"All assembled in this auditorium, give attention. The Secretary of State, the Honorable Jesse White sends greetings and proclaims that this day, the second Wednesday of January 2009, is the day fixed for the convening of the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, pursuant to Article IV Section 5 of the Constitution. The Provisional Doorkeeper is directed to close the aisles."
"Will all those not entitled to the floor please retire from the auditorium stage. Will all Representatives-elect please be assembled on the auditorium stage."
"May I have your attention, please. At the Speaker's rostrum and ready to convene the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly and for the great State of Illinois is Secretary of State, the Honorable Jesse White."
"The House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly of the State of Illinois will come to order. Welcome. Quoting from the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois, Article IV, Section 6(b), 'On the first day of January… of the January Session of the General Assembly in odd-numbered years, the Secretary of State shall convene the House of Representatives to elect from its Membership a Speaker of the House of Representatives as presiding officer.' We shall be led in prayer by Pastor Thomas Cross of the United Methodist Church in northern Illinois. Pastor Cross is also the father of House Republican Leader Tom Cross. Will the Members and their 09600001.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 guests please stand and remain standing until we've done the Pledge of Allegiance."
"I want to thank House Speaker Madigan and House Republican Leader Cross for the invitation to open the Assembly with prayer. Let us pray. By whatever name we call You, whatever theology we understand You, by whatever means we worship You, God of all people, all ages, all nations and races, we give You thanks today for these men and women elected by their neighbors, guided by Your will, chosen by history who come now to be confirmed in their offices as public servants. In this Session of the General Assembly, help them to measure their deeds, not in terms of personal gain but in terms of how well those deeds reflect their effort to have truly heard the fears and hopes of the people they represent. Help them to remember that they have been granted a sacred trust and help all of us in this gathering today to remember that all of our lives are a sacred trust, that we are always something other than a random collection of human folly, that we are always something more than a quilted conglomerate of our fondest prejudices of the moment. We are rather a people in this yet great state for who nobility has part of our birthright, dignity a part of our heritage, a people whose better angels yearn for principled leaders who will share with each of us pursuit of the common good. Coming together now as one people, we give you thanks, Oh God, for Your gift of forgiveness which always reminds us that You care for us, that You believe in us, and that You have an incomparable sense of humor, Amen." 09600001.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance by Mike Madigan."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Secretary White: "I… Will the Dean of the House or Representative Michael J. Madigan… Oh, he was supposed to have led us in… with the Pledge of Allegiance. That has been done. So, with that, we will continue on. You may be seated and you may be seated for the duration of this organizational proceedings. I have appointed the following provisional officers: as Provisional Clerk, Mr. Mark Mahoney; as Provisional Doorkeeper, Mr. Lee Crawford; and as Provisional Parliamentarian, David Ellis. Also joining us are some distinguished individuals who are Constitutional Officers for the State of Illinois. We have joining with us: Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn; our Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The Provisional Clerk will call the roll of Members elected to the 96th General Assembly. The roll will be called in alphabetical order as certified by the State Board of Elections and each Member in attendance shall answer 'present'. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll."
"Edward Acevedo."
"Present."
"Luis Arroyo."
"Present."
"Suzanne 'Suzie' Bassi." 09600001.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Present."
"Mark Beaubien."
"Present."
"David Beiser."
"Present."
"Patricia 'Patti' Bellock."
"Present."
"Maria 'Toni' Berrios."
"Present."
"Robert 'Bob' Biggins."
"Present."
"William 'Bill' Black."
"Present."
"Mike Boland."
"Present."
"Mike Bost."
"Present."
"John Bradley." Bradley, J.: "Present."
"Dan Brady."
"Present."
"Rich Brauer."
"Present."
"James Brosnahan."
"Present."
"Daniel Burke."
"Present."
"William D. 'Will' Burns."
"Present." 09600001.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"John D. Cavaletto."
"Present."
"Linda Chapa LaVia."
"Present."
"Franco Coladipietro."
"Present."
"Sandy Cole."
"Present."
"Annazette Collins."
"Present."
"Marlow Colvin."
"Present."
"Michael Connelly."
"Present."
"Elizabeth Coulson."
"Present."
"Fred Crespo."
"Present."
"Tom Cross."
"Present."
"Shane Cultra."
"Present."
"Barbara Flynn Currie."
"Present."
"John D'Amico."
"Present."
"Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Present."
"William 'Will' Davis." 09600001.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Davis, W.: "Present."
"Lisa Dugan."
"Present."
"Kenneth 'Ken' Dunkin."
"Present."
"Jim Durkin."
"Present."
"Roger Eddy."
"Present."
"Keith Farnham."
"Present."
"Sara Feigenholtz."
"Present."
"Robert Flider."
"Present."
"Mary Flowers."
"Present."
"LaShawn Ford."
"Present."
"Michael Fortner."
"Present."
"Jack Franks."
"Present."
"John Fritchey."
"Present."
"Paul Froehlich."
"Present."
"Esther Golar."
"Present." 09600001.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Careen Gordon." Gordon, C.: "Present."
"Jehan Gordon." Gordon, J.: "Present."
"Deborah Graham."
"Present."
"Julie Hamos."
"Present."
"Gary Hannig."
"Present."
"Gregory Harris."
"Present."
"Kay Hatcher."
"Present."
"Elizabeth 'Lisa' Hernandez."
"Present."
"Jay Hoffman."
"Present."
"Thomas 'Tom' Holbrook."
"Present."
"Constance 'Connie' Howard."
"Present."
"Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr."
"Present."
"Naomi Jakobsson."
"Present."
"Charles 'Chuck' Jefferson."
"Present."
"Kevin Joyce." 09600001.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Present."
"Emily Klunk-McAsey."
"Present."
"Renee Kosel."
"Present."
"Lou Lang."
"Present."
"David Leitch."
"Present."
"Joseph Lyons."
"Present."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Present."
"Sidney Mathias."
"Present."
"Frank Mautino."
"Present."
"Karen May."
"Present."
"Michael McAuliffe."
"Present."
"Kevin McCarthy."
"Present."
"Jack McGuire."
"Present."
"Deborah Mell."
"Present."
"Susana Mendoza."
"Present." 09600001.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"David Miller."
"Present."
"Bill Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Present."
"Jerry Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Present."
"Donald Moffitt."
"Present."
"Rosemary Mulligan."
"Present."
"Richard P. 'Rich' Myers."
"Present."
"Elaine Nekritz."
"Present."
"JoAnn Osmond."
"Present."
"Harry Osterman."
"Present."
"Brandon Phelps."
"Present."
"Sandra Pihos."
"Present."
"Raymond Poe."
"Present."
"Robert Pritchard."
"Present."
"Harry 'Randy' Ramey."
"Present."
"Dennis Reboletti." 09600001.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Present."
"David Reis."
"Present."
"Dan Reitz."
"Present."
"Al Riley."
"Present."
"Robert 'Bob' Rita."
"Present."
"Chapin Rose."
"Present."
"Katherine (sic-Kathleen) Ryg."
"Present."
"Jim Sacia."
"Present."
"Angelo 'Skip' Saviano."
"Present."
"Timothy Schmitz."
"Present."
"George Scully."
"Here."
"Darlene J. Senger."
"Present."
"Michael Smith."
"Present."
"Keith Sommer."
"Present."
"Cynthia Soto."
"Present." 09600001.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Ron Stephens."
"Present."
"Ed Sullivan, Jr."
"Present."
"Andre M. Thapedi."
"Present."
"Jil Tracy."
"Present."
"Michael Tryon."
"Present."
"Arthur Turner."
"Present."
"Patrick Verschoore."
"Present."
"Ronald Wait."
"Present."
"Mark L. Walker."
"Present."'
"Eddie Washington."
"Present."
"Jim Watson."
"Present."
"David Winters."
"Present."
"Karen Yarbrough."
"Present."
"Michael J. Zalewski."
"Present." 09600001.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"118 Representatives-elect having answered the roll and being in attendance, a quorum is present and the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly is officially convened. The Provisional Clerk will enter the attendance roll in the Journal. I now have the great honor of presenting a former Member of the House, the Honorable Alan J. Greiman, retired justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, who will administer the constitutional oath of office followed with… where each Member shall execute the written oath to be filed in my office. Justice Al Greiman."
"Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Good morning. If the Ladies and Gentlemen-elect would stand at this time and raise your right hand and repeat after me, I, and state your name, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Representative in the General Assembly according to the best of my ability. Congratulations, Thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to offer my congratulations to you, as well. I had the great pleasure of serving in this Body for sixteen (16) years and I would just hope that the enthusiasm that you share now will carry through this year. It's a known fact that when we work together, wonderful things happen. Again, will the Members of the House please execute the written oath and submit them to the Provisional Clerk. Members shall execute their signature twice on the sheet placed at their chair. The pass… and pass the oaths toward the center aisle. There 09600001.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 will be a person at the center aisle who will collect them and the House will be at ease for a few moments. As they'd say in the military, stand at ease. All right, Members, I hope that you have discharged your duties to the best of your ability and that you've turned those forms in. Okay. Under Article IV, Section 6(b) of the Constitution, the first order of business of this House is the election from its Membership a Speaker as presiding officer. The House is now convened by the rules of the House of the 95th General Assembly, which has made applicable all these proceedings by Section 3 of the General Assembly Operations Act. These rules provide that the person receiving the majority of votes of the Members elected shall be declared Speaker. Therefore, 60 votes in favor of a nominee shall be required to be elected Speaker. Debate shall not be in order following nominations and proceedings or during the vote. The nominations are now in order for the office of Speaker. The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie is recognized for a nomination."
"Thank you, Secretary White. And to the Members of the House of the 96th General Assembly, I offer congratulations. The job we've been elected to undertake is challenging and rewarding. In our system, the Legislature is coequal, sharing authority with the Executive and Judicial branches and I hope that each of us will make sure that this institution remains a full partner in our governmental enterprise. I am proud today to nominate Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. Mike has a record of absolute commitment to this institution and to its legitimate 09600001.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 prerogatives. The framers of our Constitution never intended the Legislature to play second fiddle to the second floor. Mike has consistently stood up for the legitimate rights of the Legislature against encroachments by the executive whether that executive was Jim Thompson, Jim Ryan or George Ryan… Jim Edgar or George Ryan and it's no secret that the current incumbent has posed special challenges on that front and Mike Madigan, time after time, has challenged the Governor has he, time after time, overreaches his constitutional authority. Mike's been Speaker long enough that we know how seriously he takes the job, how willing he is to put in the time, the intelligence and the energy to do it well. He knows the issues; he's thoughtful; he's considerate. He's not given to snap judgments and the results of his deliberative approach serve this institution and the people well. In fact, our form of government supports a deliberative approach. Success requires consensus. Mike Madigan understands the art of compromise; he understands the art of leadership. It was Mike, last Session, who brought electric rate relief to homeowners and small businesses across the state; it was Mike who presided over major reforms in the mass transit systems of northeastern Illinois. And long before anybody else even noticed there was a problem, it was Mike who worked to crack down on predatory practices in the housing market. Mike appreciates the challenges we face as a people, as a government. He understands the divisions that plague us, the divisions that pit rich against poor, upstate against down, suburb against city. He understands that our 09600001.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 diversity, which is our greatest strength, is also our greatest challenge. Mike knows the people of the state from Galena to Cairo; he knows our districts and he knows how to work with us, work with each and every one of us, Republicans as well as Democrats. And even as we take our oath of office in the 96th General Assembly, we face major challenges, a crisis of confidence in our government, charges of a criminal corruption at the very top, a state mismanaged and in dire fiscal straits. One man has shown he has the capacity to chart a course out of the morass, that man is Michael Madigan. He has been and will be Speaker for all Illinois. He is a man of digni… of integrity; he's honest and he's decent. And for all his devotion to our institution, he has the great good sense to put first his beautiful wife Shirley, his four wonderful children and the latest additions to the Madigan clan, four-year-old Rebecca and her baby sister Lucy. Mike's a family man. I've been told he's a White Sox fan. It is my honor… it is my honor and privilege to nominate Michael J. Madigan for the office of Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 96th General Assembly."
"The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie, places in nomination the name of the Gentlemen from Cook, Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. Is there a second to this nomination? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Yarbrough."
"To Secretary White and to all of my colleagues of the 96th, congratulations. It's an honor and a privilege to stand before you all today and second my colleague's Motion 09600001.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 to nominate Michael J. Madigan as Speaker of the Illinois House. I rise without hesitation or doubt, something that's not easily done in Springfield. With all the difficult choices we will face in the 96th General Assembly, it's nice to know that one of the most important decisions will be the easiest. Each new General Assembly is a fresh start and an opportunity to advance the causes that make us Democrats: improving access to quality health care, better education for our children, strengthening public safety, eradicating discrimination, protecting the right of people to organize and taking care of our seniors. In Illinois, we've been able to deliver ethics reform, death penalty reform, education reform, prescription drug reform and I could go on and on and Michael J. Madigan has been here for us for all of this, making sure we stay on track and we deliver. This distinguished tenure is one of the reasons why I rise today. Now, I don't know about you but I look at how a person handles challenges and difficulty and how they respond in the worst of times. It's easy to shine during the best of times. Not many of us would say the past two years have been the best of times. Yet, while we watched others slowly fall apart under pressure, Michael Madigan has stood firm and resolute and we got our work done despite the infighting. This coming General Assembly could be the most difficult we've ever faced and I cannot remember a time during my life when our national economy was in worse shape. We are losing jobs; families are losing their homes and they're also losing hope. There are troubled waters ahead, we all know this and I can think of no one I'd rather stand 09600001.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 at the helm than Speaker Madigan. Now, being Speaker is certainly not an easy job, not only is he in charge of the day to day functions of the House of Representatives, he's in charge of a capable staff and the agenda of our Party. Words can't convey the importance of this position, but Michael J. Madigan is a capable man. He's a fair man and a man of true resolve. He's responsive to this state, his district and all of our districts. So, I stand before you all, not the first time that we'll be together and certainly not the last, we will agree and we'll disagree. We'll represent our districts even if it means voting against our friends, this comes with the territory. We just have to remember that politics should not be taken personally. We are the Representatives, not the issues. So, as we assemble united, please join me, my colleagues, and show the ultimate show of unity. I ask each one of you today to support Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House for the 96th General Assembly. Let's send a message that the Illinois House is united and with this in mind, Mr. Speaker, I second that Motion. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Osterman."
"Thank you, Secretary White, Members of the Illinois House of Representatives, and honored guests. It is my pleasure to second the nomination of Speaker Michael J. Madigan for a new term as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. We are joined here today to start a new Legislative Session with many challenges facing our great state. The Members here represent the di… the rich 09600001.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 diversity of our state. They come from different backgrounds, different points of view, with constituents with different priorities, but all Illinoisans and all with the commitment to serve our states. Service to our states and its people has been the hallmark of Speaker Madigan's distinguished career in the Illinois House of Representatives. Speaker Madigan knows Illinois and he has a profound respect for State Government and its important… and its importance to the people of Illinois. As Speaker, he has worked closely with Members, regardless of political Party, from each corner of our state to work to improve the quality of life for all Illinois residents. The challenges facing us here today in Illinois are daunting: rising debt and unemployment, mounting stress on our social service and education system, a void in the leadership in the Governor's Office, an erosion in trust of State Government. Those that know Mike Madigan know that he is at his best when faced with challenges or obstacles. We look to his leadership as Speaker to work with all of us to face the critical issues facing our states. The challenges we face are not Democratic challenges; they're not Republican challenges, they are Illinois challenges. And Speaker Madigan's years of experience in leadership will be never needed more than they are needed right now. In a time when a cloud hovers over our State and Illinois residents are losing confidence in our elected officials in State Government, it was under the leadership of Mike Madigan last week that the Illinois House of Representatives took the historic step of impeachment of a Governor. This important and transparent 09600001.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 process was done in partnership with the Republican Leadership in the House and the process was marked by fairness, professionalism, thoroughness and put the interests of the people of the State of Illinois first. These are the traits that Speaker Mike Madigan brings with him every day to his responsibility as Speaker. And though there are challenges before us, there lies possibilities for a new spirit of cooperation in Springfield and in our state, a new day for things that we have pushed in the past that now can become a reality. Working with the new Leadership in the Senate and a continued working relationship with Leader Tom Cross and the change in Leadership in the Governor's Office, Speaker Madigan is equipped to work with all of us to face the tough issues before us and work to regain the trust of the people of our great state, that our State Government is working solely in their interest to improve the quality of life for all Illinois residents. So, it is today with the hope that the next two years are better than the last two and the desire that we work all together in unison to help take on the challenges before our state, that I second the nomination, and am proud to do so, of Michael J. Madigan for another term as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives."
"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Grundy, Representative Careen Gordon."
"Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Congratulations to all of my colleagues. I think today when I heard the oath we all spoke a little bit louder and a little bit prouder about upholding the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the 09600001.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Constitution of the United States and I thank you for that. Welcome everyone, today to Springfield to see the swearing- in of the 96th General Assembly. You see before you elected officials who will serve this great state with pride. I know that. I consider each and every one of them my friends and we are willing to do the work of the people and solve the problems that face us. Today, I stand here and second the Motion to make Michael J. Madigan Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. It is not an easy job that the Speaker faces. The Speaker must answer to all of the Members of the House who all being mindful of balancing the needs of all 13 million Illinoisans. As Members of the House, we must answer to our constituents. They are the ones who give us the privilege to serve and they can very easily take that privilege away. Every vote that we make as Members, even a vote for our Speaker, must be made keeping in mind the needs of our constituents. Mike Madigan made a trip to my hometown and he met some of my constituents. They were from all different backgrounds. Economic, they all had different jobs, some are professionals, blue collar, white collar, all had different interests, education, labor, business interests, whatever the case may be and interestingly enough, they all may have had different political affiliations as well. And I stood there and I listened to the conversations that he had with them and he spoke with them about all their different interests and I listened to what… that my constituents had to say to my Speaker on that day. But what most of the conversations ended with were my constituents saying to my Speaker, they 09600001.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 said, 'Thank you for what you do, Speaker Madigan. Keep doing what you're doing, Mr. Speaker. And we appreciate your hard work, Mr. Speaker.' Michael J. Madigan has impressed the people of the State of Illinois from the largest city, his hometown, to some of the smaller areas like Morris, Illinois, my hometown and all the hometowns that have adopted me throughout the six counties that I am proud to represent as State Representative in the 75th District. And my constituents have spoken, they've spoken directly to me and they've spoken to my Speaker and they have directed me how to represent them today. Now, I stand here and with complete confidence I give my vote for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representative to Michael J. Madigan."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Turner."
"Thank you, Mr. Secretary, you've come a long way from license plate number 177 to number 4. I'm indeed honored to be here today and I want to welcome everybody to the swearing-in ceremony and I just want to share this one tidbit, because as I was greeting some of the new Members here on the floor a few of them came up to me and said, 'Well, I've heard about you. I've heard your name. Someone told me that I need to keep an eye on you and do what you do.' And with that in mind, I just wanted to share how new Members should carry on their business in terms of the debate on the floor and even as well as seconding the nomination. There's a saying that I remember from my pastor years ago, 'He said, be sure, be sweet, and take your seat.' 09600001.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 So, to that end… to that end, I rise to second the nomination of Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the Illinois House or Representatives. This year we are undergoing the most tumultuous task ever bestowed upon the Illinois General Assembly. We will need courage, experience, and proven leadership skills. Mike Madigan is ready for this challenge and therefore, it is my honor to nominate him for the Speaker of the House."
Secretary White: "Representative Turner, in my neighborhood they'd say, 'You da man.' The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie places in nomination the name of the Gentleman from Cook, Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. The Lady from Cook, Representative Yarbrough, the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Osterman, the Lady from Grundy, Representative Gordon and the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Turner, second the nomination of Representative Michael J. Madigan for the office of Speaker. Representative Madigan is nominated for the office of Speaker. Are there further nominations for the office of Speaker? The Chair recognizes my good friend, Representative Black, from the county of Vermilion."
"Thank you very much, Secretary White. It's been a privilege to serve with you in the General Assembly and in your capacity as Secretary of State and I would be remiss if I just didn't tell you what I feel very strongly. In the last few days, Sir, you have been a profile in courage and I thank you. My colleagues in the 96th General Assembly, our honored guests, family, friends, I can't tell you how happy I am to be here today and be able to take part in an 09600001.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 election for the office of Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. For a while I was afraid we might ask someone to appoint a Speaker of the House, let the people decide. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are at a critical time in Illinois. Our state is in crisis, not just the crisis you've read about and heard about on all of the national news network, but an even more serious crisis. Now, impeachment has been all over the world press and it makes up a rather embarrassing narrative for the people of Illinois. But I fear what is lost in all of this noise is that the State of Illinois is in a… the most serious financial crisis that we've been in in my lifetime and that's quite a while ago. The ship of state is drifting aimlessly and if you look up at the bridge, there's no captain, there's no leader. That is a dangerous situation that calls for a time of leadership. It's a time when clear heads, more than ever before, must prevail and sound judgment must rule the day. If we've learned anything over the past months, it's no longer time for politics and business as usual in the State of Illinois. We've seen this for too long. It's time we grapple with real solutions. I come before you today to nominate a person that has led the Republican Caucus and I think has clearly demonstrated the capacity to put aside petty bickering, to put aside the business as usual that has plagued Illinois for too long. It's time for people to notice what I and many of my colleagues have noticed about this man, the ability to exert real leadership in the time of crisis. The past few years have been particularly frustrating to serve in this Body. 09600001.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 My grandchildren have asked me, used to ask me, 'Grandpa, what do you do?' And after they've seen the news lately, they say, 'Grandpa, why do you do that?' But through all of this turmoil, Tom Cross has demonstrated a phenomenal patience, if you will, and an open mind and he does this without compromising his principles. He's a peacekeeper. He's proven to us in the Republican Caucus time and time again that he has the skills necessary to bring us together to have healthy discussions and to ultimately reach a solution and that may involve a compromise. I submit to you that Mr. Cross is not afraid of change and whether we like it or not and most of us resist change, it's not easy, but change we must. His leadership doesn't focus on the power and the politics of the office. He focuses on what is best for the people of the State of Illinois. As we search today for integrity, and may I just say I'm privileged to serve with all of these people and I know all of them have that capacity, integrity. I hope you never judge the people on this stage by what you've read and watched on the news in the last few days. But I think the Republican Caucus is fortunate enough to have already found someone who has the integrity that Illinois cries out for today. It's my distinct privilege and pleasure to place the name of Tom Cross into nomination for the office of Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 96th General Assembly."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black places in nomination the name of the Gentleman from Oswego, Thomas Cross or Tom Cross for Speaker of the House. 09600001.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Is there a second to this nomination? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Coladipietro. Did I… did I pronounce that right? No capisci Italiano… bianco (translation - You do not understand Italian… white man). What you supposedly think here with the calamari sauce to…"
"You did a great job, Mr. Secretary."
"…"
"How are you?"
"Nice to see you, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, honored guests, it's my great privilege and honor to second the nomination of Tom Cross for Speaker of the House for the 96th General Assembly. We find ourselves in an unprecedented time of great turmoil and uncertainty in Illinois. We have a cynical and skeptical electorate and we are faced with a slowing economy and tight state finances. We have the unique opportunity to change the direction of our state and more than ever we need the type of leadership style and skills that Tom Cross has demonstrated to each and every one of us in the House. Tom's work as a Leader is a shining example of what public service should be all about. His service to the General Assembly is not one of political ambition, but one of a citizen lawmaker and family man committed to leading our great state into the beginning of new prosperity and accountability. In my short time in the General Assembly, I have experienced Tom's leadership to be that of a committed and responsible Legislator with the vision to recognize what Illinois needs and the drive and passion to deliver. We need more than ever the temperament 09600001.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 and character that is Tom Cross to help reestablish the direction of Illinois government and regain the trust of its people. What impresses me most about Tom Cross? He's a man that earns your respect. He's a Leader who delivers on his word, an accessible Leader who doesn't wait for you to come to him but seeks you out, a collaborative Leader who solicits input from others in his decision making process and a Leader with the intellectual integrity to make the difficult decisions to move our state forward and benefit the people of the State of Illinois. Now, more than ever we need a Leader who will bring us together to address the important issues of our state. We need Tom Cross's principled leadership. For these reasons, I am proud to second his nomination as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives."
Secretary White: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Morgan, the Representative Watson."
"Thank you, Secretary White and thank you for your service all the way. Good afternoon. It is my honor to second the notion… Motion to nominate the esteemed Gentleman from Oswego, Tom Cross, as Speaker of the House. If the recent events in Illinois demonstrate anything it is the need for change and Tom Cross has demonstrated that he can be that agent of change. Since taking over the reins as Republican Leader, Tom has led, not from on top, but from within. His inclusive style has been both refreshing and energizing. Doors that were once closed are now open; decisions that were once made by a few are now made with the input of many. Thanks to Tom's leadership individual 09600001.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Members have been given new opportunities to lead and to serve with distinction and remarkably he has done so without subjecting us to any references to Kipling or Tennyson. Every Member knows that the last few weeks have been trying times, some may even say chaotic and all through that process Tom was there with his uniquely calming style. He led us through the impeachment hearings in a most bipartisan manner and the system and the process are the better for it. When Members find themselves in times of need, Tom is there. He was there for me during my recent deployment overseas, assisting my staff and most importantly my constituents and he's done the same thing for Members and their constituents throughout the state. In some ways, many of us look at today's swearing-in as largely ceremonial, but I can tell you that there are places in the world and there are people in the world that long for what we have. The peaceful transition of power from one elected Body to the next, the process that ensures our very freedoms as so many have fought and died for cannot be taken for granted. We live in a time when that process needs to be respected and with our current economic hardships, we need to work together, Republicans and Democrats, northerners, southerners. And I know, with Tom's Leadership, such cooperation is possible. And so, in that light, it is my privilege to second the nomination of my colleague and friend, Tom Cross, as Speaker of the House."
"Representative Watson, we want to thank you, Sir, for your service, too, Sir. Carry on. The Chair 09600001.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock. Miss White Sox."
"Thank you very much, Secretary White and thank you for standing so strong. Thank you and congratulations to all the Members of the General Assembly and thank you to all of our honored guests for that long trip down wherever you came from. It means a lot to all of us. Only history will be the final judge of the actions which took place this week in the House of Representatives and what will happen in the weeks to come in the Senate. There are daunting challenges ahead regarding our economic and our ethical issues in Illinois government. It's time like these that true leadership is tested and our Illinois Constitution, also. It's time like these that when we have a crisis in confidence and an erosion of trust in this great State of Illinois, it's imperative that our Leaders that are elected here today, on this stage, restore and regain that trust to you the people we serve. A leader is someone who is called upon to demonstrate character, courage, loyalty and above all, integrity. A real leader, not only knows in his or her heart, what is the right thing to do, but he has the will to do it and make positive changes in people's lives. Tom Cross exemplifies the definition of a leader and will be a great Speaker of the House. He has the unique ability to lead by persuasion and he empowers his Members by tapping into their individual talents. Tom is tenacious as he is compassionate which he has demonstrated over and over again in this House in his leadership on death penalty reform, ethics reform and his dedication to stem cell research. He 09600001.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 never backs down in the face of adversity and remains calm in contentious situations, as we have seen in the past few weeks. Leadership can work both ways. It is always certainly a privilege, but it carries responsibility and it is never a right. Ronald Reagan led through the strength and consistity (sic-consistency) of his character and people followed him because they believed in him and he inspired them. Tom Cross has led us for the last several years in that same manner. We have followed his beliefs. He leaves within others the final test of what a Leader is: the conviction and the will to carry on their own individual visions and dreams. I've known Tom Cross for many years now. He's a wonderful family man and while we don't always agree on the important issues, as none of us do, or even maybe left significant ones in, the Sox versus the Cubs or the Cubs versus the Sox, he remains strong and compassionate at all times in all meetings. Most importantly, all of us here on this stage have found Tom to be a man of his word. America is all about freedom and so it Illinois. Our Illinois Constitution has remained strong when it's been challenged this last few weeks and our Leadership under Tom gives us the strength to protect the immortality of that freedom and above all the respect for law. It is now my honor and privilege to nominate a man of courage, Leader Tom Cross, to speak… be the Speaker of the House of the Illinois General Assembly of the 96th Assembly."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black places in nomination the name of the Gentleman from Kendall, Tom Cross, for Speaker of the House. The Gentleman 09600001.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 from DuPage, Representative Coladipietro, the Gentleman from Morgan, Representative Watson and the Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock, second the nomination of Tom Cross for the office of Speaker. Representative Cross is nominated for the office of Speaker. Are there further nominations to the office of Speaker? There being no further nominations offered from the floor, nominations for the office of Speaker are closed. The nominees for the office of Speaker for the 96th General Assembly are Representative Michael J. Madigan and Representative Tom Cross. And on that question, we will have an oral Roll Call. When your name is called, please stand and announce your vote in a loud… Someone cut the cord? When your name is called, please stand and announce your vote in a loud, clear voice. The question is on the election of the Speaker of the House of the 96th General Assembly. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll, Sir."
"Representative Acevedo."
"Madigan."
"Representative Arroyo."
"Speaker Madigan."
"Representative Bassi."
"In openness, honesty and integrity, Mr. Tom Cross."
"Representative Beaubien."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Beiser."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Bellock."
"Tom Cross." 09600001.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Representative Berrios."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Biggins."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Black."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Boland."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Bost."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative John Bradley." Bradley, J.: "Mike Madigan."
"Representative Brady."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Brauer."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Brosnahan."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Burke."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Burns."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Cavaletto."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Coladipietro."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Cole." 09600001.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Collins."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Colvin."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Connelly."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Coulson."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Crespo."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Cross."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Cultra."
"Tom Cross."
Provisional Clerk Mahoney: "Representative Barbara Flynn Currie."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative D’Amico."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Michael Madigan."
"Representative Dugan."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Dunkin."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Durkin." 09600001.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Eddy."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Farnham."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Flider."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Flowers."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Ford."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Fortner."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Franks."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Fritchey."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Froehlich."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Golar."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Gordon." Gordon, C.: "My Speaker, Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Jehan Gordon." Gordon, J.: "Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Deborah Graham."
"Michael J. Madigan." 09600001.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Representative Hamos."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Hannig."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Harris."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Hatcher."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Hernandez."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Holbrook."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Howard."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Jackson."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Jakobsson."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Jefferson."
"The Honorable Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Joyce."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative McAsey."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Kosel."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Lang." 09600001.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Leitch."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Joe Lyons."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Madigan."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Mathias."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Mautino."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative May."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative McAuliffe."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative McCarthy."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative McGuire."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Mell."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Mendoza."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Miller."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Bill Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Tom Cross."
"Representative Jerry Mitchell." Mitchell, J.: "Tom Cross." 09600001.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Representative Moffitt."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Myers."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Nekritz."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Osmond."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Osterman."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Phelps."
"Michael J. Madigan."
"Representative Pihos."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Poe."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Pritchard."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Ramey."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Reis."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Reitz."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Riley." 09600001.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Rita."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Rose."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Ryg."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Sacia."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Saviano."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Schmitz."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Scully."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Senger."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Smith."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Sommer."
"Tom Cross"
"Representative Soto."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Stephens."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Sullivan."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Thapedi."
"Michael J. Madigan." 09600001.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Representative Tracy."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Tryon."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Turner."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Verschoore."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Wait."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Walker."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Washington."
"Michael Madigan."
"Representative Watson."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Winters."
"Tom Cross."
"Representative Yarbrough."
"Mike Madigan."
"Representative Zalewski."
"Michael Madigan."
"On that question, Mr. Michael Madigan receives 70 votes, Mr. Tom Cross receives 48. I hereby declare Michael J. Madigan as having been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly and Tom Cross has been elected Minority Leader of the House of Representatives for the 96th General Assembly. On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate you, Sir, 09600001.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 not only for just being elected today, but for your many years of leadership in the House of Representatives. With the consent of the House, I will appoint nine Members to constitute an Honor Committee to escort the Speaker to the rostrum to take the constitutional oath. Is there leave? Leave being granted, I appoint the following to the Committee of Escort: Representative Will Burns, Representative Dan Burke, Representative Mary Flowers, Representative Bob Flider, Representative Paul Froehlich, Representative Bill Mitchell, Representative Rosemary Mulligan, Representative Sandra Pihos and Representative Randy Ramey. Will the Committee of Honor retire to the seat of Representative Michael J. Madigan to escort him to the rostrum. To adminis… to administer the constitutional oath of Speaker, I have the great honor of again presenting to you the Honorable Alan Greiman, retired justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Joining Justice Greiman on the podium are members of Speaker Madigan's family who will assist in the administering of the oath. Speaker Madigan."
"Michael, you want to come up here. We're only going to do this… we're only going to do this every ten (10) times, Mike. Please raise your hand. Repeat after me. I, and state your name…"
"I, Michael J. Madigan…"
"…do solemnly swear…"
"…do solemnly swear…"
"…that I will support the Constitution of the… of the United States of America…" 09600001.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"…that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America…"
Justice Greiman: "…and the Constitution of the State of Illinois…"
"…and the Constitution of the State of Illinois…"
"…and that I will faithfully discharge the duties…"
"…and that I will faithfully discharge the duties…"
"…of the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives…"
"…of the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives…"
"…according to the best of my ability."
"…according to the best of my ability."
"Michael, congratulations."
"Thank you, everybody. Especially you, Tom."
"Well, I'm going to read something that's already happened. So, we want the Committee of Escort to return to their seats, which they've done. Yes, I'm sorry. And we want the same committee to escort Secretary White from the podium. Please, if they could come forward. Escort the Secretary. Let me begin by recognizing some people who have joined us today. We're very pleased that they're here and we think that we ought to recognize their presence. First, we have three members of the Supreme Court: Justice Rita Garman. Please rise, Justice. Justice Lloyd Karmeier, Justice. And the neighbor of the Madigan family on the southwest side of Chicago, Justice Anne Burke, Justice Burke. We'd like to acknowledge the presence of the 09600001.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Superintendent of the State Board of Education, Christopher Koch. The Chairman of the Democratic Party of Cook County and a member of the Board of Review, Mr. Joe Berrios, Joe. As always, we're very pleased to have several aldermen from the City of Chicago. Let me read through all of the names and then we'll recognize them at the same time. So, there's Alderman Willie Cochran, Alderman Emma Mitts, Alderman Ray Suarez, Alderman Reboyras, Alderman Cardenas, Alderman Carrie Austin, Alderman Laurino, Alderman Brian Doherty and Alderman Zalewski. Please rise and be acknowledged. In addition, Alderman Burnett, Alderman Burnett. Please acknowledge Alderman Burnett. I'm going to be very brief today in my remarks because we have some additional, significant business to transact before we leave the auditorium. I wish to thank all of those who voted me… voted for me for the office of Speaker. To those that voted for Mr. Cross, you made a good choice, but I know that somewhere I'm in your heart, somewhere. Concerning Barbara Currie's comment about me being a White Sox fan, with Barack Obama in the White House I thought that everybody was a White Sox fan, all over the country. Right? Two years ago, on this date, you may remember that I suggested a date in the Primary in order to facilitate the Presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. I'll put the Republican minds at ease; I don't plan to do that today. That's off the agenda, no Primary date changes. Most of you know that I have been a long-time advocate of the integrity of the Legislature and in particular, the House of Representatives. I've always argued strenuously for the rightful place of the Legislature 09600001.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 within the Illinois structure of government, which is patterned after almost every government in America where there are three separate departments: the Executive department, the Judicial department, and the Legislative department. And as I said, I've always been a very strong advocate of the role of the Legislature. Over the last few years, I've done more of that than I did in the past. Many people in Illinois, many people in the Legislature, are not as concerned about this as I am and they're just not as into it as much as I am. However, the Illinois Constitution does provide for what is called a separation of powers. The idea that you have these three separate departments and in a legal or constitutional sense there's almost visible lines that run between the departments. And one department is not supposed to go across the line into the jurisdiction of the other department. There is one notable exception to that rule in the Illinois Constitution and that is the constitutional grant of authority to the Legislature beginning with the House in the area of impeachment: impeachment of Judicial officers and impeachment of Executive officers. This is a power that has been rarely invoked. So rare, that the last time, let me do it this way, so rare that up until last Friday the House had never impeached a Governor of the State of Illinois and the last time that a Supreme Court justice was successfully impeached and removed from office was in 1833. My purpose here is simply to draw your attention to the significance of the vote of last Friday and the vote of today, which calls for the impeachment of Governor Blagojevich. I draw your 09600001.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 attention to that simply for the purpose of saying that there is crystal clear evidence of the role of the Legislature, the role of the House, the authority given in the Constitution to the Legislature and the House of Representatives, and consequently, the responsibility going forward with all of the Members of the House of Representatives to understand our proper role within the governmental structure of Illinois. And I would simply ask that all of us, all Members of the House, become very strong advocates, strong advocates, of the role that we play in Illinois government. We do not sit supreme; we know that. However, we have a role to play, it's set out in the Constitution, and we had this rare occasion just last Friday where we could see crystal clear what we could be called upon to do and of course, we did it. And let me say to all the Members of the House, that every one of us conducted ourselves in a very professional manner as we worked through the question of impeachment. So, again, thank you for selecting me for this office. My pledge to you is the same pledge that I've always given. I serve as the Speaker for the Members of the House. That's how I got the job and that's how I'm going to keep the job and I recognize that as my responsibility, my duty, to all of you so that we can work together and discharge our obligation to the people of the State of Illinois. The Chair recognizes Mr. Cross."
"Let me be the first officially on our side to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your election and we pledge to work with you from our side where we can. I will… and when we can. I want to acknowledge a few people that 09600001.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 are here and actually, some that aren't, but first of all, to my mom and dad, thank you for being here. Dad, nice job on your prayer and it was very appropriate and well done, thank you. And to my mom… yes, thanks. My mom and dad have been very supportive and… for a long time and I appreciate that. My wife, Genie and daughter, Reynolds and Hudson could not get down here because of the weather and I have been fortunate to have their support for a number… for the longest time I've been in the General Assembly and I… they made the right decision given the weather today and I'm glad they stayed home. It wasn't safe. Unlike the Speaker, I have only one person from my home county that's an elected official, I believe, that's here today. And I'd like to acknowledge John Shaw from the county board of Kendall County. John, where are you? Thank you for being here. Thank you, John. I also want to welcome our new Members. Both Mike… or all four: Mike, Darlene, Kay and John. You will enjoy this process I think most days and other days it might be a bit frustrating. And thanks to the Members of our caucus that nominated me and seconded speeches. I very much appreciate it. To all the Members of our caucus that voted for me, I… I don't take this responsibility lightly and I know you don't either, so I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the Republican Leader. You've heard a lot about trust and oath of office and somebody said, I think it was Representative Gordon that perhaps spoke a little louder when we gave our pledge to uphold our… the oath of office, I think that for all of us in this process over the last weeks, maybe the last months, not only was there maybe a 09600001.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 stronger voice today. I think we've had time to reflect on the meaning of that oath and what it means and the recognition that the duty that's bestowed upon us is a powerful duty and it's one that we should not take for granted and I don't believe anybody in the Illinois chamber or the Illinois House takes it for granted. The good news is we are in probably the greatest Body politic that you could find in our time, the Illinois House of Representatives. It's an exciting time to be in the Illinois House of Representatives and it's… you've heard this today, it's a diverse Body. We have lawyers, we have doctors, we have farmers, we have teachers. We have folks from downstate Illinois, upstate Illinois, all with different approaches to solving problems. All with different ideas, different ideology, different political persuasions and they come together… they come together with one goal and that is to make Illinois a better place, to make it a better place for our thirteen million residents. And there's no question that over the last few months and weeks and really years, we have been tested. And what's a bit ironic is that we serve or want to serve in Illinois government with the expectation of finding solutions to the issues facing Illinois families. And the ironic part is what we didn't expect to find is that the greatest problem facing Illinois families right now is Illinois government. We have been tested because over the last 10 years two of our Governors have caused great stain on this state and as a Republican it would be nice to point out this particular Governor, but as a Republican we have had our own problem 09600001.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 with Governor and both Governors have caused this stain and that they've violated the law, they've abused their power and they have totally disregarded their oath of office to the point that we find ourselves ridiculed and the butt of jokes on late night TV or on Saturday Night Live which we can deal with to the other extreme of people saying around the country, maybe as an example as a business person, man or woman, I don't know that I want to go to Illinois, given that reputation. I'm not sure I want to site my business in Illinois because of the corruption there. It has a very real effect on all of us. But having seen and gone through these last few weeks and months where we've been tested and tested in an exceptionally difficult way, what's refreshing is that this Body has found a way to work us through these difficult times. And when we come together with a goal and we put politics aside and we recognize there's some things that we have to do, we can get them done. And impeachment, while it was solemn last week and it was sad and for some it was happy and for some they were angry, whatever your emotion may have been or however you felt, it was necessary. It was necessary as a state for us to go through with that. How difficult… or no matter how difficult it was we had no choice, but we did it in a responsible, we did it in a fair and we did it in a deliberate way. As we move forward from impeachment, while it was… I would consider it a necessary evil as something we had to do, it perhaps pales in comparison to many of the challenges that are facing this state and people have alluded to those today. How do we balance our budget? How do we make sure that if you're a 09600001.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 retiree that you're going to get a pension? How do we help people who are struggling to make their mortgage payments, who are wondering if gas is going to go back up to 4 dollars a gallon whether or not they can make their mortgage payments whether, they'll have a job tomorrow, whether their communities will be safe from violence, whether they can afford to send their kids to college or do they have health care. Many, many issues that remain… not remain, they're in front of us, that all of us need to work on and given what's gone on the last couple of years, I think the question for us is how do we… how do we get Illinois working again. 'Cause there's no question and I don't… there's nobody… I believe everybody that was sworn in today is honorable and will uphold their duty. They care about the state deeply or they wouldn't have run for the Illinois General Assembly. But there's no question that trust is an issue in our state right now. People are cynical at a level we may have never seen in this state before and it is our responsibility as Members of this General Assembly to restore that trust and to bridge that gap between what we do in the Illinois General Assembly and Illinois government and voters. We have got to convince voters that we understand that it is about voters not us, that public service is a calling not a business, that holding public service… holding public office is a right… or is a privilege not a right. And in order for us to convince, I think, the public that we have regained that trust, we have to trust you. We have to trust the public. It is a two-way street. And there are two things that I think to begin with to restore that trust, we need to 09600001.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 look at. And because of the nature of what's gone on, there may be some approaches that we don't all like, that we're uncomfortable with, that maybe we've questioned over the last few years or in our time in public service. Recall, the ability to recall a public servant is one that this Body looked at and voted on, but it didn't go anywhere in the Senate. I think we have to, as a state, go back to the concept of recall and make sure that we implement that from a constitutional standpoint and a legal standpoint. What is a public official and think about the fact over the last 10 years the number of ethics Bills we've passed in this House and in the Senate. What does an elected official care most about or fear most, would be another way to look at it, the loss of their office. And we need to ensure that elected officials are accountable to our public every day of the year, every day they hold office and not just on Election Day. And if we're going to restore faith and trust in this system, we need to make sure that people in this state can hold us accountable at all times. The second thing we need to do… and I want to stress to my friends in the House that this is not about an occupant but about a process. It's not about an occupant, it's about the process. What we've gone through over the last month in allowing a Governor, that's under criminal investigation or under a criminal charge, to appoint somebody to the United States Senate is simply unacceptable. And that holds true not just for a United States Senate seat, but for any elected office either the House of Representatives or the Senate. We need to give voters in this state the opportunity to select, through an 09600001.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 election, the person who is going to be replaced, no more backroom deals, no more quid pro quo. No more, I'll take care of you if you take care of me. And again, I will say it for the third time, I'm not questioning the occupant of the United States Senate seat, whatsoever. I'm questioning the process and never again should we be in a situation and allow that to happen again. In closing, we have a responsibility, as I said, to bridge this gap and to create trust because this is our state, this is a great state. There are huge problems that we have to work together on and Mr. Speaker, and to those on your side of the aisle, we want to work together to rebuild that trust to regain confidence of the voters and as just as important, to make sure that those challenges that all of us have talked to… talked about today are met or at least there is an attempt to solve those problems. But my one request is that when we go down that road and we work on those three and other ideas, that we do it as equal partners both from the Minority and working with you on the Majority side, that we do it together in an equal way. Thank you very much."
Speaker Madigan: "The next order of business will be the election of the Chief Clerk and the Chair recognizes Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move for the suspension of all applicable House Rules so we can allow… so we can immediately consider House Resolutions 1, 2, and 3."
"You've all heard the Lady's Motion. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. 09600001.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 And the Motion's adopted. The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move the adoption of House Resolution 1, a Resolution selecting Mark Mahoney as Chief Clerk, Brad Bolin as Assistant Clerk and Lee Crawford as Doorkeeper. The Resolutions are on the Clerk's desk."
"Mr. Provisional Clerk, read the Resolution."
"House Resolution 1. BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the following Officers are hereby elected for the term of the Ninety-Sixth General Assembly: Mark Mahoney: as Chief Clerk of the House Bradley S. Bolin: as Assistant Clerk of the House Lee A. Crawford: as Doorkeeper of the House."
"The Lady has moved the adoption of House Resolution 1. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed by saying 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Pursuant to House Resolution 1, the Chair declares Mark Mahoney elected as Chief Clerk of the House for the 96th General Assembly. Brad Bolin is elected… is declared elected as the Assistant Clerk of the House for the 96th General Assembly. Lee Crawford is declared elected as the Doorkeeper of the House for the 96th General Assembly. Do these Gentlemen accept the offices to which they have been elected? To the best of my eyes, they're all nodding 'aye'. The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie, is recognized to offer another Resolution." 09600001.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Thank you, Speaker. I move the adoption of House Resolution 2 which would direct the Clerk to inform the Senate that the House is organized."
"The Lady has moved the adoption of House Resolution 2. This is the traditional notification to the other chamber that this Body is prepared to do the bus… the peoples' business. The Lady from Cook, Representative Currie is recognized to offer another Resolution."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move the adoption of House Resolution 3 for the appointment of a committee to inform the Governor… to attend the Governor and inform him that we are organized and we await any communication from him."
"The Lady has moved…"
"Got up. Just got up, you know."
"The Lady has moved the adoption of House Resolution 3. This is another traditional ceremonial procedure. Without objection, we can take both Motions on one vote. All in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolutions 2 and 3 are adopted. Pursuant to House Resolution 3, I appoint the following committee to wait upon the Governor: Representative Will Burns, Representative Dan Burke, Representative Mary Flowers, Representative Bob Flider, Representative Paul Froehlich, Representative Bill Mitchell, Representative Rosemary Mulligan, Representative Sandra Pihos, Representative Randy Ramey. Mr. Clerk, read the Adjournment Resolution."
"Adjournment Resolution. House Joint Resolution 3, offered by Representative Currie. 09600001.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the House of Representatives adjourns on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2009, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, January 23, 2009, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2009, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, January 30, 2009, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2009, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2009; and when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, January 15, 2009, it stands adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2009."
"The Clerk has read the Adjournment Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Introduction of House Resolutions 4 and 5, referred to the House Rules Committee."
"The Rules Committee will now meet. If the Members of the Rules Committee would come forward. Ladies and Gentlemen, for those of you in the audience, ordinarily we would have finished our proceedings for today, but as we all know we're living in extraordinary times. The Rules Committee is meeting now to approve for consideration two additional Resolutions. One would be concerned with the 09600001.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 recreation of the House Committee on Impeachment which reported to the House where we voted on impeachment last Friday. The other Resolution would be identical to the Resolution adopted on Friday and it would call for the impeachment of Governor Blagojevich. So, you may ask, well, why are we doing it again? It's a legal reason because last Friday was a day in the last term of the General Assembly; today is the first day in a new term of the General Assembly. Our lawyers have advised us that before the Senate begins to go to trial why we ought to move on this Resolution today so there would no be no legal question that we would be unable to move from one term of the General Assembly to another term of the General Assembly. And so if you're confused, you can… you know how the general population feels about what happens here in Springfield. Sorry. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures and/or Joint Action Motions were referred, action taken on January 14, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'approved for floor consideration', 'recommends be adopted' is House Resolution 4 and House Resolution 5."
"Representative Currie on House Resolution 4."
"Spea… Thank you, Speaker and Members. This is a Resolution recreating the Special Investigative Committee that served last term in the 95th General Assembly to assess evidence about the Governor's improprieties. Should new material become available, we think it advisable to recreate 09600001.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 the committee. That's all this Resolution does. And I would seek your approval."
"You've all heard the Lady's Motion. Is there leave to use the Attendance Roll Call for the adoption of House Resolution 4? Leave is granted. And House Resolution 4 is adopted. Representative Currie on House Resolution 5."
"Thank you, Speaker. The language in this Resolution is identical to the language of the Resolution that was approved overwhelmingly by the House last Friday. It is an Article of Impeachment of the Governor, but as this is a new General Assembly, the 96th, we have to vote anew on the Article of Impeachment so the Senate can begin its work. Our inaugural day is traditionally a day exclusively for celebration, but the oath we have just taken requires that we immediately take up the issue of the Governor's lack of fidelity to the State's Constitution and its laws. Our Constitution gives the Legislature the ultimate check on Executive power, impeachment. We do not take this step lightly as it is the first step in overturning the results of a fair, free, and open election, the cornerstone of our democracy. Impeachment is reserved for significant abuse of power or betrayal of the public trust. We do not throw out an official because we don't like his policy preferences or his style of governance. This power is used only in cases of serious misconduct. The Special Investigative Committee of the 95th General Assembly heard charges that the Governor exceeded the authority of the Executive under the Illinois Constitution. While an occasional misstep, mis… an overreach might not rise to a level of impeachability, a 09600001.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 continuing serious disregard for the prerogatives of the Legislature and the laws would. The Governor expanded the health care program over the expressed objections of the Legislature's oversight panel. He contracted with a foreign company to buy flu vaccine in the face of federal prohibitions against importing those very vaccines, leaving the citizens with no vaccine on the one hand and a bill for 2.6 million on the other. He established an efficiency initiative without any controls, any standards, any oversight. These abuses taken together, indeed, reach a standard for impeachability and then there are the criminal charges. We are not, of course, a criminal jury. We don't need to find him guilty of a crime in order to find his actions impeachable, but the Governor didn't appear before the committee and his lawyer didn't deny that the words detailed in the criminal complaint were, in fact, the words of the Governor. His lawyer dismissed them as talk, talk, talk, but if that talk reflects the Governor's view that the plums of government are his to distribute, not in the public interest but because doling them out to the right people will fill his campaign coffers or his personal bank account that to me is the definition of betrayal of the public trust. Bartering the appointment of the United States Senator for personal benefit, signing a measure favorable to the horseracing industry only if the industry ponies up substantial campaign contributions, disbursing fair payments to pediatricians who serve poor children only if the hospital administrator writes a fifty thousand dollar check to Friends of Blagojevich. These taken together are not 09600001.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 merely talk, talk, talk, instead they are the words of a public servant who has chosen not to serve the public but only his own interests. The totality of the evidence that came before the Special Investigative Committee shows us a man who has betrayed his oath of office, who has betrayed the public trust, who is not fit to govern the State of Illinois. Mr. Blagojevich has forfeited his right to hold office; he should be impeached. Whatever their stations, whether petty thieves or Governors, those who break the law must be held to account for their actions. I urge a 'yes' vote on House Resolution 5."
"Let me speak to the Members. Mr. Cross and I have talked about procedures on this Resolution and our plan is that Representative Currie would speak for the Resolution and then Representative Durkin and then we would go to Roll Call. So, Mr. Durkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. I'm Representative Jim Durkin ranking Member on the Special Investigative Committee. On December 9, 2008, Governor Blagojevich was arrested and charged by federal authorities with multiple criminal violations. The allegations are very serious and very troubling. I, along with every Member of the House of Representatives, has taken an oath; we took one today and we took one two years ago to follow the Constitution and the laws of the State of Illinois. One of the duties we are charged with in the Illinois House of Representatives is the following: the Illinois House of Representatives has the sole power to conduct legislative investigations to 09600001.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 determine the existence of cause for impeachment and by the vote of a majority of the Members elected to impeach the Executive and Judicial officers. After disclosure of the Governor's arrest, the Illinois House of Representatives in the 95th General Assembly voted unanimously to convene a committee to investigate whether cause existed to impeach the Governor. The Special Investigative Committee held hearings during the months of December and January to gather evidence, we did that through testimony and also… we also took in a great number of documents. And remind you that the evidence that we collected was significant and it was… there was a lot of it. But I can assure that the work of this committee was very thorough, professional. It was a duty that we did not take lightly. Now, what I've heard over the past few weeks during the pendency of the hearings and also after the vote taken last week were statements by the attorney for the Governor in which he repeatedly stated that due process was not adhered to in the hearings and he didn't stand a fair hearing or have a fair trial. The trial will be in the Senate. But I would suggest otherwise. Our Constitution does not require us to allow the attorney for the Governor to actively participate in the hearings and we allowed it. The Constitution does not require us to allow the attorney for the Governor to question witnesses. We allowed it. We also made it part of our rules. The Constitution does not require us to allow the attorney for the Governor the ability to call, rebuttal or mitigation witnesses. We allowed it and we made that part of our rules. And lastly, the Constitution does not require us to 09600001.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 allow the attorney for the Governor the ability to sit… to request a subpoena for a person or documents. We allowed it and we made it part of our rules. We afforded the Governor the opportunity to participate, testify, call witnesses, subpoena witnesses and question those witnesses and for the most part, he did not avail… the attorney and the Governor did not avail themselves of those allowances. As I stated earlier, our work is very… was thoughtful, deliberate, and it was fair. The evidence which we took in… the evidence which we established for impeachment was overwhelming. The Governor by our Constitution should held… shall have the supreme executive power and shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws. That power was not intended to allow the Governor to require campaign contributions for future employment or other benefits in consideration for appointment to Barack Obama's United States Senate seat. That power was not given to the Governor to extort Children's Memorial Hospital, a last bastion of hope for families and their sick children for campaign contributions in exchange for duly owed Medicaid dollars, approximately $8 million. That power was never granted to the Governor to allow him to guarantee state money for the Chicago Tribune if, and only if, a member of the editorial board who was critical of the Governor was fired. And that power was not intended to allow the Governor to require campaign contributions as a condition to signing legislation to assist the horseracing industry. And also the other evidence which we heard was just a multitude of other instances where the… in which the Governor exhibited a total 09600001.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 disregard of the Illinois Constitution, our State Laws and also Federal Laws. Again, as I stated, the evidence was overwhelming compared to what the counsel for the Governor had offered to us. At the conclusion of the committee, we weighed the evidence before the committee and we reached the appropriate conclusion. That decision was not based on emotion; it was based on the evidence. Now, mind you, that while our work is completed in the House and that the Governor will be impeached, he will still continue to serve as Governor until the Senate… 'til the Senate conducts a trial and requires him to be removed from office or if he resigns. In conclusion, I will state that the votes which we took last week and the action which we will undertake today proves that our system of checks and balances works and is truly the best form of government. I recommend an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Currie has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 5 and she is supported in that Motion by Representative Durkin. The Clerk will call the roll. Those in favor of the Resolution signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed signify by saying 'no'. Mr. Clerk."
"Acevedo."
"'Aye'."
"Arroyo."
"'Aye'."
"Bassi."
"'Aye'."
"Beaubien."
"'Aye'." 09600001.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Beiser."
"'Aye'."
"Bellock."
"'Aye'."
"Berrios."
"'Aye'."
"Biggins."
"'Aye'."
"Black."
"'Aye'."
"Boland."
"'Aye'."
"Bost."
"'Aye'."
"Bradley." Bradley, J.: "'Aye'."
"Brady."
"'Aye'."
"Brauer."
"'Aye'."
"Brosnahan."
"'Aye'."
"Burke."
"'Aye'."
"Burns."
"'Aye'."
"Cavaletto."
"'Aye'."
"Chapa LaVia." 09600001.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"'Aye'."
"Coladipietro."
"'Aye'."
"Cole."
"'Aye'."
"Collins."
"'Aye'."
"Colvin."
"'Aye'."
"Connelly."
"'Aye'."
"Coulson."
"'Aye'."
"Crespo."
"'Aye'."
"Cross."
"'Aye'."
"Cultra."
"'Aye'."
"Currie."
"'Aye'."
"D’Amico."
"'Aye'."
"Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "'Aye'."
"Will Davis." Davis, W.: "'Aye'."
"Dugan."
"'Aye'." 09600001.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Dunkin."
"'Aye'."
"Durkin."
"'Aye'."
"Eddy."
"'Aye'."
"Farnham."
"'Aye'."
"Feigenholtz."
"'Aye'."
"Flider."
"'Aye'."
"Flowers."
"'Aye'."
"Ford."
"'Aye'."
"Fortner."
"'Aye'."
"Franks."
"'Aye'."
"Fritchey."
"'Aye'."
"Froehlich."
"'Aye'."
"Golar."
"'Aye'."
"Careen Gordon." Gordon, C.: "'Aye'."
"Jehan Gordon." 09600001.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Gordon, J.: "'Aye'."
"Graham."
"'Aye'."
"Hamos."
"'Aye'."
"Hannig."
"'Aye'."
"Harris."
"'Aye'."
"Hatcher."
"'Aye'."
"Hernandez."
"'Aye'."
"Hoffman."
"'Aye'."
"Holbrook."
"'Aye'."
"Howard."
"'Aye'."
"Jackson."
"'Aye'."
"Jakobsson."
"'Aye'."
"Jefferson."
"'Aye'."
"Joyce."
"'Aye'."
"McAsey."
"'Aye'." 09600001.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Kosel."
"'Aye'."
"Lang."
"'Aye'."
"Leitch."
"'Aye'."
"Joseph Lyons."
"'Aye'."
"Mathias."
"'Aye'."
"Mautino."
"'Aye'."
"May."
"'Aye'."
"McAuliffe."
"'Aye'."
"McCarthy."
"'Aye'."
"McGuire."
"'Aye'."
"Mell."
"'No'."
"Mendoza."
"'Aye'."
"Miller."
"'Aye'."
"Bill Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "'Aye'."
"Jerry Mitchell." 09600001.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Mitchell, J.: "'Aye'."
"Moffitt."
"'Aye'."
"Mulligan."
"'Aye'."
"Myers."
"'Aye'."
"Nekritz."
"'Aye'."
"Osmond."
"'Aye'."
"Osterman."
"'Aye'."
"Phelps."
"'Aye'."
"Pihos."
"'Aye'."
"Poe."
"'Aye'."
"Pritchard."
"'Aye'."
"Ramey."
"'Aye'."
"Reboletti."
"'Aye'."
"Reis."
"'Aye'."
"Reitz."
"'Aye'." 09600001.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"Riley."
"'Aye'."
"Rita."
"'Aye'."
"Rose."
"'Aye'."
"Ryg."
"'Aye'."
"Sacia."
"'Aye'."
"Saviano."
"'Aye'."
"Schmitz."
"'Aye'."
"Scully."
"'Aye'."
"Senger."
"'Aye'."
"Smith."
"'Aye'."
"Sommer."
"'Aye'."
"Soto."
"'Aye'."
"Stephens."
"'Aye'."
"Sullivan."
"'Aye'."
"Thapedi." 09600001.doc 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009
"'Aye'."
"Tracy."
"'Aye'."
"Tryon."
"'Aye'."
"Turner."
"'Aye'."
"Verschoore."
"'Aye'."
"Wait."
"'Aye'."
"Walker."
"'Aye'."
"Washington."
"'Aye'."
"Watson."
"'Aye'."
"Winters."
"'Aye'."
"Yarbrough."
"'Aye'."
"Zalewski."
"'Aye'."
"Mr. Speaker."
"'Aye'."
"On this question, there are 117 Members voting 'yes', 1 person voting 'no'. And the Resolution is hereby adopted. At this time, I would like to announce the Members of the Democratic Leadership team. Serving as the Majority 09600001.doc 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Leader will be Representative Barbara Flynn Currie. Deputy Majority Leader, Arthur Turner. Deputy Majority Leader, Gary Hannig. Assistant Majority Leader, Edward Acevedo. Assistant Majority Leader, Lou Lang. Assistant Majority Leader, Joe Lyons. Assistant Majority Leader, Jack McGuire. Assistant Majority Leader, Charles Jefferson. Assistant Majority Leader, Frank Mautino. Majority Conference Chair, David Miller. We'll now ask Father Michael Boland, the president of Catholic Charities in Chicago to come forward for the purpose of benediction."
"Before we prepare to depart, we pause for a moment and place ourselves in the presence of the Lord. We pray, Almighty and ever living God, as we prepare to depart we are grateful for all the blessings that You've given to us, and the blessings You've given to our families and the blessings You've given to our great state. We know that these are challenging times. There are many people in our state who are hurting. For many, this is a time of fear or anxiety, or uncertainty about our future. Many are facing the toughest economic times since the great depression. So many in our state are suffering from hunger or unemployment, difficulties with their housing, some live in communities that are racked with gangs and violence, some lack affordable day care. Many families and children and seniors are struggling. But we gather today as a people of hope because we really believe that we can and we must work together to make our state once again a great place to live. We pray today for all those in Leadership in this House and for all the Members of the House. They have an awesome 09600001.doc 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 responsibility to care and to lead and to help all of us who call Illinois home. We pray for them for wisdom, for guidance, for patience and courage that they may work together to help Illinois during these difficult times. We offer all these prayers which we pray today. So, we also pray for the men and women in Illinois who are serving in our Armed Forces. We pray for them, we pray for their families back at home and we pray for those who have made the supreme sacrifice with their lives for the safety of all of us here in the United States. We join all our prayers to our Heavenly Father, both now and forever, Amen."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. Please drive safely on the way home. Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The House does stand adjourned."
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 1, offered by Representative John Bradley, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 2, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 3, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4, offered by Representative Poe, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 6, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 7, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 8, 09600001.doc 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 offered by Representative Tracy, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 9, offered by Representative Tracy, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 10, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 11, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 12, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 13, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 14, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 15, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 16, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 17, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 18, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 19, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 20, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act regarding law enforcement. House Bill 21, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 22, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 23, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 24, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 25, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. 09600001.doc 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 House Bill 26, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 27, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 28, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 29, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 30, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 31, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning children. House Bill 32, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning children. House Bill 33, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 34, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 35, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 36, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 37, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 38, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 39, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 40, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 41, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 42, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 43, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act 09600001.doc 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 concerning transportation. House Bill 44, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 45, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 46, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 47, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 48, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act concerning public safety. House Bill 49, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 50, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 51, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 52, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 53, offered by Representative Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 54, offered by Representative David Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 55, offered by Representative David Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 56, offered by Representative David Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 57, offered by Representative Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 58, offered by Representative David Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 59, offered by Representative Currie, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. House Bill 60, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 61, offered by 09600001.doc 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 62, offered by Representative Stephens, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 63, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 64, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 65, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning State employment. House Bill 66, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 67, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 68, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 69, offered by Representative Colvin, a Bill for an Act concerning animals. House Bill 70, offered by Representative Colvin, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 71, offered by Representative D'Amico, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 72, offered by Representative D'Amico, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 73, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act concerning certain offenses. House Bill 74, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 75, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 76, offered by Representative Cole, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 77, offered by Representative Cole, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 78, offered by Representative Cole, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 79, offered by Representative Lang, a 09600001.doc 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 80, offered by Representative Lang, Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 81, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 82, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 83, offered by Representative Lang, Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 84, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 85, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 86, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 87, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 88, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 89, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 90, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 91, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 92, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 93, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 94, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 95, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 96, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 97, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 98, offered by Representative Lang, 09600001.doc 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 99, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 100, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government."
"House Bill 101, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 102, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 103, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 104, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 105, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 106, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 107, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 108, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 109, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. House Bill 110, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. House Bill 111, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 112, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 113, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 114, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 115, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 116, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act 09600001.doc 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 concerning local government. House Bill 117, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning mental health. House Bill 118, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning mental health. House Bill 119, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning mental health. House Bill 120, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning nursing homes. House Bill 121, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning nursing homes. House Bill 122, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 123, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 124, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 125, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 126, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 127, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 128, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 129, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 130, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 131, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 132, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 133, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 134, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 135, offered by 09600001.doc 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 136, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 137, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 138, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 139, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 140, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 141, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 142, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 143, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 144, offered by Representative Colvin, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 145, offered by Representative Colvin, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 146, offered by Representative Colvin, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 147, offered by Representative Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 148, offered by Representative Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning economic development. House Bill 149, offered by Representative Harris, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 150, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 151, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 152, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 153, offered by 09600001.doc 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 154, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 155, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 156, offered by Representative Pritchard, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 157, offered by Representative Poe, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 158, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 159, offered by Representative Mathias, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 160, offered by Representative Sacia, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 161, offered by Representative Sacia, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 162, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 163, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 164, offered by Representative Davis, William, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 165, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 166, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 167, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 168, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 169, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 170, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for 09600001.doc 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 171, offered by Representative Reis, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 172, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning firearms. House Bill 173, offered by Representative Phelps, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 174, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 175, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 176, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 177, offered by Representative Riley, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 178, offered by Representative Harris, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 179, offered by Representative Graham, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 180, offered by Representative Graham, a Bill for an Act concerning handgun regulation. House Bill 181, offered by Representative Graham, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 182, offered by Representative Bradley, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 183, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 184, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 185, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 186, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 187, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 188, offered by Representative Lang, 09600001.doc 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 189, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 190, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 191, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 192, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 193, offered by Representative Bassi, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 194, offered by Representative Bassi, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 195, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 196, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 197, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 198, offered by Representative Fritchey, a Bill for an Act concerning dog breeders. House Bill 199, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 200, offered by Representative Arroyo, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 201, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 202, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 203, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act concerning State government, which may be referred to as Lilly's Law. House Bill 204, offered by Representative Leitch, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 205, offered by Representative Leitch, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 206, 09600001.doc 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 offered by Representative Leitch, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendments-First Reading. Representative Franks introduced the following resolution. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #1. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to add Section 7 to Article III of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE III SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS SECTION 7. RECALL OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (a) Electors may petition for the recall of an executive branch officer as identified in Section 1 of Article V or a member of the General Assembly. If the recall petition is valid, on a separate ballot the question "Shall (officer) be recalled from the office of (office)" must be submitted to the electors, along with the names of any candidates certified for the successor election, at a special election called by the State Board of Elections or at a regularly scheduled election to occur not more than 100 days after the date of certification of the recall petition. The officer or member subject to recall may be a candidate in the successor election. 09600001.doc 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 (b) An executive branch officer or member of the General Assembly is immediately removed upon certification of the recall election results if a majority of the electors voting on the question vote to recall the officer or member. If an officer or member is recalled, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in the successor election is elected successor for the balance of the term. Once a recall election petition is certified, the petition may not be withdrawn and another recall petition may not be initiated against that officer or member during the remainder of his or her current term of office. (c) Any elector of the State, or the applicable Legislative or Representative District, may file an affidavit with the State Board of Elections providing notice of intent to circulate a petition to recall an officer or member no sooner than 6 months after the beginning of the officer's or member's current term of office. The affidavit must identify the name of the officer or member and the office to be recalled, the name and address of the proponents of the recall petition, and the date of filing with the State Board of Elections. A recall petition shall not be circulated prior to filing the affidavit, and a recall petition must be filed with the State Board of Elections no later than 160 days after filing the affidavit. (d) A petition to recall an executive branch officer must include signatures of electors of the State equal to at least 12% of the total votes cast for the office in the election at which the officer was elected, with signatures equal to at least 1% of the vote for the office from at 09600001.doc 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 least 5 separate counties. A petition to recall a member of the General Assembly must be signed by electors of the respective Legislative District or Representative District equal to at least 20% of the total votes cast for the office in the election at which the member was elected. The form, circulation, and manner of filing a recall petition shall comply with the requirements provided by law for a statewide advisory public question, except the deadlines set forth in this Section. (e) A recall petition is valid unless an objection is made within 45 days after the date the petition is filed, and an objection to the recall petition may be made in the same manner as to a candidate for the office subject to recall. The State Board of Elections shall certify the recall petition not more than 105 days after the date the recall petition is filed. Any recall petition or election pending on the date of the next general election at which a candidate for the office subject to recall is elected is moot. (f) If a recall election is initiated, the name of no successor candidate may appear on the ballot unless a nominating petition has been filed with the State Board of Elections no more than 40 days after filing of the recall petition. The nominating petition of an established party candidate must contain the same number of signatures and be circulated in the same manner as an established party candidate for nomination to the office subject to recall, except the petition must be circulated no more than 40 days prior to the last day for filing nomination petitions. The 09600001.doc 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 nominating petition of an independent or new party candidate must contain the same number of signatures and be circulated in the same manner as an independent or new party candidate, respectively, for election to the office subject to recall, except the petition must be circulated no more than 40 days prior to the last day for filing nomination petitions. A nominating petition may be objected to in the same manner as a candidate for the office subject to recall, unless otherwise provided by law. The State Board of Elections shall certify a valid nominating petition not more than 105 days after the date the recall petition is filed. (g) An election to determine whether to recall an executive officer or member of the General Assembly and to elect a successor shall be proclaimed by the State Board of Elections and held not less than 60 days and no more than 100 days after the date of certification of the recall petition. (h) The provisions of this Section are self-executing and judicially enforceable. SCHEDULE The State Board of Elections shall proceed, as soon as all the returns are received but no later than 31 days after the election, to canvass the votes given for and against this Constitutional Amendment, as shown by the abstracts of votes cast. If this Constitutional Amendment is approved by either three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election, then the State Board of Elections shall declare the adoption of this Constitutional Amendment and it shall, upon declaration of its adoption, 09600001.doc 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 take effect and become a part of the Constitution of this State. This Schedule supersedes and applies notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, and no other requirements, including without limitation proclamation of the results of the vote or notice by publication, are necessary for its effectiveness. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment was taken up and read in full first time in order to be introduced and placed in the Committee on Rules. Representative Lang. Offered by Representative Lang, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #3. WHEREAS, The Ninety-second Congress of the United States of America, at its Second Session, in both houses, by a constitutional majority of two-thirds, adopted the following proposition to amend the Constitution of the United States of America: "JOINT RESOLUTION RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED (TWO-THIRDS OF EACH HOUSE CONCURRING THEREIN), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as a part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission by the Congress: "ARTICLE ______ Section 1. Equality of rights under law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex. 09600001.doc 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce by appropriate legislation the provisions of this article. Section 3. This Amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification."; and WHEREAS, A Joint Resolution is a resolution adopted by both houses of the General Assembly and does not require the signature of the Governor; a Joint Resolution is sufficient for Illinois' ratification of an amendment to the United States Constitution; and WHEREAS, The United States Congress has recently adopted the 27th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the so-called Madison Amendment, relating to Compensation of Members of Congress; this amendment was proposed 203 years earlier by our First Congress and only recently ratified by three-fourths of the States; the United States Archivist certified the 27th Amendment on May 18, 1992; and WHEREAS, The founders of our nation, James Madison included, did not favor further restrictions to Article V of the Constitution of the United States, the amending procedure; the United States Constitution is harder to amend than any other constitution in history; and WHEREAS, The restricting time limit for the Equal Rights Amendment ratification is in the resolving clause and is not a part of the amendment proposed by Congress and already ratified by 35 states; and WHEREAS, Having passed a time extension for the Equal Rights Amendment on October 20, 1978, Congress has demonstrated that a time limit in a resolving clause can be disregarded if it is not a part of the proposed amendment; and 09600001.doc 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court in Coleman v. Miller, 307 U.S. 433, at 456 (1939), recognized that Congress is in a unique position to judge the tenor of the nation, to be aware of the political, social, and economic factors affecting the nation, and to be aware of the importance to the nation of the proposed amendment; and WHEREAS, If an amendment to the Constitution of the United States has been proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures, it is for Congress under the principles of Coleman v. Miller to determine the validity of the state ratifications occurring after a time limit in the resolving clause, but not in the amendment itself; and WHEREAS, Constitutional equality for women and men continues to be timely in the United States and worldwide, and a number of other nations have achieved constitutional equality for their women and men; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America set forth in this resolution is ratified; and be it further RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Archivist of the United States, the Administrator of General Services of the United States, the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, and each member of the Illinois congressional delegation. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 09600001.doc 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 #3 was taken up and read in full first time in order to be re… introduced and placed in the Committee on Rules.”
Clerk Bolin: “First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #2, offered by Representative David Reis. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to add Section 9 to Article XIII of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE XIII GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 9. MARRIAGE To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this State. This State and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status similar to that of marriage. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #2. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #4, offered by Representative Lang. 09600001.doc 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 1 of Article III as follows: ARTICLE III SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS SECTION 1. VOTING QUALIFICATIONS Every United States citizen who has attained the age of 17 or any other younger voting age required by the United States for voting in State elections and who has been a permanent resident of this State for at least 30 days next preceding any election shall have the right to vote at such election. The General Assembly by law may establish registration requirements and require permanent residence in an election district not to exceed thirty days prior to an election. The General Assembly by law may establish shorter residence requirements for voting for President and Vice-President of the United States. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #4. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #5, offered by Bassi. 09600001.doc 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 3 of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 3. LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING (a) Legislative Districts shall be compact, contiguous and substantially equal in population. Representative Districts shall be compact, contiguous, and substantially equal in population. (b) By April 15 of the year following each federal decennial census year, the State Board of Elections, by a record vote of a majority of the total number of members authorized by law as provided in Section 5 of Article III, shall designate a computer program for redistricting the Legislative Districts and Representative Districts that meets the requirements of this Section. The designation shall include detailed specifications of the computer program. Any computer program designated by the State Board of Elections under this Section shall embody the following standards and criteria, as defined by Common Law, in this order of priority: (1) contiguity; (2) substantial equality of population; (3) compactness; 09600001.doc 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 (4) minimization of the number of districts that cross county or municipal boundaries; and (5) a fair reflection of minority voting strength. Any computer program designated by the State Board of Elections under this Section shall not consider the following data: (1) residency of incumbent legislators; (2) political affiliations of registered voters; (3) previous election results; and (4) demographic information not required to be used by this Section or by the United States Constitution or federal law. Except as specified in this Section, the computer program shall produce districts in a random manner. (c) In the year following each Federal decennial census year, the State Board of Elections shall redistrict the Legislative Districts and the Representative Districts using the computer program designated under subsection (b). The State Board of Elections shall approve a redistricting plan by a record vote of a majority of the total number of members authorized by law as provided in Section 5 of Article III, and the Board shall file that plan with the Secretary of State no later than June 1 of the year following the federal decennial census year. (d) The State Board of Elections shall designate a computer program under subsection (b) and shall approve a plan under subsection (c) at public meetings. The Board shall give reasonable and adequate advance notice of those meetings. (e) An approved redistricting plan filed with the Secretary of State shall be presumed valid, shall have the force and 09600001.doc 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 effect of law and shall be published promptly by the Secretary of State. The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over actions concerning redistricting the House and Senate, which shall be initiated in the name of the People of the State by the Attorney General. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect beginning with redistricting in 2011 and applies to the election of members of the General Assembly in 2012 and thereafter. This has been First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #5. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #6, offered by Representative Bassi. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Sections 2 and 5 of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE COMPOSITION (a) One Senator shall be elected from each Legislative District. Senators elected in 2010 shall serve two-year terms. Immediately following each decennial redistricting, the General Assembly by law shall divide the Legislative 09600001.doc 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 Districts as equally as possible into two groups. During each ten-year period, beginning with the general election in 2012, Senators from one group shall first be elected for terms of six years and then for terms of four years and Senators from the other group shall first be elected for terms of four years and then for terms of six years. The Legislative Districts in each group shall be distributed substantially equally over the State. (b) Each Legislative District shall be divided into two Representative Districts. One Representative shall be elected from each Representative District. Representatives elected in 2010 shall serve terms of two years. During each ten-year period, beginning with the general election in 2012, Representatives shall first be elected for terms of four years, then for terms of two years, and then for terms of four years. (c) To be eligible to serve as a member of the General Assembly, a person must be a United States citizen, at least 21 years old, and for the two years preceding his election or appointment a resident of the district which he is to represent. In the general election following a redistricting, a candidate for the General Assembly may be elected from any district which contains a part of the district in which he resided at the time of the redistricting and reelected if a resident of the new district he represents for 18 months prior to reelection. (d) Within thirty days after a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by appointment as provided by law. If the vacancy is in a Senatorial or Representative office with more than 09600001.doc 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 twenty-eight months remaining in the term, the appointed Senator or Representative shall serve until the next general election, at which time a Senator or Representative shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy is in any other Senatorial or Representative office, the appointment shall be for the remainder of the term. An appointee to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the same political party as the person he succeeds. (e) No member of the General Assembly shall receive compensation as a public officer or employee from any other governmental entity for time during which he is in attendance as a member of the General Assembly. No member of the General Assembly during the term for which he was elected or appointed shall be appointed to a public office which shall have been created or the compensation for which shall have been increased by the General Assembly during that term. SECTION 5. SESSIONS (a) The General Assembly shall convene each year on the second Wednesday of January. The General Assembly shall be a continuous body for a period beginning and ending at noon on the second Wednesday of January of consecutive odd-numbered years. (b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation 09600001.doc 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 1st Legislative Day 1/14/2009 of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. (c) Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies to the election of members of the General Assembly in 2010 and thereafter. It does not affect the terms of members elected before 2010. This has been the First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #6. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09600001.doc 95