Speaker Lyons: "Good afternoon, Illinois. The House of Representatives will come to order. Members are asked to please be at their desks. We shall be led in prayer today by Father Dominic Grassi, who is with St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. Father Grassi is the guest of Representative Harry Osterman. Members and guests are asked to please refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Father Grassi."
"I'd like to begin my prayer by asking God's blessing upon my Representative Harry Osterman on his birthday today, so God bless you. I… I bring the prayers and the blessings and the good will of all the people at St. Gertrude Parish to you, Harry. God bless you. Let us pray. Loving God of all peoples, You give us the gift of this season of spring to remind us of Your love for us and our tasks to be stewards of the earth and all You have created. I ask You to bless those gathered here who have been given the responsibility to serve the people of the State of Illinois. We acknowledge that these are difficult and challenging times and that we need Your help and guidance. We are saddened to see so many of Your people in need. The children whose minds eagerly want to be educated, whose bodies need to be kept clean, warm and well fed and especially, whose hearts need to be free from fear of violence. Our young adults who are ready and eager to face their responsibilities as productive citizens, but who find their opportunities limited. Our families who are trying to hold together while so many economic and societal 09600124.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 forces work to split them apart. And our seniors who have sacrificed so much and now deserve to live their final years with hope and dignity. And so we bow our heads, that each of us may turn to You, as we best know You and find You, in silent prayer to ask Your help and to listen for Your voice. And so I ask You, God of Compassion, to give this Body gathered here wisdom to make the decisions that are best for all citizens, courage to do what is right, even when it is not popular, compassionate hearts to understand what they are hearing and what they are not hearing from their constituents, and the will to work for justice and equality and freedom for everyone. Just as the flowers blossom and the buds pop open on the trees and the breeze grows warm around us so, too may Your divine wisdom envelope us all who are here present, lifting us up and sustaining us to be able to make Your work our work and our work Yours. And just as spring brings new expectations and life to all people, may the work this gathering continues to do this Session sustain hope and renew the great State of Illinois in each and every one living here. This is the Land of Lincoln, who himself was elected servant of the people and who was assassinated 145 years ago today. With whom Your guidance, good and loving God, we can all model our actions in this august chamber and everywhere our life takes us. As we make this prayer trust in Your unconditional love for us, Amen."
"Representative Emily McAsey, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance." 09600124.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"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. Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Democrats."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the excused absences of Representatives Boland and Collins."
"Representative Bost, Republicans."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Bassi is excused on the Republican side of the aisle today."
Speaker Lyons: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Brady. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There's 113 Members responding, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: recommends be adopted House Resolution 917; do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 2533, Senate Bill 2622, Senate Bill 2931, Senate Bill 2976, Senate Bill 2981, Senate Bill 3158, Senate Bill 3273, Senate Bill 3291, Senate Bill 3315, Senate Bill 3420, and Senate Bill 3743. Representative Smith, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 2537, Senate Bill 2594, Senate Bill 3045, Senate Bill 3483, Senate Bill 3515, Senate Bill 3609, 09600124.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Senate Bill 3635, and Senate Bill 3681. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the Committee on Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 2804, Senate Bill 2951, Senate Bill 2993, Senate Bill 3024, Senate Bill 3309, and Senate Bill 3682. Representative Fritchey, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I - Civil Law reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 2509, Senate Bill 2514, Senate Bill 2551, Senate Bill 2553, Senate Bill 2570, Senate Bill 2606, Senate Bill 3211, Senate Bill 3467, Senate Bill 3739, and Senate Bill 3782; do pass as amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 2807. Representative Reitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 2527, Senate Bill 2541, Senate Bill 2799, Senate Bill 3035, Senate Bill 3057, Senate Bill 3509, and Senate Bill 3637. Introductions of Resolutions. House Resolution 1103, offered by Representative Currie. House Resolution 1104, offered by Representative Verschoore. These Resolutions are automatically referred to the House Rules Committee."
"Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Resolutions."
"House Resolution 1097, offered by Representative Cross. Resolved, that we congratulate the members of Oswego High School Panthers boys basketball team on the occasion of the team's excellent season and wish them continued success and happiness in the future."
"Leader Tom Cross." 09600124.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"I'm going to try to do it all at once. Can you read them?"
"Mr. Clerk, Leader Cross has three Resolutions, so we will be doing all three of them and then recognizing Leader Cross. So, Resolution number two."
"House Resolution 1098, offered by Representative Cross. Be it resolved, by the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly, that we congratulate the members of the Oswego High School Lady Panthers basketball team on the occasion of the team's excellent season and wish them continued success and happiness in the future. House Resolution 1099, offered by Representative Cross. Be it resolved, by the House of Representatives of the 96th General Assembly, the State of Illinois, that we congratulate the members of the Oswego East High School Wolves girls bowling team on the occasion of the team's excellent season and wish them success and happiness in the future."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Kendall, Leader Tom Cross."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Members of the chamber. I, actually… there are a number of kids down here today from Oswego. And Oswego was once a sleepy little farming town, a number of years ago, it has blossomed into a pretty good size town where we now have two exceptional high schools, both Oswego and Oswego East. And in the interest of time and respectful of everybody's time, we did not read all of the resolutions we have others. But we have down here today, not only the boy's basketball and girl's 09600124.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 basketball teams from Oswego, we have the Panther's bowling teams. We have gymnastics… gymnastic qualifiers from Oswego, as well as tennis, and a step team. And we also have from Oswego East, state qualifiers and students receiving special honors from the girl's bowling team, the cross country team, the tennis team, the pom's team, and the boy's basketball, as well as several state qualifiers from the Oswego and Oswego East Co-op girls and boys swimming and diving teams. I live in Oswego and have an opportunity to watch these kids, these student athletes, perform on a regular basis in all of the sports that I just mentioned. They are good kids. They're quality kids. They're hard working kids who have set goals and have done exceptionally well over the last year. We also are very fortunate in Oswego, and Representative Hatcher is joining me in doing these Resolutions, to have coaches and faculty that are about as supportive of these kids as you will find anywhere in the State of Illinois. These coaches are mature. They are disciplined. They are grounded. They have great temperaments and they know how to win. They know how to teach kids to even lose and they teach them skills they need as they go on into life and the other thing that I've observed is that the faculty that even don't coach at these two schools are very supportive of these kids. At a time when sometimes we're not so positive and sometimes critical of what goes on in this state, this is an example of what does work. These kids, their coaches, their schools, the administration, the school boards and we are… very, very lucky to have them. So, if 09600124.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 you could all join me in saying thank you and congratulations to the kids from Oswego and Oswego High School. I appreciate their being here today. Thank you very much."
"Congratulations Oswego. Enjoy your day here at the Capitol. We're honored to have you here. Representative Cross moves for the adoptions of House Resolutions 997, 998, 1097, 1098, and 1099. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. By unanimous choice, the… the Resolutions are adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be moving down the order of Senate Bills Second Reading starting on page 3 of the Calendar. So, I'll be asking Members, if you have a Bill on Second Reading that's posted in the Calendar starting on page 3, I'll be asking you if you care to move the Bill to Third Reading. So, we'll start with Representative Fritchey. Is Representative Fritchey on the floor? House Bill 66… Senate Bill 660. Out of the record. Representative McAsey, you have Senate Bill 1369 on the Order of Second Reading. Do you wish to move that Bill to Third? Out of the record. Representative Currie, you have Senate Bill 1526. Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, you have Senate Bill 1526. Out of the record. Representative Tom Holbrook, you have Senate Bill 2093. Out of the record. Representative Thapedi, you have Senate Bill 2540. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2540, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No 09600124.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Page 4 of the Calendar, Representative Fortner, you have Senate Bill 2614. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2614, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brandon Phelps. Is Representative Phelps on the floor? Out of the record. Representative Dan Reitz, you have Senate Bill 2529… Senate Bill 2959. Out of the record. Mr. Clerk, redo Senate Bill 2959. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2959, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Phelps, Senate Bill 2632. On Second Reading, Brandon. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2632, a Bill for an Act concerning public land… public land. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative JoAnn Osmond, you have Senate Bill 3004. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3004, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No 09600124.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Mike Tryon. Representative Dave Winters, you have Senate Bill 3462. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3462, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments and no Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Phelps, you have Senate Bill 3604. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3604, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Sid Mathias, you have Senate Bill 3645. Read the Bill, Sid? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3645, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Bradley, you have Senate Bill 3719. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3719, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Roger Eddy, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?" 09600124.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if you would help me welcome from Crawford County, Palestine Grade School eighth grade class is visiting the Capitol today along with their chaperones, Marcia Schmidlin, Lance Ellington, Dessi Carr, Chris Macke and someone most of you know, retired Assistant State Legislative Director for United Transportation, is also a sponsor, John Bruner is here with the group. Please welcome them to the Illinois House of Representatives."
Speaker Lyons: "Welcome to the Capitol. Enjoy your day. Representative John Bradley, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to call everyone's attention to the east gallery and ask the members of my Youth Advisory Council to stand up. We have a group of youngsters here from the high schools in my area representing the best and brightest of southern Illinois. We appreciate them being here today."
"Welcome to Springfield. Enjoy your day at the Capitol. Representative Dan Brady, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. First off, I'd like to welcome back to the House chambers the former Representative of the 88th Legislative District, give a big 09600124.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 round of applause and welcome back to Representative Gordon Ropp from Bloomington–Normal."
"Welcome home, Representative. Good to have you on the floor. Representative Brady."
"Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. With Representative Ropp today, we welcome members of the Illinois ASCD, which is the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. They are visiting us today to join us in promoting education for the children of Pre-K thru 16 in our state. Illinois ASCD, a nonpartisan, nonunion organization educating the whole child. Please join me in welcoming the Illinois ASCD to the Illinois House of Representatives and they're located behind me in the gallery. Please rise and… be acknowledged. Thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Enjoy your day. Mr. Clerk, on page 6 of the Calendar is House Joint Resolution 19. Constitutional… Constitutional Amendment… House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 19. Mr. Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a Constitutional Amendment that's been discussed with all of you. Illinois first passed a crime victims' law in 1984. In 1992 the people of our state elevated the rights of crime victims, a constitutional stature, by overwhelmingly approving an Amendment to the Constitution. However, this constitutional provision did not come with constitutional enforcement mechanisms. This Constitutional Amendment would ensure that there's an enforcement mechanism, so that if victims of crimes are not afforded their rights, they had an opportunity to go back into court and get their rights, 09600124.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 victim impact statements, notice of proceedings, et cetera. Many of you indicated to me, on both sides of the aisle, that you thought this was a good idea to protect the victims of crime. There were a few that were concerned about having Constitutional Amendments on the ballot this year, but I assure you this is not part of any grand conspiracy. This is an important measure simply to protect crime victims. And I ask your support to make this part of our Constitution."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Golar. Representative Roger Eddy."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I think in your… your opening remarks you mentioned that there are some protections that would be included that a… a lot of people, I think, see as important protections for victims. Could you be… Why don't you give us some examples of those types of improved protections."
"Sure. Thank you, Representative. Well, most of the protections are already in the Constitution. What we do not have is an enforcement mechanism. So, for instance, what we have already in the Constitution, the victim has a right to make a victim impact statement. A domestic violence victim has a right to notice. Victims have a right to prompt disposition following the arrest of a… an accused. And oftentimes courts because this constitutional provision providing these rights does not have a constitutional enforcement mechanism many judges throughout the state either purposely or not purposely have not 09600124.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 afforded victims these rights. This will put those enforcement mechanisms into the Constitution. Let me quickly add that at no time does this allow a judge to set aside a conviction, so no defendant will go free because of the failure to provide these rights."
"Thank you, Representative. Can… for the… for the sake of the Body's knowledge regarding the placement of Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, there is a limit, isn't that correct, as to how many Constitutional Amendments can go on the ballot that… that are passed through the General Assembly?"
"There is a limit of three for each Article of the Constitution."
"Okay. And which Article of the Constitution does your proposal direct toward?"
"Article I, Sir."
"Article I. And at this point then, we have had Constitutional Amendments that we've deliberated here in other Articles, as well. Correct?"
"That is correct. I believe, I could be wrong, someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I believe this is the only Amendment we've debated regarding Article I."
"Okay. So as far as Article I is concerned there's no limit as to the number that of… of Constitutional Amendments that might be proposed, but there's a limit to three Articles."
"No, Sir. There's a limit of three per Article… "
"Three per." 09600124.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"…of the Constitution. So we could have as many as three for Article I.
"So, there… there are also limitations on the number of Articles in addition to the number of per Article. Is that correct?"
"Ask your question again, Sir."
"Yes, Sir. There… there's also a limitation as to the number of Articles that are affected in addition to the per Article limit."
"I don't think that's correct, but let me check on that for you."
"Our understanding is that you can amend up to three Articles, but those Articles could be amended multiple times."
"We will try to get an answer shortly. If we could move on to your next inquiry."
"Well, I appreciate that and… and I think it leads to the larger issue here. And I… I think the larger issue for this Body to consider among the proposals in the General Assembly that… that have come forth related to Constitutional Amendments among… among the… the different priorities there are… there are different views as to what… what types of proposals should be on the Constitution, or excuse me, on the ballot regarding Constitutional Amendments. And… and this would take up a spot in… in the ballot that is a limited number."
"To go back to your previous inquiry, I am now told that it is three different Articles that can be amended."
"Okay." 09600124.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"And so to answer your second inquiry, you know, this… this comes for a vote when it comes for a vote. There is no grand conspiracy to keep other Articles… other Amendments off the ballot. As you know, for instance, the Speaker has a Constitutional Amendment to abolish the office of Lieutenant Governor. That has not been called. This comes now because it comes now, Representative. This is not part of any plan to keep anything you would propose off the ballot. This is simply a plan to help crime victims."
"So… so based on that, I… I think that it would be fair to the Body if we would… we would outline the other areas that are potential and then they would get to decide based on those limitations what the priorities are. And I think that’s more of the point here. I… I think there's a lot of support for a lot of different proposals to be on the ballot. I… I believe there are Amendments that are… may come forth having to do with redistricting, some to do with the judiciacal… Judicial Article and I think before we get to a point where we… we fill the ballot up, everyone needs to know what those different possibilities are."
"So, Representative, I… I know that you're concerned about a certain citizens' initiative to amend the Constitution. I am now told that citizens' initiative are not counted in the three, in the three Articles, so we could have a hundred citizens' initiatives. They would all go on the ballot if they all got sufficient signatures. So, that what you are concerned about would not be stopped by these other proposals. Let me just simply say this, I 09600124.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 think it would be wrong to take an otherwise worthy proposal for our Constitution to protect victims of crime and to say, well, we're concerned about what might… what other ideas might go into the Constitution, so let's vote 'present' or 'no' on an idea that's a good one because we don't know what's coming next relative to the Constitution. I would propose that if you're a person who's for the notion of protecting crime victims and you believe it belongs in the Constitution and of course it's already in the Constitution that would be totally inappropriate not to vote for this. Public policy demands that we do the right thing on this Amendment."
"Representative, I… I think that argument is a good one. However, I think the bigger argument or the bigger discussion that has to take place is the limitation. I agree with your point within the limitations we have related to the number of questions that can go on the ballot. I'm told that the Senate this morning is debating the possibility of a Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting that is very much different than the proposal of the citizens' initiative and we would like to have the opportunity to vote on that initiative in this chamber and we're not given that opportunity. So, our concern is the bigger picture here and the limitation along with your belief that this is one that deserves that priority ranking. And I don't think we can do that in this type of manner where all three Articles may be used up, the… the number and then our major concern which would be that 09600124.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 citizens' initiative related to the redistricting we believe in would have no chance."
"Representative, the language in that… in what is also a citizens' initiative was rejected. It did not get out of a Senate committee. So, you're not going to get a chance to get that over here. Secondly, if the citizens' initiative gets enough signatures, it will be on the ballot regardless of how many provisions we put on the ballot here."
"I do understand that."
"And… and you and I would agree, we… you and I spend a lot of time together, Sir, and we know how each other thinks. I know that you would not want to turn down the rights of crime victims because you don't know what's going to happen next week in this chamber on some other Amendment. After the 3rd of May, Sir, no matter how long we're in Session this year, whether we adjourn on May 7 or any other time, after the 3rd of May, no constitutional provision can pass out of this chamber that would be certified for the ballot this year. And so, here we are, the 14th of… of April, a couple of weeks left 'til that deadline and here we have on the board a provision to amend the Constitution to help crime victims. We should vote on this."
"Representative, thank you. Just very quickly to the proposed amen… or the HJRCA 19. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'm not going to dispute the… the comments made by the Representative related to this initiative or… or this proposal. I think everyone in here would agree with some of his points. We have a lot of folks over here who 09600124.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 have worked on this, who believe that some of this needs to be advanced; however, we need to make sure that as we use up the… the valuable places on the ballot for Constitutional Amendments that all the possibilities in all of the three Articles have a full hearing and we have the opportunity to hear about proposals in there priority order. I know there are people in this state who are concerned about victim rights and making sure there is enforceability in the Constitution for that. I also know, and in my travels in my district, there are a large number of people concerned with the fact that… that our… our legislative districts are drawn not to the specifications of people getting to choose who they vote for, but Senators and Representatives standing be… or sitting behind closed doors deciding who gets to vote for them. That in my region, in my area of the state, in my travels of the state is the number one concern that people have brought to me. And unless and until, we have the opportunity to have that Constitutional Amendment voted on in this chamber and I understand that the Senate is the Senate, but the House is the House. We could pass over a Fair Map redistricting Constitutional Amendment if we would have that out here for a vote. Until that happens and until we are allowed the opportunity, I would urge a 'present' or 'no' vote on this proposal so that we can have all of the choices available to us."
"The Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Chapin Rose."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?" 09600124.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Sure."
"Representative Lang, on… on March 20… let's see here. On March 23, the House passed a 113 to 2, my Bill, House Bill 5966, which guarantees the rights of victims the ability to address the court prior to sentencing, as your Constitutional Amendment does. You voted for it, Sir. It's now pending in the Senate. It's been assigned to the Criminal Law Committee. It's not just in the Senate. It's out of Rules and been assigned to committee. Additionally, Representative, as you know, there are all sorts of provisions for notice already in the statute to provide crime victims for notice of early release, release, things of that nature. Representative, I guess my question to you is, "if you're quarrel is in that judges aren't currently following the law, why don't we address that problem and have them follow the law?"
"The answer, Representative, is that the constitutional provision is too weak. It does not have an enforcement mechanism. And despite the fact that I voted for your Bill, a good Bill, you cannot amend the Constitution with a Bill."
"I… I don't disagree, Representative."
"So, since the constitutional provision has weaknesses in it, which do not allow for enforcement, you can only amend the Constitution by amending the Constitution."
"Well, that's… Representative, I… I beg to disagree with you. Representative Poe had a Bill just last year dealing with the Parole Board. Not Representative Poe, I apologize. Representative Wait had a Bill a few years ago 09600124.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 to… dealing with the Parole Board and allowing people to come into the Parole Board hearings. Representative, I… I disagree with you as to not having an enforcement mechanism. Quite frankly, the only thing different that's not allowed under current law that you're doing is the mandatory right of the victim… the mandatory right of the victim to address the court and that is covered in my Bill, House Bill 5966, that will require the court, shall allow or shall allow the victims to address the court. We attached an Amendment at the behest of Representative Hamos that I thought was a good Amendment that clarified that and I guess at the end of the day, Representative, everything you're saying you want to do either has been or can be accomplished by law… by law. And as Representative Eddy said, "you're simply stacking the deck here on the number of Amendments that you can have in the Constitution."
"Well, Sir, first, let me say that the constitutional provision that exists today says nothing in this section or in any law enacted under this section shall be construed as a basis or a ground for relief. So, the Bill we passed does not affect the constitutional provision. The Constitution itself says that we cannot affect it by law. That's item number one."
"But…"
"Item number two, I take great offense that you would look to me on the House Floor and indicate to me that on a Constitutional Amendment, which you and I both hold dear, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, a Constitutional Amendment that I've been working on for two years, which 09600124.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 predates all of the noise on your side of the aisle about how we're trying to fill up all the constitutional provisions so there's no room for yours, it predates it by almost two years. The thought that you think that two years ago I decided to spend two years of my life working on this Amendment just so you could vote 'no' on it because you think there's some conspiracy is really kind of insulting."
"And… and Representative Lang, Sir, two weeks ago we passed the Bill that does exactly what you want to do, period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nothing else."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Julie Hamos."
"Thank you, Speaker. A question of the Sponsor."
"He awaits your questions."
"So, Representative Lang, there's one provision that I brought to your attention that I thought really broadened a… a right, a constitutional right, which is subsection 9. Which says, 'the right to be reasonably protected from the accused' and the current provision says, 'throughout the criminal justice process' and you take that out, so that presumes that you… the conv… the victim has a right to be protected from the accused for the rest of his or her life. And I wondered if you could give us some sense of legislative intent there because it's possible that this fairly broad Section will be later questioned, litigated, whatever and I think we should establish what you're trying to do here." 09600124.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"What… what Section are you talking about, Representative?"
"It's… it's sub… it's a new number 9. These are the various rights that the victim will now enjoy under this crime victims' rights. The new 9 says, 'the right to be reasonably protected from the accused.'"
"Well, I think that's pretty straightforward. We today… today, we have… when someone goes to court to testify against someone, under given circumstances, they can get police protection. Today, under certain circumstances, they could get the state's attorneys to watch over them. Today, under given circumstances, people have some protection. This is just a general notion that someone can ask to be protected if they think they are in some danger as a crime victim, particularly, as they go to court to testify against the defendant."
"So, Representative Lang, what you're doing here is you are removing the words, 'throughout the criminal justice process.' Are you suggesting here that a crime victim has a right, a constitutional right to have police protection…"
"No, I'm suggesting…"
"…that we somehow have to provide for the rest of his or her life?"
"I'm suggesting that they have the right to be reasonably safe when they involve themselves in the criminal justice system as a victim in any way that they can apply for. And so, it does not require any specific action by any specific person. It just creates a right of someone to be safe and if they go to the police, go to the state's attorney, make 09600124.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 a motion in court for protective order, whatever it might be, that gives them a right to make the request. Now, will there be litigation over such a provision? There's litigation over just about every provision in every Constitution."
"So, what you just did in your explanation is you, in fact, created a very broad right. And I was hoping that, in fact, you would focus on the word 'reasonably' because when I first came to talk to you about this provision and expressed some question about it, you said, well, it does say 'reasonably', and that really doesn't mean police protection for a person's life. So, I… I don't know, I… I guess I think it's important to establish what we as Legislators mean when we say it and you very specifically take out the concept of the criminal justice process. So, you're somehow inferring that this is outside and forever, outside of the criminal justice process and I think I would like you to reflect on the word 'reasonably' what that could mean."
"Well, Representative, throughout our statute books, hundreds and hundreds of pages, we have the word 'reasonably' used thousands of times. There's no reason that we can't have this same word in this Constitutional Amendment."
"So, this would be some kind of a protection that's reasonable within the means and resources of, let's say, the criminal justice system, or the court, or government, or the accused, or the victim, or… a family. Is that… is that right? This is within some bounds of what is 09600124.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 reasonable within the means and… and resources that are available at any point in time."
"Well, certainly that would be the case and they could be turned down. They could ask for some kind of protection and be turned down. And the Amendment itself says that this Section does not create any cause of action for compensation or damages against the state, any political subdivision of the state, any officer, employer, or agent of the state, or any of it's political subdivisions, or any officer or employee of the court. So, if they… if someone asks for protection and they're turned down, someone could challenge it, but there's certainly no compensation coming their way should they lose."
"Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "No one seeking further recognition, Representative Lang to close."
"Thank you. I want you to know that this is a Constitutional Amendment that we would all support, if not for some political issues that were raised on the floor. I would urge you to remember that we have laws on the books that protect crime victims, but that the constitutional provisions regarding the protection of crime victims are not enforceable because of the way the Constitution is written. I would urge you, cajole you, not to let politics get in the way here and not to vote against crime victims simply because you're concerned about some other Constitutional Amendment that's not before us today. What's before us today is an enforcement mechanism designed to protect the victims of crime. Please vote for this." 09600124.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"The question is, all those in favor of the adoption of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #19 should vote 'yes'; those opposed vote ‘no’. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Black, Coulson, Reboletti. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Resolution, there are 65 Members voting ‘yes’… Representative Lang."
"Move for Postponed Consideration, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Clerk, put this Resolution on the Order of Postponed Consideration. Representative Esther Golar, I assume you're looking for personal privilege. Representative Golar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Today in the gallery in… from my district, there are some special people. Tim White, the supervisor of Lindblom Park, along with his wife, Gloria White and daughter, Beatrice White. This particular gentleman, along with his team in Lindblom Park, where all the violence that we have in the City of Chicago, have actually championed the cause to decrease crime by having baseball teams, football, teen programs for job readiness, senior programs, fitness. And this park is the only park that was chosen from the South Side of Chicago to be chosen as selected for the Olympic Power Lifting for Youth from the ages of 13 to 16. And also, the first park to be chosen for the first softball team for young women preparing them for high 09600124.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 school from the ages of 11 years to 14 years. Let's give them a Springfield welcome, to my left. Thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Enjoy your day. Proud to have you. Representative Tim Schmitz, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I, too, have a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Over my right hand shoulder on our side of the aisle is the Legislative Youth Council from Representative Cross's district. If they could please stand up. They're here today to learn about the process going on here in Springfield and watching the House in action. And give them a warm Springfield welcome, please."
"For the record, Representative Schmitz, Leader Cross was on the floor. So, welcome to Springfield. Glad to have you at the Capitol. Representative Golar, your light is on. Do you wish to be recognized?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. I actually hit my button 'present' for Representative Lang's Bill. I would like to be recorded as a 'yes' on that."
Speaker Lyons: "The Journal will reflect your… your requisition.
"Thank you."
"Representative Black, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." 09600124.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I hope you will welcome with me a young man who's Paging for me today from my legislative district. His name is William Nesbitt. He's a junior at Catlin High School. And the cooperative sports team at Catlin and Jamaica High School, which are called the Salt Fork Storm, won the State 1A Championship Basketball Tournament this year. Just to show you the diversity of the state, those two schools don't have the money to send their basketball team over here to be recognized. But, William Nesbitt will major in political science and I have no doubt that he will be a Member of this chamber in 10 or 12 years. So, William, thank you for Paging today and welcome to Springfield."
"Representative Elaine Nekritz. Shhhhh. Ladies and Gentlemen, can I please ask for a little attention…"
"Thank you, thank you…"
"…for Representative Nekritz, please."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, in addition to recognizing Representative Osterman's birthday today, we're also having… this is a… this is a very special day, in some ways for me personally, a very sad and emotional day. But I… my seatmate of the last seven years is moving on, as we all know, to be the director of the largest department in State Government, Healthcare and Family Services. Change is hard. I lost my roommate of six years last fall and now I'm losing my seatmate, my entire tenure in the General Assembly. And I will… it will…, it's going to be a transition. I think… I, you know… we all know that… Julie works hard. She brings a lot of passion to her job and… 09600124.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 and I think she will be missed greatly for those things. When she was a candidate this last fall, I was… I'd like to say that the loss that the Illinois House is going to be suffering was the gain for the constituents that she would… that she was seeking to represent. Fortunately, the loss of the Illinois House now means the state will continue to benefit from her hard work, her vision, and her passion. So, I want to invite my colleagues to partake in little bit of… I've ordered a couple of cakes that Representative Saviano has agreed to have in his office. So, I hope you will partake of that and join me in congratulating Representative Hamos on her… her new position, again, with the Department of HealthCare and Family Services and wish her well as… and wish her all continued success in what has already been a remarkable and stellar career in Illinois State Government. So, Representative Hamos."
"I do believe we have a few additional speakers, Jul, so… we're not ready for you yet. Representative Karen May."
"Thank you, Speaker. Oh, Julie, this is really, really, really hard. As we have a family here in Springfield, I look at you as one of my sisters. The people who have… who someone who's really taught me and helped me. I was the only freshman on Telecom Rewrite and you were there. And I was amazed at your cool and your insight that you brought to this and how you thought about consumers. So, as we speak around the area, I always tell people, Julie Hamos taught me about independence. She taught me that when we come with all of the different groups that lobby us, 09600124.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 sometimes we have to tell our friends in natural constituencies that they're asking for too much and sometimes people who might be our natural opposites, we have to tell them, you make sense and I'm with you this time. So, that fostering of independence and really analyzing things is something that I will never forget and I can never thank you enough for. Also, what you did for transit was amazing. Do you know, folks, do you know what it was like to go out in the district near Julie, our districts kiss in Glencoe, and to have… every time Julie Hamos came into a room after the transit Bill that she really pushed through and worked on and smoothed out until it could pass, everyone broke into applause, you know and I was so… so proud of you and so thankful for what you did for all of us in the state with that very, very important Bill. And also, as girlfriends, I don't know that everyone around the state knows what it's like to be living here in apartments and in hotel rooms away from our family and our constituents and that we actually face a lot of stress on some of these issues because we take them very seriously. So, the after hours times of hanging together and relieving stress and supporting each other are equally as important as your very, very important legislative agenda. You have insight and intelligence, your analytical skills: you were serving as an advocate for people before you became a Legislator. And I, too, am pleased that the only bright side of losing you sitting on the House Floor and working with us is that at least you will still be working and serving the citizens of the State of Illinois. That is the 09600124.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 bright side. That's the beauty. And Julie, thank you so much for all you've given us."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. An inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Who's leaving?"
"Your friend, Julie Hamos."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It now dawns on me. I had read that somewhere. Actually, Representative, I saw your picture in the paper, I believe it was Sunday, and I cut it out and I think I've given it to you in a card, and let me just say that the Republican Caucus was split on whether or not we should accept your resignation. There were some who said, only if she leaves the House and some said, only if she becomes a Supreme Court Justice, but in all seriousness, the legislative process will be the poorer for your leaving. And that's why I have always had respect for you because I think you are one who believes in the legislative process, not the backroom deal, not the Bills that hit the desk and vote on it in five minutes and that's… that's a rare commodity today and that's why I respect you so much. I hate to see you leave the House because of that, because of your integrity, but on the other hand, I'm glad to see where you're going because they can benefit from your leadership, not only the department will benefit from your leadership, but the people of Illinois will benefit from your expertise, your leadership, 09600124.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 your empathy, and your caring for what you are about to do. I wish you the very, very best, but I do seriously and sincerely have mixed emotions about losing someone of your integrity and your concern and your care for the legislative process in leaving the House. But I wish you the very, very best."
"Representative David Miller."
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to congratulate Representative Hamos. Many of you know, I grew up in Evanston, the district that she represents and has represented over these past few years and she's done an excellent job, just not from the relationships I still have there, but actually from clearly Members of this General… from the House. I actually met Julie at a retreat with Leadership Greater Chicago and I think we were discussing politics way back when, and little did I know, a few years later, I'd be serving with her as a Member of the General Assembly. As a freshman Rep., I remember the fact that there was a Bill dealing with the expediting and streamlining payments to those in terms of eligibility. And we were down at LRU and I was discussing some Bill I was trying to promote and she had some with the same issue and she just gave me the legislation, said, here you go, and I thought that was just a tremendous spirit, particularly if somebody who's new, doesn't really know their way, trying to figure things out, but the spirit of giving. Since that time, I've nicknamed Julie my policy guru. And, I also remember there was an issue dealing one of the regulated industries and in… and I was going back and forth about it 09600124.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 and then she says, it was just like the work Bill and then with the next little breath. I said, oh… oh okay. I see a little clearly now on what was going on. And so, once again, as a freshman Rep., I got a better understanding of some of the backroom deals and the politics that go on and then to be aware of it, that if some things aren't as quite as superficial, you may need to look a little more in depth. So, as issues came up over these past 10 years for me, I've… I've asked her about issues concerning very difficult and complex problems and similar to like the transit issue that you worked on. There's one thing that Julie has also always said, let's solve problems, let's solve problems. Problems don't mean just Democratic problems, or Republican problems, or House problems, or Senate problems, or gubernatorial problems, problems that the citizens of the State of Illinois face day in and day out. So when someone comes here to solve problems and to try to look for solutions, that inherently says I don't have all the answers and I'm looking for input for those from who can help us out try to solve some of the difficulties that we face day in and day out. Julie has been an asset to all of us in this chamber. She's been someone who really cares about the process, as Representative Black had just mentioned, and more importantly, she just didn't care about her district, she cared about the future of the State of Illinois. I only want to congratulate you for what you've done, as me as a person, what you've done for this chamber and what you've 09600124.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 done for the state. God bless you and continue up the good work."
"Representative Mike Tryon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to gratulate… to congratulate my colleague, Julie Hamos. I first met Julie Hamos, she may not even know this… before I was in the General Assembly, I had the… I had the honor to serve on the infamous or famous Regional Transportation Task Force that was put together by Bill Lipinski and in walked Julie Hamos and testified passionately about universal fare cards, and RTA, and… and restructuring our transit systems. And… and she scared me a little bit, quite frankly, when she tossed a fight about some of that stuff, and it was a little different thinking than I had heard. And as fate would have it, I… the later that year, ran for the… the General Assembly and was elected and by chance seems like all of those issues that Julie was passionate about were the same things I was passionate about and I happen to end up on just about every committee Julie was on. And… and while we engaged in healthy debate, we did not always agree, but we did work well together. And Julie, I want to tell you, you made me think, you made me work harder. You, I think, have a passion for public policy that I would put up against anybody in this chamber. I have always respected you, and while it was going to be difficult to see you leave this chamber anyway, I am glad to see you staying in the public arena, working on public policies, and tackling the issues that you are willing to stand up and tackle as you go on in this next phase of your public 09600124.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 career. And I can't thank you enough for being a friend, being a good colleague, working hard, accepting my opinions that we differed on, and… and working together in a bipartisan professional way. I wish you the best of luck. I look forward to working with you, because I think you're going to make a big difference where you're going, and thank you. And I will miss you as all of my colleagues will and good luck in the future."
"Representative Patti Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to wish you the best of luck, Julie. And I remember when we came in the first day together, neither one of us quite knew what to expect. And then we even ended up in Washington, I think, at a leadership institute and from then on we were really good friends. Remember, we worked on the child support, trying to change the entire child support system in Illinois. We worked on the MRSA issue, of which you were really, really important on. We worked on several issues and I agree with what Representative Miller said, you always would want to bring a group around the table and look for solutions. I remember being in the committee on Access DuPage and free health care to people when the trial lawyers objected and all of a sudden you said, 'I think this is a good idea' and we got that Bill out. So, that's the serious side of Julie Hamos. And then the fun side, with Capitol Capers, and the Conference of Women Legislators, of which you have been one of the people that was always there to promote women, families, and children, in legislation, and to raise the money through 09600124.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 having some fun, to do good things for the women and families of Illinois. You were the Miss MTA. I think you were a Miss Mass Transit. You were the star of Capitol Capers dancing with Representative Burke. But most of all I want to remember, you, Sara, Rosemary, and I, in those were the girls that couldn't say 'no' in Human Service. So, I know you're heading to HFS and there's going to be a lot of 'noes', but we look forward to working with you and we know that you will do an outstanding job. Thank you."
"Representative Ed Washington."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to say some things to Ms. Hamos. You know, it's been a pleasure working with you, Ms. Hamos. You know, you remind me of one of my teachers in the 7th grade and I know… well, I know that's kind of far back, but you do. But I want to say that, you know, one thing I was talking to my colleagues about this new role you're getting ready to undertake and I think, you know, God has a way of knowing what is best for each one of us and I think you will manage things the way you manage issues on this floor. You've always been one of the top organizers and a person to put the perspective, you take time to listen, I've watched you manage confusion. When we kind of got out of whack with the prison inform and reform committee and you brought us back to the subject matter and we got the best possible solution and we said, go team, go. So, I'm looking for the same spirit that you will transfer into your new role. And I just want to say to Representative Miller that I hope to 09600124.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 be standing here saying the same thing about my brother in the top of the year 2011. Good luck to you, Julie."
"Representative Greg Harris."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And all the good things have been said, so… well, I'll try to add just a few more on top, Julie. You know, in my district when it… the only thing that people have really cared about in a big way in the last couple of years have been transit. And they came to me when people were worried, you know, were the buses, were the trains going to be going away… and say who's in charge of this and I was able to tell people, Julie Hamos. And because our districts are very close together, people had such confidence that there would be a good result from it, and I think their confidence was borne out, you know, as we rescued the CTA. A lot of folks in my neighborhood also count on Healthcare and Family Services. And I think now, you know, they can rest comfortably at night knowing that there's going to be someone at the helm who's going to be responsive to them, who's going to take care of their needs, who's going to care about them as individuals. So I… I can't, you know, wish you, you know, anymore good luck than everyone else has, but also, on behalf of the LGBT community, I want to thank you for your leadership here in this chamber for so many years where you've made such a difference. Thank you very much."
"Representative Rosemary Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It… it would be hard to let Julie go without saying something and although we always don't agree on issues, we've worked on a lot together, 09600124.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 particularly for COWL, and the budget, and other things and Julie always speaks up when… A couple of us were talking across on the aisle the other day about who's still going to be here to speak up for these issues and the people that were mentioned that were leaving, Julie was among them and who was always never afraid to speak up when we were talking about issues or challenging either her own Leader, or our Leaders, or the Governor. And so we've always had this working relationship, particularly on budget and different things, and so we will miss her. But then I thought, well, I'd better stand up and suck up a little bit anyway because now she's going to be the head of a department that I have to work with and I don't envy her that job. That is definitely going to be a tough job with a lot of new federal things coming out. And so, I wish her the best of luck, because the best of luck for her in this job is the best of luck for those of us in the General Assembly that need good leadership in that area. So, I'm hopeful that she will move on. I knew Julie before when she lobbied and I've known her as a Legislator and it's always been enjoyable to work with people here who can be collegial and come up with good ideas and I think that's the important thing. If we had more work like that across the aisle, we would solve problems a lot more quickly than we have been. Thank you."
"Representative Sara Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise. This is a very bittersweet moment for many of us here, who've known Julie and have worked with her. Prior to her coming to the 09600124.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 General Assembly, I think that there was actually a lot of Julie Hamos folklore that I had heard about, about what an incredible lobbyist she was. She was actually maybe the first lobbyist for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. When people weren't even able to talk about the epidemic publicly without the stigma, she has historically had an incredible amount of courage to take issues that are complex and, as previous speakers mentioned, collaborate and problem solve. She's going to be an amazing director at HFS. I think that she is going to bring new ideas to the department and things that she's learned as being a Member of just about every committee and being part of every puzzle we've had to solve in this… under the dome. She… I think the… I hope that the administration understands how lucky they are going to have… how lucky they are to have her in their cabinet and I'm just thrilled that as the chairman of the Appropriations-Human Services Committee along with my… my partner in crime, Rosemary Mulligan, that Julie and she and I will continue to work together for a better life for people in Illinois even under these very dire circumstances. So, again, I'd like to wish my dear, dear friend the best of luck and I'm glad you're still going to be here with us. Thank you, Julie."
"Leader Barbara Flynn Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. I think we've pretty much said it all, Julie. I don't know that anyone can add anything to the glowing praises that have come your way, but my favorite thing about you is that you've never, in the more than 30 years I have known you, 09600124.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 you have never met a public policy problem that you cannot help solve. From the early days, when your leadership on domestic violence helped craft the strongest domestic violence law in the country, to your recent activities resolving issues of mass transit in the northeastern Illinois area, standing up for people who are victims of payday lenders, you have been there, you have done that, and you've done it with style, panache, imagination, and intelligence. I am going to miss you very, very much, dear friend that you are, my favorite fashionista, a strong leader who's able always to give us good advice. Sometimes Julie, you were a little hard on department directors when they came to Appropriations Committees, but Julie, I want you to know that no one in this chamber will ever, ever be hard on you when you appear for the Department of Healthcare and Family… and Family Services. So, Julie, we will miss you, miss you, miss you, but we're proud of you and we are going to enjoy watching you continue to contribute to problem solving for the people of the State of Illinois."
"Representative Will Burns."
"Thank you, Speaker. I'm new to this chamber, but I'm part of a group of folks who look a lot different than me and… and but we think very similarly. I'm pleased to call myself one of the honorary male members of the diva's group and… as one of the leaders, of course, is Julie Hamos. And her stance is in support of human services, social justice, of criminal justice reform, her willingness to speak her mind, her willingness to stand up has been a model for a 09600124.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 lot of us who've come to this chamber and tried to figure out how we should deal with being in Springfield and how do we advance difficult public policy initiatives. And I've appreciated the opportunity to work and serve with you. Good luck in your future endeavors."
"Representative Naomi Jakobsson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Julie, it's been, you know, a great pleasure getting to know you and getting to work with you. And last year, when you were on the circuit going through the state and you came to my area and to my county and I introduced you to people, there were already a number of people that I didn't need to introduce you to because of your work as an advocate for issues over the years so many people knew who you were and it just made me all the more proud of being able to introduce you and… and having you visit the county, and then when you came back in the fall and more and more people wanted to, they wanted to meet you, if they hadn't already. I could say I'm going to miss you and I'm going to miss you in the chamber, but in what you're going to be doing next and my being chair of Human Services, I think we'll probably still be in touch with each other and that's one of the great things we are able to say is we're going to miss you in here, but we'll still see you and see your good works and the fruits of your good works in the state. Thank you so much."
"Representative David Leitch."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Julie, I too, would like to offer my word of congratulations. It's been a special pleasure to work with you on so many issues. I'm 09600124.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 among those who were here when you were a lobbyist. So, while you have no reason to remember, I do remember your very knowledgeable, committed, and very, if I may say, aggressive positions that you were taking but they were always well intended and measures of different reforms. I especially look forward to your service. I don’t think there could have been a better person selected to the responsibility you are about to undertake than… than you, frankly, because it is such a complicated, important, and who knows very much changing department within the context of what's occurring in Washington. I would say perhaps at long last one of the projects that we've attempted to work on, which is to have one-stop service, finally, throughout the human service center may actually be accomplished under your watch. And I also would hope that since you worked with me and others to pass the first umbilical cord blood stem cell Bill in the United States, that a subsequent study revealed how much money we would be saving in the department you are about to take responsibility for is on the order of $12 million a year as I… over a four year period, as I recall. I look forward to finally perhaps implementing that as well. But in any event, I have great respect for your work and look forward to working with you in the future. And best of everything to you and your husband."
"Representative Beth Coulson."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I can only say ditto, ditto, ditto to a lot of what everyone said. I think the only unique thing that we share that no one else 09600124.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 shares is we've been sharing a Senator for many years. I think it's, you know, one of those interesting parings with Senator Schoenberg, Representative Hamos and Representative Coulson. We've had some really amazing meetings in district. We've worked a lot on health care and human services together and transportation. And there were lots of times when I think Julie was always surprised that I'm actually might have agreed with her. But I'm really, really excited about Julie taking over HFS at this time in history with all the changes that are going to occur. I know that you have the abilities, the problem solving to be able to make changes where you need to make changes, but also to know when you need to go get more information and then see what should be done. And I really respect that about Julie and look forward to continuing to work with you on health and human service issues. And good luck in the future. And I'll see you in the district."
"Representative Arroyo."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Julie, I also want to stand to congratulate you for the hard work you've done in Mass Transit with House Bill 656. Julie, you also did a good job with Tamms and we're going to miss you with this Tamms Super Maximum Security Prison. The good thing is that you're not going far. You're going to be close by. You're still going to be in the… in the General… close to the General Assembly and I want to be able to call you and ask you for information on Mass Transit and Tamms, if we need you. Thank you, Julie. It's an honor. Congratulations."
"Representative Don Moffitt." 09600124.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Julie, most everything has been said, just to make a couple more comments. First of all, congratulations on your appointment and good luck. We're… you… you're a class act in… in all that you do and we're a better Legislature because you served here. You know, you'll be remembered for a lot of things and continue in your career, but I want to say that you have set the bar very high for integrity, for honesty, for dedication, for independence. All things that should be characteristics of a Legislator, and… and you've set that bar very high and I… I commend you for that. You know… you served on the Ag Committee and you were an unlikely Member to… to serve on the Ag Committee and when you were first assigned to that I wondered why. You know, did you have… an interest in Ag or what it was, and we soon… I soon found out that you were there to… you wanted to study the issues, and it was simply your desire to set good public policy. And when you came to Ag Committee, you had obviously studied the issues and even though, there might have been times when we, if we didn't agree, I knew that you had studied it and you had reasons for voting the way that you did. And recently, there was… was an issue and you voted differently than you had perhaps in the past and you said, you know, I studied the issue and I am going to vote with the Ag Committee today on… on that particular issue. And I just commend you for your willingness to… to study those issues and… and respond accordingly. We truly are a better state, a better Legislature because of your service. And at this point, I would just say, congrats, thanks and Godspeed Thank…" 09600124.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Representative Harry Osterman."
"I also want to commend Julie for her years of service in this Body and thank her personally for her assistance with me in her leadership. No one studies an issue harder and looks at the different angles for the betterment of the people of Illinois than Julie Hamos. And on every issue that she focused on, the CTA being one of the biggest one's that affects our neighboring communities, she put the time and energy in that others did not. And she is a lesson to all Legislators, specifically new Legislators, on how to take this process and how to take it seriously, and when to stand up and be independent and that sometimes gets lost in the difficult times that we have. And it's unfortunate she's leaving, but I also look at what she's doing now. Julie, probably had many other options that she could take and to take the position that she's taking at a critical time in our state's history says very much about her and who she is and where her priorities are. So, on behalf of all the people in Rogers Park that we shared, I wish you nothing but the best."
"Representative Lisa Dugan."
"Julie, I also just wanted to stand up and first congratulate you and… and we, of course, have had some legislation and issues that we've come together on that… I really appreciated your… your honesty, and certainly your willingness to work. When we looked at the transportation and transit Bill and I came to you and talked about downstate issues and… and what we also needed to do and you were willing to… to work with me and with the downstate 09600124.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Legislators and your… the transportation Bill then really benefited the entire state, so I… I appreciate that. Also, of course, probably the one thing I do remember that was really a lot of fun is when you had decided to go forward with the farm food Bill and many throughout the… the chambers was wondering why someone from Chicago was going to be addressing issues with farms. And you and I had a great time with that and of course, passed that legislation, which was very beneficial throughout the State of Illinois. So, I, too, congratulate you, look forward to working with you in your new position, and we'll do more great things for Illinois as you've done as a Legislator. Thank you."
"Representative Deb Mell."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, you know, it just feels like yesterday when it was very first day in the chamber and I went and I… I sat next to Julie and… and I knew of her before I came here and I knew she was someone that I definitely wanted to… to get advice from, and she's truly been a mentor to me. On that very first day she taught me about… she told me about building coalitions and about building really meaningful legislation and not just for a quick fix, but really looking at all sides of the problem and issue and building the co… Do you remember our talk? It was my very first day and I'll never forget it. And… and Julie, what you don't know is that when I go out in the district, I talk about you quite a bit and I talk about that you're the kind of Legislator that I want to be. And… and I… I always look at how you vote and I'm going to be a 09600124.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 little bit lost, quite frankly, without you here. And it was just, you know, it's been a short time serving with you, but it's really been very helpful and I… I see you truly as a mentor. And I… I it's a sad… I'm not happy… I'm not happy about this. So, good luck. Thank you."
"Representative Danny Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Julie, congratulations. I'm way back here. Congratulations. I enjoyed our opportunity in your first term to be your seatmate. I know they kind of deemed us the odd couple, but… but it… but it was an enjoyable time and I know you'll be a great director. You have the compassion and the ability to lead us well in that department. And I look forward to working with you in a new capacity. Congratulations."
"Representative Sid Mathias."
"Julie, again, let me add my congratulations to all of the previous speakers who have said so many nice things and I don't think I can say it any better. We… we've had some… also some unique experiences that you probably have not had with other Legislators. We… we and our spouses have eaten dinner in Mexico together. We've eaten dinner in China together having been fortunate enough to go on one of the China trips and I… I think as a result of that we have gotten, at least I know I've gotten to know you better, but especially working together on the RTA Reform Act, where I saw how tenacious you were and how hard you worked, because it was not an easy Bill to pass, as you know, and barely passed. There were issues with unions, there were issues with, obviously our constituents, with raising sales taxes, 09600124.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 raising other type of taxes, which is never easy to do, but I could see through all of it that you wanted to do the right thing for not only your constituents, but the whole area and the constituents throughout the whole region. And so, I really respected you for taking those unpopular stances in some cases because it was the right thing to do. And so, I know that in your new position you will do what is right within the constraints of our budget, which I know will not be easy, but I'd rather have somebody like you there with that challenge than most other people I know because I know you'll meet that challenge and do what's… what's good for our whole state. So, congratulations and I look forward to continually working with you."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Julie Hamos, I would just like to say it has certainly been a great pleasure working with you. And I think the most fun we had was working on the transportation Bill. And I remember us being on radio station WBON together and we had solved one of the crisis of the transportation system not knowing there was another one looming right behind us, chasing us, but you were very successful in getting that immediate one take care of. I trust very well that you will do an excellent job where you go. And I hope that you'll remember you have many friends on the House Floor and I'm sure on both sides of the aisle. I think you worked diligently to receive or to get the support from the public on that other issue, but as you know, these issues come and they go. And as Barack Obama 09600124.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 proved sometime God has something greater in the plan for you. Godspeed. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "Ladies and Gentleman, Representative Julie Hamos."
"Thank you. Well, thank you so much. I was really hoping I could shoosh the body, something I've waited eleven and a half years to be able to do, but thank you for your attention. And it's so great to have a eulogy before we die. You know, it's fantastic. So, I very much appreciate and I'm so heartened by everything that's been said today. I think in many ways I… you've really captured my spirit here and you've reminded me of all the issues we worked on together and that's been fantastic to just get a… a real great summary of that. I want to say the one thing I have never lost, not just the last eleven and a half years, but for the 25 years I worked on state public policies before that as an advocate, is my sense that what we do here is so important. That state public policy is so close to the people that we make a big difference. We are, in many ways with all the levels of government, the most important. And right now I know how difficult it is for anybody running for reelection. You know, we are hearing so much anger from the public. We're hearing… we're seeing the cynicism. I beg you not to become cynical because I really am as enthusiastic today about this Body and our work here as the day that I started. I really believe in us and the possibilities that state public policies really impact people's lives. Now as many people said, and I loved what Rosemary Mulligan said that she wanted to suck 09600124.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 up to me, I feel like I should be sucking up to you. I'm appearing before your Approp. Committee next week, but I am not going that far away, as some of you pointed out, just up the street. And if there's one thing I, again, I want to say to you, is that we are going to work on health care together because as you said today, and as I'm so glad you know about me, I really believe in building bipartisan coalitions around the big issues of the day. And there's no bigger issue facing us than to get the National Health Reform right, and to do it well and to implement some of the efficiencies in Medicaid that many of you have been talking about and I share that I want to get us… get us to do it and to do it right. And I'm… I know where you are and I know where to find you and my goal is to involve you in my work as a state agency director to see us all on the same team working on, again, a very big and important issue that's facing every single one of our constituents. So, again, thank you so much for this wonderful honor today. Thank you for my seatmate Elaine Nekritz for organizing this little party and please join us in the back for cake. I want to take some photos. I'm going to be really dorky this last day and do my last day in Springfield. But again, thank you for everything. My heart goes out to all of you. Love you and please continue doing the great work here. Thank you."
"Julie, on behalf of all of us, good luck, good health, and God bless you. Representative Jakobsson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?" 09600124.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Help me with the protocol, because I rise for a point of personal privilege, but for two points of personal privilege. The first one is, as most of us know, this is the 'Week of the Young Child', and we have with us today in the balcony several of the people who have been recognized as shining examples of those in our communities who are doing good things for children. And these individuals have been nominated by their local affiliates and they're here today in Springfield. So, can they please stand and be recognized. And then my second point of personal privilege, please. I also have some other guests who are joining us today, learning a little bit about the legislative process, and following around, and going to committees. My legislative assistant from my Champaign office is here, Teri, and also two interns from the University of Illinois. Many of you have interns in your offices. I'm blessed to be where the U of I is, so I can have them while we're in Session, Rosie and Amy. Please welcome those three."
Speaker Lyons: "Welcome to Springfield. Enjoy your day. Representative Pritchard, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"As our Members know, a lot of the eyes of Illinois are on us today. I think still in the… in the chamber we have some of the Sandwich High School Band members here. They're down to… stand up please, if you will. They're 09600124.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 here for an activity. They're seeing Springfield and their government in action. Welcome them to Springfield."
Speaker Lyons: "Welcome to Springfield. Enjoy your day. Representative Will Davis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?" Davis, W.: "For the purposes of a committee announcement. The Health and Healthcare Disparities Committee will not meet tomorrow. It will not meet tomorrow."
"Representative Fritchey."
"Thank you, Speaker. Matter of personal privilege. Ladies and Gentlemen, as we're losing one Member, I'd just like to take this opportunity to welcome back a former Member to the House, former State Representative and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, standing in the back of the chamber. Tom. Have a… a round of applause. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "Welcome home, Tom. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1100, offered by Representative Fortner. House Resolution 1101, offered by Representative Fortner. House Resolution 1102, offered by Representative Zalewski. House Resolution 1105, offered by Representative Berrios. House Resolution 1106, offered by Representative Tryon. House Resolution 1107, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 1108, offered by Representative May. House Resolution 1109, offered by Representative Pihos. House Resolution 1110, offered by Representative Pihos and House Joint Resolution 115, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell." 09600124.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Representative Lang moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the… Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"One committee scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled. The Juvenile Justice Reform Committee, scheduled for 2 p.m. this afternoon has been cancelled. There are two changes for committees tomorrow. The Youth & Family Committee scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, Thursday morning, will be delayed and will start at 10 a.m. Again, Youth & Family Committee for Thursday morning is scheduled now for 10 a.m. Two committees tomorrow morning have been cancelled. The Environmental Health Committee, scheduled for 11 a.m. and The Health and Healthcare Disparities Committee scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow, have been cancelled."
Speaker Lyons: "Recognize the Gentleman from Randolph, Representative Danny Reitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to remind everyone that the Illinois Legislative Sportsman's Caucus is tonight at the DNR building. If you have any items to donate, please let us know. I will have the silent auction starting at 6 and the oral auction at 7 and all of the proceeds go to the Illinois Conservation Foundation that will be used for youth and handicap hunting and fishing events. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "Thank you, Representative, Representative Bill Black." 09600124.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry, Sir."
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, the proposed date for adjournment is about three weeks away and I was just wondering, do we have any plans to at least spend 1 hour discussing the budget, in this budget Session before we adjourn?"
"I'm sure there is, Representative. I'm sure there's time going to be…"
"All right, I… will you take that under advisement?"
"Absolutely, Representative Black."
"Okay. I… well, my… I heard from some people in my home county, the state's attorney's salary isn't being reimbursed. The public defender's salary isn't being reimbursed. The probation officer's salary isn't being reimbursed. The state is burning and it seems to me that we're here fiddling, but if you've said you'd taken that under advisement, I will anxiously await at least a one hour discussion on the budget, in what is supposed to be a budget Session."
"Representative Washington, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Representative Washington, you had your light on. Do you seek recognition, Sir? Okay. Seeing no further business to come before the House, Representative Lang moves, allowing perfunctory time for the… for the Clerk, that the House will stand adjourned to the hour of 12:30 on Thursday, April 15. All those in favor for adjournment signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 09600124.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 have it. The House stands adjourned 'til 12:30 on Thursday, April 15. Have a good evening, everybody."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Rules Report. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken in April 14, 2010: approved for floor consideration, referred to the Order of Consideration Postponed is Senate Bill 744. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 121, offered by Representative Currie, First Reading. RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 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 3 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. Immediately following each decennial redistricting, the Senate, by resolution, shall divide the Legislative Districts as equally as possible into three groups. Senators from one group shall be elected for terms of four years, four years and two years; Senators from the second group, for terms of four years, two years and four years; and Senators from the third group, for terms of two 09600124.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 years, four years and four years. The Legislative Districts in each group shall be distributed substantially equally over the State. (b)In 2012 and every two years thereafter one Representative shall be elected from each Representative District for a term of two 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 office with more than twenty-eight months remaining in the term, the appointed Senator shall serve until the next general election, at which time a Senator shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy is in a Representative office or in any other Senatorial 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 09600124.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 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 3. LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING (a)Legislative Districts and Representative Districts shall each, in order of priority, be substantially equal in population; provide racial minorities and language minorities with the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice; provide racial minorities and language minorities who constitute less than a voting-age majority of a District with an opportunity to control or substantially influence the outcome of an election; be contiguous; respect, to the extent practical, communities of interest; respect, to the extent practical, municipal boundaries; and be compact. (b)In the year following each Federal decennial census year, the General Assembly by law shall redistrict the Legislative Districts and the Representative Districts, subject to the hearing and notice requirements of subsection (c). A bill passed by the General Assembly pursuant to this subsection shall be presented to the Governor not later than June 3. The foregoing requirement shall be judicially enforceable. If the Governor approves the bill, then the Governor shall sign it by June 10 and it shall become law. If the Governor vetoes the bill or makes 09600124.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 specific recommendations for change to the bill, then the Governor shall return it with his or her objections or specific recommendations by June 10 directly to the house in which it originated whether or not the General Assembly is in recess or adjourned. Any bill not so returned on or before June 10 of that year shall become law. A vetoed bill or bill returned with specific recommendations for change shall be considered in the manner set forth in this subsection notwithstanding any provision of Section 9 of this Article to the contrary. Not later than June 15, the originating house may either override the Governor's veto or specific recommendations for change by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected or accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change by a record vote of a majority of the members elected. If the originating house passes the bill by the required vote, then it shall be delivered immediately to the second house, which, not later than June 20, may take the same action as the originating house by the same record vote requirements applicable to the originating house. A bill having received the required record vote in both houses shall become law and shall take effect immediately notwithstanding any provision of Section 10 of this Article to the contrary. If no redistricting bill for the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, or both, becomes law by June 20 of that year, then the General Assembly may not redistrict by law for the remainder of that year, except as provided in subsection (f). If no redistricting bill for the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, or both, 09600124.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 becomes law by June 20 of that year, then the Senate may redistrict Legislative Districts and the House of Representatives may redistrict the Representative Districts, as applicable, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected to that house, subject to the hearing and notice requirements of subsection (c). An adopted redistricting resolution shall be filed with the Secretary of State by the presiding officer of the house that adopted the resolution not later than July 20. If no redistricting resolution is filed for the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, or both, by July 20, then not later than August 20 the Senate Redistricting Commission shall redistrict the Legislative Districts and the House Redistricting Commission shall redistrict the Representative Districts, as applicable, each in a manner consistent with subsection (e). (c)In the year following each Federal decennial census year, the Senate and House of Representatives shall each establish a committee to consider proposals to redistrict the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, as applicable. Each committee must conduct at least four public hearings statewide to receive testimony and inform the public on the applicable existing Districts, with one hearing held in each of four distinct geographic regions of the State determined by the respective committee. All hearings of a committee shall be open to the public. The Chairperson of each committee shall, no later than six days before any proposed hearing, post a notice with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as 09600124.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 applicable. The notice shall identify any measure and subject matter that may be considered during that hearing. The notice shall contain the day, hour, and place of the hearing. If a committee favorably reports a redistricting resolution or bill redistricting the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, or both, as applicable, then the committee shall conduct at least one final hearing in each of four distinct geographic regions previously determined by the committee in order to receive testimony and inform the public of the proposed Districts. All hearings of a committee shall be open to the public. The Chairperson shall, no later than two days before any proposed hearing, post a notice with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as applicable. The notice shall identify any measure and subject matter that may be considered during that hearing. The notice shall contain the day, hour, and place of the hearing. After the committee completes the required hearings, then the Senate or House of Representatives, or both, as applicable, may amend a redistricting bill or resolution and may take final action on the bill or resolution. (d)As soon as practical, the General Assembly shall make available to the public, the Commissions, and the Special Masters all Federal decennial census data it receives from the Federal government and any other data required by law. The General Assembly shall provide a means by which members of the public may submit redistricting proposals or comment on or obtain a copy of any proposal submitted to the Senate, the House, a Commission, or a Special Master. 09600124.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 (e)By February 1 of the year following each Federal decennial census year, a Senate Redistricting Commission shall be constituted and consist of ten members, no more than five of whom shall be members of the same political party. The President and Minority Leader of the Senate shall each appoint five persons to the Commission, no more than two of whom shall be Senators and at least three of whom shall be persons who do not hold an elected or a political party office, are not employees of the General Assembly, are not employees of a political party, are not immediate family members of a member of the General Assembly or Congress, and are not lobbyists as defined by law. By February 1 of the year following each Federal decennial census year, a House of Representatives Redistricting Commission shall be constituted and consist of ten members, no more than five of whom shall be members of the same political party. The Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint five persons to the Commission, no more than two of whom shall be Representatives and at least three of whom shall be persons who do not hold an elected or a political party office, are not employees of the General Assembly, are not employees of a political party, are not immediate family members of a member of the General Assembly or Congress, and are not lobbyists as defined by law. An "immediate family member", for purposes of this subsection, is a person with whom the person has a bona fide relationship established through close blood or legal relationship, including parents, siblings, children, spouses, and first cousins. Persons appointed to each 09600124.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Commission should reflect the racial, ethnic, geographic, and cultural diversity of the State. The members shall be certified to the Secretary of State by the appointing authorities. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled within five days by the authority that made the original appointment. For each Commission, a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be chosen by a majority of all members of the Commission. Each Redistricting Commission shall conduct at least ten public hearings statewide to receive testimony and inform the public, with two hearings held in each of five distinct geographic regions of the State determined by the respective Commission. All hearings of a Commission shall be open to the public. The Chairperson of the Commission shall, no later than six days before any proposed hearing, post a notice with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as applicable, who shall immediately make the notice available to the public. The notice shall identify any measure and subject matter that may be considered during that hearing. The notice shall contain the day, hour, and place of the hearing. Each Commission shall conduct the public hearings by April 1 of that year and must file a report with its respective chamber regarding its hearings, including hearing transcripts. Each Commission shall also file a copy of its report and hearing transcripts with the State Board of Elections, which shall make the report and hearing transcripts available to the public. If no law redistricting the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, or both, takes effect by June 20 and the Senate 09600124.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 or House, as applicable, fails to file a redistricting resolution with the Secretary of State by July 20, then the applicable Redistricting Commission, by resolution adopted by a record vote of at least six Commissioners, shall redistrict the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, as applicable. If a Commission adopts a redistricting resolution, then the Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing in each of the five distinct geographic regions previously determined by the Commission in order to receive testimony and inform the public of the redistricting plan. The Commission must complete the required hearings prior to filing an adopted redistricting resolution with the Secretary of State. All hearings of a Commission shall be open to the public. The Chairperson of the Commission shall, no later than two days before any proposed hearing, post a notice with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as applicable, who shall immediately make the notice available to the public. The notice shall identify any measure and subject matter that may be considered during that hearing. The notice shall contain the day, hour, and place of the hearing. The Commission shall file an adopted resolution with the Secretary of State not later than August 20. If a Redistricting Commission fails to file an adopted resolution by August 20, then the Supreme Court Judges most senior from each political party represented on the Supreme Court shall jointly appoint one person to act as Special Master to redistrict the Legislative Districts and a different person to act as Special Master to redistrict the 09600124.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Representative Districts, as applicable. A Special Master shall be a person who does not hold an elected or a political party office, is not an employee of the General Assembly, is not an employee of a political party, is not a member of the General Assembly or Congress, is not an immediate family member of a member of the General Assembly or Congress, and is not a lobbyist as defined by law. The Special Master shall be appointed and certified to the Secretary of State not later than August 27. The appointment of the Special Master by any Supreme Court Judge shall not be considered an actual or potential conflict of interest for which the Judge shall rescue himself or herself from any action concerning redistricting the House and Senate. The Special Master may consider any redistricting plan filed by members of the General Assembly, the applicable Commission, or members of the public. The Special Master shall conduct at least one public hearing in each of the five distinct geographic regions previously determined by the applicable Commission in order to receive testimony and inform the public of the redistricting plan. The Special Master must complete the required public hearings prior to filing a redistricting plan with the Secretary of State. All hearings conducted by a Special Master shall be open to the public. The Special Master shall, no later than two days before any proposed hearing, post a notice with the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, as applicable, who shall immediately make the notice available to the public. The notice shall identify any measure and subject matter that may be 09600124.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 considered during that hearing. The notice shall contain the day, hour, and place of the hearing. The Special Master shall file a redistricting plan of the Legislative Districts or Representative Districts, as applicable, with the Secretary of State not later than October 5. (f)If a redistricting bill, resolution, or plan is invalidated in whole or in part by a court of competent jurisdiction or a redistricting plan is not filed with the Secretary of State by October 5, then the General Assembly may redistrict by law. (g)A redistricting resolution or plan filed with the Secretary of State shall be presumed valid, shall have the force and effect of law and shall be published promptly by the Secretary of State. (h)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 upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies to redistricting beginning in 2011 and to the election of members of the General Assembly beginning in 2012. This has been First Reading and introduction of Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 121."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the 09600124.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2615, Senate Bill 2801, Senate Bill 3728; recommends be adopted as amended is House Resolution 920. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Business & Occupational Licenses reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2542, Senate Bill 3018, and Senate Bill 3385. Representative Osterman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3494; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 3568. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 803; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 3183; do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 387, Senate Bill 2630, Senate Bill 2798, Senate Bill 2802, Senate Bill 3023, Senate Bill 3169, Senate Bill 3214, Senate Bill 3289, Senate Bill 3372, Senate Bill 3418, Senate Bill 3422, Senate Bill 3429, Senate Bill 3491, Senate Bill 3505, Senate Bill 3576, Senate Bill 3587, and Senate Bill 3817. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Tollway Oversight reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 3118. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2490, and Senate Bill 3692. 09600124.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 124th Legislative Day 4/14/2010 Representative Moffitt, Chairperson from the Committee on Fire Protection reports the following committee action taken on April 14, 2010: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 676. Introduction and reading of Senate Bills - First Reading. Senate Bill 3272, offered by Representative Beaubien, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. First Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned.” 09600124.doc 66