Illinois and so much to our caucus and so much on issues, that she enjoys this retirement and that she remembers to pick up the phone and call us and let us know when she thinks we're not doing the job that we should be or to give us a hand. So, Carolyn, I personally will miss you. It's really difficult losing the other half of my district and a Member from my class."

"Well, it is truly… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's truly a privilege and an honor to recognize the achievements and 09500302.doc 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 service of Representative Carolyn Krause who is retiring from the House after sixteen (16) years of dedicated service representing the citizens of northwest Cook County in the 66th District. From what I can see and in talking to many of her constituents, she truly is the 66th District. Representative Krause leaves the House at the end of a long and distinguished career in public service. We all know before this she served ten (10) years as mayor to Mount Prospect where she always served with the highest standards of integrity, honesty and worked hard to improve her community and she brought that service right here to Springfield. Through her strong legal background, she brought knowledge and depth to her work in Springfield and she is defined by so much groundbreaking work that it's just too numerous to mention. All of her achievements show that she's been a dedicated, hardworking Representative for her constituents. In fact, oftentimes we sat here trying to get her to leave, but she was so devoted to her constituents Carolyn could never bring herself to miss even one day of service to her public here. She'll never be accused of lacking conviction. When I first came to Springfield, the very first time I personally met her and heard her referenced, someone called her a tiger and I thought how can someone be calling this small lady a tiger, but then I was soon to found… find out that Carolyn only spoke when she had a profound and meaningful message to deliver and when she spoke here on the House Floor, she said it loudly and clearly and if you ever really noticed, it's one of the few times on the House Floor that people 09500302.doc 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 would get quiet because they wanted to listen to what she had to say. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. She's been a wonderful mentor to me. She has shown me so many things as she has been my seatmate through the last six (6) years. One of the things I admire her most for is her ability to work in a bipartisan fashion with legislative colleagues, always finding something to agree on and then building consensus so that action might truly happen. I wish Carolyn well. I thank her for everything she's done. I know that now she'll be able to devote herself full-time to the light of her life, David, who has always been her most ardent and loyal supporter. I know that… I hope she won't be thinking about us too often and just enjoying herself wherever she is. So, thank you for everything, Carolyn."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I want to take a moment as well to thank Carolyn for her hard work on behalf of, not only her constituents, but for all of the people of the State of Illinois on… on one issue that when I first went to her to ask about the issue, it had to do with the electric rate crisis we faced a couple of years ago and when I sat down to talk to her about it, she looked at me and said, this isn't that simple and was she ever correct. It was not that simple, but we were fortunate to have someone with her institutional knowledge of the issue, her 09500302.doc 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 background, and her experience… intelligence working on an issue that was important to everyone in the state. And I think through her efforts, a better… a better public policy was served. As often is the case, with Carolyn, her leadership on that issue was a quiet leadership, but it was profound, it was evident, and everyone that day, when we discussed what the right thing to do regarding electrical rate and utility issues, stopped, got quiet and listened when Carolyn spoke on that issue. And I… I'm going to miss her. I… I think that we're losing a lot when we lose the kind of institutional knowledge and experience that Carolyn has. She is a quiet leader and a class act. Our best."

"Thank you. It is such… such an honor and a privilege for me to stand up here today to honor Carolyn. Carolyn… Are you standing, Carolyn? I'm not sure. I… I… We all joke and I'm probably one of the… one of the many who… who always teased you, Tara… Carolyn, but I have certainly learned through the years that while in actual height Carolyn may be one of our shortest Members in… when it comes to heart, when it comes to knowledge, when it comes to inspiration of others, she is one of the tallest Legislators in this… in this chamber. She has not only been a mentor to me, but has really inspired me to try to be the best Legislator that I can be and I'm sure she's inspired many, many others in this room. As a fellow 09500302.doc 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 mayor, we worked on community issues together, but Carolyn didn't just take the company line. She really tried to make legislation the best it could be, regardless if it was pro or against some of the interests that, regardless of which group it was, she tried to do what was best for the State of Illinois. And I think that's going to be part of her legacy is that she really has changed public policy in Illinois for the better. As… my district, also, actually after it was next… is next to Carolyn's, but after redistricting I actually took over half of Carolyn's district and I… after campaigning that, I asked Carolyn, could you please send a letter to your constituents so not only they'll support me, but they know I'm not running against you 'cause otherwise they won't talk to me. She was so well-respected by the constituents. I remember going to parties, you know, bene… either campaign ones or any event where we would talk to people and I could just see how people literally looked up to Carolyn for advice, as I did. And so, it… I… I certainly will miss Carolyn. I know Don Moffitt, my… my seatmate will miss Carolyn because when I leave the room to talk to a… a lobbyist I always tell Don make sure if there's an important vote coming up there and I'm not here to tell you to follow Carolyn's lead. And I've tried to follow that lead in the ten (10) years that I've been in the Legislature. So, good luck, Carolyn in whatever you decide to do. Again, you'll be greatly missed and hope that you will stay in touch with us."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Carolyn, as a classmate of yours, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you. I'm sure going to miss you. As Representative Mathias just stated, his directions were always, as he had to step off to meet with a constituent or whoever, if he had not already left instructions on an issue, which was rare, but if he did and there was a critical vote and I couldn't reach him on the cell phone, to vote with you and we knew it would be in the best interest of the district that Sid was representing and it would be the right vote because you're close there together and his respect for you. He has not given me any further instructions who to check with yet, so I would like your cell phone before you leave in case on those rare times when Representative Mathias is off the floor, if I need a quick advice. So, if you'd leave that cell phone. But I can't miss this occasion of… Representative Krause, you and I have served on House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee for a number of years together and most of those issues on education you and I had a similar view. And I'm not going to mention any names, but occasionally you and I would not necessarily be in lockstep with people of a higher pay grade over us perhaps in our caucus, just hypothetically. And so, there was a time or two (2) or three (3) or a dozen when there was some suggestion that certain Members of the committee might be substituted if they weren't going to vote a certain way. And Carolyn, I know I was concerned because I said to you one day, you know, they literally… even though you were there… they 09500302.doc 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 literally could pick you up and carry you out and replace you. But I said, you know, if we had handcuffs and we handcuffed each other together, we're here and we're going to stay. So, it's my understanding you're leaving the handcuffs and it was always great to be there in it together and we stayed there and voted our districts and our conscience and that's the integrity, that's the respect that our colleagues have mentioned about you. You truly voted your conscience, you voted your district, you voted the State of Illinois. It's been great to have you here. Carolyn, thank you for your service and Godspeed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I've had the privilege of sitting next Carol (sic- 09500302.doc 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 Carolyn) for just a few years and I have to tell you, her influence on my service down here lasts from the very beginning. When I came down here twelve (12) years ago, I asked, who should I look to for guidance? Who would be the person that would be the woman who would really show you how to do it? And everything that's been said about Carolyn here is true except that Democratic part, she's ours and we're keeping her. And she served with dignity. She served… she's intelligent, she's… works hard, she's thoughtful and she truly does it the way it should be done. I can't do anything but wish you and David the very best. And… and I asked her earlier today if she's going to have trouble underwin… unwinding. She smiled from ear to ear and said, no. So, wonderful, wonderful days ahead for you and David."

"Thank you. Carolyn, I don't know, there's very few people here you can say as your… that you really look up to and really respect and really trust and it's been said time again but it can't be said enough. Your wisdom, it's sage and it really… I don't know how you do it, I don't know how you comprehend and understand all the issues that you do, 09500302.doc 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 but you do. And when you stand up and say this is a good idea or a bad idea, you have a lot more than one vote, Carolyn Krause. With that said, I know that there's a lot of us who are going miss you. And we joked earlier that what… what's happens in the Stratton Building stays in the Stratton Building, but when I'd come over to your office, you're always working. And in fact, I don't think I've ever seen you in your office when you're not working. And you are… I will just conclude with this. I find it beyond ironic that the wisdom and advice in what you put in the Heiple Report ten (10) years ago and how many people in this chamber even think about being a part of a law review article let alone doing a law review article. And your guidance ten (10) years ago was invaluable over the last month and I really, really wish you the best. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Carolyn Krause, aka Mighty Mouse, our districts have been adjoining for since… ever since I came into the General Assembly. I want to thank you for your strong ethics, for your moral courage. You were a mentor for me before I got here, during the entire time and I hope after the fact, as well. You've been a bellwether to so many of us, most of us who had any sense, as to what's right as opposed to what's necessary… not necessarily politically correct. Thank you so much for your leadership. You'll be sorely missed."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to add my words of admiration for Carolyn Krause. I know 09500302.doc 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 many of us have been serving in these chambers for a considerable period of time, but I must tell you I know of no other Member in my tenure that has enjoyed the respect and the admiration of Carolyn Krause. Many of us are often called upon to go visit with young people in schools and one of the first questions that we are asked is, what does it take… what do I need to have to do your job? And I would suggest that there is no more successful model of public servant than that provided by Carolyn Krause. Indeed, Carolyn Krause is the epitome of a public servant, not just here in these chambers, but as we've heard, in her community as mayor and in so many other capacities. Carolyn Krause is a person who deserves honor and as we look today… as we look at how so many feel about public service and all of the unfortunate goings on in Illinois, it's especially important, I think, that we celebrate and salute someone who is such an inspiration to those of us who have served with her and those who should be coming to serve here, as well. So, in short, Carolyn, as you already know, you're my hero and I will dearly miss you."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I just ran across a quote today about leaders and it spoke about how there are two (2) types of leaders. One is those that work at it; the second is those that take credit for it. And it said, join the first group 'cause there's far less competition. And that's what I would say about Carolyn. She's probably one of the most outstanding leaders I've ever met, not just in this House but anywhere 09500302.doc 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 else that I've served in the rest of my life. I think that there's only one word that you could really use to describe her career and that would be brilliant. All of the words that have been spoken today about her here are true, especially when Representative Rose just spoke about. Serving on the impeachment investigative committee was an honor and there, I think, Carolyn's name came up at least twenty-five (25) times regarding her dissention in the vote on the Heiple trial and her words describing the totality of evidence which was used when we wrote our report. Ten (10) or eleven (11) years later she was the one that was most quoted out of that historic event before. So, thank you, Carolyn, for everything you've done. You've been a part of history before and you will always be in our memories. Good luck to you and good health and good retirement. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, I actually had the opportunity to interact with Representative Carolyn Krause before I was a Member of the General Assembly. It's quite common for those of us who are mayors, and I was before I was a Member in this Body, to come down to Springfield to lobby on behalf of Bills 09500302.doc 75  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 that are important to our community. And that was when I first got a chance to meet with Carolyn and was so pleased to find such a receptive ear, she having also having served as a mayor before her time here in the House. Since then, I've really got a chance to talk with her on a wide range of issues. Earlier, I commented on the importance to new Members of the person who shares the Senate District with them, but it's also important who is in your row and I was very pleased and honored to have been seated in the same row as Carolyn Krause. And particularly, during my first year where we know we had many, many more meetings in 2007 than we ever bargained for, I had many wonderful conversations, really getting a chance to understand this institution and how it could function from one of the true masters of this institution, Representative Carolyn Krause. So, with that, I want to wish you a wonderful retirement and I know that your legacy will be remembered for a long time."

"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I don't know how many times I've heard the word respect mentioned so far, I think it's about six (6) in people talking about Carolyn. She and I, as many know, came in together with a lot of others and we became close friends, a couple different reasons for that. She's a… Over the years, I've sought her advice on many times and she's always been generous with her knowledge and I think that she possesses two (2) extra qualities that are different, but they sound… might sound like they're similar but… She's a great listener and 09500302.doc 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 she's a great audience. And I'm sure with others, I'm going to miss her very much."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Carolyn, and I just, too, want to offer my congratulations and let you know what a distinct pleasure it was to serve with you in this General Assembly. I will always remember, shortly after the time that I came in, we had some issues, some reorganization and some challenges going on in our caucus. You were very much involved, very much open to those of us who were new, trying to help us navigate through and really shining a light on the process, the caucus and what occurs. You know, there are those that can be at the helm or any of those… anybody can be at the helm when the sea's calm, but you've been there when the sea's very rough around this place. And you're one of those individuals who simply just commands respect, treats every one else like you would like to be treated and if so many more of us did the same, we'd be better off. Congratulations to you in your retirement and we know we'll see you around. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will be like Representative Mitchell and I'll keep my comments short. You know, you're often misunderstood in this whole back row because when we would say stuff to you to get a reaction, I thought you were a little hard of hearing but you were just ignoring us back here. David, up there, wave to everybody. I'm not sure that the invitation got to you. Carolyn says 09500302.doc 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 you love to fish and I've offered several times to feel free, come down, take in my hospitality and stay with us. And we have an excellent place… Has she ever given you an invitation? Yeah. That doesn't look like a very convincing yes. She really is a practical joker. That's kind of a side that a lot of people don't see and we're really going to miss that here. Okay. But on… on the serious side really, there's two (2) quotes that I think are very appropriate. One was from Thomas Jefferson and he said, 'The most valuable of all talents is to never use two words when one word will do.' And I think that really describes you that whenever you get up and speak it's certainly people pay attention because they have so much respect for what you're thinking and they know the hard work that you've put behind it. Also, the next one is that, 'If you want to be heard, speak softly.' And in the chamber, a lot of times when you can't be heard, when you speak softly, I can guarantee that you're always heard. We're going to miss you. Best of luck and a happy retirement and still come down and stay with me."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. I just, too, want to congratulate Carolyn and David in their retirement. And I think the only thing I haven't heard talked about a lot is the health care issues she worked on. It's amazing, when you sit here and listen, every single issue we've worked on in the last… almost two (2) decades, Carolyn has had her fingers on. And I want to remind people about the KidCare program. Carolyn was one of the people who helped develop that KidCare program and many of the other health care issues that she worked so hard on in the Health Care Committee. So, I just want to say another quote on leadership from Lao Tzu, 'A true leader gets things done, steps aside and you don't even know they were there.' Carolyn, we will always know you were there to get things done. Thank you very much for your leadership." 09500302.doc 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009

"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Through all the years that I served here, every time, every year was an honor and it was a privilege to have been a Member of this great institution of the Illinois House of Representatives. And I can look back at these years of service and the work that we all did together in a bipartisan way and there were a lot of achievements, a lot of good things that we did together. And I fully realize that at this time our state has some challenges ahead, some obstacles, but truly this is a great state and it can be a great state once again. And I believe in the work of the Members of this House, as you go forward this year and in the future year, you will do so many things again together to, indeed, make this the state that it has been in the past. And I have the full confidence in the Members of this chamber and in the State Senate that you will lead it again to be the great state that it has been and that I know it will be once again. I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to the people of my district who through all the years supported me and it meant so very, very much. I wish to extend my appreciation to my legislative aides: Nancy von Helms and Evelyn Osowski who served the residents and citizens of my district and did a great job. In addition, I wish to thank my legislative aide down here in Springfield, Donna Paoni, who, Donna, you did so much for me and so much when I was 09500302.doc 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 down here and for the residents of the district. I wish to thank all of my colleagues, those of you who spoke today so graciously, and all of you who I had the opportunity to work with through the years that you assisted me. I wish to thank the staffs of both Parties and in particular to the Republican staff that for the work that you did, every call I made, you constantly helped and the work that you did meant so very, very much to me and to the citizens. And I wish to thank my husband and best friend, David for his unwavering support… for his unwavering support through all the years and now, David, I am coming home and we will have that time to travel and get to Cape Cod. Again, I wish all of you the very best. You will do well; you will succeed for the State of Illinois. Do good. My heartfelt thanks to all of you."

"Thank you, Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As… as we muddle our way through these Resolutions today, honoring our colleagues, it's a… it's a tough day. It's a bittersweet day and we're all going through the emotions right now and I know the Members that are leaving are going through the same motions, but I have the distinct honor to say some remarks about a colleague and a friend of 09500302.doc 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 mine, Brent Hassert. And I tell you what, before I was getting my thoughts together I had more people come up to me who I value their opinion from staff saying, be nice, you can't roast him. So, I got a couple of pages here that I can't really go through at the moment. We'll talk about Brent on those pages. So, I do have a couple of other things that I did put together and I figured if I really want to give Brent a proper sound… a sendoff and to have him get a little angry with me, I'm just going to be flat- out nice to him. So, Brent, I think and one… and on our side of the aisle one of the things that we enjoyed most about you down here in Springfield is when you were appointed Deputy Leader in '02 and you would work a Roll Call. And Brent would walk around the floor or the office whenever he was working his side of the Roll Call and he would walk into your office, bring you the Bill that he's talking about and say, yes or no. And you would try to engage Brent in a conversation and say, Brent, you know, I was thinking about this or you know, what's going on at home, how's your district, that's a nice suit and nice tie, and blah, blah, blah and Brent would look at you and say, listen, it's a simple question, yes or no. I don't care about your family. I don't care about your office. I don't care what you're wearing today. I don't care about your Bills. I've got to get this Roll Call done, yes or no. So, I know my friends on the Democrat side of the aisle, you didn't have that pleasure since '02 to have some of those Roll Calls that we did on our side, but as Brent moves into a new chapter and leans up against that golden 09500302.doc 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 rail out there, some of you may get to experience the same pleasure we had on Roll Calls and I'm sure when he walks in your office, he may step it up a notch and talk about your tie and maybe learn something a little bit about your family, but the bottom line is, he's going to want to know, yes or no. And I learned that for six (6) years, so if you want him out of your office, just give him the answer right away. As I look back at what Brent did and I had to actually read the Resolution to see what he had did down here, but I'm sorry, that was more on the roast line again. I'm not supposed to do that. Brent is a hardworking guy and when you think you're working on issues in this Legislature and you think you're really getting up early, getting in here, staying late, getting it done, you need to look at Brent and realize that he's still ahead of you. Brent was always in here early. Brent was always here late. He loved the process. He loves the people. He loved debates. He loved working on politics. I mean, there wasn't a single thing about this that he didn't enjoy with the exception of probably Special Sessions. But it's an exciting process and I know it's one that, as we had our going away party for him last night back in Leader Cross's office, it's one he'll cherish. I've read stories about him in the newspaper and they really said some things about Brent that I'd never heard before, so it was good to see another side of him that many of us haven't seen here in Springfield or the Capitol, but you know what, he really loves his district. He worked very, very hard on getting I355 done. He worked extremely hard on getting seventy 09500302.doc 83  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 (70) acres of state land transferred over to open space and turning it into soccer fields. Those are the things that when you leave this Body and you head off to your next chapter, whether it be lobbying whether it be going back home and working consulting work or whatever you do for a living, when you leave this scene here you got to look back and say what did I get done. And Brent, I can honestly say, not even tongue in cheek, what you got done for your district is phenomenal. You worked very hard for your district. You worked very hard for your people. I know your work here in Springfield's not done. As I said, you're entering a new chapter and you're heading over to the rail and you're going to be working some Roll Calls and working some issues. I look forward to that. I look forward to future golf trips with you. Hopefully, I can get into your wallet a little bit more than I have in the past. But I look forward to continuing our relationship as I continue in the legislative process and you're just going to be working a different other area of the legislative process. So, Brent, it's been an honor serving with you and thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is somewhat of an emotional day for me. Brent was from the… has been my guardian and sponsor for many, many years. People aren't aware of this, but we've lived in the same house together for several years and we'd get up every morning, by 6:00 we'd be downstairs sitting in the living room, just the two (2) of us, drinking coffee and we would talk about every 09500302.doc 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 aspect of life, not just political life. As a matter of fact, quite frequently, they weren't political. It was all about growing up as a child and relations with our parents and our kids and philosophy of life and so forth. So, I got very, very close to Brent. Then I realized that I'm not losing him. He's just moving outside the front door. So, he'll still be around. He's… We're not living together anymore, so I don't have anybody to have coffee with in the morning. But I would say about Brent, in addition to representing his district extremely well, he's one of the hardest working Representatives I've had the pleasure to deal with. He has outstanding political skills. If I have a political question, I always go to Brent, he understands it much better than I do. But I know that he will be a very great success at what he is doing. And I would say about Brent, he's a man of absolute integrity and a man of his word, which is the kindest and one of the greatest things I could say. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, this is a testimonial of a great leader, somebody I've had the opportunity to get elected with back in '92 and served the last sixteen (16) years with. I suppose talking about Brent, I wish I could use other language so he could relate to it a little better, but I'll refrain from that. But I am truly going to miss Brent. He's been a great leader in the caucus; he's done a great job as a whip on this floor. And he really has done a great job for his district. You could just see it. He's got boulevards named after him, parks 09500302.doc 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 named after him and he's not even dead yet. That's a great accomplishment. Maybe they thought you were going to die, but they accelerated it, but God bless, you're here with us today and I wish you a long life and a successful new career."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Brent's district and mine abut each other geographically and have since I came down here. That was one of the first people I really got to know as a Legislator. He is the one who called up and encouraged me to run for this seat. He is… name has been taken in vain in my house several times because of that, but he has always been true to his word. He has always had the highest integrity. He scared us all years ago with cancer. We all thought with him and prayed for him and… and walked through that with him. And some of you here on the House Floor even shaved your head when he lost all his hair. We know that what's going to happen for you in the future is going to be positive. Your great sense of humor and your great commitment is going to carry you through. We are all better people for knowing you and having you with us on the House Floor. Thank you for what you've done, Brent."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I, too, want to congratulate and say thank you for the years of dedicated service for Brent Hassert. I, for one, am going to miss that little twinkle in his eye, that 09500302.doc 86  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 kindness in his heart, that gentleness in your touch and that beaming smile and that sweet little way of saying, hey, dufus head, what are you doing on this vote? And I would say what I thought. Brent would say, no, I don't think so. And we'd come to an agreement and we'd move on. But really in my line of work, Brent, I think there might be a position for you with that kindness and that touch and the soft way you have with people. So, I certainly… if things don't work out, outside of the aisle, I look forward to maybe working with you in that vein. But thank you for all you've done for me, the help you've given me, the direction you've given me and certainly always being there no matter what the issue was to sit down and talk about it. No matter what you thought I was going to do or not do on it. God bless you and good luck."

"Brent, you've had a great run and we will truly miss you and we're going to also miss that folksy, charming demeanor that you've brought to the floor on a daily basis. And… but more importantly, we'll miss those eloquent communication skills that you've had, particularly with the Members of the House Republican Caucus over the years. But I also personally want to thank you for kind of being a big brother and giving me some of that fatherly advice, particularly when we played golf many years ago in Alabama and you know, I'll never forget those moments. But more importantly, I think that when you think of Brent Hassert, I mean, he's had a lot of accomplishments but Renée brought up something, you know, that really was very important when 09500302.doc 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 you get to know Brent Hassert. The greatest accomplishment, I believe, that he's… he's had is when he was stricken with cancer many years ago. A number of us, we weren't quite sure if Brent was going to survive, let alone return back to the House of Representatives, but he did survive, he beat cancer and he was a outstanding Member of this caucus and this Legislature for many years. And to me that is the… the measure of a fine man and a person who… who doesn't give up and something that we should always remember that and use him as an example. So, Brent, I appreciate the steady hand which you… you've always had and also keeping this caucus together in some very difficult moments. But I wish you well and God bless you."

"I think a stool has three (3) legs and I commented about the importance of my geographic neighbor when I rose in honor of Joe Dunn and talked about the importance of the mentoring of one's Members in the same row when I talked about Carolyn Krause. And now, I want to make a couple comments about leadership, because… and that's the role as my leader that I got to know Brent Hassert. In fact, even before I was sworn in, Brent asked me over to lunch at the Sangamo Club and what was interesting, I think I got my first idea about how that role might fit in when I commented to somebody else that Brent had asked me to lunch and I got that look that you would get if you were in high school and you told all your classmates you were going to ask to go to the principal's office. But he's really shown me a lot about the role a leader can make, whether it be 09500302.doc 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 through Roll Calls, calls to make sure he knows where we're at and what we can do to make all of ourselves better Legislators. And for that, I want to thank Brent for the leadership he's shown me in my first two (2) years here in the House and I wish you all the best."

"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I was one of those who shaved their head when Brent went through his illness and I arrived early that morning, we were out doing floor work, and I went and sat in his desk. And I'm sitting there with my newly shaved head and unbeknownst to me Brent came in the rear door and he said later that he saw me at his desk with the shaved head and he thought he had died. And… so, he's a little more complex than we want to admit. The… the fact is that he's been a trusted advisor to our caucus. He's helped our Leader and helped us along our way. We will… we will truly miss you and we wish you Godspeed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would start off with a comment similar to one Jack Franks made earlier that I don't normally stand and speak when somebody leaves because so many wonderful things are said about the people and I… I often get choked up, but I won't with Leader Hassert. And I don't mean that as a shot, yes, maybe I did, because in the six (6) years I've been here I can't tell you the number of times that Brent would get just about beside my desk and say, Sacia, do me a favor, don't say anything stupid today. And… and at first I was a little bit 09500302.doc 89  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 offended, but I rapidly learned that the way to deal with that, and I think Representative Brady said it very well, you just kind of come right back at him. And… and maybe this will be a commercial for a movie. There's a new movie out… and if you haven't seen it, you need to. It's called Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. I'm sure you've seen it advertised. And the relationship between Clint Eastwood's barber and Clint Eastwood, I think, personifies the way Brent Hassert gets along with everyone in the Republican Caucus. So, I guess I would encourage you to see the movie so you get the drift of all of that. There's another movie that was out not long ago called Term of Endearment (sic- Terms of Endearment) and I think it's kind of Brent's way of dealing with people. He doesn't always compliment you in the way you would like to be complimented, but he always has something very profound to say. He always is highly, highly respected after you once get beyond that cheap shot that he'll take at you because you recognize that it truly is a term of endearment. Brent, you're a tremendous Legislator. I wish you Godspeed and tremendous good health in your future. Thanks for all you've done."

"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Brent, reliable, smart, honest, hardworking, selfless, and a man of few words. That's it."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I apologize for not being out here when some earlier Resolutions were called. I was, believe it or not, in a meeting I'd like to think getting 09500302.doc 90  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 some work done. But I want to just to, you know, this is a as people have said, a good day and a sad day. We have on our side four (4) people that I started out with serving in this Body. Pat Lindner, who I think you're going to get to her Resolution, if you remember to later today or maybe next, and Pat has become a very dear friend as she represents an area adjacent to mine and as we know, and you'll hear from a number of people, I think, she's a talented woman in so many ways. Her family is talented. We heard when her mother passed away a while back all of the many talents she had as a Congresswoman and also as a singer and cared deeply about the Fox Valley and Illinois and Pat is no different than her mom and is a talented singer but an equally talented State Rep. And Pat, we are going to miss you and you have always been very honest with me in a good way and know how to give me good news and bad news. And not only we will miss you, but your area will miss you. So, good luck with your life with George. I know it will be fun. I hope I get to have some more of George's margaritas. And Joe Dunn, I met Joe Dunn six (6) or seven (7) years ago, a young man running for the General Assembly, no one thought he had a chance and represents Wheatland Township in Naperville. And there was a fellow running that had been around for a long time and everyone just assumed that this man would win and Joe Dunn, like he's done in the General Assembly, surprised people and was not predictable. And what I liked about Joe Dunn is, you know, we get in this business and you just make assumptions that people are going to vote a certain way because of the 09500302.doc 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 way their… maybe the way they… from where they come or maybe their style or you just assume they're going to be conservative or moderate or whatever. What I've liked about Joe and what surprised me, and I think is a good trait, is he… he was not always predictable in how he was going to vote and he kept an open mind. And he did some things that maybe weren't particularly popular in his district, but he thought they were the right thing and the way to vote. And I admire that courage, but at the time I thought it was courage and I still do. And you know, he's got a business for background and he cares about Plainfield and Leland Township and I think the thing that stuck with me the most, Joe, is your willingness to do what you always thought was right and not everybody does that. And then Jim Meyer, you and I came in together, Jim and you had a great background in local government with Bolingbrook and somehow you were able to get along with and work with Roger Claar and not many people can do that. So, that says, I think, a whole lot about you. I'm joking, Roger, if you happen to be listening. Which also… not entirely. But you also and not only were good on veterans' issues, but you led this caucus in telecommunications issues. And you just cared deeply about this process and cared deeply about your district and I don't know that everybody understands that. But you and I have had some conversations and I know that leaving this institution is not easy for you and we will also miss your strength and your leadership and your caring about Illinois government. And Ruth Munson, I know you're over there next to Pat Lindner and I know this isn't an 09500302.doc 92  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 easy day for you. And you may be the one person that has surpassed Suzie Bassi in one single trait and that's okay. You… you care about this place as much as anybody I've ever met and I know you're good on business issues and you're good on manufacturing issues and you're good on computer technology, we all go to you. But what I've always admired about you is your ability to handle and finesse and massage and represent a very diverse district and that's not easy. And you get a lot of push from different people saying we have to do this and we have to do that and you have to do this, but you, I think, reveled in that diversity and you enjoyed that diversity and you represented a very diverse district exceptionally well and that's not easy to do in this climate and in this process. So, thank you and I'm… we will see more, I hope, someday from Ruth Munson, if she so chooses. And then Carolyn Krause, I… so many people talked about your strengths and whether it's electricity or whether it's health care, your background as a mayor. One of the things I like about Carolyn… liked about Carolyn in her role is we all get comfortable and… a lot of times we get comfortable in our roles, whether it's Leader whether it's Speaker whatever it is we may do in life, that's not always a good thing. You don't learn when you get comfortable and you don't get challenged when you're too comfortable and you're set in your ways. Carolyn, you don't let… you don't know… and I mean this in the most positive, complimentary way… you don't allow people to always get in their comfort zone and stay in their comfort zone and I think that's a good thing, 'cause it's good to 09500302.doc 93  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 push and prod and that's how people get better and you did that for our caucus and you did this… did that for this General Assembly and thank you for that. I… This is… this is maybe the toughest one, talking about Brent. And it's, you know, as Mark Beaubien said, it's not goodbye. Mark Beaubien, I… he had… didn't tell the whole story. They do get up at 6:00 every morning and I live with them. And they get up every morning, they sit down there and talk, but the reason they get up so early is most of the time they are in… at home in their pajamas by 5:30 every night and are usually asleep by about 6:15 or maybe 6:30 on a crazy night. So, that's why they get up so early. I… and indulge me for a minute. I've known Brent since we first ran, back in 1992. We met at a little restaurant called The Williamsburg and I had no idea who Brent Hassert was, I didn't even know what I was doing running. I really wasn't sure what I should be doing or not doing and by chance we ended up meeting at a… we had a mutual friend introduce us that we we're running in adjacent districts and really from 1992 on 'til today… 'til today, Brent Hassert and I have talked on the phone every morning, probably sometime after 6:00 and it doesn't stop there. I probably talk to Brent sometimes once a day, sometimes five (5) times a day. I… quite frankly, probably more than I talk to my wife in many, many cases. Been a lot of comments about Brent's language at times. I will tell you a pretty funny story and Genie, my wife, thinks it's hilarious as do my kids now, at age twelve (12) and fifteen (15). But when I… when we first got elected, we were talking every morning and I 09500302.doc 94  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 had a speaker phone in my car and I would call Brent every morning and my kids at the time were, you know, two (2) and five (5) or one (1) and four (4) and we were going… I was taking them over to a place they stayed for preschool and Brent and I would be talking and they would be riding in the car and inevitably the language would get a little salty, to say the least. And so, every morning after this happened a few times, not every morning, but a lot of mornings my kids would say, dad, when are you going to call that man who swears all the time? And they, of course, have grown to know Brent Hassert and count Brent as almost like an uncle to them and is a very good friend to my kids as well. I do want to say this about Brent, in all seriousness, he and… he alone cares more about this caucus and this institution than he lets on. He has this tough exterior and he is tough, he's as tough a guy as I've ever met for so many reasons, but he has done more for this caucus on the House Republican side than anyone will ever know. He does things that you don't know about that are good for this caucus; he's done some things that you've known about that are good for this caucus. He's never asked for anything in return. He's never looked for any glory. He's never looked for any limelight. He's never looked for any accolades. He has simply every day come into work, since he's been the Deputy Leader, and said, what can I do to make this caucus better? What can I do to help anybody in this caucus that has a problem? What can I do to further this caucus along? Always putting our caucus, on the Republican side, first, above his own 09500302.doc 95  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 initiatives or his own agenda, whether it was on legislation or it was on policy or it was on big picture, he always said, what's the most important thing for our caucus? And we don't thank a person like that enough and we don't thank Brent enough because he has been always first and foremost concerned about this caucus. As Mark Beaubien said, he has an incredible political mind. I have… I think the relationship has been I've always referred… deferred to Brent over the years as to what's best politically as opposed to maybe what I thought 'cause he's got that kind of mind and it's a perfect mind for those of you that are looking from a business perspective as to whether Brent would be… could… with you or for you. He has as good of read on this place as anybody I know. So, Brent, as Mark said, it's going to be a different relationship; it's going to be a little different perspective, but it is in some ways a sad day, but in many ways, it's an exciting day, because I think for you it's an opportunity to go do something you will be very good at. You will represent your clients very well and you will continue to hear about this caucus and all Members of the General Assembly. So, Mr. Speaker, I assume that everybody's been added to this that wants to be, even Ron Stephens. So, thank you and Brent, best of luck."

"Thank… thank you. Probably in my sixteen (16) years down here I haven't spoke too much on this floor and I don't intend to make this long. First of all, I want to 09500302.doc 96  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 thank Speaker Madigan for helping me pursue another career. So, and in all due respect, this… I know this… I never take this game personally. Heather and Shaw down there in the… on the Democratic staff side, I, you know, want to also thank you for helping me pursue another career. And again, we've joked about this and I really don't… a loss is a loss and then, but what's more important is that I've had a great sixteen (16) years down here with all of you, both Democrat and Republican. Obviously, my Republican side, you heard some of my… was kind of surprised I didn't have to sponsor my own Resolution after listening to some of my colleagues. But it all… it has been a great time. I enjoyed every single one of you. It's been fun. This institution is way above any one of us and it's… it's an honor and proud to serve with everyone here, even in the good and the bad. And right now, we've been going through some bad, but I do realize that after this you all will see some sunshine after this cloud is lifted from this Capitol Complex. But again, and I want to thank everybody, in particular staff. They were… they're the ones that really make our lives much more doable down here and makes this much more responsive and makes us look a lot better than we sometimes are. And to my Leader, Tom Cross. Tom and I, as you said, we've been friends and I had to pay each one of his kids a quarter every time I swore. I think I've started their college fund for them. So, again, I'm going to miss this process, but I won't be too far away and again, I want to thank every single one of you both… on both sides of the aisle and for everything that you've done 09500302.doc 97  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 for me and listened to me and tolerated some of my little personality traits that occasionally is a little abrasive, a little bit strong, a little bit cut to the chase. I'm not going to change. I hope that I get a thirty-day grace period in my new life, that I have a transitional time so if I walk up to you and insult you or do something that's really… there is going to be a nice Brent Hassert sooner or later come out of the shell. So, again, thank you and God bless you all."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Younge and I, for my entire career here, had districts that bordered each other and our districts couldn't have been more 09500302.doc 131  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 unalike, as different as night and day. And I frequently stood on this House Floor and against legislation that she was promoting. I was against… she was for the riverboat, I was against it. She was for Metro Link, I was against it. And Representative Gordon, I guess I wasn't as kind as you. I told our staff, don't ever vote for one of her Bills. That's how different our districts were and I believe that I was… well, I was way over the top on many occasions. I not only ridiculed some of her legislation, I believe that I was guilty of ridiculing her. And Ladies and Gentlemen, not once… not once in her lifetime… did she ever say a kind… an unkind word about me. As a matter of fact, when I would greet her, she always had a pleasant word to say. Representative, she greeted me, good morning and good afternoon. She was, and remains in our memory, a lady and I, too, will miss her."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and all the Members of the House. Last but certainly not least we want to honor Pat Lindner today. She's still talking. Anyways, I wanted to start out with ten (10) years ago I came to this chamber and came a couple of days early and took over Judy Biggert's seat and Pat Lindner was one of the first people I met in the back row, I think, like the sixth row and she and three (3) or four (4) of the other girls called themselves 'Vinnie girls' because Vince Persico sat there and all those girls sat in that row with him. And they were so nice to me. I did not know one soul in this entire place and they even asked me to come down and take a picture with them. Vinnie's girls, I didn't even know what Vinnie meant. But anyways, from that day on, Pat and I became very close friends and colleagues on the House Floor. We had a lot of issues that were important to Pat. She's done so much. I think a lot of people don't even understand all she's done for grandparents' rights, for foster children, child support, especially for family law and for making sure that there's equal justice and 09500302.doc 140  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 representation for people who don't have enough money to go to court, of which she was recently honored by the Equal Justice Group especially for women and children who have no representation. Pat has devoted a lot of time to that, especially also to juvenile justice reform where had she had put efforts the last couple of years in championing those rights and special legislation that we have passed in this Legislature if… over the last couple of years that's been model legislation. Not only was she determined to make a change there in the daytime on the floor, she also was extremely active in COWL, wanting to have a good time and establishing the Capitol Capers Review. I think for her most historic, outside of always being a partner with Joe Lyons, was the partnership with Barack Obama in one of the acts that we have on record and tape. Anyways, what can you say about a woman like Pat? Her mother was one of the first U.S. Congressman in the United States and Pat went on to be a trailblazer just like her mother was. She always took on projects with energy, as all of you know, in enthusiastic response and a spirit of a Broadway star just like Judy Garland but with the steadfastness and the seriousness of a lawyer like Perry Mason. Some of us have heard the story of how one day Pat, when she was a new Legislator, actually stood on the top of her desk to argue a point with her friend, Bill Black. I've heard that story over a hundred (100) times. Pat's a woman of many, many accomplishments. I don't know if everybody knows, not only a Legislator, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a lawyer, a golfer, a tremendous skier still and yes, almost a Broadway 09500302.doc 141  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 singing star when she first started out. She had to continue that career here in Capitol Capers, but we were glad to have her here with us. Most of all, Pat has been a true, true friend and I think what everybody would call, on both sides of the aisle, a real bipartisan Legislator. Every day she'd be talking about somebody on this side of the aisle or that side of the aisle and the legislation that she was working on with them and how they were going to pass this to make a change in Illinois government. They say that a good leader is the one who people trust, who people respect, who people believe in and they are inspired by, and I think that is Patricia 'Patsy' Reid Lindner. Those words describe her. She is a woman of her word who came to Springfield sixteen (16) years ago with a passion to make a good change in public policy in Illinois. I think sixteen (16) years later that those changes have been made and she leaves today confident that she did her job well, not only for all the people of Illinois, but especially for the people of her district who she worked hard for every day of those sixteen (16) years. I think it's appropriate to end with a little paraphrase of a song, Pat, thanks for the memories. Good luck."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, Representative Washington talked about coming from a district with another Representative and how he had worked with her through those years and developed a relationship. It was my privilege back in the 1990s to be in the district that Pat Lindner represented and to be one of her constituents and to become aware of her passion for so many family-oriented issues. And then to serve in this Body with her and to work on some of those issues is a lesson for all of us, that our work is never done, that we can never do things alone, and that life is full of memories that we cherish, the progress that we make, the hopes that we realize. Pat has championed a lot of issues that are important to the people of Illinois and she has done it with a flair with a concern with relationships that we will all remember. Pat, as a neighboring Representative, you will always be welcome back in this chamber and I look forward for the opportunity someday to represent your issues here and to continue the work for families, and youth, and health care. Thank you for your years."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it's not every day that a Member retires, not only from the Illinois House of Representatives but from an even more exclusive club. Pat Lindner is one of the 09500302.doc 145  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 charter members of the Century Club. And for those newer Members who aren't aware of it, you have to have a hundred 'no' votes on a Bill that you've managed to get through committee, usually unanimously, and then get a hundred 'no' votes on the House Floor. And in the research, after I was embarrassed to… to have that happen to me, I asked around on the floor and they said, oh yeah, there's lots of people here that have done that: Bob Churchill, Deputy Leader at one point, Pat Lindner. So, she joined us as one of the charter members and because it had happened before we formed the club, before we got the statuary that we now present to the latest recipient and honoree, I don't even know the Bill that was such a turkey that it managed to get a hundred 'no' votes. But Pat, I'm sure has stories about that and it is a symbol that you believe enough in a Bill that you bring it forward and then it blows up in your face. You live it down and continue on for years afterwards. You are a very respected Member of the chamber. I have had the honor also of not only singing in COWL with her, but sharing a few hours over at the old Bauer's with Roger McAuliffe and around the piano. I think Dan Burke might have been playing it at that time. But Pat you have a great reputation down here and I certainly hope you enjoy your retirement and you will always be on the plaque as a member of the Century Club."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pat is also another one of our class that came in together in 1993 and is leaving and she's been a very dear colleague of mine. We share many 09500302.doc 146  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 similar views and many similar mishaps. A little issue with trial lawyers when we became in the Majority. There were six (6) of us that weren't always with Lee at that time and also when we were freshmen there was a little story that not everybody knew who did it, but Pat and Brent Hassert, Doug Hoeft, who's no longer with us and Bill Brady decided one evening after we had gone to dinner that we had to do some mischief. We were here in overtime and we saw the elephant that's around town that has the big martini glass that's like ten (10) feet tall and we decided we were going to see if we could get that elephant and we went and asked the people who had it if we could borrow the elephant and Brent went back and got Terry Deering's truck and we towed the elephant. We were going to put it in Speaker Madigan's parking space, but then we found out that the Speaker really didn't have a parking space because he was dropped off, so we decided it would go in Jim McPike's parking space. And we were going around trying to find it and Bill Brady who was then Tom Cross's roommate would go everywhere and say, 'Hi, I'm Tom Cross. Could you tell us where Jim McPike's parking space was.' And we pulled the elephant up and Doug and Brent told Pat and I to hold it as they took it off the trailer and they left us standing there holding this elephant in the driveway that was sliding down, so that the elephant… you know, stay there, we'll be back with blocks to keep the elephant in the parking space. So, Pat and I stood there for a little while and they did come back, thank goodness, and then we went back over to what was the bar across the street that 09500302.doc 147  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 was Sam's and who should we run into right off the bat but Jim McPike. And we stood there kind of laughing and Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, who wanted to know the next day who did it and we didn't actually tell and then we delivered peanuts to the House Floor and we really had a good time that year. Pat's always been a great colleague. I've appreciated everything she's done. She's so talented. Her family is a family that does public service. She has grandchildren with the most unusual and wonderful names, if you ever have talked to her about it. She serves on a lot of interesting committees. I've always valued the fact that she comes back and talks to me about things in juvenile justice that are so important. We don't all have time to serve on all committees, but she's always been someone who's come to me and said, could you help us on this? We could do the vote… if you would give us a help on the vote and she would vote for really unusual Bills that may be tough Bills, but they were good Bills, I think, for young people in Illinois. She's always been part of that. She's served on a lot of really interesting committees and she's always been what I would call one of the most upbeat people that are here on the floor. If you're having a bad day, Pat will always smile at you and give you a lot of good cheer, always has good words to say about everybody. Obviously, a stellar member of the COWL show. There are a couple of stories that Pat… about Pat that I won't go into on things that we've done when we haven't been here that might not read so good in the record, so we won't tell that. But I do know that as someone that came into my 09500302.doc 148  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 class and someone I've shared a lot of good times with and someone who lives next door to Patti Bellock and I, I'm going to miss the nights when she knocks on our door and says, hey, have you got some wine in the refrigerator? Can I come in and talk to you for a while? And I really am going to miss Pat not being there because she's always been just a good friend, a good Member, someone that really cares about Illinois and always had done a great job in a… very upbeat way and are always been a valuable Member, I think, to the Illinois General Assembly, to the Conference of Women Legislators. I share a lot of good issues with Pat and I will miss her tremendously."

"Thank you, Speaker. Representative Lindner, I heard someone say earlier, Patsy, that's what I first heard when I won my race back in '98 and they said, oh, you'll be going to Springfield with Patsy. And I said, who's Patsy? And they said, well, Patricia. And I said, oh, so, it's Patsy Patricia Reid Lindner. So, I got that ingrained back in my head back in '98 and we've come a long way through that. As your colleague there in our neighboring district, you had a different Senator and a brighter time and then we… redistricting came and we shared Senators and I'm telling you, I'm going to miss you at some of those events and forums where you, Ruth and I were able to just kind of huddle and be the steady voice of the group. We had some… we had some good times and I'll never forget when we were riding home one of those times that you needed a ride, 'cause George wouldn't come pick you up or something, but 09500302.doc 149  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 you said, I'm not as crazy, conservative as they said out in the district that I was. So, Patsy, I'll take that as a compliment from your esteemed colleague. You took on some tough issues, you battled them hard from '92 on 'til the day you're going to leave today and I will always respect you for your service here, the issues you took on, the point of view that you shared with me, and you almost swayed me once… once, but you've done a great job here and it's been a pleasure serving with you."

"Thank you. Pat Lindner will certainly be remembered as a queen of Capitol Capers. She… her office was right next to mine when I first got here and I was on the Jud II Committee and not being a lawyer, she made that committee bearable for me. She certainly had a long and distinguished legislative career, but I think probably the important thing is as we get older in life is the relationships and friendships which we form. And I'd just 09500302.doc 150  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 like to say that I consider Pat Lindner a friend and I'm sure as she moves on to other things, she will continue to do things in style, grace and beauty. And Pat, thank you very much."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As somebody said earlier, the queen of Capitol Capers is leaving the Capitol. So, having been one of the most stellar Members of the General Assembly during my tenure down here, Pat, you've got to be sure that that alumni act gets off the ground. We absolutely need you there. But beyond that, it's like… it's like Carolyn Krause, your… your strong, ethical background, your… your moral compass, you've been a mentor, you've always had Kleenex when I needed it to which I 09500302.doc 151  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 couldn't thank you enough for. I'm losing a dancing partner besides a friend and a colleague and God bless you, kiddo. Best of luck."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Patsy is one classy lady. She's one smart lady and she's one very fun lady. I had the privilege of being on a road trip with Pat and it's one I will never forget. But she also has been a great role model for me and I've watched her give legal advice and she's so astute in so many ways. And she's just one of those complete packages that doesn't come along very many times in a lifetime. But having grown up in southern Illinois, I thought I'd just give you a little story about how we've learned how diverse Illinois is. And I grew up in southern Illinois, which is down by Cairo, and Anna and Carbondale. However, I've serve the west central Illinois and I've also learned that oftentimes people from Chicago and the suburbs and the like think that all downstate is southern Illinois. But I prided myself in losing my southern Illinois accent, I thought, even though my mother was an English teacher, I thought I had lost my southern Illinois accent. And so when I was talking to Pat, when I first came, about camouflage jackets, she said, what kind of jackets? I said, camouflage. She said, what kind of jackets? I said, you don't know what camouflage is? Ask Beaubien, he knows what camouflage is. She goes, what is camouflage? So, I proceeded to tell her it was, you know, I said, the Army knows what camouflage is. So, anyway, since then Pat and I have deepened our appreciation and she 09500302.doc 152  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 knows now what camouflage is. So, that's what I taught you. Patty… Patsy, we'll miss you so much. Thank you."

"You know, Mr. Speak… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, sometimes we spend a lot of time talking to the 09500302.doc 153  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 people that are leaving, but I thought that it might be good to reflect back on a moment about fifteen (15), sixteen (16) years ago here when the retiring Ms. Lindner, Representative Lindner for now, in response to something that occurred, decided to stand upon her desk and sing a song I think it was about something… Maybe we could ask… could she maybe duplicate that one more time for those that weren't here and many of the people in the room were not here then. It was a visual and a musical artistic treat and you don't see them… we don't see that many people stand on desks during the day… during the day, I mean, you know. But she's always been great, obviously, very, very pleasant all the time. I don't know how she does that. And she's been helpful to anybody that ever asked her for help. She's been a great friend and we'll surely miss her and her contributions to our state will not be forgotten. So, Patricia, you've done a great job."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the joy and privilege of being the person that may… I think there are three (3) of us that have just joined this Assembly in the last few days and had a historic vote to make. But I wanted to say that I have been so impressed with… particularly Representative Lindner, the other Representatives, Krause and Ruth Munson and people that have shown me the genuine and authentic leadership that has made this state something to be proud of. I know in the news media we have been laughed at, as an Assembly and as a state, but I am proud 09500302.doc 154  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 to… that I have new friends here and one of them is Representative Lindner. So, thank you."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. You know, Patsy is my roommate and has been for eleven (11) years. So, I won't tell all the stories about the late night talks and the many, many things that we've done together. I've, unfortunately, never been able to take a trip with her, but I do… I will say that anytime any of us have ever needed her to go and do something, to take something to Leadership, Pat always did it. She may not have always agreed with us, but she always did it. She is the epitome of what a Leader should be. She listens, she's a great mentor and I'm going to stop now because otherwise I will break up, but I just want to say, have a great rest of your life. Thank you."

"Well, I have to thank everybody for their comments. That was lovely, but first of all, Karen, at least I did not buy that belly dancing outfit that you bought. But I want to say that to me a successful life is always been interesting work, fun activities, love relationships, and spiritual sustenance. And I think all of us here know that we have probably been spending most of our time on the interesting work part and that has made us all have a lot of frantic lives. And so, I hope that maybe I will be able to live a little more unhurried life, maybe I will even be on time once in a while, I don't know. But I certainly will miss this. I leave with mixed emotions. I love to learn so as we all know this… the issues in this place and the things we learn about the process are so interesting I 09500302.doc 156  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 don't think there's a day that I've been here that I haven't learned something. So, I've loved that and as I said in my letter, the people here are just wonderful. We are all a family when we're down here and I hope that when we see each other in the future, we will remember that also. The diversity is just amazing and it has enriched my life to know everybody here. And I want to thank so many people that have made our lives down here great. Certainly, the staff, you know, our Republican staff, the young people on that are so hardworking and professional. Whenever I've been called by the Democrat staff, too, I have found exactly the same thing. They're hardworking young professionals. And I want to thank Wayne and Russ and all the doormen who greet us with a smile every morning. They make our lives easier too. And certainly, I'm happy to be followed by Kay Hatcher in my seat. I'm glad to have… thankful to have her here and for my secretary, Fritz, here and my district director, Tracy, at home. But I really want to thank Tom Cross for having me in Leadership all these years. I know I've given it to him every once in a while and go back and say, now, we women think this, you know and you've got to do this and got to do that. But I will say he's always been a good listener and I will mostly miss Tom's really sick sense of humor. It's really fun and that's going to be hard to be away from. But I will say, also, I want to thank my husband. As you know, my husband is a trial lawyer and that has made for some very agonizing votes for me being a Republican, but he sent me flowers this morning with this note, 09500302.doc 157  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 Sleeping with the enemy was great. You are my favorite Legislator. Can't wait for our future. Love, George. So, I really think that… I think that that transition… that will make this transition a little bit easier. But, you know, all… a lot of my fond memories are about the COWL Capers. It's Eileen and Patti, who started it and it was always so much fun because Patti and I would be doubled over with laughter and say, well, we've got to have this in the show. And Eileen would say, that's not funny, then we would… then not have it in. But I think the most fun was the rehearsals and seeing the hidden talent that is in this room, is just absolutely fabulous. When we first heard… I don't know if Art's still here… Art Turner… Art Turner, when we first heard him sing a tune, we all just swooned with that crooning. It was just beautiful. And Dan Burke with his piano playing, Bob Biggins with his quips, Elaine and Jil doing the splits, Barbara with her star number, Shane with his 'poor old Julie'. And Bob Molaro jumping on Karen at the end of the act. And all of you men who showed your legs during that kick line and of course, I have a special, special in my heart for Joe Lyons since we sang our first song together. With redistricting we sang There's a Place for Us and then our last song together, I Got You Babe. And I don't know about all of you, but it always put a lump in my throat when we all sang I'm Proud to be an American at the end of the thing. So, I do leave with mixed emotions, but I just have one thing to say, 'It's My Party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, 09500302.doc 158  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 302nd Legislative Day 1/13/2009 cry if I want to. You would cry too if it happened to you. Bumpa, bumpa, bump, bump, bum."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have one Member on our side of the aisle that we would like to say a special thank you to. She served this week. It's Representative Joan Krupa and she's done a wonderful job. She fit in very, very well with the Republican women and we took her out many times and tried to convince her to stay, but of course, she can't. So, we just wanted to say publicly, thank you, Joan, for being here."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the question for Members is, on the Motion… or on the vote on the Article of Impeachment, what is the Chair's… what will the Chair's intention be with respect to the ability to debate it or voice opinions on that matter and how would you… how would you allow that to take place?"

"I… Well…"

"Maybe we can… maybe Mr. O'Shea and Mr. Mapes can talk…"

"…on some procedural thing to satisfy the concerns we may have from our side. I'm not suggesting we're going to spend all day talking, but at least the right to say it…"

"…is there. So, perhaps we can talk with Tim. Thank you."