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 Shaun Lewis, who is with the Illinois State Director of the Capitol Commission serving the political leaders of all of Illinois. Members and guests are asked to please refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and electronic equipment and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Shaun Lewis."
"If you would bow with me in prayer. Father in Heaven, Psalm 115:1 exclaims, not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. You are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And it's to You that we pray, it's to You that we pause in humble recognition. I'd like to pray for our Representatives and for their staff today. Many of them work long hours during Session. They receive criticism; they rarely hear a word of commendation. I pray that You would remind them… remind them there are people in the state who appreciate their sacrifice and their hard work. May they work with integrity and humility with one another today, exercising mulk… meekness in those moments of frustration. Comfort those that are away from family, help them to focus on the tasks at hand today. Though You are not… though You are a God not seen, You hear and You've spoken in the pages of Your word. Thank You for hearing 09700126.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 and I pray You would draw many in our Capitol to look to Your Son for salvation. Jesus' name, Amen."
"Representative Marcus Evans, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance today." Evans, M. – 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, how are the Democrats doing today?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Soto and Williams are excused today."
"Representative Mike Bost, the GOP."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect all Republicans are present and ready to fulfill their purpose in life."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There's 115 Members responding to the Roll Call, we have a quorum present. We're prepared to do the work of the State of Illinois. Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on April 24, 2012: approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 1390, House Bill 3976, House Bill 4202, House Bill 4239, House Bill 4313, House Bill 4320, House Bill 5665; approved for consid… consideration, referred to Third Reading is House Bill 5761. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 963, offered by Representative Golar. 09700126.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 House Resolution 966, offered by Representative William Davis. House Resolution 974… these are refe… offered by Representative Phelps. These are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Leader Barbara Flynn Currie for a Motion."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move to suspend the posting requirements so that House Resolution 936 can be heard in Transportation: Roads & Bridges."
Speaker Lyons: "You've heard the Lady's Motion. Seeing no objection, all those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Motion carries. Leader Barbara… Leader Karen Yarbrough, House Resolution 731. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 731."
"House Resolution 731. BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Union Pacific Railroad on its 150th anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Union Pacific Railroad as a symbol of our respect and esteem."
"Leader Karen Yarbrough."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we are going to acknowledge Union Pacific and their 150 years. On July 1, 1862 Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act creating the original Union Pacific. Mr. Speaker, could I have… could you quiet it down, so that I could present this? Shh…" 09700126.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks very much. It's our first day down here and as usually we're a little louder than normal. And Representative Yarbrough has a issue she'd like to have our attention, please. Thank you. Sorry, Karen."
"Today we are here to recognize a company that has become a part of out state, Union Pacific Railroad on their 150th anniversary. I think that most of us know that Illinois and the Chicago region is the rail hub for the… for America. Whether it be goods headed west, east, north or south, much of it comes through our rail hub. And for that we are proud of our special responsibility. As a State Representative for the Proviso area, I'm proud that this Proviso Rail yard is located near my district; however, it's in Representative Lilly's district. It's one of the largest rail hubs in the country and 25 percent of all rail traffic comes through this rail yard. Union Pacific is more of a partner than anything. They've grown with us; they could not have gro… we could not have grown without them. There's a symbiotic relationship forged during the time of westward expansion. Union Pacific continues today to be a strong partner. In the past two years, they have invested $470 million in capital spending and they employ over four thousand Illinoisans. Back in February, we unanimously adopted House Resolution 731 congratulating them on their 150th anniversary. Today we are joined by UP, so I want you to join me in recognizing them. So, Mr. Robert Turner would you stand up in the gallery, Senior Vice President Corporate Relations; Mr. Dan 09700126.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 Witthouse, General Superintendent of the St. Louis Service Unit; Mr. David Giandinoto, General Superintendent of the Chicago Service Unit; Mr. Mike McCarthy, General Manager of the Alton and Southern Railroad; and Mr. Wes Lujan, the Director of Public Affairs. Let's give them a warm welcome and congratulatory."
"Wes and Union office… Union Pacific officials, thank you very much for all you do for the State of Illinois. And this Amendment, Representative Yarbrough, was previously adopted, so we're covered on that. So, thank you again, Union Pacific. Representative Pritchard, point of personal privilege."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would like to congratulate Union Pacific also for Global III, which is in my district over at Rochelle that adds thousands of jobs and adds millions of dollars to the economy, besides taking freight off of the roadways to a great extent. So, congratulations on your 150th. Also, I'd like to congratulate the DeKalb County Farm Bureau who is also celebrating their 100th birthday this year. And they have brought a group of seventh and eighth graders from several school districts in the county down to see us in action. So, if they would stand up please in the gallery, we can recognize their attendance today."
"DeKalb students, welcome to your Capitol. We're proud to have you down here. Representative Cavaletto, point of personal privilege, John."
"Yes. I would also like to congratulate the Union Pacific on their 150-year celebration. And to also, maybe, 09700126.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 that the two toots before you leave the yard behind my house so… at midnight. They sound pretty good at times and I know the railroad is running. So, thank you very much."
"Representative Chapa LaVia, on page 8 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, you have Senate Joint Resolution 61. Mr. Clerk, Senate Joint Resolution 61. Chair recognizes Representative Linda Chapa LaVia."
"It's that time of year again General Assembly when we pass the Senate Joint Resolution 61 type which is the waivers. So, voting 'yes' means you approve of the modification to denial to the school district application set forth by Senate Joint Resolution 61; voting 'no' means you support the school district waiver applications without changes. This has been vetted through both the Senate and the House and there are no descending 'no' votes. So, I ask for your adoption. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Jackson, Leader Mike Bost."
"Thank you, Mr… thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Lady said that this is something that we go through every time and I was around when we created this process. We do need to know that a 'no' vote is a 'yes' vote to support the waiver and a 'yes' vote is a way to stop the waiver. So, a yes is a no and a no is a yes and now that you're totally confused, let's vote."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Chapa LaVia moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 61. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'… Voice vote… We'll do a Roll Call vote on that. All those in favor of the adoption 09700126.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 of Senate Joint Resolution 61 vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Coladipietro, Dunkin, Franks, Kosel, Leitch, Pihos and Sullivan, would you like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk… Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this… on this Resolution, there are 111 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And Senate Joint Resolution 61 is adopted. Representative Paul Evans, on page 7 of the Calendar, under Order of Resolutions, you have House Joint Resolution 66. Mr. Clerk, House Joint Resolution 66. Mr. Evans." Evans, P.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 66 calls for the creation of a bipartisan commission to review all the expenses, the compensation of any of the boards and commissions we have. It sets forth a structure of how the commission would function. It would be staffed by the Governor's Office and it would allow us to focus on the needs of our budgetary crisis and improve the effectiveness of our government. And I ask that it be approved."
"You've heard the Gentlemen's explanation. Is there any discussion? Chair recognizes Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, we talked about this briefly in committee. Is there are a time frame when this advisory panel would actually have to give its report?" Evans, P.: "It's asked to be reported at the end of the year." 09700126.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Can you show me where that is in the… in the text? I was just reading it very quickly and I didn't see that. Oh, before June 30 of 2013, correct?" Evans, P.: "I believe so, yes, Sir. I'm looking…"
"Okay. That's good. No, I'm… do we need a Resolution to do this or could we ask LRU to give… give the information on what committees for instances… or commissions rather, are paid and how often they meet?" Evans, P.: "I believe it will be more effective in achieving its results by having this Resolution and a commission created."
"And is there any cost to the state?" Evans, P.: "No. The staff is being provided by the Governor's Office, the existing executive board of appointments as stated on page 2 of 3 line 10."
"I'm wondering, couldn’t the Governor on his own volition just do this? Because it's the Governor who appoints these Members to these commissions and boards and it’s the Governor who decides whether these boards and commissions shall be paid. Recently, I think the Governor decided to pay the folks who serve on the Toll Highway Authority, where his predecessor wasn't paying them. So, isn't this really something the Executive could do on his or her own motion and just do this?" Evans, P.: "Yes. The Executive could do that, but that does not deny us the ability of doing it also to assist in the governance of the state." 09700126.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"So once we get this advisory panel, is there any requirement that the Governor actually follow the recommendations or is this merely a suggestion?" Evans, P.: "This is an advisory, so you can use whatever term of argue wish; it does not have a binding mandate, but I believe it's going to be very beneficial to the people of this state to know what is happening. It'll help bring clarity and transparency to this issue."
"No. I agree. And I think we need to do that. My concern though is is we don’t seem to have… this Governor doesn’t seem to have the will to do it. So, I just don’t want this to become an exercise in futility and… because I've had the same criticisms and I've asked the Governor to stop paying these boards and commissions and to cut some of these boards and commissions and he doesn’t do it. Frankly, he funds the boards and commissions before he funds anything else and that doesn’t… that doesn’t make any sense to me. So, my only concern is, if we have this, I'm not sure it's going to amount to much unless we're able to put some pressure on the Governor." Evans, P.: "I understand your position."
"Thank you."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Paul Evans moves for the passage… or the adoption of House Joint Resolutions 66. All those in favor 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? Feigenholtz, Mell, Nekritz, like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Amendment, there's 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 09700126.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 voting 'no'. And the Resolution passes. Representative Mike Zalewski, on the Order of Resolutions, Mike, on page 8 of the Calendar, you have House Resolution 830. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 830. Representative Zalewski. Out of the record. Representative David Harris. Representative Harris, you have, under Resolutions, David, House Resolution 824. Out of the record. Members I'd like to advise you that I'll be going through the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading starting on page 3 of the Calendar. So, Members, if you have a Bill on Second Reading, this is not alphabetical, it goes by number, please follow along with me. And if you want your Bill moved to Third, give me the appropriate high sign. Representative Golar, Representative Esther Golar. Representative Kelly Cassidy, on page 3 of the Calendar, Kelly, you have Senate Bill 1047. You want to move that Bill to Third Reading? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1047, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative André Thapedi, you have, on the Order of Senate Bills–Second Reading, Senate Bill 1127. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1127, a Bill for an Act concerning corporations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09700126.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Third Reading. Representative Karen May, on page 3 of the Calendar, you have Senate Bill 2488, on the Order of Second Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2488, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Sente, on the Order of Senate Bills–Second Readings, you have Senate Bill 2492. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2492, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Golar, Esther, on page 3 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills – Second Reading, you have Senate Bill 680. You want to move that Bill to Third Reading? Out of the record. Representative Sid Mathias, you have Senate Bill 2520. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2520, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Patti Bellock, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Patti." 09700126.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"I just wanted to ask the chamber if they would look to the back and today is Autism Day in the State of Illinois. And some of these people up there are the leaders in the State of Illinois on Autism and I'm just telling you we can be proud of what we've done in our state. This is the seventh annual day we've had. We have raised the awareness of Autism, I think, more than any state in the United States. We have done free training for all police in the State of Illinois. We have the State Fire Marshal here. We have done training already for free, a voluntary basis, of over a thousand firemen led by these groups. We have done insurance for our children with Autism and we have led the charge on many national issues. Now we have others to choose, we talked about it, we passed a Bill two weeks ago on what we call falling off the cliff. When after 22, the children have nothing to do, so we want to develop a model for services for adult services for children with Autism. And we also… the Federal Government now has said it's 1 in 88 children. When we started seven years ago, it was 1 in 150; it's now 1 in 88. So, I thank all of you for all you have done to support the legislation we have done over the last several years. And I just want to ask everybody to give them a cheer for all they have done as leaders in the State of Illinois."
"Thank you everybody. God Bless you. Thank you for your hard work on that serious subject. And Patti, thank you also for being the lead on its… that issue. Representative Dena Carli, for what purpose do you seek recognition Representative?" 09700126.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Good morning and I'd like to… a personal privilege please."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"I'd like to wish my seatmate here, Representative Toni Berrios, a very happy birthday today. Happy birthday, Toni."
"Happy birthday, Toni and many more. Have a great year. Representative Dan… Leader Brady, point of personal privilege."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege. I, too also would like to… Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, how about we give Representative Patti Bellock, a nice round of applause for all her work on the Autism awareness. As a parent with a son, 10-year-old Tom Brady, who's autistic, I'd like to say thank you to Patti, to all those in the gallery behind me and to all of you who have worked so hard on issues that affect autistic children throughout the State of Illinois. How about a nice round of applause for Representative Patti Bellock on all her work and all of you. Thank you."
"Great work, Patti. Representative Jakobsson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Naomi."
"I would like the House to join me in welcoming a teacher and students from Judah Christian School in Champaign. It's the high school. These students have come to observe us today and learn a lot from us. So, let's 09700126.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 give them a big round of applause and a nice warm welcome. Thank you."
"Welcome to your Capitol. we're proud to have you here in Springfield. Representative Beiser, back on page 3 of the Calendar, Senate Bills–Second Reading, you have Senate Bill 2528. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2528, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. On page 4 of the Calendar, Ladies and Gentlemen, starting with Representative Hernandez, you have House Bill 2574. Representative Hernandez. Representative Hernandez, House Bill 2574. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2574, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Connie Howard, on second Bill… Senate Bills–Second Reading, Connie, you have House Bill 2818. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2818, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Mike Bost, Leader Bost, on Senate Bill 2819. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09700126.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Senate Bill 2819, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Deb Mell, you have Senate Bill 2820. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2820, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative McAsey, you have Senate Bill 2844. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2844, a Bill for an Act concerning corrections. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Mayfield, you have Senate Bill 2849, on Second Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2849, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Dave Winters, you have Senate Bill 2850. Dave Winters. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2850, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09700126.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Third Reading. On the Order of Senate Bills– Second Reading, Mr. Clerk, we have Senate Bill 3217. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3217, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brady, you have Senate Bill 3242. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3242, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Jim Sacia, Senate Bill 3324. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3324, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Chapa LaVia, you have Senate Bill 3393. Representative Chapa LaVia, 3393. You want to move that Bill to Third Reading? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3393, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Sid Mathias, you have Senate Bill 3409. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3409, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No 09700126.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Chapin Rose, Senate Bill 3423. Chapin Rose, 3423. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3423, a Bill for an Act concerning drugs. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Lisa Dugan, Senate Bill 3452. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3452, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Sid Mathias, Senate Bill 3487. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3487, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Jack Franks, Senate Bill 3508, Jack. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3508, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Sandy Pihos. Sandy, you have House Bill 3… Senate Bill 3579. You want to move that Bill to Third? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09700126.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Senate Bill 3579, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Lisa Dugan, Senate Bill 3670. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3670, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lyons: "Third Reading. Representative Chapa LaVia, Senate Bill 3671. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3671, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Darlene Senger, Senate Bill 3809. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3809, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Reboletti, you changed your seat. For what purpose do you seek recognition, in your new seat, Representative?"
"Mr. Speaker, I wanted to be closer to you, So I asked Leader Cross if I could move. But I rise on a point of order. And under House Rule 18(g), I move to discharge House Bill 175 from the House Rules… Rules Committee. Under 09700126.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 House Rule 54(a)(2), all Motions are assigned Standard Debate status and I wish to debate my Motion. Upon conclusion of the debate, I ask for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge. Under Rule 49 in Article IV Section 8 (c) of the Illinois Constitution any vote should be recorded and when five Representatives shall so request. There are at least five Members on my side that wish for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge House Bill 175 from the House Rules Committee."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I object to the Motion."
"The Gentleman's Motion fails. Representative Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, I didn't see that one coming. So, I rise again to a point of order and request a Roll Call vote on my Motion pursuant to rights granted in the House Rules and the Illinois Constitution. And that the breach of these Rules should be corrected immediately with a Roll Call vote on my Motion to Discharge. So, I would ask to appeal the ruling of the Chair pursuant to House Rule 57(a), and ask that again that House Bill 175 be discharged from the Rules Committee."
"We'll be right with you, Representative."
Parliamentarian Wier Vaught: "Representative Reboletti, on behalf of the Speaker, rulings of the presiding officer related to subsection (g) may not be appealed. Therefore, your Motion is denied."
"Representative Reboletti." 09700126.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"First, Mr. Speaker, I was wondering how many times the Leader from Hyde Park could object in one particular month? Is there a certain limitation on how many objections one Representative gets?"
"I guess it's fair game, Representative, every time there is a Motion."
"Mr. Speaker, I have tried to find my purpose in life and when I woke up this morning, I found my purpose in life and that is to roll back the massive tax hike that we passed here in January of 2011. And I know that the Governor would agree with me because he promised that he would never sign a Bill that raised taxes more than 1 percent. So, maybe it was scrivener's error, but I'm sure he would also be supportive of this hue and cry for some relief, Speaker. I know that the great people here in the State of Illinois could use some tax relief, economic stimulus if you will. By raising taxes 67 percent, we have taken away at least one week of salary away from a family of four in Addison making $50 thousand. That, my friends, is a thousand dollars and then they lose another thousand dollars because of the tax hike because there's tax relief from the Federal Government. But, because we've changed the House Rules, God forbid we have a vote on this. Why would we not want to give the people's chamber an opportunity to reflect on the mistake that was made here in January of 2011? So, now that I found my purpose, Speaker, I'd ask you join with me. All of us can be very purposeful today, stand up for our families, the working families of our districts and vote to join me to overrule the Chair. 09700126.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 Again, I'm going to ask to overrule the Chair pursuant to House Rule 57(a). I ask for a recorded vote."
"Representative, I've been advised that that Motion can not be appealed and therefore, your Motion is denied. Leader Mike Bost."
"Mr… Mr. Speaker, if I could, I'd like to make this very clear with everyone who's listening right now. So, Robert's Rules of Order say that we have the ability to override a Chair, but the House Rules say we don't. Now, think about that, folks. Robert's Rules of Order say we can override the Chair. We have an issue that we want to debate. We have an issue that should be discussed, an issue that deals with the taxpayers of the State of Illinois. Something that should be important, not only to the Speaker, but to everyone in this chamber, everyone in the chamber across the hall and especially to that guy down there on the second floor. Now, I know he has already decided what his purpose is in life, but this is a pretty important purpose and that's to deal with the issues that are before this Body so that we can agree or disagree to allow the opportunity to have on the debate… to have a debate about taxes and the level of taxation in the State of Illinois. I'm pretty sure that's why we're here, but we have all, once again, set up Rules that will stop us from having that opportunity and folks, on your side of the aisle… on your side of the aisle, you voted for those Rules that have taken that privilege away from you and here it's come home to roost again. You can't override the Chair; you 09700126.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 can't even make a Motion to debate overriding the Chair. Folks, don't you see a problem? I do."
"Representative Camille Lilly, on page 6 of the Calendar, under Concurrences, you have House Bill 3027. Do you wish to concur with House Bill 3027? Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. Representative Mike Unes on a point of personal privilege. Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention. Representative Mike Unes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday our state lost a true hero. U.S. Army Specialist Dean Shaffer, this past Thursday, died in the line of duty in Helmand Providence, Afghanistan. Specialist Dean Shaffer was 23 years old from Pek… Pekin, Illinois. His UH-60 Blackhawk crashed while flying a medivac mission in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Shaffer was a chief on the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter which is the work horse for the army's amia… aviation corps. He was a 2007 graduate of Pekin High School where he was a member of the school's JROTC program. Mr. Speaker, this is the second solider from Pekin to die in military service in the past year. You may recall Jordan Bastean who was 19 was killed October 23, 2011, in combat also in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I would just ask that the General Assembly here keep his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Thank you."
"Moment of silence please. May the soul of Dean Shaffer and all the faithfully departed rest in peace. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 09700126.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
Clerk Hollman: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 964, offered by Representative Nekritz. House Resolution 965, offered by Representative Beiser. House Resolution 967, offered by Representative Marcus Evans. House Resolution 968, offered by Representative Lyons. House Resolution 970, offered by Representative Jackson. House Resolution 971, offered by Representative D'Amico. House Resolution 972, offered by Representative Dunkin. House Resolution 973, offered by Representative Phelps. And House Resolution 975, offered by Representative Acevedo."
Speaker Lyons: "Leader Barbara Flynn 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 adopted. Gentlemen, Ladies, important announcement from Representative D'Amico. Is Representative John D'Amico on the floor? Well he's missing in action, so the Chair will take the liberty, unless John walks back in the chamber. Representative… Representative D'Amico."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Down… down in the well here we have the trophy from our softball game last year and we're going to have the game again tomorrow night at 5:30 and we want to keep that trophy here in the House. So, we're going to have practice again tonight at 5:30 at Washington and Amos, so anybody that's interested in playing come on out, loosen up a little bit and get ready for tomorrow night. And hopefully tomorrow we'll deliver a victory and keep this trophy here in the House. Thank you." 09700126.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012
"Thank you, Coach D'Amico, we appreciate those inspiring words and please find time to get a little exercise in and help the team's cause. And now, seeing no further business to come before the House of Representative, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie moves that the House stand adjourned to the hour of 12 noon on April 25. We will have the Cardinal's World Series Trophy here, so please note that. It will be here tomorrow from, I believe, from noon 'til about 2:00. So, all those in favor of adjournment signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, the House stands adjourned 'til the hour of 12 noon Wednesday, April 25. Have an enjoyable evening, everyone."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and Reading of House Bills. House Bill 6157, offered by Representative Senger, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 6158, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 6159, offered by Representative Mussman, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 6160, offered by Representative Sente, a Bill for an Act concerning veterans. First Reading of these House Bills. First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 551, offered by Representative Phelps, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2559, offered by Representative Howard, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2568, offered by Representative Krezwick, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. 09700126.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 126th Legislative Day 4/24/2012 Senate Bill 2896, offered by Representative Hammond, a Bill for an Act concerning education. First Reading of these Senate Bills. They're referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09700126.doc 25