"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: approved for consideration, referred to Consideration Postponed is Senate Bill 1297."
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 Lee Crawford, the Pastor of the Cathedral of Praise Christian Center here in Springfield. Members and guests are asked please to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all electronic equipment and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Lee Crawford."
"Let us pray. Most gracious God, our Father, who art in heaven, it's because of Your divine and tender mercies that we are not consumed. It's because of Your precious compassion that they fail us not. Today we're thankful for Your mercies which are new unto us every morning. Sovereign and most gracious God in heaven, today we invoke Your blessings upon this august Assembly, upon the Speaker of this House, upon all of its Leaders, upon all of its Members. May they be empowered with Your wisdom and with Your insight. May they be empowered with Your strength and with Your might. May they be empowered with Your spirit and with Your direction. This day may they have a heart, a mind and a will to do that which is good, to do that which is perfect, to do that which is precious. In Your sight, this we pray, in Your Son's name, Amen." 09700160.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Representative Carli, du Buclet and Karen May, would you… the three of us please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance." Carli, du Buclet, May – 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 many Democrats do we have here today?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Rita is excused today."
"Leader Bost, are there any GOP missing?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got a little longer list than that. Representative Durkin, Cole, Mulligan, Pihos, Ramey, Coladipietro and Osmond are excused on the Republican side of the aisle today."
"Leader Currie, new addition?"
"Yes. Please excuse Representative Mautino."
"So noted. Mr. Clerk… Leader, Mike Bost."
"If I didn't say it, Representative Mulligan is excused today."
"Thank you, Leader. Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 108 Members responding to the Roll Call, we have a quorum. We're prepared to do the business of the State of Illinois. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1313, offered by Representative Lang. House Resolution 1316, offered by Representative Ford. House Resolution 09700160.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 1317, offered by Representative Ford. And House Joint Resolution 106, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Representative Chuck Jefferson, I think you have an introduction for the chamber. Representative Jefferson, you on the floor? Chuck. Represent… Leader Jefferson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize and introduce a new Member to the House of Representatives. Mr. Foster took the place of retiring Karen Yarbrough who took a new position as Recorder of Deeds in Chicago on Friday. Cory Foster is here filling her unexpired term. Cory is no stranger to State Government. He's been in government for the last 15 years. I just want to allow the General Assembly to give him a great welcome to the House of Representatives. Mr. Cory Foster."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes Representative Kerry Foster."
"Good afternoon, Members of the General Assembly, House of Representatives. It's an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to serve as the replacement of Leader Karen Yarbrough. It's definitely an honor; it's definitely a privilege. I'm from Bellwood, Illinois. I reside there with my wife and two kids and looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way during this course of the 97th General Assembly. I'm here to assist, if you need me for anything. I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you." 09700160.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Welcome to the club, Representative. Proud to have you. Leader Barbara Flynn Currie. Are you seeking recognition, Leader? Representative Brandon Phelps. You seek recognition, Sir?"
"Point… point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I'd like for the House to join me in wishing a happy belated birthday to my seatmate from the Quad Cities, Representative Pat Verschoore. The big 4-0, the big 4-0."
Speaker Lyons: "Happy birthday, Pat. Have a great year. Representative Pritchard, I think you have an announcement on personal privilege that the entire chamber is going to very, very much well receive. So, Representative Pritchard, point of personal privilege. Heads up."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, we all have our own favorite universities, perhaps some of them are in your district. As you may have noticed, over the time that we were in break, the university in my district, Northern Illinois University, became the representative of the Mid-America Conference to a bowl game in… on January 1. As you may know and as you may have heard on some of the sportscasts, a lot of people don't believe that Northern has deserved an opportunity to play in the Orange Bowl. But it is a Cinderella team and if you look at its record, I think you will note that they deserve to have an opportunity to play in the Orange Bowl. The last three MAC championships have had the Huskies playing in those games. The Northern Illinois Huskies are back-to-back MAC 09700160.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 champions. They are the first MAC team to ever play in the Orange Bowl. They also finished the season rated number 15, an incredible achievement for a… a school that normally doesn't get to play the big name teams. You'll note that Jordan Lynch, the quarterback, has had outstanding honors and should be in New York right now in consideration for the Heisman Trophy. He has set all kinds of records. He broke the record previously held by Michigan's quarterback with a hundred… 1771 yards of rushing on 271 carries. He set a record in the NCAA for quarterback rushing yards. You look at the entire team. It shows a team that has pulled together, that has worked hard, that has represented the best in our area in college football. But more importantly than that, the students, the team members on the football program, are advancing academically. And they have been on the all-Conference academic team a number of times. So, as we look at this opportunity to move forward in the Orange Bowl, they'll be under the coaching guidance of a new coach. As you may have heard, the other coach is now in North Carolina, but we are going to have a coach of Rod Carey who played his… or coached his first team on New Year's Day under the glaring spotlights of the Orange Bowl against Florida State. Carey has spent the last two seasons at Northern and has had some great impressive performance on the offensive line as well as the offensive coordinating positions. We have some oranges up here for you to all celebrate with us as the Illinois team goes to the Rose Bowl, number 15 in the country. And I ask for your support and congratulations. Would all of the Northern Illinois 09700160.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 graduates or those that have attended Northern please wave your hands since you're already standing. And of course, our Chief of Staff, Scott Reimers is also a graduate of Northern Illinois. So, congratulation, Huskies and I appreciate all of your support. We'll have a Resolution supporting the Huskies very shortly."
Speaker Lyons: "Go, NIU, bring home the oranges. Congratulations, Representative Pritchard. Congratulations, NIU, the whole state is very proud of you. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: recommends it be adopted and referred to the floor Senate Bill… Floor Amendment #9 to Senate Bill 16; and recommends be adopted and referred to Order of Resolutions is House Resolution 1313."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, for a Motion. I'd move to suspend the posting requirements so that Senate Bill 1076 and House Resolution 1293 can be heard in Judiciary I; Senate Bills 1280 and 3456 can be heard in Executive; Senate Bill 2936 in Health Care Licenses and Senate Joint Resolution 80 in Agriculture & Conservation. I know of no opposition to the Motion and I would appreciate a unanimous vote."
"The Lady seeks a Motion for the waivers. Seeing no objection, all those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Motion carries. Representative Kay Hatcher, on page 5 of the Calendar, 09700160.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 under Agreed Resolutions, you have House Resolution 1220. Representative Hatcher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, we often in this House have an opportunity to honor outstanding people. Sometimes they're military heroes, sometimes they're volunteers, sometimes they're sports heroes, but we've never really had some that we've honored simply because of the strength of their heart."
"Kay, I'm going to ask you to hold off for a minute. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Resolution that I think everybody should listen to. I'd ask for some noise reduction on the floor. Representative Hatcher. Thank you."
"House Resolution 1220 honors an extraordinary person who's represented not only Kendall County and not only the State of Illinois but the entire nation in global athletic competition. Joe Berenyi is one of those folks who has very quietly through his life proven just how strong the human spirit can be. Eighteen years ago he was in a construction accident that severely limited his physical capabilities, but that didn't stop what he was able to accomplish. He never lost his competitive spirit and he proved it just this year when he represented the United States in global cycling. This summer Joe won a gold, a silver and a bronze medal in competition in the 2012 Paralympics in London and he set a world record in individual pursuit in cycling in… during the process. You have made us all proud and he has been an extraordinary citizen, an extraordinary representative of Illinois. He's an awesome husband and father. And I would like you to all recognize Joe Berenyi 09700160.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 and his family in the Speaker's Gallery. Thank you, Joe. You have… you have more competitive sense and respect than a lot of politicians do."
"God bless you, Joe and congratulations from all 118 of us. Representative Cross and Representative Hatcher move for the adoption of House Resolution 1220. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. By unanimous consent, House Resolution 1220 is adopted. Once again, congratulations. Representative Morthland, on page 5 of the Calendar… you have House Resolution 1131. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a Death Resolution. I'd ask all conversations to please end and all Members to please rise including our guests in the balcony. Representative Morthland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is actually the first of three sad Death Resolutions. Of course, we know that these are always difficult days and when we honor those who have paid for our freedoms with the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to be able to carry on the activities that we are doing so here today. And I would ask the Clerk if he would please to read the Resolution for this young man, Mr. Dobereiner."
"Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 1131 offered by Representative Morthland. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Private First Class Adam Dobereiner of Moline, who was 09700160.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 killed in the line of duty on November 18, 2011, in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, PFC Adam Dobereiner was born on November 21, 1989, in Rock Island; his parents were Christopher and Lee Ann Smith Dobereiner; and WHEREAS, PFC Adam Dobereiner graduated from Moline High School in 2008; while at Moline High School, he participated in wrestling, football and building trades; he subsequently enrolled as a student at Black Hawk College; and WHEREAS, Following a long line of family military service, PFC Adam Dobereiner enlisted in the United States Army in 2010 and graduated training as a combat engineer; he was deployed to Afghanistan on July 6, 2011; he chose to enlist as a combat engineer because he wanted to build things and enjoyed building things for other people on the weekends as a young man; and WHEREAS, PFC Adam Dobereiner was preceded in death by his aunt, Beth Smith; his uncle, Stephen Dobereiner; his great-uncles, Pete Hantz Jr. and Stanley Hantz; and his great-grandparents, Pete Hantz Sr., Troy and Lorraine Huff, Alven and Margaret Dobereiner, and Ida and Herbert Smith; and WHEREAS, PFC Adam Dobereiner is survived by his mother, Lee Ann Dobereiner; his father, Christopher Dobereiner; his siblings, Christopher Lorenz (Kelly) Dobereiner II, Helen Teresa (Marty) Dobereiner-Durbin, and Ann Marie Dobereiner; his nieces and nephews, Conner, Addison, Alayna, Marlee, and Ariana; his grandparents, Don and Helen Smith, Larry 09700160.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 and Vicki Dobereiner, and William and Linda Blackwell; his great-grandparents, Leota Hantz and Ivan and Joan Overton; and his uncles and aunts, Pete and Terri Smith, Tim and Elizabeth Krahl, Steven and Jennifer Thomas, Chris and MaryJo Thomas, and Mark Thomas; and WHEREAS, PFC Adam Dobereiner's patriotism and courage will be remembered fondly by his loving family, his fellow soldiers, and the citizens of our grateful nation; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of United States Army Private First Class Adam Dobereiner; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of PFC Adam Dobereiner as an expression of our sympathy."
"Representative Morthland."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to mention that we are joined in the chamber today by Mr. Dobereiner's mother, Lee Ann and also his sister, Helen Teresa and if you look toward the back, you'll see that Helen Teresa is serving our country today as a member of our Armed Services. There are also many other members of the family who participated in the Armed Services. His… his brother, who is unable to attend, also in… currently in harm's way, Dustin Dobereiner, another brother. The list goes on and on. As someone who's been very involved in Blackhawk College and as a person who is very glad to be able to be able to be 09700160.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 here today because of the sacrifices of these people, I just am so excited to be able to say thank you to this family for always serving us all. And I ask for a moment of silence in his honor. Thank you. May his soul rest in peace."
"May the soul of Adam and to his family our condolences and prayers. All those in favor for the adoption of House Resolution 1131 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. And unanimously House Resolution 1131 is adopted. Representative Halbrook on Elizabe… House Resolution 1173."
"Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution."
"Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 1173 offered by Representative Halbrook. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Specialist Trevor Pinnick of Lawrenceville, who gave his life defending America's freedom on June 11, 2012, near Panjwa'I, Kandahar, Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick was born on January 6, 1992; he was the son of Thomas and Nancy Pinnick of Lawrenceville; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick graduated from Lawrenceville High School in May of 2010; he later entered the Army in August of 2010 and reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for basic training; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick married his high school sweetheart, Martha, on July 9, 2010; he was the proud 09700160.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 father of Melody Renee Pinnick, who was born on September 15, 2010; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick served with the 18th Engineer Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick received the Army Achievement Medal on September 6, 2011 for his work in August 2011 with the 18th Engineer Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment and was promoted to Specialist in the first week of June 2011; and WHEREAS, United States and Illinois flags throughout the State flew at half-staff as a symbol of mourning and to honor the sacrifice of SPC Trevor Pinnick; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick will be remembered for his love of practical jokes, his warm heart, his patriotism, and his bravery; and WHEREAS, SPC Trevor Pinnick dedicated his life to defending America's freedom and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his nation; he will be dearly missed by his wife, Martha Pinnick; his daughter, Melody Pinnick; his mother, Nancy Pinnick; his father, Thomas Pinnick; his older brother, Thomas Pinnick Jr.; his twin sisters, Kayla Lynn Pinnick and Bethany Rose Pinnick; his fellow soldiers; and the citizens of a grateful nation; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family, friends, and the 09700160.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 members of a grateful nation, the passing of United States Army Specialist Trevor Pinnick; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of SPC Trevor Pinnick as a symbol of our sympathy."
"Representative Halbrook."
"Today, I bring before you this Resolution honoring the life and sacrifice of the United States Army Specialist Trevor Pinnick, who gave his life defending our nation on June 11, 2012. This brave young man was a proud father, and husband and an exceptional son and brother who committed his life not only to his family but also to defending our freedom. At the young age of 20, he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country after succumbing to the injuries sustained by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Specialist Pinnick married his high school sweetheart Martha. They have two… two young individuals started their own family with the birth of their daughter Melody. Specialist Pinnick was a Lawrenceville graduate who was well liked and respected by his classmates. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends, but when it came time to get serious and down to business, Trevor was someone you could count on. He will be missed by many and loved by all who had the opportunity to meet this exceptional young man. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Pinnick family. To his wife Martha and daughter Melody, your husband and father will always be remembered as a patriot who fought bravely and gave his life for our freedoms. To his parents, Thomas and Nancy, who raised an 09700160.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 exceptional son and an honorable young man, who was committed to helping others and serving his country. To his twin sisters, Kayla and Bethany and brother, Thomas Jr., your brother was a remarkable insta… inspiration to so many and I assure you, his commitment to our nation will not be forgotten. I want to thank you for his sacrifice. I would ask that the chamber observe a moment of silence to honor this United States Army Specialist Trevor Pinnick."
"May the soul of Army Specialist Trevor Pinnick rest in peace. Representative Halbrook moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1173. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. And House Resolution 1173 is unanimously adopted. Our prayers and condolences to the family. It's a rough day, Ladies and Gentlemen. Representative Paul Evans, House Resolution 1228. Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 1228 offered by Representative Paul Evans. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith of Troy, who passed away on January 3, 2010; and WHEREAS, Senior Airman Smith was born on September 11, 1985, to Gary and Paula Smith of Troy; he was married to Tiffany Smith; he was father to Chloe, and brother to Ryan; and WHEREAS, Senior Airman Smith was stationed with the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron out of Fort Riley, Kansas; he was killed while on patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan; while under fire, he and another soldier, were 09700160.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 attempting to reach those that had been injured; it was during this heroic act that he lost his life; and WHEREAS, Senior Airman Smith was posthumously awarded the Silver Star on September 8, 2012, by Major General Lawrence Wells, Commander 9th Air Force; the Silver Star is the 3rd highest military combat decoration, awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States; and WHEREAS, Senior Airman Smith's selfless actions in the line of duty has brought great credit upon himself, his family, and the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, Senior Airman Smith is survived by his wife, Tiffany; his daughter, Chloe Smith; his parents, Gary and Paula Smith; and his brother, Ryan Smith; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Senior Airman Smith, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Senior Airman Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy."
"Representative Evans." Evans, P.: "These… these… these are indeed sad times and we've heard so many of these. I know Brad's family and indeed, they're standing above me, his father Gary. His mother's not able to be here, but his pastor and the VFW leader are also here. And I think it's appropriate, we use the word 'hero' sometimes very casually in our society and the Silver Star recognizes the heroic works and the gallantry 09700160.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 and we say that lightly, at times, but with Brad he volunteered. He volunteered to go into the Air Force. When they were attacked and blown into the river below, that was not his duty assignment to rescue the others, but he did it, he volunteered. And he was again safe and yet there was more of his fallen comrades to be rescued and returned and he volunteered for that. And time and again, he did it without hesitation and in that, the volunteering, he lost his life. I also wish to acknowledge his family because these outstanding young people that we are losing they don't come from out of nowhere. They come from families that we represent. They come from families that have spent their lifetimes instilling these values of courage and service into them and sadly though they come from families who will remember for the rest of their lives their loss. We are truly blessed in this state that we have so many families that are contributing the ultimate gift as… as the Smith family has. And I wish for a moment of silence that we may remember Brad."
"May the soul of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith rest in peace. Representative Evans moves for the adoption of House Resolution 1228. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. And House Resolution 1228 unanimously is adopted. Representative Rose, I'm sorry. I did not see your light. Representative Rose."
"Mr. Speaker, I hope that it's not too late, but I would ask leave of the Body that all Members be added to these three Resolutions as a imperfect showing of our gratitude 09700160.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 and thanks. And we pray for healing for these families that only the One above can grant. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, Mr. Rose… Representative Rose moves for the addition of all Members to all three Resolutions. Now, seeing no objection, the Motion carries. Thank you, Representative. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, for your attention. God bless these three families. Our hearts, our prayers, our souls are with you. Representative Currie, Motion."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move to suspend the posting requirements so that Senate Bill 3315 can be heard in Executive and House Joint Resolution 98 in Transportation."
"Seeing there are no objection, the Lady moves for the adoption of her Motion. All those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Motion carries. Representative Costello, on page 5 of the Calendar, under Amendatory Vetoes, you have Senate Bill 681. Representative Jerry Costello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I ask you to join me in overriding the Governor's Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 681. Senate Bill 681 is a probusiness Bill that simply said that residents in the State of Illinois could buy ammunition over the Internet from Illinois companies. Currently, they can buy ammunition over the Internet from all 49 other states but cannot buy it from an Illinois company. The Governor amendatorily vetoed this Bill and put language in it that made it into an assault weapons ban. I personally believe that this 09700160.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 challenges the integrity of the legislative process that it was unconstitutional and I ask that you join me in voting to override this Veto. I think it would be a travesty to let this occur to our legislative process. Thank you. I ask for your 'yes' vote. And I would accept any questions."
"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Leader Lou Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I rise in support of the Gentleman's Motion. While the Governor's heart may have been in the right place and while I may agree with the language the Governor put in this Bill, it seems very clear that the Governor overstepped his constitutional bounds in… in making the changes he made in this Bill. It's important that no matter how we feel about the Governor's change that we must insist that the Chief Executive of our state, no matter how well-intentioned, follow the constitutional mandates. In this case, he did not do that. Making these kinds of wholesale changes in this legislation subverts the process of the Legislature and inserts the Governor in a place that the Constitution does not provide within the framework of our government. And so, while I, in a separate Bill, would support what the Governor did, I do not support his change to this Bill and would recommend 'aye' votes."
Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Jackson, Leader Mike Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of the Gentleman's Motion. The previous speaker said it very well that… if you support what it is the Veto does that the 09700160.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 Governor has chosen to do, then… then that should be done in a separate Bill. In this case, I think the Sponsor of the Bill in the Senate, who I know very well as well does the… the Representative that made the Motion, was very upset by the fact that this was a Bill that we as a House and they as a Senate voted out almost unanimously. And it was a simple Bill to correct a problem and cure an issue and then it was basically, though I don't make that call, but the Speaker of the House has had to at times, I would say that the Governor actually overstepped his Veto authority when he did this. I do rise in support of the Gentleman's Motion; encourage every one of my colleagues to vote to override the Governor on this."
"Representative moves that House… Senate Bill 681 be… shall… shall pass, notwithstanding the Governor's specific recommendations for change. This Motion requires 71 votes. And this is final action. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Chapa LaVia, Will Davis, Dunkin, Winter… Winters, would like to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. This Motion, having received the required Three-fifths Majority, the Motion to override the Bill prevails. 78 'yea', 28 'no' and Senate Bill 681 is declared passed, notwithstanding the Governor's recommendations for change. Representative Jehan Gordon, on page 6 of the Calendar, Representative, you have, on the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 1310. Out of the 09700160.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 record. Leader Brady, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Representative?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed, Dan."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'd simply like to ask if you'd help me welcome from my district my senior Page that's here today observing his State Government in action, Mr. John Stuckey who is down. John, please stand. Our… my senior Page today. Welcome to Springfield, John."
Speaker Lyons: "Representative Naomi Jakobsson, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Representative?"
"I rise for a point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed, Naomi."
"I would like to introduce a couple of guests who are here with us today. Up here, to my left, my legislative assistant, Teri and the young man standing next to her, Jordan, came here once when he was in fifth grade. You know, we see a lot of students coming in as fourth graders, fifth graders and they wander around and we wonder if they're… if we've made any impression or if anything has. And we must… somebody must have made an impression on him because he's been very active at student government at the University of Illinois. He's been an intern in my office, but that's not the only office. So, let's continue to make a good impression on Jordan and welcome both Jordan and Teri here today. Thank you." 09700160.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Welcome to your Capitol. Glad to have you back. Leader Lou Lang, you have House Resolution 1313. The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lou Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. The State of Israel has been under… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The State of Israel has been under unwarranted attack from outside its borders by terrorists. House Bill 1313 mirrors a Resolution that passed, I believe, unanimously in the United States Congress showing our unwavering commitment to the security of Israel with secure borders and recognizes and strongly supports its inherent right to self-defense to protect its citizens from acts of terrorism. All this does…"
"Representative Lang…"
"…all this does is simply reflect that the State of Israel has a right to defend itself… Mr. Speaker, take this out of the record momentarily, please."
"Thank you, Leader. There's the time commitment we have to wait for, so we'll get back to you. Leader Lou Lang in the Chair."
"On page 2 of the Calendar appears, under the Order of Senate Bills-Third Reading, appears Senate Bill 16. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 16 is on the Order of Senate Bills- Third Reading."
"Mr. Clerk, move this Bill to the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 16, a Bill for an Act concerning foreclosure. The Bill is read for a second time on a 09700160.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 previous day. Amendments 5, 6, and 7 have been adopted. Floor Amendment #8, offered by Representative Lyons, has been approved for consideration."
"Leader Lyons on Amendment 8."
"Mr. Clerk… Mr. Speaker, I'd move for the adoption of Amendment #8 and we'll discuss it on Third Reading. It becomes the Bill."
"Those in favor of the Amendment shall say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #9, offered by Representative Lyons, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Lyons on Amendment 9."
"Mr. Speaker, Mr. Clerk, withdraw Amendment #9."
"Amendment 9 is withdrawn. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Rose, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, our computer system indicated those Amendments were being filed on Third Reading. I'm not sure if that's an issue. I don't know if you actually took it to Second or not, but the computer screen says it's on Third when they were being added."
"We took it to Third just now. We took it to Second just now, Sir. Adopted Amendment 8."
"Fair enough."
"And moved it back to Third. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09700160.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Senate Bill 16, a Bill for an Act concerning foreclosure. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Mr. Lyons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 16, dealing with foreclosures in Illinois, is a subject that we've been working on in this great state for the last three or four years. I had the privilege and the pleasure to pass some of the original legislation that started the whole counseling and… and funding for trying to help people who are in their homes and for whatever reasons were no longer able to stay there and had to give up their homes. And we all know how important owning a home in this country is and certainly the State of Illinois. We passed different versions. This has been… discussed on this floor and on the Senate Floor on numerous occasions. Last… last year Senate Bill 2534 worked its way through the Senate, passed in the Senate and in the House we passed Senate Bill 3522. And we've had conversations in both chambers extensively on this issue. Over the summer through a lot of hard negotiating with all concerned parties, Representative Mulroe, Representative Jackie Collins, Representative… Senator Mulroe, Senator Collins and Representative Yarbrough worked very hard to take all the concerned parties to bring some type of consensus on this Bill that would bring all parties to the table. And I'm happy to report as of 2:00 yesterday afternoon, all the concerned parties are in favor of its passage at this point. So, let me just give you a brief synopsis. Senate Bill 16 it includes a fast-track 09700160.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 foreclosure process with safe harbors provisions which will help all financial institutions in the state generate substantial cost savings. One of the requests were for a maximum fee of $500 which is $750 less than Senate Bill 3522 and that has been agreed to. It was requested that of course all financial institutions be involved in paying some level of fees and that of course has been agreed to. There were discussions with Senator Mulroe to have tiers established at $500 and $250 and that of course has been established as well as $50 for the smaller players in the foreclosure problem. There was a… the differential base is on the number of filings rather than on the bank… the financial institution's size. And this provision which the IBA was very concerned about is actually a model from California who, believe it or not, is in worst ca… worst… worst position than we are when it comes to foreclosures. So, there's already an agreement out there that we're using for the model here in Illinois. As requested that this sunsets in 2018 and this will be part of the package that we'll be voting on today. The positive side of this Bill will generate about $41 million a year for local governments and struggling homeowners which is midway between the two Bills that passed individual chambers last year that is… I don't think we have too many Bills here that can generate $41 million to help clean up our neighborhoods and help people that are in distress. So, I have… I have more information on this thing and we've talked about this on numerous times. In both chambers, this is an agreed to resolution. Bruce Baker, Steve Olson, the 09700160.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 IBA, credit unions, small banks, all financial institutions have agreed on this language. To be perfectly honest with you, of course, some of the larger financial institutions are not comfortable with this, but their representatives here have agreed to this and I know… I know we passed this thing in the past. If you passed through the previous versions of this, you should love what I'm presenting today. And I certainly ask for your favorable consideration and an 'aye' vote. I'll be happy to try to answer any questions."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative, I'm reading House Amendment #8. That becomes the Bill, correct?"
"You're correct."
"Okay. I'm wondering why, in the language, if one is a resident of Cook County that there's additional notification requirements; yet, if you're not a resident of Cook County, there are not those additional requirements. Could you please explain?"
"Basically, Representative, that was done for Chicago's purposes for the aldermen would be notified of the foreclosures particularly to Chicago and all the other municipalities will go to the town… town mayor or the village president, whatever the case may be."
"However, if you go to page, I believe, it's 23 I'm looking at as I'm reading this, it indicated that a party 09700160.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 must within 10 days after the filing the complaint, send by first class mail a copy of the notice of foreclosure to the aldermen, but I also presume that in the other counties they'd be sending it to the homeowner?"
"It's in the same Section that you're reading, Representative. Do you want to follow along on…"
"Okay. I'm sorry. These weren't in the analysis. I'm having to actually read the Amendment as I'm asking these questions. My next question then would be… would be based on the fee provisions. What fees have been increased in this Bill and under what circumstances?"
"Well, the minimum that any financial institution will pay for this, depending on the number of foreclosures they deal with, has been raised to $50. What we sent out of here last spring did not have that in there. So, those smaller financial institutions will have to pay $50. If there's…"
"Now, is that… is that for any foreclosure filing or just those that you're saying for an abandoned property?"
"Any and all foreclosures, Representative."
"So…"
"And the second tier has been established for those that… that have somewhere between a hundred and… 50… over 50 and under 174 foreclosures, those financial institutions, the midrange financial institutions, will pay a $250 fee. I'm…"
"And can I ask what the rationale is for the fees on the banks? Why would they be paying an additional amount? I'm wondering what the… what the thought process was here for legislative intent." 09700160.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Well, I think the thought process on this was the sheer number of how many foreclosures you were involved in as a financial institution. If you've had a small number of those, a smaller number, asked of you to cough up and in- between we have a midlevel tier and then, of course, the larger financial institutions we have the larger number."
"No. No, I… no, I get that, but I'm just wondering because the banks when they foreclose it's probably the last thing they want to do and 'cause they're… typically when a bank forecloses, they lose about 40 percent, that's the average, about 40 percent of the principal. So, on a $100 thousand loan, they've already lost $40 thousand. Why would we be adding additional fees after they've had such a loss?"
"Representative, these were in negotiated language that we got in this Bill from the banks, from the small banks and the large banks, and the credit unions and every financial institution that's been involved in this thing. So, I'm just presenting to you what has been agreed upon by the players involved."
"Well, I'm concerned on the fee provision for this reason, Mr. Lyons. Let's assume a bank pays the additional fees, and forget whether it's fair they do or not, but let's assume then the court system gets these fees. What are they going to do with them? Because right now, it's almost impossible to get a court date in order to move forward on these foreclosures. Sometimes you have to wait six months for a routine return date. So, will they be 09700160.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 putting more judges in the courtrooms so these cases can actually be heard?"
"Representative, in answering the first part of your question, they would… this money is by formula distributed to the whole entire State of Illinois, one fund for counseling, one fund for the municipalities. So, out of the projected, if there are… we're projecting a hundred thousand bankruptcies in the State of Illinois in 2013, which is numbers founded by, again, the organizations who keep track of this. So, if… if this truly plays out with a hundred foreclosures, municipalities stand to see $31 million of a potential $41 million that go back to the municipalities. And the formula would be 25 percent to Chicago, 30 percent to suburban Cook, 30 percent to the collars and 15 percent to the downstate. Again, agreed upon numbers by those people who drafted this Bill."
"What would the municipalities do… let's use your numbers… let's assume they get $31 million. What are they going to do with that money?"
"Basically what it amounts to is just clean up of abandoned properties and maintenance of abandoned properties which, of course, is a problem in every foreclo… most foreclosures throughout the state that are maintaining, cleaning, trying to board up whatever it takes to make it secure."
"Is there something in this Bill that would require them to maintain these abandoned properties because right now the law says that the mortgage holder does not have the 09700160.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 right to maintain the property unless they have possession."
"There is no requirement that maintenance be part of… a part of the banks' obligations, no."
"So, what would they do… again, if it's not the municipality's obligation, what are they going to do with this 31 million?"
"That's the problem, Representative. The municipalities are already picking up the obligation of maintaining these things once there's an issue of problems with the property as reported by the neighbors or police reports or fire, whatever the case may be. These… these properties have fallen into the lap of municipalities throughout the state and that's where the… the financial stress has plagued every community in the state."
"Well…"
"They just inherited the problem, Jack."
"No, I get that. But what I'm finding is that the banks are the one that, once they foreclose, are the ones that have to take care of the maintenance and the upkeep. And I'm just wondering what the real cost to the municipalities would be especially when the banks are paying an additional fee."
"There are the municipalities, Chicago in particular, that do have the financial obligations are held to maintain the property in some type of level of compliance."
"Is that uniform throughout the… the state or just Cook County?" 09700160.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"Mr. Franks, could you bring your questions to a close, Sir?"
"Yes, it's primarily… it's primarily… it's primarily in Chicago, Jack. Other municipalities have been able to be successful with their financial institutions on sharing the responsibility."
"Okay. I appreciate, Joe. I know this wasn't your… your legislation and I'm not trying to put you on the spot. I was just trying to… to figure out what these fees would be because I'm just not sure what… how they're going to be spent. So, I appreciate your… your answers and I'll talk to Heather while other people I'm ask… are asking their informed questions."
"Thank you, Sir. Mr. Sullivan."
"To the Bill. I rise in support of this legislation. It's been painstaking over the last five years to try and correct a crisis that has taken place in Illinois that has crashed an economy, has driven property values into the dirt and has hurt communities. There's a couple things going on here. We have passed legislation that has made, over the last few years, that has made Illinois not a great place to try and get out of this crisis. Recently, over the last few weeks you've seen the Federal Government… well, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac… come in and say we're going to charge you guys more because you don't do things very well when it comes to foreclosure. So, I think this Bill is a result of that and it's a very good piece of legislation. We need to start clearing the books of these abandoned properties to try and stabilize our communities and there's 09700160.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 more com… some communities that have more problems than the others. But I want to hit on this fee structure a little bit. While it might not be overall agreed to, what these fees will do is help your communities. Many communities see abandoned properties and they're… go into disarray and your local governments have to pick it up. Those are your tax dollars that go to fund this cleanup of these properties. So, this Bill will save taxpayer money by replacing it with this fund that will help re… that will help with these abandoned properties. But more importantly, we're trying to get to the root of the problem and that is to get these mortgage companies to have possession of these abandoned properties faster. That's the bigger issue. So, we have fast-track legislation that brings these properties into the rightful owner or the… the bank, if you will, once they've been abandoned. Not people that live there, we're talking about abandoned properties. By doing that, now the banks, and this is directed towards the Representative from McHenry, the banks will be liable for the upkeep of the property and it will go back to local ordinances on how they treat… whether they're upkeeping the property or not. The problem we've had in the past is that fine line between when the person leaves the home and when the bank takes possession. That's the root of what we're trying to solve here, is to fast-track these things through, get them to the banks so they can take care of them and not be a burden on the municipalities. But in the meantime, we have a fund set up by this fee structure to help the municipalities out. That's the crux of this… this Bill. I think this is a 09700160.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 very good piece of legislation and I certainly would hope everyone could join us and pass this forward and start cleaning up our communities and solving the underlying problem of our economy and… and that is mortgage foreclosures."
"Mr. Zalewski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Foreclosures and abandoned properties create huge problems for neighborhoods and for local government. It seems like foreclosures and vacant properties also place huge burdens on our courts. These properties have lots of foreclosure violations that local governments try to address in court, an abandoned property to check the legal activity and those cases wind up in court. And if the properties don't get cleaned up, then surrounding property values go down and you wind up with more vacant properties, more code violations, more crime and even greater burden on the courts. Is it the intention of this Bill to reverse this cycle to get money to local governments to help clean up these properties which will then reduce the volume of cases that the courts need to handle and allow courts to operate more efficiently?"
"Yes, Representative Zalewski, that's the intent of this legislation."
"And it seems to me that the money this Bill will provide for housing counseling won't just help homeowners, it will also help the courts. We know that housing counseling helps people find alternatives to foreclosure 09700160.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 and that means that housing counseling will reduce the number of foreclosure cases that are burdening our court system. Is it an intention of this Bill to create funding for housing counseling in order to reduce the number of foreclosure cases which burden the system… the court system in the state and therefore, help the courts deal more efficiently with the huge volume of foreclosure cases?"
"Yes. Again, Representative Zalewski, that is the intention of this legislation."
"Thank you, Leader, for answering my questions."
"Mr. Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"I… Just to the Bill. I've heard a lot of comment one way or another about good Bill, bad Bill. And Representative, I know you've worked hard on this Bill, but I think Representative Franks brought up an excellent point. And that simply is, you can continue to chase a problem a long way and it'll just be good money following bad if we don't change the system whereby foreclosures are begun and ended. It takes 564 days in the State of Illinois, from the start of a foreclosure to the end. It's one of the worst foreclosure timelines in the nation. I would suggest to you, and again, I'm not… I'm not saying your effort is not good, but I would simply suggest to you, we haven't gone to the root cause of the problem. We're just chasing the bank money. Maybe that's a way to fix it temporarily, but I would suggest this Body that we need to start looking at 09700160.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 the root cause and attacking it from that aspect. But again, Representative, thank you for your good work."
"Mr. Barickman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Leader Lyons yields."
"Representative Lang, I certainly appreciate the work that you have done on this issue. I think many of us acknowledge the detrimental effect that many of these properties have on our communities given a lot of discussion during the debate today about those properties. I wonder if you can elaborate to some of the specifics included in this piece of legislation that will… that are intended to shorten or ease this foreclosure process and set aside for a moment these abandoned properties and just talk to that foreclosure piece of this."
"Representative, it is an involved legal process here. Basically it is about 150 days that can be saved through this… through the process. And it takes buildings that are… foreclosure that are abandoned and jumps them to the head of the list. I hope that helps answer the question that you are posing to. Reduces the redemption period, yeah."
"Yeah, I guess I wish I had some more specifics to, you know, as I understand the foreclosure process, it is a… for… in our state it is an extremely lengthy process which requires a number of procedural hoops for plaintiffs, banks oftentimes, to jump through to ultimately obtain the benefit that they have through their mortgage. Unfortunately, maybe we don't have some of the specifics that are being eased through this legislation… to your 09700160.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 proposed legislation. Let me ask another question. We talked a lot about the… the funds that are generated from this legislation and the benefit those funds are intended to result in our local communities. I looked at… we're dealing with Floor Amendment #8. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"So, I looked at Floor Amendment #8 and there's language in there that causes me concern about these funds. The language suggests that 25 percent of the money will be granted to approved community-based organizations located within the City of Chicago and then there's language added that says that these funds will go to those with a priority given to programs that provide door-to-door outreach. And I'm curious what programs these are that will be receiving these funds and what type of door-to-door outreach is being provided. As I'm sure you're aware, Representative, Governor Quinn was most recently in the media with some questionable use of some funds and his use of organizations and volunteers in campaign efforts or parade efforts for him. What are we trying to do with this piece of… with this piece of the legislation here?"
"Representative Barickman, this is all by formula as designed by the industry that's affected by this. And in answer to your question, there are City of Chicago agencies that do give counseling as part of the solution there. There are also organizations independent dedicated strictly to foreclosure expertise and expedition for people who need the help. They can plug into programs that are there to 09700160.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 help them. So, there's municipally-sponsored programs and private organizations that do the same type of work."
"Could you recap…"
"And this… this does not have anything to do with Governor Quinn's proposal, by the way. That's a separate issue not in this Bill."
"Could… could you recap for me the anticipated revenue that will be attributed to this… to these new fees?"
"Well, approximately 40 to 41 million dollars."
"So, are you concerned that of that 40 million… as the Bill says, 25 percent of that or roughly $10 million would be used to community-based organizations to provide door-to-door outreach. Do you… do you think that that is an extraordinary amount of money to be provided towards door- to-door efforts to prevent foreclosure… foreclosures in our communities?"
"Representative, with all due respect, would you like to go door-to-door with some of those agencies that do the work on the west side or south side of Chicago where there are hundreds and hundreds of problems? They do an exceptional job. They've got a tremendous load. They're all overworked, Representative, to be perfectly honest with you."
"It just appears to me, Representative, to be a tremendous amount of money, again, to be earmarked for door-to-door activities. To me, door-to-door activities often blend into campaign activities and I think we need to be suspicious about what's intended here. Thank you." 09700160.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"I don't… I do not disagree with your last statement, Representative. If there's any type of inappropriate actions ever done by something like this, they should answer to the law."
"All right. Thank you."
"Leader Lyons to close."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, I appreciate those who asked questions, even you Jack. And I do appreciate the support that I've got specifically from Representative Sullivan on this. I can't let it go without saying that I can't thank enough Representative… Representative Karen Yarbrough who championed this thing for the better part of her career down here who I picked this Bill up from on Wednesday and to my colleagues in the Senate, Representative… Senator Mulroe and Senator Jackie Collins who've been in the negotiations… looked almost nonstop for the last year… beginning last January trying to craft something that could be presented that could be passed that could generally do what we're asking it to do, help the foreclosure problem in the State of Illinois, help the people that are victims, help the municipalities. There's a lot of good things in this, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm very grateful for your… for your attention on this matter. It's an important Bill. Let's pass this thing. Let's get it to the Senate and let Jackie Collins and John Mulroe pass it on to the Governor. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Leader Lyons has moved for the passage of Senate Bill 16. Those in favor of the Bill shall vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 09700160.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Leitch. Please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting 'yes', 17 voting 'no', 4 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Lyons in the Chair."
"Leader Lang, we've met the timing requirement on your House Resolution. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, again, this is a very important Resolution that Leader Lang is bringing to us. I'd appreciate it if we could bring the conversation level down. Representative Lang on House Resolution 1313."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, you heard me discuss this Resolution earlier. This is a Resolution to support the State of Israel's right to self-defense against terrorist activities. Let me just close by paraphrasing what the Prime Minister Netanyahu said not too long ago. He said if Israel put down their arms, there would be no Israel and if their… if the terrorists put down their arms, there would be no war. I ask you to support me in this Resolution."
"You've heard the Gentleman's explanation on House Resolution 1313. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the adoption of House Resolution 1313 signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 1313 is hereby adopted. Mr. Clerk, Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Bolin: "House Joint Resolution 107 offered by Representative Currie. 09700160.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two houses adjourn on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Thursday, January 3, 2013, or until the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, January 2, 2013, or until the call of the President."
Speaker Lyons: "Leader Barbara Flynn Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolu… the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1314, offered by Representative Sacia. House Resolution 1315, offered by Representative Riley. House Resolution 1318, offered by Representative Currie. House Resolution 1319, offered by Representative Osmond. And House Resolution 1320, offered by Representative Cross."
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. Ladies and Gentlemen, you should see a yellow copy of the committees. But the Clerk will go through the committee schedule, so you have… everybody has perfect understanding of what's up for this afternoon and for tomorrow morning. Mr. Clerk." 09700160.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012
"The following committees will meet immediately upon adjournment. The Executive Committee will meet in Room 114. The Revenue Committee will meet in Room 115. Health Care Availability & Access Committee will meet in Room 413. The State Government Administration Committee will meet in Room C-1. Higher Education Committee will meet in Room D-1. The following committees originally scheduled for 2 p.m., Agriculture & Conservation will meet in Room D-1, Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room 114, Health Care Licenses will meet in Room 413, Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges will meet in Room C-1 and Judiciary I-Civil Law will meet in Room 115. Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, December 5 at 9:30 a.m. the Executive Committee will meet in Room 114."
Speaker Lyons: "You've heard the committee announcements. Please take the yellow sheet with you. Shhh. Thank you. Important announcements here. The 2013 schedule will be released tomorrow. So, we'll have a schedule to… you will have a schedule for the 2013 Session. And… and on the order of some good news, 'cause we're such good boys and girls, the Session on Thursday will be canceled. It's always a joy to bring that news to the Legislative Body. And now… Representative Moffitt, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Representative?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Chair."
"State your question, Sir."
"The Clerk said that committees that were scheduled for 2, what will the starting time be of those 2:00s? Usually, it's an hour after, but is there a set time for 09700160.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 the 2:00 committees? They've been moved… 'cause the 1:00s are immediate after Session. So, when are the 2:00?"
"Thank you, Don, for bringing that up. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 1:00 committees will meet at 2. The 2:00 committees will meet at… will meet at 3. There's also a scheduling change, folks, heads up. The starting time for tomorrow… I'll read it into the record, of course… when we adjourn, will be at 10:30. We'll come in at 10:30. So, thanks, Representative Moffitt, for bringing that to our attention. Appreciate it, Don. And now, seeing no further business to come before the Illinois House of Representatives, Leader Lang moves that the House stand adjourned 'til the hour of 10:30 a.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, December 5. Allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, 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 the House stands adjourned 'til the hour of 10:30 on Wednesday, December 5. Have a great evening, everybody. See you tomorrow morning."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Zalewski, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2936. Representative Flowers, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability and Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: recommends be adopted as amended is House Resolution 1041. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher 09700160.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 Education reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1864. Representative Dugan, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: recommends be adopted is Senate Joint Resolution 80. Representative Daniel Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1280; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 281 and Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 3438. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5900; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1543, Senate Bill 3297 and Senate Bill 3573. Representative Franks, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 6231, House Bill 6237; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 3498, Senate Bill 3681; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 1234. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 6193. Representative Beiser, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: 09700160.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 57 and House Joint Resolution 98. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary I-Civil Law reports the following committee action taken on December 04, 2012: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1076; recommends be adopted is a Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 3636. Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 6256, offered by Representative Brauer, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 6257, offered by Representative Soto, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid, offered by Representative Soto. These Bills are a First Reading and referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 957, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 3925, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. These are referred to the Rules Committee. Second Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5900, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 6231, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 6237, offered by Representative Harris, Greg, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 6193, offered by Representative Mitchell, Jerry, a Bill for an Act concerning education. These Bills will remain on the Order of Second Reading. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1076, offered by Representative Kay, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 1543, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning 09700160.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 160th Legislative Day 12/4/2012 safety. Senate Bill 3297, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Senate Bill 3573, offered by Representative Rita, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 3498, offered by Representative Currie, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 3681, offered by Representative Davis, William, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1280, offered by Representative Burke, Daniel, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Senate Bill 2936, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. These shall be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09700160.doc 44