Speaker Lyons: "Good afternoon, Illinois. Your House of Representatives will come to order. Members are asked to please be at your desks. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Bernard Kendrick who is with the Glad Tidings Apostolic Assembly in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Pastor Kendrick is the guest of Representative Emily McAsey. 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. Pastor Kendrick."
"Shall we bow our heads. Lord God, we come to You this afternoon thanking You for this opportunity for God to stand before these great men and women and the elected officials of this House of Representatives. And for those who share with them in this great state, in particularly Lord, State Representative Mrs. Emily McAsey and Ms. Linda Chapa LaVia. I come this afternoon, Lord God, to ask You to invoke Your presence, Your wisdom and Your spirit upon each Representative as they legislate laws that would affect the people of our communities, our counties, our villages, our cities and of this state. Lord God, let each of them put away their biases and their selfish motives and come together to legislate laws that will provide our youth with quality education, for the betterment of our families, senior citizens, poverty stricken, the poor, the rich, whether it be healthcare or education, jobs with meaningful employment, for reducing mortgages, foreclosure crisis. Lord, we ask You this afternoon that you would bless us today. That we as a Body, 09700065.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 we solicit Your help. That You find wisdom in each of these matters. But most of all, Lord, we ask You that You would look upon our budgets that we're trying to pass that with meaningful purpose. And when it's all over we the people of this great state and each of our State Representatives can thank You for hearing our voice. Whatever, Lord God, it takes please invoke Your wisdom, Your guidance in the decision making process. And I know that when each Session has ended that You and each elected Representative of this Legislative Body and the people of this state will be pleased for the job well done. As I say and I quote the words of God, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'. Now Lord, as I close please bless our families, our parents, our wives, our husbands, our significant others, our sons, our daughters and those of us who serve in the various capacity of government. But, please don't let us forget our Governor Pat Quinn and the Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan to give them wisdom and knowledge to lead this state. And we will say, thank you, thank you, and thank you again for Your divine intervention in each of these matters. Amen. And God bless America."
Speaker Lyons: "We'll be led in the Pledge today by the Mitchell's, Jerry and Bill." Mitchell, J & B - et al: "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. Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Democrats." 09700065.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Soto is excused today."
"Thank you, Representative. Michael Bost, GOP."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Barickman is excused on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There's 116 Members responding to the Roll Call, we have a quorum. We're prepared to do the work of the people of the State of Illinois. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative McCarthy, Chairperson from the Committee on Personnel and Pensions reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 512… do pass as amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 512. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: do pass as amended Short Debate for House Bill 3108; and recommends be adopted Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1799. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: do pass as amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 1836. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: recommends be adopted Floor Amendment #5 to Senate Bill 395; do pass Standard Debate for Senate Bill 1297; do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 540, and Senate Bill 1279; and do pass as 09700065.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 1633. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I- Civil Law reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: recommends be adopted Floor Amendment #1 (sic-and Floor Amendment #2) to Senate Bill 1306; do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 115. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: recommends be adopted Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 387. Representative Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II-Criminal Law reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 1228, Senate Bill 1470, and Senate Bill 1471; recommends be adopted Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1631. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 423, offered by Representative Mell. House Resolution… House Resolution 424, offered by Representative Sacia."
"Representative David Harris, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?" Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." Harris, D.: "Mr. Speaker, we often acknowledge special days for people who are here in the House and I would just like to mention that you have two very attractive ladies working in the well. And have been doing a great job for us here. And one of those attractive ladies has her birthday today and she has this big smile on her face. So, it is Adrienne's birthday and happy birthday to her." 09700065.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Adrienne, happy birthday. Thanks for the great job you do for us. Representative Sara Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Ma'am?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise on a point of personal privilege. Although she is not here, today my fabulous cousin Esther is turning 80 years old. So, I would like for the General Assembly to do a shout out every… a lot of Members here know her and she's turning 80 today. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "Happy birthday to her. Representative Ron Stephens, a point of personal privilege, sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege. In my remarks yesterday I talked about the gates of heaven and… and afterwards, one of my Marine Corps buddies, Jim Watson, reminded me that should the unlikely circumstance of I ever visiting the gates of heaven that those streets will be well guarded by United States Marines. And to that I say, Hoorah!"
"Mr. Clerk, Rules report."
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: approved for consideration and referred to Second Reading is House Bill 481."
"Mr. Clerk, what's the status of Senate Bill 512?"
"Senate Bill 512, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. Notes have been filed on the Bill as amended… 09700065.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 have been requested on the Bill as amended and have not been filed."
"Hold that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, put House Resolution 415 on the board please. House Resolution 415. Representative Chapin Rose on House Resolution 415."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, behind me in the gallery is my good friend, Bob Easter. Dr. Easter is the retiring Interim Chancellor of the University of Illinois. Bob has worked his entire career at the University of Illinois on behalf of… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bob has worked his entire career on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois teaching our children, advancing the cause of research. He rose through the ranks from a research grad assistant all the way up to being a… the Interim Chancellor the University of Illinois. I am proud to call him my friend, he's a constituent, we used to be neighbors. It would not be uncommon to find Bob Easter on a… on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the summer mowing his own lawn out there. And… and we'd… we'd talk. And Bob's a good man, he's also I think importantly a Major in the United States Army Reserves, he's retired from that now as well. But, we salute both his service today to our state, but also to our country. And, Mr. Speaker, I… at the appropriate time I'll ask for adoption of the Resolution, but I think there may be some others who wish to speak at the time."
"We'll get back to you to close and make that motion, there's about 5 or 6 people who do want to speak 09700065.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 Dr. Easter. So, we'll continue on the… on the people who are requesting to speak. Representative Hays."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise to thank Dr. Bob Easter for his many years of service to the University of Illinois. His vision, passion and tireless advocacy has played a significant role in the U of I remaining one of the most respected and truly great university, not only in this country but worldwide. World class faculty; innovative, ground breaking research and most importantly incredible opportunity for students. Both from our great state and from every corner of the globe. On a personal note, Dr. Easter, I thank you, both my mother and my sister are proud University of Illinois Alum. You know, the true sign of terrific Leadership is the respect one garners from his or her peers. And the faculty, administration and academic brethren alike, hold Dr. Bob Easter in the highest esteem. Dr. Easter, thank you for lending your substantial talents to the University of Illinois and to our great state. God speed and a happy retirement."
"Representative Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to object to this Resolution. I think anything that this Body does that encourages this man to retire should be rejected. Bob Easter has as you've heard from some of these speakers, already he's had an exemplary record for hard work, for ethics, for fiscal responsibilities. And besides that, he started out setting an example that people should move to Illinois. I mean this gentleman comes from the great State of Texas. And he realized that this was a better 09700065.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 environment than that state. This is an animal scientist that has built a renowned reputation, as was previously mentioned, that has brought great acclaim to not only the State of Illinois and the University of Illinois but, also has greatly benefited the livestock producers and the agricultural industry of our state. As Dean of the College of… of Aces, Agriculture and Community and Environmental Sciences, he has turned the department… or the college around. He has set a great example of how to improve certain programs, and has set an example for all of the faculty that I think all of us want our university faculty to be exemplifying. So, I don't want to see this man retire. But, if he is going to retire this Body certainly deserves to give him recognition."
"Representative Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to encourage him not to retire. We've had the privilege through livestock production of knowing Bob Easter from back before I think I even had my driver's license and we would travel to Champaign with issues of the day, that we needed basic research for the better of the industry. And he was always available, he was always a professional, he was always very hard working. And then he became Dean and then after Dean it was acting Provost and acting Chancellor. And it is with sadness that we see a man of common sense that wants to retire. 'Cause as Voltaire said, common sense isn't that common. So, it's been a pleasure. He's with his wife, Cheryl, and again he spent 20 years serving this country in 09700065.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 the Guard. And we cert… certainly thank him for his contributions."
"Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I join my colleagues in wishing the very best to Chancellor Easter. It's been a pleasure to work with him. His many accomplishments have been mentioned by prior speakers. But, one additional one that I'd like to mention, during his time as Chancellor, he was Chancellor at the time that the recently dedicated Illinois Fire Service Institute was constructed and then dedicated. We've mentioned the importance of the College of Agriculture being one of the top in the nation, the University of Illinois, but also that Fire Service Institute is a premiere training center in the entire nation and really internationally. So, that's just one more of many accomplishments that makes Illinois a better place, makes our community safer, makes our firefighters safer the training they can have there. So, Dr., Dean, Chancellor, Bob, sorry to see you retire but you certainly have earned it. We wish you the very best and I know you'll continue to give us encouragement and draw on your expertise. So, we wish you the very best as we thank you for your outstanding service to Illinois and really the nation, thank you."
"Representative Naomi Jakobsson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise to honor Dr. Easter, now Chancellor at the University of Illinois, former Dean of the College of ACES. His Leadership has been exemplary. He's going to be extremely missed. He was always 09700065.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 accessible. You know, I wasn't raised on a farm, I'm not a farmer. But, through his Leadership, through his invitations to Legislators and especially those who are right there in the district, I think I have been educated enough in agriculture to actually have intelligent conversations with some of the farmers and some of my neighbors who are in agriculture in some way or another. And I just once again want to thank Dr. Easter for all of his contributions that he has made to this state, to the students who have gone through the University of Illinois and to the entire Body. So, thank you very much for your service."
"Representative Lisa Dugan."
"Thank you, Speaker. I, too, stand and rise to thank Dr. Easter for his passion for the U of I, but most importantly for of course the students. As he was Dean of the College of Agriculture for many, many years and as the Chairman of the House Ag Committee, I know member… many of our Members and myself knew of his passion for agriculture. And… and helped many students understand, as we all know, agriculture is the #1 industry in this state. And because of people like Dr. Easter, who continue to make sure that everyone understood the importance of agriculture and understood what it meant to the people of this state, that particular passion will never be forgotten and certainly what he taught. Many of the students along with Legislators as my previous colleague talked about, the opportunities that we were given to visit and to also learn what was happening at the U of I and agriculture throughout this 09700065.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 state and really throughout the country. So, I too, thank Dr. Easter for everything that he has done. I, too, hate to see us lose him but, we will never lose what he gave to the students and to this state. Thank you. And enjoy your retirement."
"David Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As with my other colleagues, it's with sadness we see Dr. Easter retire. Dr. Easter I won't tell you how long ago I met you, it was… but it was during my junior year in 1984 when you taught one of my classes. So, your… your commitment to the industry, agriculture as a whole, and when I served on the Illinois Pork Producer Board it was exemplary. Research, devotion to research, but more importantly the commitment to educating the next generation. And agriculture has seen a lot of progress in trans… trans… progress over the last four years… 30 years. And you've certainly been a big part of that. So, you've always been willing to step up to promote the university and the industry. It's with sadness we see you leave. God speed in your retirement. Thank you, Dr. Easter."
"Representative Jim Sacia."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I've had the privilege of knowing Dr. Easter for nine years. I would see him one time a year and it would be at the Illinois State Fair sitting in the front row where I had the privilege of being one of the auctioneers at the Governor's Sale of Champions. And what you need to know about Dr. Easter, not only was his friendly warm smile 09700065.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 there to greet us but he ensured that the bidding was lively, exciting, and if he wanted to take home the champion steer, the champion hog, whatever, he managed to make that happen. And I think it's very indicative of his commitment to livestock agriculture, to our 4H youth who were displaying and selling their prized livestock. And it's been such a joy to have the honor of knowing him and to see his commitment and passion. And Dr., I just want to join my colleagues in wishing you the very best in your retirement."
"Representative Rose to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, it… it is with sadness that we… we wish Bob well. And… and Cheryl, why don't you stand up too with him if you would, thank you Cheryl. Bob, you've been a steady hand for the University of Illinois. You're a… I call it the Bob Easter way. Somehow the… the quiet humble man that you are just seems to get things done. You've got a tremendous wealth of respect in our area and throughout the State of Illinois. Everybody wants to leave it better than they came. And the State of Illinois is better for you being here, Bob. And we appreciate your service. Before we close, there's one more important task that Bob Easter has before him though, one more. And it's the appointment of Athletic Director. So, we will look forward to many Illini championships to come to the State of Illinois, as your good work. So, with that I'd ask that the Resolution be adopted, Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Chapin Rose moves for the adoption of House Resolution 415. All those in favor 09700065.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the adoption (sic-Resolution) is adopted unanimously. Representative Rose."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let's all give Bob Easter a big round of applause for his service and his wife Cheryl."
"God bless, Dr. Easter. Thanks for all you've done. Representative Jerry Mitchell, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?" Mitchell, J.: "Ye… yes. Mr. Speaker, I'm just wondering if the Sponsor had requested or anyone had requested that all names of the General… or the House be added to that Resolution?"
"Representative Rose has no objection to that." Mitchell, J.: "Thank you."
"Representative Mitchell, Representative Rose move for the adoption… move for the recognition of all names… all 118 names to be put on the Resolution 815 (sic- Resolution 415). All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it and all names will be added to the Resolution. Thank you, Representative Mitchell, Representative Rose. Representative Michael Bost, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. If Representative Hays could be excused for the rest of the day please?"
"The Clerk will so note and the Journal will reflect. Thank you for it. Representative Mike McAuliffe, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"A point of personal privilege." 09700065.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Please proceed, Michael."
"Up here in the gallery we may have some future students I'm sure of the University of Illinois. But, currently we have, led by Ann Poland, we have students from the school right by my house, Oriole School on the northwest side of the City of Chicago. They had an opportunity to go in the Senate Chamber, meet Senator John Mulroe and also Representative Jim Durkin. And also had a chance to meet and talk with the Governor. So, let's have a big round of applause for our 7th graders from Oriole Park School."
"Welcome Oriole Park School, glad to have you here. Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Senate Bills Second, Representative Saviano has Senate Bill 1539. What's the status of that Bill?"
"Senate Bill 1539, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Amendments 1, 2 and 3 were tabled. Floor Amendment #4 and 5 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #4 is offered by Representative Saviano."
"Representative Saviano on Floor Amendment 4."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the chamber. Amendment 4 represents the Appraisal Licensure Rewrite. And it's all agreed and I ask that Floor Amendment #4 be adopted."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of Floor Amendment #4 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the 09700065.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And Floor Amendment #4 is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #5, offered by Representative Saviano."
"Skip Saviano on Floor Amendment 5."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #5 is a technical Amendment which exempts… exempts IDOT and County Governments on appraisal usage. I would ask that it be adopted."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of Floor Amendment #5 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to do some Third Reading Senate Bills, on page 5 of the Calendar. Our first one, Representative Mayfield you have Senate Bill 745. Rita, Senate Bill 745. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Representative, I believe… the Clerk informed me you may have a Floor Amendment that needs to be adopted to that? Move that Bill back to the Order of Second Reading Mr. Clerk and what's the status?"
"Senate Bill 745, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Mayfield, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Mayfield on Floor Amendment #1." 09700065.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Floor Amendment #1 is just a technical Amendment for the municipality as versus the county. And I recommend do adopt."
"You've heard the Lady's explanation. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And Floor Amendment #1 is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Jack Franks for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Personal privilege if I may since…"
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Thanks. Seems that things are going a little slowly today and I'd like to encourage my colleagues to go on the Office of the Auditor General's website. I'd like to take your attention to some recent audits that have been put out by the Auditor General. And one that I found particularly disturbing, since we have time, we're here for another five days, maybe this is something that we can tackle. But, if you look at the Sex Offender Management Board Audit which just came out, you'll find it to be shocking. What you'll find is that all the laws that we've passed on sex offenders mean virtually nothing. What this shows is that the 10,039 registered Illinois sex offenders who are subject to tracking and monitoring, nothing is happening. They say that they… this Bill passed, yet they have not implemented any of the recommendations. They've also failed 09700065.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 to implement anything from Bills… from laws that have passed almost 10 years ago. I want everyone to be aware of these problems because we spend a lot of time on the House Floor arguing sex offender issues and registry issues, yet after we pass these laws, the people who are charged with upholding these laws don’t do anything about it. I'm appalled, I know all of you are. We should be having hearings on this. We should be fixing this problem in the next five days. But, this is something that can't be swept under the rug. We have these audits for a reason and I demand that we discuss this immediately."
"On the Order of Senate Bills-Third Reading, on page 5 of the Calendar, Representative Lang you have Senate Bill 87. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 87, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Gentleman from Cook, Leader Lou Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill relates to something called the Transmitters of Money Act. Transmitters of Money Act gives certain exemptions to currency exchanges for providing money orders, et cetera. This Bill simply allows currency exchanges to include that exemption in providing what are called stored value cards. In other words, items that look like credit cards that have cash on them for use, sort of like a debit card. That's all the Bill does."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the pass… Representative Mulligan, you seek recognition?" 09700065.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"I'd like a definition of what it means to not have any licensing for someone that's going to deal with a money card."
"Sponsor yields, Representative."
"I didn't understand the question, Mr. Speaker."
"Well, what it says is that licenses under the currency exchange are exempt from licensing under the Transmitter of Money Act for the sale, loading, or unloading of stored value cards, which are gift cards. So, why would they be exempt if they're dealing with something that has value?"
"Today currency exchanges are exempt under the law for money orders. This would… since… since these cards are the same as cash, we simply extend that exemption to these cards. So, someone might want to go into a currency exchange, they might want to get a money order. They also might want to take a bunch of cash and get one of these cards. It's… it's really no different than giving a money order. And that's why they should have this exemption, Representative."
"All right. So, they are exchanging value for value and they're not doing anything other than that? So, you give them money and you're getting back a card. But, are they exempt if that card proves to be valueless? Or is… what says that the card is actually going to be worth the money after you give them the cash. So, you give them $50 and you get a card valued at $50. Who says that card really will be?" 09700065.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"So, you could go into that currency exchange and hand them $50 and they could write you a money order for $50 made payable to you or anybody you wish. Or they could give you one of these cards, which looks like a credit card. It's got a magnetic stripe on the back, looks a lot like a credit card or a debit card. And that would have the same $50. It's… it's so you don't have to carry that and cash it. You can use it as a credit card."
"So, maybe you can refresh my memory because I know you do, you've worked with law for currency exchanges before. Do they have some kind of… trying to think of what the word would be, something that they have to do when they open up the currency exchange that guarantees that these are ethical people that have a background check or do something to know that they're handling money that's fair? Or can anybody that might take your money, open a currency exchange and the card they hand them may be worthless after you've given them your cash?"
"There is a Currency Exchange Act that licenses these folks the way other people are licensed in Illinois. And I'm sure they have insurance requirements and bonding requirements and background checks."
"Are you sure or you know?"
"Well, I'm not sure about the background checks, but I'm sure about the other."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09700065.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Representative, thank you for yielding. This Bill would allow a currency exchange to issue stored value cards, like a prepaid Visa or Master card, correct?"
"Correct."
"Would these… would they also be able to do like a gift cards and those types of things as well with… on these prepaid?"
"No, under they Bill a stored value card is defined as, 'any magnetic stripe card or other electronic payment instrument given in exchange for money. Including, but not limited to, checks, debit payments, money order, drafts, credit payments and travelers checks.' So, presumably they could as some drug stores do now, I think, put value on a card for some other store, Best Buy or… or any other store."
"That was my question. And I appreciate that. And here's… and here's my follow up to that, I… I thought that's what you wanted to do with this. We passed a law a few years ago which you helped me pass that would not allow these gift cards to expire for 5 years nor could retailers charge a fee for dormancy. Would those same protections still flow, if this Bill… to these distributors should this Bill pass?"
"There's nothing in this Bill that would exempt these folks from the law that you passed, that you worked very hard on, so, I have to presume that they would still be covered by this law."
"Well, fine with those protections I think it's a good Bill." 09700065.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Lang to close. All those in favor of the passage of Senate Bill 87 signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Skip Saviano, like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 109 Members voting 'yes', 6 Members voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Berrios, on page 5 of the Calendar, you have Senate Bill 9… 959. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Representative, I've been advised by the Clerk that there's an Amendment. Take that Bill back to the Order of Second Reading and what's the status of the Clerk… the Bill, Mr. Clerk?"
"Senate Bill 959, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Lang, has been approved for consideration."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Lang on the Amendment or Representative Berrios on the Amendment? Representative Berrios. Representative Berrios on the Amendment."
"All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Amendment 1 is a pass through fee for airport concession fees. It's primarily for rental companies, car rental companies that are at airports. So, we're just trying to take that fee and pass it through to the customers instead of the individual company paying it." 09700065.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"You've heard the Lady's explanation of Floor Amendm… Amendment #1. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of its adoption signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And Floor Amendment #1 is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Mautino on the Order of Senate Bills-Third Readings, on page 5 of the Calendar, you have Senate Bill 1686. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1686, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
Speaker Lyons: "The Gentleman from Bureau, Leader Frank Mautino."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill, 1686, reflects an agreement between the taxing bodies and the Illinois Press Association. We've had very diligent negotiations. I want to thank Representative Ramey for his work on behalf of the taxing bodies and to bring about an agreement and make a… a structure for assessments that have to be published in the paper that will increase clarity, readability and save money for the units and taxing bodies of the State of Illinois. We've met since inauguration every… every Monday before session. And the areas that… that came from this will be changes to the assessments of property other than… other than farm land, that will have an immediate effective date. In some of the areas of statutes where the notices are required to 09700065.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 be published three times in the municipal area, they will go down to a publishing of one time, they must be maintained on websites after that. There's… there's a myriad of changes, and there's also some language for legislative intent that I'd ask Representative Ramey be acknowledged for. And we'll go… that may answer many of the questions that Members have."
"Fine. Representative Ramey, legislative intent series of questions."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor awaits your questions, Sir?"
"Thank you. Representative Mautino, thank you for all that you've done. I know that we worked together on these… this Bill very long and hard. So, I got a few questions on legislative intent. Is this legislation agreed Bill between units of local government who are seeking to reduce, eliminate public and legal notices and the Illinois Press Association?"
"Yes, it is. All of the units of local government that we see around the Capitol here, were represented from school districts to park districts and everything in between."
"Great."
"Is it true that the intent of this legislation is to reduce the cost to persons and units of government placing public and legal notices while at the same time preserving printed public notices in the newspaper?"
"Yes." 09700065.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"In light of the significant concessions made by newspaper industry, the cost savings this piece of legislation is intended to create and the mandate placed on legal newspapers across Illinois to establish and maintain a centralized website for public notices via Public Act 96- 1144. Is it your intent and the intent of the Leadership of this House Chamber to make future legislation affecting legal and public notices subject to the Agreed Bill process for a time period commencing with the Governor's signature on this Bill and ending January 1, 2016?"
"Yes, it is. And as part of the agreement we are going to be looking back at this… this legislation to make sure that the tax… taxing bodies do receive discounts as described in the Bill. And at that point, we are allowing for the Bill to be reopened in order to put enforcement and teeth into the Bill."
"Very good. Which brings me one part, is the understanding of the… if this Bill fails to represent a certain modicum of cost savings using various metrics that can be agreed upon by yourself and other parties involved then you are open to passing legislation outside of the agreed Bill process; which may include fines, penalties, and other remedies with the intent of lowering the costs of placing legal and public notices in newspapers? That is basically what you just said?"
"Correct."
"There are few and very specific areas affecting legal and public notices, which I will address momentarily. But, 09700065.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 that can be addressed outside of the agreed Bill process, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"I've learned that the Illinois Press Association will continue to work in good faith with school and education advocates to create a new school statement affairs for publication. They will also work with the Municipal League to continue to work on the Annual Treasurer's Report and work towards agreed Bills in either situation? However, if no agreement can be reached between the two parties is it your intent to let that very specific issue proceed outside the agreed Bill process? And if it does move forward it could be moved to a committee and may not be moved?"
"Why, yes it is."
"And lastly, Representative, just to reiterate, outside of the few and limited exceptions that I've mentioned before, it is the intention and the intention of the Leadership of this House Chamber to make the future legislation affecting legal and public notices subject to the agreed Bill process for a time period commencing with the Governor's signature on this Bill and ending January 1, 2016?"
"That was the agreement by all taxing bodies. And they will also oppose any legislation that is not following that agreement."
"Absolutely. Well, again, very good working with you, Representative and look forward to doing some more."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy." 09700065.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you. Inquiry of the Chair?"
"State your inquiry, Sir."
"Was that just… was that… was that an episode of "The Office?" It seemed to me like the… would the Sponsor yield?"
"Roger, the Sponsor yields."
"Yes, it was if that was your question."
"Well, I think you need to tape again I'm not sure. Although Ramey did a pretty good supporting actor role there. Tell… how does this… what does this mean as far as savings? Because I… I think the issue has always been there are a multitude of required publications… is there an estimate?"
"There… there are hundreds. There are over 600 required publications through the different taxing bodies throughout the State of Illinois. We reviewed each and every one of them. We looked at those which are required from municipalities to be published on three separate days, three separate times. Those were reduced. So, you'll see a savings on that printing."
"So… so, what's the reduction."
"They were reduced to one."
"One time instead of three separate…"
"Three to one. However, it must me carried on the websites as well as on the Press Association website that will be up and running, and that was the work of Representative Bradley earlier. In addition to that, right now, for example, I think the best thing I can have you look at is when you go to purchase political ads, those 09700065.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 radio stations must give you, not their lowest publish rate on the card, but the lowest rate available to anyone. Volume discount, cash discount, they must give you that bottom rate. We've now basically applied that to newspaper advertising. And so the… because units of loca… local government are required by law to do that we think they should get the lowest possible rate. And so, that has been changed in the statute. And it's actually in compliance with… with I believe it's the Minnesota statutes for requirements in publishing."
"So… so, is that rate set in this statute? Or…"
"It's…"
"… is it still a… fluctuates with market rates?"
"It would be market rates, but its market rates plus, in the sense that… or market rates minus. If you have a card, everyone has a card that's out there… every newspaper, that is their lowest publish rate. However, they give volume discounts, in excess or you know below those rates. And they give frequent user discounts. So, whatever the lowest number is per column inch that you can buy that must be given now as the best rate because it isn't in fact the least amount that anyone can pay."
"Okay. So, does it change the information that has to be provided as well, does it reduce the volume of information? Because some of these notices are… are pages long and the print is so small it… is there anything that…"
"Yes, there is. For instance, in one place on the audit reports the entire audit report does not need to be 09700065.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 published. They are going have to show you where that's available."
"…so, is that true for… for school districts as well?"
"The school districts have an agreement right now, they are working to change their format because…"
"Okay."
"…there's a new requirement right now as to what must be published."
"Right."
"So, the Press Association is sitting with the school districts outside of this Bill. They're trying to come up with a trailer that will design the new school report card which must be published."
"Okay. So, they're… they're trying to come up… now, that brings me to the next question. Is that the subject of the little dialogue between…"
"Our version of "The Office", yes."
"…so… so, what you're saying is, if the… it isn't an agreed Bill then there won't be any changes?"
"Yes. We're… we're making those parties sit down to come to an agreed Bill process."
"Okay."
"And they've already started those meetings. So, it's our hope that they can come up with a new format. It's not only the… they're required to do one…"
"Well, let me ask you this, I'll just get right to it…"
"…at this point."
"…why… why would… if the newspapers associations would be taking less money from the school districts and they have 09700065.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 to go through an agreed Bill process, why wouldn't they just not agree?"
"Well, interestingly enough that's kind of what the whole discussion was with this Bill when I brought it up. But, by sitting down and working with them, Representative Ramey and I got them to an agreed Bill. When I first entered this I said for all taxing bodies we're going to look at three issues: transparency, cost, readability. And we will have an agreed Bill. So, it's been my intention to negotiate them to that point."
"What… what if they just don't agree?"
"And we've been able to do that. So, I would… I would continue with that on the school district report cards."
"Okay."
"They have my commitment, they were good with that."
"Well, my understanding is that there's not an agreement yet on the school report? And that's what's forthcoming?"
"Yes."
"Okay. So, if the Press Association simply never agrees then there'll never be a reduction?"
"For the schools, but that's not a Bill that we have."
"Okay. On the school report card, if they don't agree that can still be moved? That's excluded from that?"
"Right."
"Okay. All right. Thank you very much."
"Representative Tryon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09700065.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you. Representative Mautino, I'd just like to compliment you on the work that you've done and you've worked on it all Session. I was there from the beginning and for those of us who you were… who are cosponsors it was certainly a roller coaster ride at the beginning."
"Well, I… I commend you and I'm glad we came to an agreement after I think 342 negative Statewide Editorials from where the Bill started to an agreed Bill now. So, it has been a little bit of a…"
"And I'm hoping…"
"…a roller coaster ride."
"I'm hoping that we… we have editorials saying that we were able to come to an agreement and work on it. That would be nice. Nobody likes to make the people that buy ink by the barrel mad. But, let me tell you this is a changing way that we get information out in our state. In McHenry County alone, our paper of general circulation arrives to approximately 25,000 households of 114,000 in our whole county. About 89,000 households have the internet. So, we have more people getting their information from news sources off the internet than from the newspaper. And our newspaper will say that if there's three people per household that… that read the paper there… there's you know almost 80 percent of the people reading the paper. And they're right. And the fact is both are very important ways to get information out. And I think by allowing for this information to be more simplified, more contained, this is a good thing. We'll save money and allow newspapers to maintain websites that have this information on it as well. 09700065.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 So, I commend the Sponsor and I would urge everybody to vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, after all this debate I am sorry to bring up this particular point. But, as this Bill passed the Senate the subject matter that you have in this Bill does not match what you put into it. So, I do not think that this Bill qualifies under the subject matter of a Bill that passed that the Governor could sign. Because it's a totally different subject matter than as the Senate Bill is and you cannot do that."
"The Bill is an Act concerning local government. So, I don't know what you're reading or looking at. But, this is definitely local government because it is the requirement of the local governments to… to publish under 600 separate publication notices."
"Well, I would… you just are doing it loosely as local government. The one subject matter is according to a census how many alderman you can have. Yours is totally going to publications. I think it's totally a different subject matter even though it's both local government. It's fine if you want to go ahead with it, I agree with your Bill and I like the Bill. I just don't think it matches what the original content of the Bill was. So, at some point we pass the Bill and it goes back over to the Senate, you know and maybe bounced ultimately for subject matter." 09700065.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Okay. I would… I appreciate your… your comments on that. I do disagree. It is an Act concerning Local Governments and this is a Bill which is brought about by all of the Local Governments at all levels throughout the State of Illinois coming to Representatives Ramey and I and asking for relief. So, we think it's a perfect match."
"Representative Mautino, you want to close or is that it? Frank, to close?"
"I… I wanted to just a special thanks to Pam Althoff who also attended the meetings, she did a good job with it. Representative Tim Schmitz and especially to… to the Members of both our… our staffs that came in and gave of their time. Kathy Bruns from Republican staff on the drafting, who worked with Tom Kelley as well. I'm glad to see an agreed Bill in something that for years has been a contentious process. I don't know that there has ever been an agreed Bill in this area. So, for that and for the help of all those that worked to make it so thank you. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Mautino and Ramey move for the passage of Senate Bill 1686. All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this issue. there's 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Watson for a point of personal privilege." 09700065.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please join me in welcoming members from the West Central Illinois Council of the Municipal Officials. We have Joe Snyder from Roodhouse, Bill McCartney from Pittsfield, Darren Gerkey, of Woodson, Bill Camphouse of Perry and Bonnie Waters and Terry Denison from JREDC. Thanks guys, welcome."
Speaker Lyons: "Welcome to your Capitol. Enjoy your day. Representative Nybo, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Chris."
"Mr. Speaker, there are three Representatives in the chamber that have the privilege of representing the Village of Oakbrook. They are myself, Representative Bellock and it also includes Representative Pihos. And on behalf of all three of us, we'd like the chamber to extend a warm welcome, and if they could rise, they're up in the gallery, we have the newly elected Village President of Oakbrook, Gopal Lalmalani, we have their Village manager, David Niemeyer, and we have a very good friend of mine, Trustee Elaine Zannis. Welcome to Springfield."
Speaker Lyons: "Oakbrook officials, enjoy your day at the Capitol. Glad to have to you. Representative Tracy, on the bottom of page 6, you have Senate Bill 1688. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1688, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jill Tracy." 09700065.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 1688 creates the Beardstown Regional Flood Prevention District Act. It is a result of several years of work between local officials in the Cass County and Beardstown area and its residents. There have been numerous public hearings, meetings, and public forums held to put together this solution and piece of legislation to address this community's issues of making upgrades as required by federal FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers in relation to 20 miles of levee repair, flood prevention, and storm water control for the Illinois river… river and its tributaries. This Bill provides that the Cass County Board may, by ordinance, create a flood prevention district to perform emergency levee repair, flood repair, and storm water control. The district will be managed by a board of seven members. This legislation is absolutely vital for the residents of this area to address the needed accreditation of the levees with this FEMA floodpl… flood plain. And in fact, I would like to recognize the Cass County Board Chairman, Dave Parish, who sits in the galley, who was very much a part of all of these negotiations. I welcome any questions and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"You've heard the Lady's explanation. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the passage of Senate Bill 1688 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? Representative Fortner, Mell, Darlene Senger, would you like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this 09700065.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 Bill, there are 73 Members voting 'yes', 41 Members voting 'no', 1 Member voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Feigenholtz, on the Order of Third-Readings, you have Senate Bill 1622. Out of the record. Representative Brandon Phelps, on the middle of page 6, on Senate Bills-Third Readings, you have Senate Bill 1843. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1843, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Brandon Phelps."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. After talking to Representative Reis, I think we've taken care of the problem. And this passed the Senate 56-0, there's no opposition."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the passage of Senate Bill 1843 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? John Cavaletto. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 112 Members voting 'yes', 3 Members voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative John D'Amico, on the Order of Senate Bills- Third Readings, you have Senate Bill 1907. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1907, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 09700065.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
Speaker Lyons: "Gentleman from Cook, Representative John D'Amico."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentleman of the House. Senate Bill 1907 allows for the Board of Trustees in the Township in Cook County to abolish the Township Road District by referendum. I'll entertain any questions."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy."
"Thank you. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, first of all does this just affect Cook County?"
"Yes."
"And the… the offices or… or the… what… what's being abolished here specifically?"
"The Highway Commissioner."
"Okay. So, that position is the only position that's being abolished in this Bill? And it's only for Cook County?"
"I believe so."
"Okay. And what… what was the emphasis? What… what started this? Was there…"
"Just trying to save money."
"…do… does this have to happen by referendum in each individual township?"
"Yes."
"So, each individual township by referendum, front door, will have the opportunity to abolish that commissioner?" 09700065.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Yes."
"This Bill doesn't automatically abolish it and it doesn't allow the county to do it?"
"No."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative."
"Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you. A Parliamentary inquiry, has House Amendment #2 been adopted?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"Amendments 1 and 2 have been adopted to the Bill."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, does the underlying Bill still pertain that the fee… that the fine will be increased for improper use of a slow moving vehicle emblem? Or does…"
"No."
"…no?"
"No."
"So, this is just a new Bill? House Amendment #1 and 2, which have both been adopted?"
"Right."
"Okay. So, 2 gutted 1? So, 1 no longer is there. Really we're just looking at House Amendment #2, correct?"
"Correct."
"Okay. Now, should… this would only be for Cook County?"
"Yes." 09700065.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Now, should they choose to abolish a Townships Road District, who would take over those functions?"
"The township."
"And that would fall under the supervisor?"
"The trustees."
"But, a trustees would have to answer to the super… I mean, I presume ultimately it would be the supervisor's respon… it would be additional responsibilities of the township supervisor? Because the trustees, I presume answer to the supervisor?"
"The… the township will be able to contract with other entities to take care of… that's who they would be answering to, whoever they sign up with."
"Okay. I'm just trying to find out how this would work. I understand what you're trying to do. Is there no correlation then also to allow for the abolition of a township supervisor, for instance? Because it just seems to be one way here."
"I… I didn't hear you, Representative?"
"Is there… is there any thought of allowing for the abolition of a township supervisor instead of just a Township Road District? Because here's… here's my concern. Because let's assume the supervisor and the road district person get into a spat. This would allow the township supervisor to try to have his rival removed. But, there would be no way… no concurrent way for the Township Road District to do the same for a supervisor."
"Yeah, and it does have to be done by referendum. I mean, they have to… it's got to pass by a majority vote." 09700065.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"No, but I'm just saying that if it's good for one why don't we do it for both?"
"That could be something that we look at down the road."
"Yeah, that… that was my only concern because I understand what you're trying to do. But, I just don't want it to be used politically where one could use it really as a hammer because they would have it over the other elected official."
"Right. I… I see where… that's a good point."
"Okay. Thank you. That… that was the first thing that I thought of. And I'll ask more later, possibly."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Our analysis is a little mixed. So, I'm… what I'm curious to know is what would happen if they abolish the district to the funds? Because usually the road fund has probably the most money of anything in a… in a township. So, what would happen to their money for the roads?"
"If they're… the funds are taken over and administered by the township."
"So, if they abolish the… the roads, are you saying only if the township takes over taking care of the roads they would get the money? Or if they abolish the road district as a township that the township just gets the money for the roads? That's usually a pretty big fund."
"I don't understand your question?" 09700065.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"If the township abolishes their road district, which usually has a lot of money, what happens to that fund?"
"It gets taken over by the township."
"Even though they're not taking care of the roads with it?"
"They will have to take care of the roads."
"Then I guess I don't understand your Bill."
"All they're doing in this Bill is getting rid of the Highway Commissioner."
"So, you're just eliminating the Highway Commissioner?"
"That's right."
"Do you have an axe to grind with Township Highway Commissioners or something?"
"Just trying to save the state some money."
"I don't think it's the state, I think it's the taxpayers of the township that pay for it…"
"Well, just trying to…"
"…quite frankly."
"Representative Riley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor please yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, the previous speaker I think hit on some very assailant points. I just want to get some points of clarification. If this action were to take place based on referendum then it would be the responsibility of the… the supervisor and the Board of Trustees to take care of the roads in the… within the township?"
"Yes." 09700065.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Would they receive the… the levy that was enforced at that time?"
"Yes."
"Okay. There's some language that I'm seeing that talks about that levy not being subject to PTELL or would it still be subject to… to PTELL?"
"For the first year, it's going be subject to PTELL. Not subject to PTELL."
"Not subject. And then in subsequent years it would be subject to the tax caps?"
"Yes."
"Would then the levy be blended or would there still be a separate levy for the road district as it exists without the Highway Commissioner? Or would it part of the… the town fund levy? Would it be separate or would they be blended together?"
"Representative, I'll have to get back to you on that."
"Okay. Because I think that's a very important point and… to the Bill, Mr. Speaker. With all respect to the… to the Sponsor, both Sponsors, I'm not so sure that this Bill was very well thought out. Clearly there's a… an idea behind the Bill in terms of abolishing the Highway Commissioner position. But, all of the other myriad factors that would come into play, I think were not very well thought out. And regardless to what a previous speaker, you know said, there's always going to be political considerations involved in any unit of local government. And to sort of come up with the worst case scenarios I 09700065.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 don't think does any justice to the… to the issue. So, I would respectfully vote 'no' for this Bill."
"Representative D'Amico to close."
"I just appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thanks."
"Question is, 'Should Senate Bill 1907 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting '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? Durkin, Harris, Sosnowski, Winters. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 71 Members voting 'yes', 40 Members voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Kay Hatcher, on the Order of Third Reading-Senate Bills, you have Senate Bill 2139. Out of the record. Representative Jim Sacia, on the Order of Senate Bills-Third Reading, Jim you have Senate Bill 2151. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2151, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Jim Sacia."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Senate Bill 31… or 2151 as amended, actually is an initiative of the Children and Family Services Act and the Juvenile Justice Commission working in conjunction with… just give me one second here if you would. I want to get the correct agencies acknowledged, the Loyola School Child Law Center and the Elk Grove Village Police Department. And what Amendment 2 actually does is removes all the 09700065.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 opposition and creates a commission to conduct a study and thereafter make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the effective treatment and supervision of juvenile sex offenders. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Al Riley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative Sacia, my analysis shows that opposition still exists. So, what you're saying is after some subsequent work they're now all off of opposing this Bill?"
"To the very best of my knowledge, Representative Riley, when we changed it to a study it… it seemed to remove all of the opposition. If there's any out there I am absolutely unaware of it. It seemed that there was very consistent consensus that if a study were made and recommend… recommendations were made to the General Assembly that made good sense. And if I'm missing something, I'll certainly address it."
"Thank you very much."
"Representative Sacia to close."
"I just ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "The question is, 'Should Senate Bill 2151 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 114 Members 09700065.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Renee Kosel, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Ma'am?"
"Thank you. I would like the record to reflect that on Senate Bill 1907 I wish to vote 'no'."
Speaker Lyons: "The Journal will reflect your request, Representative. Representative Mike Fortner, you have Senate Bill 1837. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1837, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Fortner."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 1837 as amended, will allow the Kane County Mental Health Court to partner with certain certified accredited mental health service providers as well as working with some institutions of higher education. The real purpose is to be able to show some of the effectiveness of our mental health courts using Kane County as a pilot example. It's an initiative of former Representative Susan Deuchler. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation. Is there any questions? Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Parliamentary inquiry."
"Your inquiry, Sir."
"Which Amendments have been adopted?"
"Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Only one Amendment has been adopted, Floor Amendment #3 has been adopted." 09700065.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Mr. Franks."
"Okay. I'd like to ask the Sponsor some questions if I could."
"He awaits your questions, Sir."
"House Bill #3 has been adopted, which is a redraft of House Amendment #2? In House Amendment #2, does that allow or disallow a Prisoner Review Board from accepting… member from accepting outside employment?"
"The adopted Amendment makes no changes to that part of statute. It is… the Floor Amendment that was adopted was a gut and replace. So, the original language from the Senate was removed."
"And that language would have allowed someone who sits on the board to have outside employment? So, now that is no longer in?"
"That is no longer in, that is correct."
"All right. So, the only… here I'm going to get to the heart of it then. So, if you're a Prisoner Review Board member that can be your only income? You cannot have an outside employment?"
"Again, as I understand it, if that is current law, that it remains current law."
"Okay. Well, thank you. That was my… my concern is this because this is a board where the members make about $100,000 and we've seen some boards or members making $100,000 and they… and they meet once a year. I mean, I'm sorry once a month. And I think the breakdown is about $7,800 an hour, which concerns me. So, I'm glad that that is not…" 09700065.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"I understand your concern, but any changes to that are not part of this Bill."
"…thank you for making that Amendment."
"Representative Fortner, final word to close."
"Just ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Lyons: "The question is, 'Should Senate Bill 1837 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Dwight Kay. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 114 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative LaShawn Ford, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to stand for an announcement. Just want the…"
"Please proceed."
"…thank you. I want the House to know that it's okay to continue for a little while longer buying trans fats because the Bill failed miserably in the Senate. So, please go ahead and buy your trans fats until next time."
"Representative Eddy."
"Representative Ford, I want to congratulate you on fighting the good fight. I understand that there was a bit of a snag over in the Senate. But… but, as a result of that my understanding is later you'll be buying Doritos and other snacks for everyone on the House Floor, is that right? With the permission, of course, of Mr. Mapes." 09700065.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Representative Don Moffitt, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Sir?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"I… I was wondering if I could ask Representative Ford a question? He just mentioned his Bill, would that be appropriate?"
"Representative Ford there's a question being asked of you in a rather casual discussion here on the House Floor."
"Representative, you… you said that your Bill for banning trans fats failed over in the Senate?"
"Yeah, it went flat."
"Well, how… how bad did it fail?"
"Well, I think it got 13 votes."
"Well, I hope this… I don't suppose this deserves an investigation, but it makes one wonder. To my understanding they were served fried chicken over there today. And I just wonder if there might… you might want to look into that a little bit."
"And I saw they had cupcakes and everything in the Senate today."
"Might be. But, I know the fried chicken…"
"And I think… and… and I saw the Senate Sponsor eating cupcakes. So, maybe…"
"Oh no."
"…he backdoored me on it? Yeah."
"And I don't any of them were offered to any Representatives." 09700065.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011
"Well, we… we…"
"But, I was troubled that they would kill a Bill like that on a day they had fried chicken."
"…okay."
"Okay. Thank you."
"And no Doritos, Representative Eddy."
"Representative Berrios, do you chose to chime in on the trans fat casual discussion here on the House Floor?"
"Yes. I just want to say thank you 'cause now I can go back to my favorite bakery and get all my goods again. 'Cause they were worried. But, I also want to say a quick thank you to everyone on behalf of the Latino Caucus and the Black Caucus who showed up to the end of session party last night. Even with the rain and the tornado watches that were among… among us, we still were able to have a really good party, great food and great company. So, thank you all very, very much for being there and celebrating with us."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 420, offered by Representative Bost. House Resolutions 421 and 422, offered by Representative Morrison. House Resolution 425, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia. And House Resolution 426, offered by Representative Crespo."
"Representative Currie 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 09700065.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 adopted. Representative Connie Howard. Connie, do you seek recognition?"
"If you don't mind, my colleague Representative Golar would like to make the announcement."
"Representative Golar at Representative Connie Howard's microphone."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make an announcement to the Black Caucus Members, that we will be meeting in Room 122B immediately following Session. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Clerk, Committee announcements."
"Immediately following Session, the Executive Committee will meet in Room 118. Executive in Room 118 immediately following Session."
"Representative Jim Watson. Jim, I think you have important news for your Members and the colleagues of the GOP?"
"Yes, we're… House Republicans will caucus after we punch in tomorrow morning."
Speaker Lyons: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Eddy."
"Thank you. Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry, Sir."
"There… there… there have been various questions related to articles of additional clothing that may be needed for the weekend by Members. And I was wondering if there has been any update from the home office related to the need 09700065.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 for attire for the weekend? Or if… Representative Tryon, in particular, seems to be concerned."
"Representative Eddy, as I think the… you were given a nod by the Chief of Staff which basically means, folks we will be here through the weekend. So, as scheduled… as scheduled from back in January this last several weeks as we know, we got off last weekend this weekend we're here."
"Do… do we have any idea of whether or not there would be time between Saturday and perhaps Sunday later in the day where individuals might retrieve additional items that they may need?"
Speaker Lyons: "There… there are laundromats and clothing stores and whatever may be needed, Roger, I think we could probably figure that out. But, as far as windows to be able to run home there's nothing in the Calendar…"
"Nothing specific at this time?"
"…at this stage of the game that will allow. Unless you want to drive that and back quickly."
"Okay. But… but, the mall… is this a tourism or… or a local retail… I see… I see."
"Roger, if you need a couple shirts or a couple ties come see me, I'll be glad to try to help you out."
"All right. That's very… very kind of you."
"And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, with no further business to come before the House of Representatives, Barbara Flynn Currie, Democratic Leader, moves that the House stand adjourned until the hour of 8 a.m. on Friday, May 27th. I don't write them, I just read them. So, 09700065.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 allowing Perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves for the House to stand adjourned until the hour of 8 a.m. on Friday, May 27th. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the allowing Perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House stands adjourned. And the last two times that NBA team from the City of Chicago played I wore my tie, I didn't wear it today. I'm not going to say what I said the last time, I'll only say this, let's hope that the NBA team that played Game 1 will show up for Game 5 tonight. Have a great night everybody."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee reports. Representative Barbara Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: approved for floor consideration recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1177. Representative Dan Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 26, 2011: do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 145. Referred to the House Committee on Rules is Senate Joint Resolution 35, offered by Representative Feigenholtz. House Bills-Second Reading. House Bill 41… correction, House Bill 481, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading. House Bill 3108, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading. Senate Bills on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 16, a Bill for an Act concerning foreclosure. Second Reading. Senate Bill 40, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 09700065.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 92, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 107, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading. Senate Bill 145, a Bill for an Act concerning health facilities. Second Reading. Senate Bill 115, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading. Senate Bill 122, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading. Senate Bill 165, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 540, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 769, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading. Senate Bill 954, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1040, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1228, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1279, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1286, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1293, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1297, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1306, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1394, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1435, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1470, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1471, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1544, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1555, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading. 09700065.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 65th Legislative Day 5/26/2011 Senate Bill 1557, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1586, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1633, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1651, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1694, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1691, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1697, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1799, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1831, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1835, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1836, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1865, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1933, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1967, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading. Senate Bill 1971, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading. Senate Bill 2138, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading. And Senate Bill 2170, a Bill for an Act concerning Local Government. Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09700065.doc 53