"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Lee Crawford, the Pastor of the Cathedral of Praise Christian Center in Springfield. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Crawford."
"Let us pray. Most gracious and sovereign God who art the author and the finisher of our faith. You are the Lord above all lords and the King above all kings and besides You there is no other. God, we reverence You this day, Holy God and we ask Your blessings upon this august assembly. We ask Your blessings upon the Speaker of this House and upon all of its Members. May You bless them today as they deliberate. May You bless them with wisdom, may You bless them with guidance, bless them with strength, bless them with direction. May You bless them to see clearly during these dark times, may You bless them to hear clearly during these noisy moments. May You empower them during these times not to compromise truth, nor forsake Your ways. May You bless them to do that which is the good, to do that which is the perfect and to do that which is the most perfect and precious will of God. This we ask in Your Son's name, Amen."
Speaker Lang: "We'll be led in the pledge today by Representative Cole."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09700047.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Lang: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Bradley, McGuire and Osterman are excused today."
"Mr. Eddy."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Beaubien, Bost, Fortner, Kosel and Mulligan are excused today."
"Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this… there are 108 people present and we have a quorum. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Mahoney: "Committee Reports. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor reports the following committee action taken on April 27, 2011: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 252. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on April 27, 2011: recommends be adopted House Resolution 253; do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1336, Senate Bill 1344, Senate Bill 1360, Senate Bill 1924, Senate Bill 2083. Representative Holbrook, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment & Energy reports the following committee action taken on April 27, 2011: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 1241, and Senate Bill 1929; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1357; recommends be adopted is 09700047.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 House Resolution 56, and House Resolution 244. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on April 27, 2011: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1668, Senate Bill 1798. Representative Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II - Criminal Law reports the following committee action taken on April 28, 2011: do pass Short Debate is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 29, Senate Bill 74, Senate Bill 1035, Senate Bill 1037, Senate Bill 1589, Senate Bill 1708, Senate Bill 1739, Senate Bill 1754, Senate Bill 1828, Senate Bill 1950, and Senate Bill 2027. Representative Verschoore, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on April 28, 2011: do pass Short Debate Senate Bill 41. Representative Mell, Chairperson from the Committee on Mass Transit reports the following committee action taken on April 28, 2011: recommends be adopted House Joint Resolution 24. Referred to the House Committee on Rule is House Resolution 301, offered by Representative Ford."
"Chair recognizes Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I hope you will join me in wishing one of our colleagues a very happy birthday today. That colleague is Ann Williams, she's 12. Twelve years old today and we have cake available in the Speaker's conference room. Please come and bring a fork."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. Happy birthday, Representative Williams. I didn't know we allowed freshman 09700047.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 to celebrate birthdays on the House floor, but I think it's a fine new tradition. Chair recognizes Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to remind Members of the Appropriations for Elementary and Secondary Education that we are meeting after session today in Room 115 for a brief meeting with representatives from the State Board of Education. Again, meeting in 115 after session with the State Board of Education. Thank you."
"Attention Members, we have with us on the House floor today a former Member of the House who's obtained great things. The President of the Senate, John Cullerton. Mr. Pritchard for what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I know we're anxious to go home today for a nice long weekend. But, when we come back Monday night we'll have a Legislative Education Caucus meeting. I hope you'll join us at 7 o'clock in Room 413 of the Stratton building. And we will have food from Jimmy John's. So, I hope you'll join us on Monday evening."
"Members, turning to page 5 of the Calendar under the Order of Senate Bills Third-Reading appears Senate Bill 90, Mr. Franks. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 90, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading."
"Mr. Franks." 09700047.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I'd like to move this Bill back to Second for an Amendment."
"Mr. Clerk, please place the Bill on the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. Senate Bill 154, Mr. Hays. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 154, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading."
"Mr. Hays."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 154 is very similar to a House Bill that we passed earlier in the session that officially names the Harry "Babe" Woodyard Natural Area in Vermilion County. Permanently names the park area after the late Senator Woodyard. I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no debate, those in favor vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Soto, birthday girl Williams. Please take the record. On this question, 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Rose."
"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker, Representative Jakobsson, myself, Representative Barickman, Representative Hays are very happy today behind us somewhere… somewhere in the gallery is Holy Cross School. And we'd like to welcome them to Springfield. Thanks for being here." 09700047.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011
"Welcome to Springfield, folks. Moving down the Calendar, the next Bill is Senate Bill 168 Representative Tracy. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 168, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading."
"Representative Tracy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Senate Bill makes some changes to the membership of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council. It adds three members and it includes now the Department of Historic Preservation. And otherwise makes the council work more efficiently to study ways to improve and impact tourism and economic development areas along the Mississippi River. And I would entertain any questions."
"Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. And on that question, the Chair recognizes Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Lady yields."
"Representative, why are increasing the size of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council?"
"The idea being that they wanted to add a different variety and make it more of a functioning body to add the Historic Preservation Committee. And basically the idea was to make this a more comprehensive body, include more different input from different agencies. It was a request."
"Now, all these people are appointed by the Governor correct?"
"Yes."
"Is there any pay?" 09700047.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011
"No."
"Is there reimbursements?"
"No. There might be, subject to appropriation, a membership fee to the National Organization."
"Is the Commission full right now?"
"Well, there's 13 members and we're going to add 3 more."
"Okay. So, it is… it is fully staffed? Because as you know many of the commissions that we have, the Governor has not staffed and many of them the appointments have expired and they are allowed to stay on. But, this… this one is fully staffed?"
"I believe it is."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"There being no further debate, those in favor of the Bill vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Winters. Please take the record. On this question, 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1670, Mr. Sosnowski. Mr. Sosnowski. Out of the record. House Bill 1703, Mr. Mautino. Excuse me, let's return, Mr. Clerk to Senate Bill 1670. Mr. Sosnowski is in his chair. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1670, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading."
"Mr. Sosnowski." 09700047.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill addresses an issue that was brought to us by park districts. Basically addresses the issue of out of state residents taking advantage of free days at our museums. It's a good Bill. The estimated savings just in the City of Chicago for out of state people utilizing the museums on free days would be $11 million. I'd ask the Chamber for passage and I'm available for any questions."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. And on the question, the Chair recognizes Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, you were in committee on State Government Administration yesterday on a Bill that sounds just like this and didn't it fail?"
"It… it's a different Bill. And that one did not pass committee yet, but I'm still confident I can still work on the committee members."
"Committee yet. I like… I like the optimism. That's unfounded, but naive. It's good… it's good. So, how is this Bill better than the one that failed yesterday?"
"Well, both Bills are great but this one passed."
"But, what does it do differently? I understand it passed, it didn't go through a committee that I think that may have been as discerning as the one that was in yesterday."
"The difference between the two Bills is the Bill that was in your distinguished committee addressed the 09700047.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 number of free days, this simply addresses who is eligible to take advantage of those free days."
"So, you're saying that if you're not a resident of the State of Illinois you don't get free… you don't get in for free?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. Now, I see all the proponents are the Chicago Park District, et cetera. Yesterday your Bill excluded Cook County, today does your Bill include Cook County?"
"Yes, it includes everybody."
"So, that's an improvement as well. Because yesterday you had exempted Cook County, correct?"
"So, will I have your support if I include Cook County on that other Bill?"
"No, I voted 'no' and I think… I think that Bill should rest quietly and peacefully. But, this one here I'm… I'm a little concerned quite frankly about the implementation. Will it be a problem… have you talked to the museums seriously about how they're going to implement this? So, when people are lining up is there going to be a line for residents of the State of Illinois and then for everybody else?"
"Well, it's going to be up to the museums to figure out the implementation of that. But, essentially I would assume that most would utilize some sort of ID process to identify those people who are not residents of the State of Illinois. There will be some opportunity for flexibility for them to determine you know other ways of determining residency. But, the key important item of this is to not 09700047.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 have Illinois taxpayers paying for folks from out of state to go to our museums for free."
"I think it makes sense. Do… do you… is there a fiscal note attached to this? Do we know how much this may save the museums? How many, you know, out of staters come and bog off of our hard tax dollars… our hard earned tax dollars at our… at our museums?"
"Great… great question. We don't know the entire state analysis, but just within the museums within the City of Chicago it's $11 million worth of lost revenue."
"Okay. Well, if you pass this Bill do you promise not to call that rotten one you called yesterday?"
"Probably for this session, yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. Those in favor vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Record yourselves, Members. Representative Jerry Mitchell. Please take the record. On this question, 107 voting 'yes' and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Mr. Turner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take a point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point, Sir."
"I'd catch them before they leave, within the gallery up to my right we have the seniors from the Van Buren home in Chicago in my district. I'd just like to give them a warm round of applause. Thank you." 09700047.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011
"Welcome to Springfield, folks. Chair recognizes Mr. Stephens."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could have the attention of the Body, my… my fellow 173rd Airborne Brigade members and I lost a brother this… this past month. This… this individual is not a… not a fellow soldier, but he was our brother. His name is Tim Hetherington. Tim was born on December the 5th of 1970, he died on April 20th in Libya. We call him a brother of the 173rd because some of you will remember last year a documentary called Restrepo. And Tim was imbedded with the 173rd for 6 of their 12 months tour. He ate with them, he went on missions with them. He was fired upon when they were fired upon. And he carried nothing more than a camera. Tim Hetherington was killed in Libya filming the violence there. He was a good man, a brother of the 173rd Airborne and so he was my brother. And I would ask for a moment of silence for Tim Hetherington. May he rest in peace."
"Thank you, Mr. Stephens. Is Mr. Mautino in the Chamber? Senate Bill 1703, Mr. Mautino. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1703, a Bill for an Act concerning fees. Third Reading."
"Mr. Mautino."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an initiative of the Department of Natural Resources. Last year or a couple of years ago actually, Representative Sacia and some of us put together a program where tickets would go… some dollars from tickets would go to fund the State Police. By 09700047.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 agreement with the State Police the Department of Conservation will take those tickets that were of the fees generated from them that were generated by conservation police officers and put it to a fund that will help fund the Conservation Police Officers Operations. So, it's worth about… it… it's about $200,000, but it'll go to help fund the conservation police. And it is basically not a new fee, it's allowing them to use a fee that is already being paid in order to fund the conservation police officers."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. And on that question, the Chair recognizes Mr. Eddy."
"Thank you. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman will yield."
"Representative, I think you've covered this but this does not automatically raise any fee? This legislation in and of itself does not raise a fee?"
"No, it does not. Currently the conservation police officers write about 14,000 tickets a year… 14-16,000. This would take a… an already existing $15 fee that is in the State Police Fund and it will move it to the Conservation Police Fund. Only those tickets that are written by conservation police officers."
"Okay. So, it's a shift in where the revenue is deposited for use into the Department of Natural Revenue Fund?"
"And that is… that is correct."
"Okay. All right. Thank you very much."
"Those in favor of the Bill shall vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Brady. Please take 09700047.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Members, there are still some Senate Bills that have come over with no House Sponsors. You may want to review these Bills on page 7 of the Calendar to see if any of these Bills are of interest to you. Chair recognizes Mr. Jones."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point, Sir."
"I'd like to… the Chamber to recognize the President of the Bedford Park Firefighters Association and his daughter, Mr. Joe Hall and his daughter Jenna Hall, to our left. Mr. Hall is in Representative Kosel's district and she's not here. So, I wanted to introduce them to everyone."
"Thank you. Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Clerk, Supplemental Calendar. On the Order of Resolutions House Resolution 252, Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Resolution declares today, April 28, 2011 as Workers Memorial Day in Illinois and across the country in remembrance of those who've been killed or injured in the workplace. I would ask for you to join me in taking a moment to remember these individuals and continue our work to ensure a safe workplace for all workers. I ask for your support."
"Lady's moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. On the Calendar on page 8 under the Order of 09700047.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 Resolutions appears House Resolution 245, Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 245 urges the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and reduce financial and clinical burdens of AFib-related strokes on Illinois public programs. I ask for your support and happy to answer any questions."
"Lady's moved for the adoption of the Resolution. There being no debate, those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"House Resolution 296, offered by Representative Nekritz. House Resolution 297, offered by Representative Mathias. House Resolution 298, offered by Representative Reis. House Resolution 299, offered by Representative Mathias. House Resolution 300, offered by Representative Farnham. House Resolution 302, offered by Representative Mayfield. And House Resolution 303, offered by Representative May."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Yarbrough."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"In the gallery behind me the parents of our Parliamentarian today, Victoria Watkins, Michael and 09700047.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 Valerie Watkins. Would you please give them a warm Springfield welcome?"
"Welcome to Springfield. We're glad you're here. Mr. Clerk."
"For an announcement, two committees are meeting immediately after session. Two committees, Appropriations Human Services in Room 100 and Elementary in Room 115, Appropriations."
Speaker Lang: "And now, allowing Perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 3, at 12 Noon. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Resolution… the motion passes and we are adjourned until Tuesday, May 3. Have a good weekend."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills-First Reading. Senate Bill 106, offered by Representative Senger, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Senate Bill 266, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1127, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning corporations. Senate Bill 1279, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1555, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Senate Bill 1556, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 1557, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 1609, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning State 09700047.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 4/28/2011 government. Senate Bill 1968, offered by Representative Jackson, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1972, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. And Senate Bill 2172, offered by Representative Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09700047.doc 16