"The hour of 12:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and rise for the invocation, for the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by senior pastor Dennis Price, who is with the Troy United Methodist Church in Troy, Illinois. Pastor Price is the guest of Representative Stephens."
"Let us pray. Our Father, we offer praise and thanks to You for the gifts of life, of hope, compassion and wisdom and grace. May Your will be done today as Members of this Body deliberate and as all of us participate in small and big ways the building up of people, this state and the kingdom of God, Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by the Gentleman from Peoria, Representative Leitch."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Mulligan and Mathias are excused and Bassi on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Majority Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the excused absences of Representatives Boland, Colvin, Dugan, Careen Gordon, and Mell." 09600102.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
Speaker Mautino: "Mr. Clerk, take the record. 107 voting 'present', the House… a quorum is present and the House is in order. Mr. Clerk."
"Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: approved for floor consideration is Amendment #2 to House Bill 2490, Amendment #1 to House Bill 3762, Amendment #1 to House Bill 3869, Amendment #3 to House Bill 4037, Amendment #2 to House Bill 4756, Amendment #1 to House Bill 4798, and Amendment #2 to House Bill 4854. Referred to the House Committee on Rules is House Joint Resolution 103, offered by Representative McCarthy."
"On page 11 of the Calendar appears Motion in… Motions in writing. With leave of the Body, I'd like to take these in one Motion. And this would be a Motion to Table: House Bill 169, House Bill 4716, House Bill 4855, House Bill 4907, House Bill 5162, House Bill 5352, House Bill 5804, House Bill 6104, House Resolution 846. All in favor of the Motion to Table say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'yeses' have it. And in the opinion of the Chair… and those Motions are tabled. It's the intention of the Chair to go to House Bills on Second Reading. If you go to page 2 of your Calendars… on Calendar page 2 appears House Bill 3323. Representative Brauer, do you wish to move this Bill? Representative Brauer, House Bill 3323, do you wish to move this Bill from Second to Third? Read the Bill." 09600102.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 3323 has been read a second time, previously. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Brauer, has been approved for consideration."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk… Mr. Brauer, there is a Floor Amendment #1. Do you wish to adopt this Amendment?"
"Yes, I do. This Bill is just basically the recertification of people with a disability for special plates."
"The Gentleman has moved the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. Is there anyone seeking recognition? Seeing no one, all in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'yeses' have it. Floor Amendment #1 is adopted. Mr. Clerk, any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Walker, on page 2 of the Calendar is House Bill 3762. Do you wish to call this Bill? Out of the record. On page 2 of the Calendar is House Bill 3762. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3762, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law has been read a second time, previously. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Walker, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Walker on Floor Amendment #1."
"Floor Amendment 1 is a technical change to the Bill that adds some words. One is that this is a delay in foreclosure for military people. We added the word 'serving overseas'. We also added words that said that in 09600102.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 order to get the stay they would have request it. So, I request approval of Floor Amendment 1."
"The Gentleman has moved adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3762. No one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall this be adopted?' All in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'yeses' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk, further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 3 of the Calendar is House Bill 4700, Representative Brady. Move the Bill. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4700, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4704 appears on page 3 of the Calendar, Representative Ramey. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4704, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4710, Representative Moffitt. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4710, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 3 of the Calendar House Bill 4711, Representative Eddy. Out of the record. 09600102.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Page 3 of the Calendar House Bill 4779, Representative Moffitt. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4779, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Chapa LaVia, House Bill 4780 appears on Third Calendar… on page 3 of the Calendar. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4780, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4807, Representative Ramey. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4807, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4860, Representative D'Amico. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4860, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor… no Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 4 of the Calendar is House Bill 4866, Representative Reitz. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4866, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4865, Representative Holbrook. Read the Bill… read the Bill." 09600102.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 4865, a Bill for an Act concerning financial regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4959 on page 4 of the Calendar. Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar House Bill 4965, Representative Rose. Out of the record. House Bill 4966, Representative Rose. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 4966, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5093 on page 5 of the Calendar, Representative Ramey. Third Read… Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5093, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5054, page 5 of the Calendar, Representative May. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5054, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was filed in committee… approved in committee. Notes have been requested on this Bill and not yet received."
"The Bill will remain on Second. House Bill 5120, Representative Rose. Do you wish to move this Bill? Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5120, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. 09600102.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5130, Representative Hoffman. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5130, a Bill for an Act concerning money laundering. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5139, Representative Moffitt. Out of the record. House Bill 5194, Representative Brady. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5194, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brady on House Bill 5206. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5206, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5219, Representative Lang. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5219, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5304, Representative Leitch. Out of the record. Representative Leitch, 5305. Out of the record. Representative Leitch, 5306. Out of the record. House Bill 5412, Representative Moffitt. Out of the record. Majority Leader Currie on 09600102.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 House Bill 5463. Majority Leader Currie on 5463? Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5463, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5412, Representative Moffitt. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5412, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 5481, Representative Kosel. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5481, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Kosel, 5486. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5486, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 3 at the top of the Calendar, House Bill 4647, Representative Monique Davis. Read… read the Bill."
"House Bill 4647, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Page 3 of the Calendar is House Bill 4758, Representative Tryon. Move the Bill. Read the Bill." 09600102.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 4758, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 4 of the Calendar is House Bill 4818, Representative Sacia. Out of the record. On page 4 of the Calendar, House Bill 4864, Representative Cole. Representative Cole, 4864? Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4864, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 690, offered by Representative Durkin. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the members of the Hinsdale South High School Special Olympics team on the occasion of being designated 2009 Illinois State Basketball Gold Medal Winners."
Speaker Mautino: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Durkin."
"Thank you much, Mr. Speaker. Today's a… I'm very privileged to have a fine group of young men and women from my district from Hinsdale South High School who are last year's Special Olympics gold medal winners in Division 8 for basketball. Division 8 is the most highly skilled division within Special Olympics and I'd like to at least acknowledge them and… by name, anyway. We have joining us today is Chris 'Moose' Cholewa, Steven 'Pesky' Pesce, 09600102.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Shelly D. Meegan, Dunisha 'Unleasha' Atkins, Darrius 'Vulcher' Fulcher, 'Big' Bobby Anderson, Orlando 'Florida' Cruz, Ryan 'Pots and Pans' Thomas, Bobby 'Big Time' Verduin, Mike Balster, and Paul 'Magic' Johnson. Let me just say that these… this is a tremendous accomplishment for these young men and women and I spent some time with them earlier and they're absolutely amazed at the beauty of this building and what this state has to offer. But I'm also pleased to say that they're Illinoisans and they've accomplished something which a lot of people have not in their lifetime. And I think it's really important that we recognize them. Let me just say that they defeated in March of last year Southside Academy, 56-50. They were unbeaten. And prior to that they beat Cahokia, which was unbeaten. Those were teams that had all boys. Our school, Hinsdale South, have three girls competing with them, two of them are hearing impaired. It's a great team. I want to, everybody, if we can give them a warm Springfield welcome and congratulate them for this great success."
Speaker Mautino: "Welcome to Springfield and the House of Representatives. Congratulations to you all. House Bill 5125, Representative Pihos. Sandy? Read the Bill."
"House Bill 5125, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. 5128, Representative Nekritz. Out of the record. Representative Rose is seeking recognition." 09600102.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege if I may."
"Certainly. State your point, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may have your attention. A very amazing individual was…was struck by cancer after an 11-year battle. Mr. Speaker, if I could have the chamber's attention. Ladies and Gentlemen, Susan Voges, who was a Sergeant with the Illinois State Police, courageously fought breast cancer for the last 11 years, ultimately falling to that cancer yesterday. Sergeant Voges of the Illinois State Police and I want to let the Members know about her life and would ask for their kind attention…"
"Would the Members please give the Gentleman your attention."
"Sergeant Voges is married to another law enforcement officer, Tim, who I believe works for the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. The sergeant had been a 25-year career veteran of the Illinois State Police. She was extremely honored to be part of the State Police and cherished her friends she made throughout the law enforcement community and again, her husband, Tim, who survives is still in law enforcement. She was a trustee for the Fraternal Order of Police Troopers Lodge 41 in our area. But mainly I want to talk about the amazing last 11 years she had in battling breast cancer. And reading from her obituary, she did continue that battle while at the same time never letting the disease take her caring spirit. She was a compassionate voice and loved role model for many. Her… her lifelong loving attitude gave strength to others who are battling cancer. She was an integral part of what is 09600102.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 now become the Mill's Breast Cancer Institute in Champaign/Urbana at Carle Hospital and she… it was so important to her because it was part of the bigger picture, in her words, when… and so much so that she and her family sponsored a room in that new breast cancer facility at Carle. Her aim was to improve the treatment area, which she spent a lot of time in that area and felt strongly that that is where she wanted to help others make a difference. So, with her husband, Tim… and she did a lot of fundraising for cancer research in starting a 'cops of coffee' with her fellow law enforcement officers. Did a lot of golf outings with the Champaign County area wide law enforcement groups, sold a lot of pink T-shirts. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sue Voges raised over $130 thousand for breast cancer research in the 11 years that she had been afflicted with the disease. She was an amazing individual. She gave time and again to her community starting as a law enforcement officer and then again through her efforts battling breast cancer. On behalf of victims everywhere and on behalf of her family, I would like us to take a moment of silence, if I may. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Pihos seeking recognition."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"I… I just wanted to remind you all that tomorrow is wear red day. Representative Flowers and Ramey got a little bit ahead of us in setting that good example. But if you would join us tomorrow and support the fight against 09600102.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 heart disease, a very good cause, to raise awareness by wearing red, we would greatly appreciate us… appreciate it. Also join us in the blue room at 10:00 for a press conference highlighting heart disease and stroke. Thank you."
"It is the intent of the Chair to go through Third Readings. It is the intent of the Chair to do a couple more Second Readings here. Representative Brauer, on page 8 of the Calendar appears Senate Bill 2190. Do you wish to move this Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2190, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. It's the intent now to go through Third Readings. On page 6 of the Calendar appears House Bill 462, Representative Phelps. Out of the record. The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black is seeking recognition."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A parliamentary question to the Chair. I have filed the proper written notice for the discharge of House Bill 5008 from the House Rules Committee. Under House Rule 54(a)(2), all Motions are to be assigned Standard Debate status and I do wish to debate my Motion. Upon the conclusion of the debate, I ask for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge. Under Rule 49, Article IV, Section 8(c) of the Illinois Constitution, any vote shall be by a recorded vote whenever five Representatives so shall… shall so request. I have five Members on my side of the aisle seeking that. So, Mr. 09600102.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Speaker, I would move that House Bill 5008 be discharged from the House Rules Committee."
Speaker Mautino: "Representative Currie is seeking recognition."
"Thank you, Speaker, for this opportunity. I object."
"Mr. Black, there has been a Motion made which requires unanimous consent and there has been an objection."
"Yes. Well, I…I can't say that I'm shocked. But I thought, Mr. Speaker, if I might. I don't want to delay you as you go to Third Reading, but I really thought this was going to be the Session of reform. After the embarrassment of the last year and the continuing embarrassment on Celebrity Apprentice, I'm… I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of The Jungle, a recent book that just zoomed to the top of the best seller lists. I think it zoomed in the opposite direction. I really thought we would be able to at least discuss items of reform. What House Bill 5008 does is simply say that the four Legislative Leaders will be held to standards of how much money they can raise and how much money they can spend on behalf of candidates, and it would also include political Parties. All of us know what unlimited amounts of money do to the process and we all know that the four Legislative Leaders are able because they can become the bottleneck in any legislation. We all know that Legislative Leaders have the ability to raise millions of dollars in campaign funds and then they dole that out to candidates in targeted districts which means, obviously, that they then will have 09600102.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 enough votes to retain their office as Speaker or House Republican Leader or President of the Senate or Senate Republican Leader. I don't think this is an unreasonable request and, again, we're not asking you to vote for or against the Bill, we're simply asking for an opportunity to discuss the merits of the Bill which you have refused to let this chamber do. So, Mr. Speaker, since there has been an objection, I simply move to appeal the ruling of the Chair that because of the objection and because of the unanimous consent rule, that we be allowed to make the Motion to overturn the ruling of the Chair."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion has moved to appeal the ruling of the Chair. And there being no further questions on here, the question is, 'Shall the Chair be sustained?' All in favor vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. 63 voting 'yes', 46 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', the Chair is sustained. The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."
"Yes, thank…thank you very much for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker. I think I'm on a roll; I'm getting closer to that magic Roll Call. I've also filed the necessary form to discharge House Bill 6269 from the House Rules Committee. You know the rule that I am referencing under the Constitution. I am asking for a recorded vote. There are five Members of my side on the aisle asking for that recorded vote. And briefly, Mr. Speaker, let me tell you what House Bill 6269 is. Given the extreme fiscal crisis 09600102.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 that the State of Illinois is in, this is a measure sponsored by Representative Connelly that simply says let's amend the State Finance Act. Requires PAYGO budgeting. Provides that if a Public Act requires additional spending from state funds, then no appropriation for the additional spending required by the Public Act may be obligated or expended unless COGFA certifies to the State Comptroller that a specific identity of funding is available even if it has to be decreased in another line item. I would point out to you an article on February 13 of the Wall Street Journal, the leader of your Party, the President of the United States, is quoted in this Wall Street Journal article, again of February 13, 2010, Obama touts the return of PAYGO. President Barack Obama praised lawmakers in Congress for restoring a measure that aims to bring federal spending under control during his weekly radio address on Saturday, but he expressed concerns that politics may still get in the way of reducing the massive deficit. The American people, the President said, are tired of politicians who talk the talk but don't walk the walk when it comes to fiscal responsibility. He simply wants a rule put into the Federal Government known as pay-as-you-go or PAYGO. It was in effect in Congress in the 1990s. President Obama wants PAYGO to come back to the Federal Government. I would submit to you that House Bill 6269 is basically the same thing that President Obama has called for in Congress and certainly, while our debt isn't in the trillions of dollars, here we sit not working on the budget yet again today, more than $13 billion in the hole. This 09600102.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Bill makes common sense and as President Obama said, unfortunately, politics may get in the road of a Bill like this. I hope not. That's why we moved to discharge House Bill 6269 to institute PAYGO budgeting in the State of Illinois in the spirit of what President Obama has already asked Congress to do."
"Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 6269?"
"House Bill 6269 has been referred to the House Committee on Rules."
"The Gentleman has moved to discharge the Rules Committee of House Bill 6269. On that question, the Lady from Cook, Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, for this opportunity as well. I object to the Gentleman's Motion."
"The Motion requires unanimous consent. There has been an objection made by Majority Leader Currie. And so, therefore, the Motion fails."
"Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm just quoting President Obama. It's a darn shame that politics has to get in the road of fiscal and financial responsibility. This isn't an issue on my side of the aisle or your side of the aisle. It is an issue that the General Assembly had best be discussing. We cannot continue down the road that we are currently on. We are literally approaching insolvency. So for those of you who are telling your constituents all your benefits are safe; the bondholders, all your benefit… your bond payments are safe, perhaps you should read an article in the February 11 I… Excuse me. It might be the January 11 09600102.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 issue of Crain's Chicago Business. If the State of Illinois would be indeed declared insolvent, your benefits are not guaranteed. The bond… the bondholders may not get paid. If you don't start doing budgets on a pay-as-you-go basis, which is what President Obama has called for at the federal level and his Party in Illinois refuses to let this Bill even be discussed. Quite frankly, no pun intended, that disgusts me that you would inject politics into something that might be able to get us out of this fiscal wilderness in the next few months. Since you've objected to our Motion to Discharge PAYGO, and President Obama I hope you get a chance to listen to this debate because we're trying to join you. We recognize the fiscal crisis that our country is in and that the State of Illinois is in. I would ask that the ruling of the Chair on the Discharge Motion be overturned."
"The Gentleman from Vermilion has moved to appeal the ruling of the Chair. There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall the Chair be sustained?' All in favor vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. 63 voting 'yes', 45 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present' and the Chair is sustained. The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black, is seeking recognition."
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, before I make my next Motion, it has come to my attention that there is a meeting in Majority Leader Currie's office and her attendance is required. So, 09600102.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 if she would go back to the meeting then I'll make the Motion at that time."
"I will have a Page bring that note to the Majority Leader directly. The Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost is seeking recognition."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We need to add Representative Hatcher to the roll after her being excused, if we could please."
"The Clerk will reflect that… will register her. The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens is seeking recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Certainly, Sir. State your point."
"Mr. Speaker, a Monday ago I was in a minor fender- bender here in Springfield in the late afternoon and called my insurance company. They recommended Gietl Brothers here in town to do the repair to the front of my vehicle. Talked to them on Tuesday and by Thursday I had my vehicle back. I'm telling you, I was so impressed with their service, their personality and the quality of their work. I just thought that I would mention that here on the House floor. Thank you."
"And now a word from our sponsor. It is the intent of the Chair to go to Third Readings. On page 6 of the Calendar appears House Bill 4627, Representative Kosel. Out of the record. On page 6 of the Calendar appears House Bill 4649, Representative Reitz. Read the Bill." 09600102.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 4649, a Bill for an Act concerning utilities. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Randolph, Representative Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4649 sets up an expedited ICC approval for construction of new high voltage transmission lines and we've added requirements to strengthen up the application process. And this Bill would set a 120 day deadline for after application and with an additional 60 days if the trans… the commission finds cause for additional study. The intent of this is to try make sure that we build lines in Illinois with ICC approval, use Illinois workers and try to move our new products, especially the wind energy products to and from the market. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"The Gentleman has moved passage of House Bill 4649. And on that question, the Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost."
"Thank you…thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, from what this looks like is this… will this be a help and a process to speed things up like in the case where we have Prairie State and the energy line, are the lines of transmission there?"
"Yes. I think this will help in any place where there's a transmission line. I'm not sure that one was really…"
"Right. I know it's not there site specific…"
"Yeah." 09600102.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"…but we've ran into that specifically with Prairie State and the length of time it takes to do this process, correct?"
"The length of time it takes for almost any transmission line. This will… this will set up an expedited permit. And it's… it's voluntary. There's actually… you know, you don't have to take the expedited permit route. We set additional requirements and costs in there if you do."
"So, it would be your opinion as it is mine that once again is a time when we're trying to move forward to provide new jobs and make sure that we keep moving forward in the State of Illinois even in this financial crisis. This is one way we can do it without spending money. Well… what we actually do is just free up the government red tape."
"Correct."
"Okay. Thank you. I'm in support of the Bill."
"Further discussion? Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I believe it's commendable what you're trying to do. This does not cut out any opportunity for public comment or public input. There'll still be apple… ample opportunity for that?"
"No. We've actually put some additional criteria if you take this route to make sure that we have public input. We've met with the ICC trying to find out what they're… any additional thoughts that they would have. We're trying to work with them to try and make sure that we have as much 09600102.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 public input as possible but set a deadline so that we can move on and have a decision."
"And this does not put… This just really kind of brings us up with what a number of other states do in terms of the timeline, doesn't it?"
"Correct. There are… there are states that have a lot less time than 120 days plus the 60 that we have in this Bill."
"So we're just kind of trying to achieve closer to a level playing field."
"Correct."
"But is it CUB and the Commerce Commission are still opposed or have they gone neutral?"
"The Commerce Commission is opposed to the deadline itself and we'll continue to work with them and have discussions as it moves through the process, if they have other information they want to put in. And CUB has an agreement or a theory that they would like to talk about and we've had discussions with them, but it's not ready for this Bill yet."
"Well, thank you. I appreciate your response and certainly things we hear oftentimes is the length of time it takes to get permits for various things in Illinois really to slow up. So this is an attempt to really create jobs and be more business friendly is… would you agree?"
"Yes, I would."
"Thank you."
Speaker Mautino: "Further discussion? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy." 09600102.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"Thank you. Well, would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, just for the sake of clarity a question's kind of come up regarding the siting of power lines. This does not override the siting of power lines. Is that correct?"
"No, this is about the siting of power lines. Correct."
"Okay. But…"
"It's about the… you know, it just sets up a process for an expedited hearing if the utility or anyone under the ICC so wishes."
"So it just expedites the process, it doesn't override it. It just makes really…"
"Yeah. And…"
"…in Illinois because this is important to economic development and potentially jobs, in a lot of cases it just takes so long and so cumbersome this just kind of is an attempt to… to allow for an expedited process but it doesn't replace the fact that… that the siting of the power line has to take place."
"Right."
"Okay."
"No, it doesn't replace that."
"Okay. Thank you. Very quickly to the legislation. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is important to support. It brings Illinois in-line with, well, actually other states around us that handle this much different. And it's exactly the kind of thing I think we're finding 09600102.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 out has hindered our state in the past. And I would urge support and an 'aye' vote."
"The Gentleman has moved passage of House Bill 4649. No one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk. Representative Bellock, Saviano, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 4649 is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the Calendar is House Bill 4835, Representative Reis. Representative Reis, you have House Bill 4835. Would you like to move that Bill back to Second Reading? The Gentleman has requested the Bill be moved back to Second for purposes of an Amendment. The Chair's intent is to return to Second Reading, page 2 of the Calendar. House Bill 2360, Representative Ford. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 2360, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation has been read a second time, previously. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4587, Representative Ford. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 48… Correction, House Bill 4587, a Bill for an Act concerning public health has…Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4683, Representative Ford. Would you like to move this Bill from Second Reading to Third Reading? Read the Bill." 09600102.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 4683, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. Representative Ford is seeking recognition."
"The previous Bill on lupus, we need to bring that back because there is an Amendment for that one. I'll get the Bill number. Thank you. House Bill 4587."
"Mr. Clerk, please return that Bill to Second Reading."
"Thank you."
Speaker Mautino: "Thank you, Sir. House Bill 4895, Representative Poe. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4895, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. 4896…House Bill, Representative Poe. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4896, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Mautino: "Third Reading. House Bill 4961, Representative Poe. We’re on the order of Poe. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4961, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 09600102.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, on page 2 of the Calendar is House Bill 3869, Representative Bradley. Representative Bradley on House Bill 3869. I believe you have an Amendment. Read the Bill. Representative Lyons in the Chair."
"Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3869 has been read a second time, previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Bradley, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Bradley."
"This is actually a suggestion that came out of the Judiciary II Committee to include a treatment component in this Bill. It has to do with 'huffing', people that are sniffing glue and unable to get off of that and giving the state more opportunities to try to actually help them get off the substance."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3869 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 4798?" 09600102.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010
"House Bill 4798, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Mautino… Mautino, has been approved for consideration."
"The Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Frank Mautino."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Amendment is purely technical and it makes two changes to the Bill. In the original Correctional Industries Bill, we changed… we gave them their financial officer back, but we mistakenly called it the 'chief financial officer'. Since there's already one, a person with that job description, we needed to take out the word 'chief'. And then the rest of the statute that deals with correctional industries refers to 'food stuffs' instead of 'food products' which our Bill said. So we changed the word back to 'food stuffs' and that makes the statute consistent. Ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion on the Amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4798 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Dennis Reboletti, on page 4 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5019. Out of the record. The Chair recognizes Representative Julie Hamos. We'll get back to you, 09600102.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 Representative. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Julie Hamos."
"Thank you. Mr. Chair, I move to waive the posting requirement for House Bill 4661, which will be heard in the Mass Transit Committee Thursday morning at 9 a.m. And I have talked to the Minority, and they are willing to let us do that."
"The Lady makes a Motion to waive posting. It's agreed to by the GOP. All those in favor of the Motion signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirement is waived. Thank you, Representative Hamos. Thank you, GOP. Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Second Reading we have House Bill 4863. Mr. Watson, you have House Bill 4863. What's your pleasure? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4863, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Resolutions. Agreed Reso… First Read… House Resolution 937, offered by Representative Connelly. House Resolution 938, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 939, offered by Representative Myers. House Resolution 940, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 941, offered by Representative Flider. House Resolution 942, offered by Representative Connelly. House Resolution 943, offered by Representative Connelly. House Resolution 944, House Resolution 945, House Resolution 946, 09600102.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 offered by Representative Connelly. House Resolution 947, offered by Representative Verschoore, and House Joint Resolution 102, offered by Representative Hernandez."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
Clerk Mahoney: "Committee announcements. The following committee changes have taken place: Financial Institutions, which was meeting at 4 p.m. in 114 today, has been cancelled. Financial Institutions was cancelled. Tomorrow, Jud I-Civil Law has been moved from the 8:30 time slot to 10 a.m. Jud I, tomorrow morning, has been moved from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Committees at 2 p.m. today: Agriculture & Conservation, will meet in Room 122B; Appropriations–Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room 118; the Insurance Committee will meet in Room C-1; Public Utilities in Room D-1; Transportation, Regulation, Roads & Bridges will meet in Room 114; and, Environmental Health will meet in Room 413. All those committees at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m., 4 p.m. today, Elections & Campaign Reform will meet in Room 122B; Health Care Availability and Accessibility will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 118; and Cities & Villages at 4 p.m. in Room 115."
"And now, seeing no further business to come before the Illinois House of Representatives, the House will stand adjourned 'til the hour of 12 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, February the 24. Allowing perfunctory time for 09600102.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 the Clerk, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie moves that the House stand adjourned. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned 'til the hour of 12 noon on Tuesday, February 24… Wednesday the 24."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: approved for floor consideration, referred to the Order of Second Reading-House Bills is House Bill 3814. Committee Reports. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: do pass as amended Short Debate House Bill 4964; do pass Short Debate House Bill 5820; do pass Standard Debate House Bill 6000. Representative Froehlich, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4968. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Access reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 88. Representative Phelps, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4669 and House Bill 5307, House Bill 5718 and House Bill 09600102.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 5772; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4812, House Bill 5296, and House Bill 5538; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 87. Representative Monique Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4737 and House Bill 5026. Representative Beiser, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation, Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on February 23, 2010: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5372, House Bill 5756, House Bill 5819, and House Bill 5946; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 80. Introduction and Reading of House Bills–First Reading. House Bill 6618, offered by Representative Connelly, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 6619, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendments-First Reading. Offered by Representative Madigan, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 57. 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 Article VI of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 11 as follows: ARTICLE VI THE JUDICIARY 09600102.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 102nd Legislative Day 2/23/2010 SECTION 11. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE No person shall be eligible to be a Judge or Associate Judge unless that person is a United States citizen, a licensed attorney-at-law of this State, and a resident of the unit which selects him or her. A person must have been a licensed attorney-at-law for a minimum of ten years to be eligible to serve as a Circuit Judge, a minimum of twelve years to be eligible to serve as an Appellate Judge, and a minimum of fifteen years to be eligible to serve as a Supreme Court Judge, except that this requirement does not disqualify a person serving as a Judge on December 31, 2010 from completing the current term of office or seeking an additional term for that office. No change in the boundaries of a unit shall affect the tenure in office of a Judge or Associate Judge incumbent at the time of such change. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09600102.doc 32