"All Members are asked to be in their seats. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor David Jones, who is with the Village Church of Barrington in Barrington, Illinois. Pastor Jones is the guest of Representative Morrison. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
Pastor Jones: "Let's pray. Heavenly Father, You have established human government to uphold justice and to promote the public good. You have raised up this group of lawmakers at this time, we thank You for them. We ask Your blessing on each one of them. Give them wisdom as they wrestle with weighty matters that affect us all. Help them to see the issues clearly as You see them. Give them courage to stand for what is right, even when it's not popular. Guard their hearts from pride, as they serve the people of our state. Lord, I don't know what burdens are being carried by each person here today, I know that there are some who are struggling with health issues, and we ask that You would show them mercy and grant them healing. I know there are some who have experienced the loss of a loved one recently and I ask that You would give them Your comfort and encouragement. Bless their families from whom they are often separated. Thank You for hearing our requests. In the name of Jesus, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Thapedi." 09800038.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"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 Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives' Flowers, Gordon-Booth and Mell are excused today."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Hammond, Hays and Senger are excused on the… Republican side of the aisle. Easy for me to say isn't it."
"Mr. Clerk, please take the roll. With a count of 112 present, a quorum is established. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following action taken on April 11, 2013: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1331, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1338, Floor Amendment #1 to House Resolution 129. Representative Thapedi, Chairperson from the Committee on International Trade & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on April 10, 2013: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 115, House Resolution 185; recommends be adopted as amended is House Resolution 169. Representative Mell, Chairperson from the Committee on Mass Transit reports the following committee action taken on April 10, 2013: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 09800038.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 140. Representative Zalewski, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on April 11, 2013: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 2760. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 230, offered by Representative Bellock. And House Resolution 231, offered by Representative Bellock are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Scherer."
"Yes, I'd like to rise on a point of personal privilege, for…"
"Please state your point."
"…for the Rochester High School. First place, State Championship Football Team, right up the road, go Rochester High School. Congratulations to Coach Derek Leonard and all of those fantastic football players up there. Let's give them a big round of applause."
"Congratulations and welcome to your Capitol. Representative Scherer moves to adopt the Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on point of personal privilege also."
"Please state your point."
"Again, I want to congratulate Rochester High School. I had the privilege of representing that district for the last 10 years and to have three consecutive years as state champions, is quite a feat. You know, I looked up quality 09800038.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 in the dictionary, quality people, quality students, quality athlete, quality coaches, quality administration and it kept coming back to Rochester High School and their program. So, again I want to congratulate Rochester's football team in a feat that's second to none. Congratulations."
Speaker Turner: "Congratulations, gentleman. Representative Manley."
"Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point. Thank you."
"I'd like to introduce some people in the gallery. I have some family members, my sister Denise Wildeveld, my cousin Dina Dombroski and her son Nicholas who is here with his 5th grade… 7th grade class from Nathan Hale in Crestwood, Illinois. Where are they at, Nick? Okay. Can you guys wave to everyone? Welcome to Springfield, everybody. Thank you for joining us."
"Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Brown on a Motion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the posting requirement on House Bill 2496."
"The Gentleman moves to suspend the posting requirement for House Bill 2496. Seeing no objection, the posting is waived. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Let me add to the list of excused absences, Representative Hernandez."
"Thank you, Representative. On page 32 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 1894, Representative Bradley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Senate Bill 1894, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Bradley."
"This would create a homestead exemption, which is set to expire in the Cook County area. Would also create a statewide senior exemption of, I believe, $6 thousand for the rest of the state. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1894 pass?' All in favor… Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know we're in a rush to get finished, we just started 48 seconds ago. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I didn't have a chance to hear your dissertation on Senate Bill 1894. Could you give an… a quick analysis of the Bill, please?"
"Sure. It's my understanding the Cook County Homestead Exemption is set to expire. This would reinstate it at $6 thousand and the senior exemption would be increased for the entire state."
"Thank you, Representative."
"I'm sorry, 7 thousand."
"Representative Sullivan."
"I'll try and explain this a little better than the Sponsor. What we are doing is we're adding taxpayer relief through the form of exemptions. Now, there are some changes in this in that it rolls out in Cook County sooner than the rest of the state, but at the end of the day, we are 09800038.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 choosing to expand an exemption for seniors and regular homestead folks, you know, like you and I. So, this is taxpayer relief. One pause for concern for those outside of Cook County is that Cook County gets the relief sooner, but even though they may get it sooner, at the end of the day, it is taxpayer relief that we all have tried to work on. So, I support the Bill."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"I understand the homestead exemption and… and I see what we're trying to do and just… how much of an increase did you say downstate would see?"
"The… the downstate increases for the senior exemption."
"For the senior exemption…"
"Yeah."
"…which is… what is it today and what will it be after this?"
"It'll go to 5 thousand."
"Goes to 5 thousand…"
"Yeah."
"in…
"Four to five."
"From four to five? Okay. That's what… that was what I needed to know. Thank you."
"Representative Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09800038.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative, I heard a… an answer to a question that I think was simply that Cook County would realize the benefit of this first and thereafter the balance of the state at some point. What is that some point in the future?"
"My analysis indicates that the… the downstate communities will get the senior citizen's exemption in tax years 2013 which will be this year, payable next year."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Moffitt."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I think there are some groups still opposed, I assume they are, School Management Alliance and I think IEA. Is that correct or are they…"
"I don't know that, I would… I would propose… I would suppose they were."
"Do you have any indication when… any time we increase exemptions, we're reducing and all… probably everybody wants to give tax relief, but we are reducing revenue to taxing bodies, and of course especially schools. Any… do you have any projections on how much this will cost school districts?"
"No."
"How much it does now at the current?"
"No. And I don't think anybody's provided that at… as of this point."
"And we keep giving them less money as a state and we if… if we…" 09800038.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"It'll depend on the property values, equalized assessed values. It'll depend on their levies. It'll depend on…"
"Yeah. Last time it was increased I know the schools were quite concerned and…"
"There's inconsistency in the information…"
"Yeah."
"…we're provided with regards to that."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Bradley to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Turner: "The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1894 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Sommer, Unes. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 109 voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', Senate Bill 1894, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we'll be moving Bills from Second to Third Reading, starting with House Bill 1345, Representative Manley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1345, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation, which may be referred to as Adam's Law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #4 was adopted previously. No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 438, Representative Bradley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 438, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Bradley, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Bradley."
"This is a Bill we passed out of here, I believe, unanimously in the Veto Session. It would allow Hamilton County, specifically, to be able to collect funds from a fund it already collected. It would require a referendum. I would ask for an 'aye… Well, I'd ask to move it to Third and debate it further when we get there."
"Gentleman moves for the adoption of Amendment #1 to House Bill 438. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1052, Representative Bradley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1052, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing on the Order of Bradley, House Bill 1405, Representative Bradley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1405, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. 09800038.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2362, Representative Brauer. Out of the record. House Bill 3388, Representative Kelly Burke. Representative Kelly Burke. Out of the record. House Bill 71, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 71, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Cassidy and has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment 1 simply addresses some technical concerns raised by providers, some inconsistencies in the language, and I just ask that it be approved."
"The Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #1 to House Bill 71. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 492, Representative Chapa LaVia. Representative Chapa LaVia. Out of the record. House Bill 116, Representative Ives. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 116, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment 09800038.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 #1, offered by Representative Ives, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Ives."
"Yeah. All the Amendment does is take the Bill so that it's effective upon reappointment to a board or commission. I move adopting the Amendment and going to Third Reading for debate."
"The Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #1 to House Bill 116. All those in favor in say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. House Bill 774, Speaker Madigan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 774, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative D’Amico and has been approved for consideration."
"Representative D’Amico."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment's just technical in nature. I recommend we adopt it."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 774. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09800038.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Third Reading. House Bill 2881. Out of the record. House Bill 163, Representative Osmond. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 163, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 2 and 3 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Osmond."
"Representative Osmond."
"Yes. I believe that this Amendment is basically just putting in that it's a pilot program. I'd like to have it approved."
Speaker Turner: "The Lady moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 163. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #3 is offered by Representative Osmond and has been approved for consideration."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. Representative Osmond, my apologies."
"I'm sorry. Amendment #3 becomes the Bill."
Speaker Turner: "The Lady has moved for the adoption of Amendment #3 to House Bill 163. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09800038.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Third Reading. House Bill 2423, Representative Will Davis. Out of the record. House Bill 2363, Representative Sacia. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2363, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Sacia, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Sacia."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, what the Amendment does is simply removes certain sensitive employees and their spouses from the comptroller's annual report."
"Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 2363. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2668, Representative Dunkin. Out of the record. House Bill 1854, Representative Pihos. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1854, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Pihos, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Pihos."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. This House Bill requires the Department of Public Health to notify the Governor in the event of the death in the line of duty of an emergical… 09800038.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 emergency medical service crew member, just as we do for the military, firefighters and police who are in harm's way. And then it requires the Governor to issue an official notice to fly flags at half-staff."
Speaker Turner: "The Lady moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1854. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2362, Representative Brauer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2362, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2809, Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. House Bill 140, Representative Franks. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 140, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative Franks, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Franks."
"I ask for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3. This Amendment takes away the opposition of PACE. It's now… they're in support. And what this Bill will do was to eliminate the health care and pension benefits for members of the RTA, Pace, CTA and Commuter Rail Boards." 09800038.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3… Representative Riley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative Franks, it's a little noisy in here and so I… I couldn't here. You say that now Pace Suburban Bus has taken off their opposition?"
"Yes. I had a conversation with their executive director as well as their liaison."
"Okay. Are they actually… are they taking a no position or are they actually a proponent of the Bill?"
"I don't recall. We were in committee yesterday, I thought they slipped in favor, but I didn't see it in our analysis. Well, I'll have to ask staff, but I think they're in favor now."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will." Davis, W.: "Representative, considering the nature of your Bill, does this Bill also contain language that eliminates the RTA?"
"Unfortunately, not." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much."
Speaker Turner: "The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Amendment #3 to House Bill 140. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk." 09800038.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2591, Representative Golar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2591, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Golar, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Golar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment is technical in nature and describes what a state agency is for this particular Bill for a Disabilities Task Force. I request… I recommend adoption of the Amendment."
"The Lady moves for the adoption of Amendment #1 to House Bill 2591. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 922, Representative Hurley. Out of the record. House Bill 3023, Representative Hurley. Out of the record. House Bill 3092, Representative Jakobsson. Out of the record. House Bill 3300, Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. House Bill 58, Representative Sosnowski. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 58, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1296, Representative 09800038.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Christian Mitchell. Out of the record. House Bill 1568, Representative Nekritz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1568, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Nekritz, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Floor Amendment would extend the time that the people that are going to be covered under this Bill would have to wait before they could get a Restricted Driver's Permit and also deals with folks who might be coming in… from out of state in order to get their Restricted Driver's Permit."
Speaker Turner: "The Lady moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1568. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 595, Representative Nekritz. Out of the record. House Bill 2356, Representative Mautino. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2356, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2726, Representative Rita. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 2726, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Rita, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Rita."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, We just… I move for the adoption of Amendment 1. It was some cleanup language that we discovered after we moved the Bill out of committee, adjusted some language."
"Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2726. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2723, Representative Rita. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2723, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2721, Representative Rita. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2721, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1919, Representative Tracy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1919, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 09800038.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Tracy, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Tracy."
"I move for the adoption of the Amendment 1, which shall become the Bill. The Amendment essentially allows another form of assessment that a judge, in his discretion, may order a defendant to pay fees or costs OF… towards after- prom activities in local communities, among his other areas that he can order court supervision for."
Speaker Turner: "The Lady moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1919. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2802, Representative Sims. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2802, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative Sims, has been approved for consideration."
"Represent… Representative Sims."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. The… Amendment #3 simply removes all… all opposition from the Bill. And I move for its adoption."
"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 2802. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the 09800038.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1042, Representative Tryon. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1042, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #2 was adopted in Committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. House Bill… 3058, Representative Willis. Representative Willis. Out of the record. House Bill 2518, Representative Zalewski. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2518, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Ford, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker, we have a student from Chicago by the name of Hailey Holding (sic-Grist-Holden), he's down here to shadow the Members of the House of Representatives and to see how we do business in Illinois. He's going to be a student, he's going to maintain his residence in Illinois and he's going to be a student at UIS. I ask that we all welcome Mr. Holding (sic-Grist-Holden), he's right here, if you could stand. Thank you, very much for coming down." 09800038.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Welcome to your Capitol. House Bill 2881, Representative Monique Davis. Out of the record. House Bill 756, Representative Monique Davis. Out of the record. House Bill 3092, Representative Jakobsson. Out of the record. House Bill 3111, Representative McAsey. Out of the record. House Bill 3230, Representative Farnham. Out of the record. House Bill 2583, Mr. Clerk… Daniel Burke, Rep… Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2583, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Members, we'll be moving to Bills on Third Reading. Please be in your seats and prepared to present. First, we have House Bill 2379, Representative Arroyo. Out of the record. House Bill 2649, Representative Arroyo. Out of the record. House Bill 2787, Representative Bellock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2787, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is in reaction to working with DCFS and it's looking to make changes for the children of Illinois and it's a very technical Bill, but we worked with the Cook County Public Guardian, who is very in support of working with us on this Bill. I know no opposition to it. A few of the things it does is it sets up criteria for labeling unfounded reports. It also speeds up the time, which the Cook County Guardian 09800038.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 wanted from DCFS, to 45 days for classification of reports. It also, if a minor is a victim that is named in a report, it gives that minor the ability and the right to participate in a hearing. I think that these are all critical improvements to the DCFS Agency and it is something that addresses a lot of constituents concerns regarding DCFS. And the Public Guardian of Cook County, I want to thank them for all their work that they helped us over the last year in making this Bill a good Bill. I know of no opposition to it."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2787 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2787, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1817, Representative Cabello. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1817, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cabello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. Just trying to get the House Bill 1817 passed today. What this is, is just another specialty license plate, except this one is for the PBVA, the Policemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Fund. A lot of the plates, I understand, some people do not wish to vote for I hope that you would take a look at this Bill. There's 09800038.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 amount… a certain amount of this fee goes into a fund that will help families of police officers killed in the line of duty. I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1817 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Franks. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 103 voting 'yes', 6 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 1817, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2377, Representative Conroy. Out of the record. House Bill 3383. Out of the record. House Bill 3010, Representative Reboletti. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3010, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Body. House Bill 3010 expands the Second Chance Probation. Last year we passed the Offender Initiative Program, where each of the counties can have a deferral program for a number of Class III and Class IV, nonviolent offenses. That only allowed them to enter the program if it was previous to a plea or to a trial. This would expand it and allow a judge to sentence that individual after a trial and after motions were filed. I'll take any questions, and ask for your support."
"Seeing no debate, the question is 'Shall House Bill 3010 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 09800038.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Unes. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 85 voting 'yes', 26 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3010, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3218, Representative Crespo. Out of the record. House Bill 3359, Representative Bellock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3359, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. What 3359 does is, it just creates a task force to look into the issue that seems to be popping up all over of the sale of jewelry and other goods that… to address the people that are selling these goods, online and in shopping centers and in hotels. The Attorney General has looked at this, thinks this is an important issue to look at. We have a lot of other groups that think so too. So, what this does is just create a task force to look into those issues."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields." Davis, M.: "Representative, exactly what will the task force be designed to do?"
"Well, what they're going to do is bring in people that represent all different phases of the sale. It would be, wait, let me look like, pawnbrokers, the retail merchants, the scrap metal dealers, people that deal in the 09800038.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 resale of jewelry, of… resale of goods. And so, what they're going to look at is how they can protect consumers that, when they have something, maybe, if they have something stolen, or how they can protect them from the resale of this before they would know that if it had been stolen or… it's just really a protection of consumers." Davis, M.: "So, rather than have a Bill for protecting consumers, we're going to have another task force?"
"There is no task force that has ever addressed this issue, as far as I know. And this issue if you're conscience of a lot of the… in kiosk in shopping centers and in hotels, selling goods, cash for gold, things like that. The difference with this that they're going to take a look at is, and police and municipalities are very interested in this, is that you cannot, in some of these things that just pop up overnight and are gone three days later, they give cash for things that people bring in but really don't keep track of it. And so, what this issue is, is to take a look at that and see how they can protect consumers regarding those issues." Davis, M.: "How about those that come on television like, you know, cash for your gold or that kind of thing? How will they…"
"It wouldn't affect televisions or anything like that." Davis, M.: "They wouldn't be able to provide information from those who take their goods there, is that correct?" 09800038.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"It wouldn't be, no. It wouldn't be like televisions or anything. This is more to address metals and not coins, but to…" Davis, M.: "And recyclables…"
"Yeah…" Davis, M.: "Okay."
"…and also jewelry, which seems to be a lot of. Recently, there have been a lot of robberies regarding jewelry and then taking them into some of these places. And I'm not talking about legitimate places that are, you know, regular stores that are there. But I'm talking about places that are popping up, just for two and three days, and then leaving town." Davis, M.: "But it's not a task force. Is that correct?"
"Yeah. But it's just… it's just a small task force for a couple of months, it's not like a major deal. But a lot of the people we had a bigger Bill that a lot of people objected to and so, this was our compromise to just take a look at this, get everybody around the table, and see if they had any ideas of how to protect consumers better by recommendations. And you know, the municipalities really want to address this issue also." Davis, M.: "I think it's a good Bill…"
"Thank you." Davis, M.: "…because you are forming a task force to solve a problem…"
"Right." Davis, M.: "…and sometimes we do need task force…"
"Right." 09800038.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Davis, M.: "…to help us get intelligent information of those who are knowledgeable can share that information. So, I'm glad to see you're forming a task force for this issue. And I do think it's a good Bill. I urge…"
"Thank you very much, Representative." Davis, M.: "…a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill. I also commend the Sponsor of this Bill because I had a Bill regarding pawnshop that I was working very diligently on. And I found that there were a lot of issues that were coming through, between the pawnshop owners and cash for gold owners, and a variety of things and it's so before we go, you know, I know our intent is to protect the consumers, to protect people's rights and to also make sure that we're conscience of these small business owners and these pawnshop owners that we protect their rights, too. So, I think putting in a task force is a good thing. I would an urge an 'aye' vote on this, so that we can make sure that when we do come back with legislation that we come back with the best legislation for all parties involved. Thank you very much."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." Davis, W.: "Representative, if you can bear with me for a minute, I just want to talk about something that probably does not really have anything to do with your Bill. Now, I heard that you're going to form a task force. Does the 09800038.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 legislation specify the task force, who's going to be on it and what that task force is required to do?"
"Yes, and I'm looking for that right now because that was what the Amendment that we added yesterday, we added on the retail merchant and a scrap metal person and just…" Davis, W.: "Well, I… I guess my point is, Representative, is that yesterday a Member from this side of the aisle had a Bill to create a task force and everybody was completely against it. It passed, but a lot of Members, primarily from your side of the aisle, were completely against it. And it was a task force to study civics education, something relevant… relative and relevant to what we do as Representatives. And everybody was completely against it, but she formed, wanted to form, a task force. And you voted against it, but now you have a Bill to create a task force. Do you see any problem with that?"
"Well, I think those were two different issues. The civics issue, I think, and just from my own personal experience, I tried to address that issue with a Bill several years ago. And the schools… education in Illinois was totally opposed to it and they said that we already covered that issue in the American History classes in Illinois. And so, that was my only basis for that, it was nothing personal about the task force." Davis, W.: "And I'm not suggesting it was personal in that way…"
"Right." Davis, W.: "…but again, there was a lot of angst about creating a task force, because the Member felt that a task force was 09800038.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 necessary for something that was important to her. And again, it's just, you know, sometimes we… I don't know if it's the Democrat/Republican dynamic, I'm not really sure, but again, she tried to pass a Bill that you didn't support for a task force on something that she thought was important. You think that this is important and I'm sure you want all of us to support it, correct?"
"Right." Davis, W.: "Okay. Thank you very much."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Yeah, I… will the speaker yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Or, Sponsor yield? Thank you. I… We did this similarly in the City of Aurora, and I think it is a good idea to work at it. And I would like to offer to the Sponsor that anything I can do, going through this, we do license our secondary businesses, the scrap metal yards and the pawnshops in the City of Aurora. And I would like to offer assistance to the Sponsor."
"Thank you very much, Representative. And we did talk to that, and I want to thank Representative Tryon, who had a Bill similar to this so we kind of merged those Bills together. But that's the point of the task force, we did talk to the Lady from Aurora, and we're really interested in working with her and your municipality. So, I want to thank you for that."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09800038.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative Bellock, I just want to echo Representative Davis's sentiment about when a Representative comes to Springfield and try to do something to support their communities and their agenda, we should be very careful about speaking against it and try to be more supportive even if, especially if it doesn't cost the state any money. But I want to ask a question about the pawnshops. Will this committee, this task force, study the number of pawnshops by geographical locations?"
"No. This isn't… the pawnbrokers will be very important in this discussion, but the discussion is really not to go into how many pawnshops are in different parts of the state. The pawnbrokers are a valuable asset to this task force because they do have a lot of regulations and we respect a lot of what they do, and what the Attorney General and the municipalities are looking for is to share information with the pawnbrokers and the different shops that do… do a good job at they are… they're commissioned to do."
"You know I would like to, maybe, if we could add or consider in this task force, looking at the locations where pawnshops are located and the affects that they have on those communities. I think that's a real good affect for a task force when we look at pawnshops. So, I'll support your measure, but I hope that that could be added…"
"Yeah."
"…to the mission of your task force."
"Sure. I'd be glad to suggest that to them. I think it's a…" 09800038.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you very much."
"…it's a good idea."
"Representative Bellock to close."
"Oh, thank you very much. And I appreciate everybody's comments. I appreciate the comments about the task force too. I think that some of us make decisions based on certain things, and mine was only on the issue with regarding because I am a huge supporter of civics, having been a history major. But in this case I think that this is a very valuable task force, I don't always support task force anyways. But in this case, this was a compromise to address a huge issue that I know a lot of you are aware of in your municipalities and in the city. And I think that by discussion amongst all the important members of this, they will come to some good recommendations to protect consumers."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3359 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Sente. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3359, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2499, Representative Currie. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2499, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Currie." 09800038.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an effort to clarify what counts as a transatlantic a… a foreign destination for air carriers who get a jet fuel sales tax exemption at… under current law, you can start a flight in Abilene and meander your way here, there, and everywhere and if ultimately, at the end of the day, you do go to a foreign land, you got the jet fuel sales tax exemption for each leg of that journey. This will tighten things up considerably, so we expect that this may actually bring a few pennies into Illinois quite empty coffers. I'd be happy to answer your questions. And I'd be grateful for your support."
"Representative Bradley."
"I rise in support of this Bill. For those of us that are looking for opportunities to get additional revenues, this is a potential revenue source, and it deserves our overwhelming support."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Leader, how much do we estimate in revenue that this will actually bring to…"
"I don't have an estimate from the department, so I don't think it's going to be huge, but it will be something."
"Okay."
"So, it really what we're doing here is closing a loophole…"
"Okay." 09800038.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"…that enabled…"
"Is…"
"…flights to start…"
"…and…"
"…one place and wander about the country before leaving United States territory and claim the sales tax exemption."
"Is a…"
"So what this does, we're following federal rules, federal definitions."
"Right."
"I think that will help provide clarity to the air carriers as well as to the department."
"And… and I'm not standing in opposition of the Bill by any means, I… I think it's… I support it. But I do want to know, and I know this doesn't deal with that, but I think it would be a good time during this conversation to bring this up. Many of our small airports that are… have a high traffic flow because of what's happened in D.C., they were actually shutting down a few of our control towers, one in particular in my district and… and one in Representative Bradley's district, that has a lot of student flights coming in and out. Is there a way that we might be able to look into the possibility of these revenues as they… if they do increase, even though I know we have many bills, to… to see about the possibility of trying to maintain for the safety…"
"But I think the problem for those airports is the federal sequestration."
"Yes, I understand… yeah, I knew that…" 09800038.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"And I know there is discussion about Midway Airport…"
"Yeah."
"…which is not a small airport, having no air traffic controllers at night."
"Well, yeah and… the one that I am talking about, the traffic load is the sixth largest in the state. That's… that's in my district and… and I think Representative Bradley's 12th, and like I said, it's a lot of students. So if you, you know, maybe when in the future we could look at something like that, if we don't get the problems in D.C. straightened out."
"Thank you."
"Representative Currie to close."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2499 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Will Davis, Christian Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 78 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2499, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2812, Representative Currie. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2812, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an initiative of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board. This would absolve them of responsibility for 09800038.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 holding hearings on questions of expansion of state-owned, state operated facilities. I'd be grateful for your support and happy to answer your questions."
"Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Majority Leader yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Representative, I'm sorry, I'm just reading this, the analysis is slow to come up. What… what does this Bill actually…"
"What it says is they do not have to consider, have hearings and make decisions about decisions by state- operated facilities to expand services. It's a five-year sunset. I know you would like to see this board abolished. This is not a Bill that does that, but it does say, let's not waste quite so much of their time looking at issues which are not going to be relevant to their decisions."
"So they're saying, basically, that some folks are exempt if it's… they're saying it’s a state-owned."
"They're saying, yeah, this is a board that's appointed by the Governor."
"Right."
"If a state facility operating under the Governor, says we're going to do is something more, we're going to add beds at a… the veterans' home, what have you, what's the value in having this agency review those decisions."
"Okay. I get that. But doesn't that put private entities then at a competitive disadvantage?" 09800038.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I wouldn't say so. I think all that… all this says is that when an agency, appointed by the Governor, is required to review decisions made by agencies appointed by the Governor, it's not going to get you very far."
"Does the Governor control this agency?"
"This is meant to make it a more… a more efficient operation, a less costly operation."
"But isn't this Health Facilities Planning Board purported to be somewhat independent, or does it take it's orders from the Governor?"
"I wouldn't say it takes its orders from the Governor, but I would say the fact that the appointments come from the Governor may ma… may make it less likely to say no to a service expansion."
"'Cause I know we had a problem last year when Cook County tried to decommission one of their hospitals, and they couldn't get that done. I'm wondering why we would allow the state to be able, if they wanted to decommission a hospital, but not allow a county to do that. I don't know why…"
"Okay. You know what and I…"
"…we're treating them differently."
"…and I would not be opposed to expanding a Bill like this. Perhaps in the Senate, they could look at that question. I don't disagree with you in principle."
"Okay. Thank you. And I… to the Bill. And I appreciate what the Majority Leader's trying to do. In sort of a perverse way it makes it a little better, but it's still… it's still terrible. The Health Facility Planning Board is 09800038.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 designed to ration health care. It's designed to take away competition; it's designed to create monopolies. It's designed to make health care more expensive and less accessible and something that this state does not need, should never have had. It's a vestige of a time passed, it's been a bastion of cronyism and corruption for years. It has been cleaned up since then, but Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time to put a stake through the heart of this terrible organization."
"Representative David Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to paraphrase a question which a distinguished colleague from Cook County always asks about the RTA, does this Bill abolish the Illinois Health Facilities Planning and Services Review Board?"
"It does not." Harris, D.: "That is truly unfortunate because it… as the… as the previous speaker said, it deserves to be abolished. But having said that, let me ask a question so that I understand. It says, the Bill says, that a state agency must notify the board, in writing, of any intent to construct, modify, establish, close or change the service category of any state-run health care facility. By any state-run health care facility are we talking about a hospital, a mental health facility, any state-run…"
"Mental health facility, veterans home." Harris, D.: "And don't they…"
"There aren't very many state-run health facilities left, but yes." 09800038.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Harris, D.: "And they don't have to do that now? I mean, as an example, does the University of Illinois to Chicago Hospital have to notify the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board when they want to initiate a change in service, or start a service?"
"I don't… I don't think that is included in this measure. I do not know for certain, but I will find out." Harris, D.: "So, you don't know if the… if an agency must now notify the board, if a state agency must…"
"Today… today they do notify the board and the board is required to have hearings." Harris, D.: "So… All right. I'm not sure I follow, but requires this notification of… so, what is new… Two questions, what is new in this Bill that they're not doing now?"
"What is new is that the… the board, the agency, the Health Facilities Planning Board, although that may no longer be its name, is not required to have hearings and make decisions about state facility health care expansions." Harris, D.: "Okay. And then if it's such a good idea, why is there a sunset on it?"
"Well, I guess… I guess I wanted to put a sunset in because I wasn't sure whether this was the right direction to take." Harris, D.: "I see. We don't want to expand that to sunset the whole board, do we?"
"Some would definitely want to do that." Harris, D.: "Thank you very much."
"Representative Reboletti." 09800038.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Majority Leader yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Representative, I was wondering if you'd take this Bill out of the record, maybe add an Amendment to abolish the Health Facilities Planning Board? Would you consider…"
"I think I won't."
"…would you consider doing that?"
"I think…"
"I think if I could show you, with a show of hands, how many Representatives would support that, there's probably a lot…"
"Yeah, but I, you know, I…"
"…there's a lot of support…"
"Representative…"
"…for it, I think."
"…I am not sure that that persnickety Rules Committee would approve an Amendment like that."
"Well, I know that you… you do a great job on that… on that Rules Committee, Leader, so I know you could get that out, so. Thank you."
"Representative Riley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Leader Currie, it's been said… I can't even hear myself, Leader Turner."
"Members, can we bring down the noise level. Thank you. Representative Riley." 09800038.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you. Leader Currie, many times it's been said, in many debates that we've had, about the abolition of this board and people, those are people and they have nothing to do with the… with the creation and the advocacy of the board. Are you familiar with the National Health Planning and Development Act?"
"Yes."
"All right. That was promulgated in what, the middle '70s, and one thing that that Act did, or was endeavoring to do, is to ensure equal access of health care. One of the things that they did was to have the states create this board. So, it is really through federal statute that this board gets its existence, wouldn't you say that?"
"I think that's correct."
"Thank you."
"Leader Currie to close."
"Thank you, Speaker. Indeed, this does not abolish the Health Facilities Planning Board, but it does make more efficient the operation of that board. I would appreciate your 'aye' votes."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2812 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Meier. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 74 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2812, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1047, Representative Durkin. Out of the record. House Bill 2455, Representative Fortner. Out of the record. House 09800038.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Bill 2691, Representative David Harris. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2691, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Mr. Speaker, thank you. House Bill 2691 creates the… the crime of the theft of public funds. This is a recommendation of the Illinois Reform Commission of a number of years ago. And I would ask your support for this Bill. It is a… an initiative which specifically targets public funds and assesses penalties for crimes related to the theft of public funds."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." Davis, W.: "Representative, recently there's been a… there was a story of a female, I believe she may have been a village manager or some ranking official in a small town… and unfortunately, I can't think of the name of the town so…" Harris, D.: "Dixon." Davis, W.: "Dixon. Thank you very much.…" Harris, D.: "Dixon, Illinois. Yes."
"In Dixon. So, had this Bill become law and had been in place, what would she had been charged with relative to what she has already been charged with, if… if you know and you may not know what she's been charged with. But how would this have impacted that situation?" 09800038.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Harris, D.: "Well, the… the amount of money that she has alleged to have embezzled and stolen is quite substantial, in the literally tens of millions of dollars, if memory serves me correctly. Given that, because of, if this Bill were in effect, the theft of public funds in excess of $100 thousand is a Class X felony. So, she would be found… if she were found guilty, she would be guilty of a Class X felony." Davis, W.: "And… and what might the penalty for a Class X felony be? I mean, like is that…" Harris, D.: "I'll turn to one of my…" Davis, W.: "…how many years?" Harris, D.: "…I will turn to one of my legal…" Davis, W.: "If anyone can help us…" Harris, D.: "…friends, a Class X felony is a…" Davis, W.: "…just so we understand the context?" Harris, D.: "…non, non probationable sentence of the number of years…" Davis, W.: "Several years." Harris, D.: "…I'll have to double check." Davis, W.: "Okay. All right. So… so, is that, in some respect, when you talk about the theft of public funds a situation like that, which happened in Dixon, is that kind of what you're suggesting or is there some other particular reason why you felt this Bill is necessary?" Harris, D.: "Well, it certainly applies to what happened in Dixon, but it was a recommendation of the Assistant U.S. Attorney that headed up… Patrick Collins, who headed up the Illinois Reform Commission, that was appointed by Governor 09800038.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Quinn, I believe it was two years ago, two or three years ago." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much. Very briefly, to the Bill, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am definitely going to support the Gentleman's Bill. And in part I want to support it because unfortunately, we see too many times, particularly in small units of local government, park districts, school boards, municipalities, where individuals are literally fleecing millions of dollars from these local entities. And in some cases, they're entities that would be considered low income communities, low-income areas and individuals have figured out how to take thousands of dollars, again, some cases millions of dollars, from communities because they just don't think that anybody's paying attention or that the education or expertise of those that may have been in those elected positions, you know, they think they're smarter than them. You know, so if this is an opportunity to help deter, you know, someone who feels like they could take advantage of… of small units of local government, if this is a deterrent to that then I would definitely have to stand in support of this type of legislation and would encourage all others to do… to do the same. Thank you."
"Representative Durkin."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I appreciate what you're doing, but I also know that there are going to be police and state's attorneys who will be looking at the statute and they'll look at definitions and words. When I read it, it says that 09800038.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 a person commits theft to public funds when he or she embezzles, steals or purloins, p-u-r-l-o-i-n-s, what is purloin?" Harris, D.: "I'd have to get you an exact definition, but as I understand purloin, it would be the inappropriate taking of something."
"What's something? In this case…" Harris, D.: "In this case…"
"…it would be public funds." Harris, D.: "…it would be public funds."
"Okay. I… I'm always fascinated to how some of these Bills are drafted, and this is not to be… make light of the situation, but I just want to have some clarity because there will be a judge, a prosecutor, a defense attorney who at some point will have to try to dissect this and find out what the intent was and I appreciate your explanation. I will look it up and research it myself. But I thought it would be worthwhile asking you 'cause maybe this was something you inserted or something you particularly feel fond about is the whole act of purloining." Harris, D.: "I wasn't focused on the purloinment of… of public funds, but it was a Bill that was, again, the language was picked up from what was recommended by the Illinois Reform Commission. So, I didn't examine each word…"
"Well, it's a fine commission…" Harris, D.: "…word for word."
"…and I saw a lot of their proposals went real far over there… have gone quite far over the last few years, but at least something's made its way into the House of 09800038.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Representatives. Thank you very much. And I'll support your Bill."
"Representative Demmer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I rise in strong support of this Bill. As a lifelong resident of Dixon, I can personally attest to the dramatic impact this has had on our community. The theft of public funds not only results in the financial act, but also it hurts the public trust in government. I think this is a great Bill and adds some teeth to prosecution and shows that theft of public funds just will not be tolerated in Illinois. I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative David Harris to close." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do ask for a positive vote on this. And in answer to one of my colleagues questions, the definition of 'purloin' that I got from another colleague is to steal. So, you know it's wrong. I would ask for a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2691 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Cavaletto, Franks, Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2691, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3227, Representative Crespo. Out of the record. House Bill 2695, Representative David Harris. Out of the record. House Bill 3021, Representative D’Amico. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 3021, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative D’Amico."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3021 amends the Vehicle Code and adds catalytic converters to the list of essential parts. I'll… I'll answer any questions."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3021 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Harms. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3021, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2210, Representative Kosel. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2210, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kosel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill defines a postsecondary institution in the field of cosmetology and barber to comply with the federal requirements so that the maximum amount of students can get federal aid. I would ask for your approval."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2210 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 09800038.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 'present', House Bill 2210, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3267, Representative Will Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3267, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3267 simply grants the Illinois… well, I shouldn't say simply, but grants the Illinois Department of Transportation the power to enter into agreements to make low interest loans to disadvantaged businesses… business enterprises certified by the department for participation on department procure construction and construction-related projects. Very… in addition to that, how the program works, is that when a DBE begins to seek a loan from a conventional lender and is rejected twice, they have to be rejected twice by a conventional lender, that DBE can apply for a loan through what is called the Revolving Loan Fund. After the DBE has been approved for the loan, the money will be placed in an escrow account to be used by the DBE as a line of credit. As the DBE progresses through his or her own… his or her construction project, he or she will submit its certified payroll documents and pay item documents to the funds control agent and the prime vendor. Once the prime contractor and the resident engineer approve the work completed, the funds control agent will release… will release dollars from the loan… from the loan amount to the 09800038.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 creditors and the DBE to make payroll payments. As a prime contractor makes payments to the DBE for approved work through the course of the project, the payments will be made directly to the funds control agent, in accordance with the contract, and the funds control agent will pay back the money extended to the DBE's creditors for the… and for payroll before the subcontractor receives any profit or final payment from the work that has been completed. This again, is an initiative of the road builders… well, excuse me… it's supported by the road builders, but it's an initiative of the Department of Transportation. With their support, we have worked with the road builders to try to resolve any and all of their opposition, which we have done. And I'll be more than happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill, please. I commend the Sponsor, he absolutely worked with all groups and got an agreed Bill. But for those on my side of the aisle, particularly, I'd like people to be aware that what we're talking about here is a proj… an initiative where after folks and companies that can't get credit in the private market go to the state, a state that's literally bankrupt for credit worthiness. This, I think, is a good initiative and a good idea, but cannot be well executed. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09800038.doc 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative, trying to follow your acronyms here. What's a DBE, again?" Davis, W.: "A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise."
"Okay. So, if they went to a normal commercial bank and applied for a loan twice, this is where this legislation would kick in?" Davis, W.: "Well, it allows them to then come to…"
"Yes. Okay." Davis, W.: "…and apply for a loan."
"Why… what are some reasons why they might have been turned down the first two times?" Davis, W.: "Hold on. I think I do have an answer to that question for you. I guess one of the reasons is that unfortunately the way the economy has been in the entire country, many banks have responded by making requirements to obtain loans a little bit more restrictive. As a result, smaller businesses with limited assets and shorter work history unfortunately have been unable to receive loans for capital financing through conventional lenders."
"Okay. I'm going to come back to that. This legislation also provides for a transfer not to exceed 3 million. Where does this $3 million come from?" Davis, W.: "It does come from the Road Fund."
"Okay. So, we're… we're going to take money from the Road Fund and we're going to put it into this… this account and we're going to allow people that were turned down from commercial banks to apply for loans from this fund. And I see where… what you're trying to do and you're a very passionate advocate for that, but if someone's turned down 09800038.doc 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 by a loan… for a loan from a bank, there's a problem there. Maybe it's their business plan, maybe it's, you know, they've got too much equipment for the jobs to get done. I mean, there's a whole host of reasons why people get turned down for loans. And banks are in the business of wanting to loan money, so they've done it for a reason. So, to put this… put the capabilities and the State of Illinois to, in affect, underwrite these loans, I… I don't think it's good business for the State of Illinois. You know, nationwide we had Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, people could go and get loans who normally couldn't go and get them on their own, because of their salary, because of credit ratings, for whatever reason, and that's what nearly bankrupted this country. And I know this is just a thimble in the pond, but let's let capitalism work and the free market enterprise work. If someone can't go and get a loan, I don't think the State of Illinois needs to be issuing loans to them instead. So, I would encourage a 'no' vote."
"Representative Sullivan."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, within the context of this Bill, it's my understanding that we're not taking money from the Road Fund and using it for this program, but we're taking money that would have all… otherwise been granted in a project and in essence helping them make payroll on a project they would have already accepted bid for. Is that correct?" 09800038.doc 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Davis, W.: "I would… I would agree with that, Representative. This kind of creates a guarantee, if you will."
"So… so, we're… we're helping a contractor that already has bid out the work and has… has… has won the bid, if you will, we're not taking money out of the Road Fund, putting it in a special fund to help people out. That’s… that's the… in essence what this is about?" Davis, W.: "I would agree with that, Representative."
"Okay. Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, to the Bill. Our road contractors have said that this is a good idea. It is going to help small businesses that potentially could… could be struggling. It's going to help put people back to work. I rise in support of this as an initiative to… to see how it works. The previous speaker brings some good points that we want to avoid, but that's why we have this group that's going to be carefully screening these businesses. And I think it's something that we must at least try in the near future to try and get our small businesses and our disadvantaged businesses moving forward in the state. So for that reason, I do rise in support."
"Representative Zalewski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I think the Gentleman's Bill is excellent. We heard in debate that you know it's… if you have an issue where the bank won't give you a line of credit, or a letter of credit or you know, we just need to sort of let that process play out, and you know, so it goes. But I… I can say, there are a lot of instances where these entities simply cannot get off the 09800038.doc 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 ground because they don't have access to the type of capital and the type of financial structures that they need to simply get them out… get their foot in the door. So, you know, in this Body we do a lot of things to assist a lot of big businesses; we did them a few years ago. If we can't help the small guys get off the ground and attempt to build their businesses the right way, then we really need to take a look at our… our processes. So, I urge a strong 'aye' vote for the Gentleman's Bill."
"Representative Mautino."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I wanted to thank the Sponsor for working with a lot of the Members from downstate. The legislation as it came over, he's agreed to and put in place, some changes and some improvements that also give some protections to the State of Illinois for those who have… have the ability to access this program. So, first of all, I wanted to say thank you for that. I appreciate you working for us; I do rise in support of your legislation. It is supported by the road builders and contractors, and it took many long hours for you and Sam and a lot of good folks to get this in place. So, I rise in support."
"Representative Beiser."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. And I'm following Frank's footsteps. I want to thank the Sponsor for doing this I know how hard he worked with IDOT and with all the interested parties to bring this to the version that we look at today, with so much support. And Will, I think you 09800038.doc 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 did a great job, and I appreciate you bringing it forward. Thank you."
"Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I, too, rise in strong support and would like to congratulate the Sponsor on this legislation that many of us, before we come down here, or for us to stay down here, we talk about helping small businesses here in the state. This Bill speaks to that. We need to have similar programs to this… coming out of other departments and other agencies. It's a progressive and proactive approach towards really getting businesses off the ground and sustaining businesses here in our state. Congratulations on this legislation."
"Representative Will Davis to close." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Let me thank… begin by thanking all of the Members that are… have stood in support of this legislation and have agreed to support it. I also want to thank Heather Vaught from the Speaker's staff, who worked to help make sure that it was a tight Bill and making sure that all the necessary parties were at the… at the table; Secretary Schneider, from the Department of Transportation, as well as Samantha Fields standing here to my left, who worked very hard to try to make sure that we took into consideration all the concerns that were being played. And more importantly, Senator Mattie Hunter who began this process last year in the Senate, and we took that and we think we've crafted, what we think, is a good Bill. To respond to Representative… previous Representative's statement, a lot of… some of this 09800038.doc 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 will be done in the rulemaking process. And this Bill allows for that to move forward. So, the idea of… of having been rejected by conventional lenders twice, that's not in the Bill, let me make that very clear, that is not in the Bill. But we anticipate that the rulemaking process will make the necessary provisions to make this a very strong program, and as mentioned earlier, this is a way to help grow businesses in the State of Illinois. I know sometimes when you see me you think that I only represent businesses of color, but this is an effort to help small businesses as well, which don't always are headed by people of color. So this is an opportunity to help small businesses here in the State of Illinois with their growth and development. We all agree that one of the things that we need to do are to rebuild our roads, many of us support capital Bills, to that affect. So here's a way to make sure that not only are we rebuilding the infrastructure of the State of Illinois, but that we aren't being inclusive in making sure that along with the prime vendors that normally bid on these projects, that there are substantial opportunities for small and minority businesses to be able to participate in this as well. I certainly hope that I can get everyone's support and even though that's not the case, I want to thank all of you who have agreed to support it. And again, thank you very much and I ask for all of your support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3267 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hammond, Brauer. 09800038.doc 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 74 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present', House Bill 3267, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3043, Representative David Harris. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3043, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative David Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3043 creates a petty offense for the vandalism… vandalism of a historic site. Now, a historic site is not necessarily government property, as many people think of it, but rather simply a site designated by a county, township or municipality to be of his… again, a historic significance. And it is a petty offense. I'd be happy to answer any questions and I ask for your support of the Bill."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3043 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Bellock. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3043, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1532, Representative DeLuca. Out of the record. House Bill 3357, Representative Meier. Out of the record. House Bill 2953, Representative Drury. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 2953, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Drury."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2953 amends the fine Section of the Unified Code of Corrections and it requires that a public official who's convicted of a felony has to pay a fine that’s the greater of the earnings that he makes between the time of his offense and the time of conviction or $25 thousand. There were no opponents to this Bill coming out of committee. It's an important Bill. What we see happen a lot of times is that someone commits an offense, a public corruption offense, they go on leave with pay and then they continue to earn money on a local government's dime or on the state's dime and this would allow the courts to get that money back and put it back into the state's coffers. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2953 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Fortner, Smith. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2953, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 89, Representative Franks. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 89, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09800038.doc 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
Speaker Turner: "Third Reading. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 18, Representative McSweeney. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #18, offered by Representative McSweeney. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article V of the Illinois Constitution by changing Sections 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 and by repealing Sections 4 and 14 as follows: ARTICLE V THE EXECUTIVE SECTION 1. OFFICERS The Executive Branch shall include a Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Treasurer elected by the electors of the State. They shall keep the public records and maintain a residence at the seat of government during their terms of office. SECTION 2. TERMS These elected officers of the Executive Branch shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Monday of January after their election and until their successors are qualified. They shall be elected at the general election in 1978 and every four years thereafter. SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY 09800038.doc 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 To be eligible to hold the office of Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller or Treasurer, a person must be a United States citizen, at least 25 years old, and a resident of this State for the three years preceding his or her election. SECTION 4. JOINT ELECTION (REPEALED) SECTION 6. GUBERNATORIAL SUCCESSION (a) In the event of a vacancy, the order of succession to the office of Governor or to the position of Acting Governor shall be the elected Attorney General, the elected Secretary of State, and then as provided by law. (b) If the Governor is unable to serve because of death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation or other disability, the office of Governor shall be filled by the officer next in line of succession for the remainder of the term or until the disability is removed. (c) Whenever the Governor determines that he may be seriously impeded in the exercise of his or her powers, he or she shall so notify the Secretary of State and the officer next in line of succession. The latter shall thereafter become Acting Governor with the duties and powers of Governor. When the Governor is prepared to resume office, he or she shall do so by notifying the Secretary of State and the Acting Governor. (d) The General Assembly by law shall specify by whom and by what procedures the ability of the Governor to serve or to resume office may be questioned and determined. The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to review such a law and any such determination and in the 09800038.doc 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 absence of such a law, shall make the determination under such rules as it may adopt. SECTION 7. VACANCIES IN OTHER ELECTIVE OFFICES If the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller or Treasurer fails to qualify or if his or her office becomes vacant, the Governor shall fill the office by appointment. The appointee shall hold office until the elected officer qualifies or until a successor is elected and qualified as may be provided by law and shall not be subject to removal by the Governor. SECTION 14. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR - DUTIES (REPEALED) SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies beginning with the term of office otherwise commencing in 2019. This was the Third Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #18."
"Representative McSweeney."
"Mr. Speaker, today I am proposing a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate the Office of Lieutenant Governor. It is a luxury that we can no longer afford. This Amendment is not meant to try to offend the current Lieutenant Governor. In fact, it would not go into effect until 2019. This would be on the ballot in 2014. Under the leadership of Chairman Crespo, we've already starting reducing expenditures and I would hope that we reduce that expenditure to near 0 between 2015 and 2019. Six other states do not have Lieutenant Governor. We all know about 09800038.doc 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 the problems in this state, the $9 billion of unpaid bills, the fact that we can't borrow money on a large scale basis in efficient way and we can't fund social services. So what I ask every Member today to consider is, would you rather fund basic social services, would you rather cut taxes for small businesses or would you rather fund the $1,846,000 that we spent in 2013 on the Office of Lieutenant Governor? I strongly believe that this is a symbol to the people of the State of Illinois that we are finally serious about eliminating a function, that we are serious about cutting spending. And I respectfully ask for a 'yes' vote today on my attempt for a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate the Office of Lieutenant Governor."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you very much. I rise in opposition to the Gentleman's Motion. I know he's well-meaning and there will be many on this floor that will just say, well, let's save the money and do away with the Office of Lieutenant Governor, because after all, what duties does the Lieutenant Governor have in the first place? However, the Lieutenant Governor does have some duties. First of all, the Lieutenant Governor sits on several boards; Lieutenant Governor has some statutory duties. This Constitutional Amendment doesn't deal with those in any way and so there would be a hole in the law as to what happens to the Attorney… the Lieutenant Governor's appointment to those boards and commissions. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, it wasn't too long ago in this state that we sent the Governor packing and when we did that, we had a 09800038.doc 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Lieutenant Governor in place that took over with a reasonable system under the law to make sure that the duties of the Governor were transferred to an appropriate person. Now I know that if we abolish the Office of Lieutenant Governor would just fall to the next person, but that next person, is not one who is sitting in this chamber or in this building, that person is not one who is necessarily familiar with the legislative process, not familiar with the Bills that are here, not familiar with what we're doing necessarily. And it just seems to me that just simply to say we should abolish an office simply because we want to save a few million dollars when we've seen over the ne… last several years in… in stark relief that there's been a need for a smooth transition, it seems to me this is not a good thing to do. I know there will be many who say in the issue, because they want to save money or in the… in the rush to do some kind of political reform to the system, that this is an appropriate thing to do, but I would urge restraint and I would urge you think carefully about the role of the Lieutenant Governor. Yes, minimal under our statutes; yes, minimal under our Constitution, but nevertheless, we've just gone through a time in Illinois's history when I think it's been important that we've had a Lieutenant Governor. So, I understand the Gentleman's motivation and I… and I think it's admirable, but I think… I think what trumps that is our need to have a person in place that would succeed to the Office of Governor, if necessary. Additionally, under our new law where the Governor and Lieutenant Governor run together, 09800038.doc 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 rather than separately, I think these are people, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, that would be working more closely together than ever in history, and we have an opportunity moving forward because they do run together to make them partners in government. If this were to become the law of Illinois, if this office were to be abolished, there would be no opportunity for the Governor to have a partner in government. And for all these reasons, I would urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege and a quick diversion from this Bill."
"Please state your point, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, up in the gallery we have former Speaker of the House, Lee Daniels of… welcome him back to the chamber."
"Welcome back."
"Thank you."
"Representative Lang in the Chair."
"It's nice to be loved. Mr. Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative McSweeney, I'm just curious, you don't like Sheila Simon?"
"Representative Dunkin, this legislation would not go into effect until 2019. And let me make one thing clear, that the next in line, under this legislation, is the Attorney General. And I believe that many on this side of the aisle, and then this side of the aisle will agree that 09800038.doc 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 our current Attorney General is very capable of taking that office. So, we do have a succession plan and this is not meant to target the current Lieutenant Governor, who by the way, is not running for reelection, Representative Dunkin."
"Sure. But I'm sure someone will be. So, you say there are six states that are currently doing this. What… what are those states?"
"The six states right now are Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, West Virginia and Wyoming, Representative."
"Okay. Those… maybe with some exception of Arizona, those states are so distinctly different from the State of Illinois and you know, this is a large state of 12-plus million people here. Don't you think it's important to have someone next in line very similar to this current Governor who was also the Lieutenant Governor, he was in line and he succeeded…"
"Representative, the Attorney General would step in. I think the Attorney General's very capable of… in fact, it'll make that office very important. And one of the things I hear you, many times and rightly so, talk about the fact that we are cutting basic social services. It's a travesty. We have 8 billion to 9 billion of unpaid bills. How can we justify spending $2 million on this office when the Attorney General is capable of taking the responsibility?"
"Well, Representative, you know, there are… there are… you can look at government all across this state and really look for better, more efficient ways to function as a 09800038.doc 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 government. And certainly during these harsh economic times, it's an issue. People are looking at us far more closer than they would if we were flushed as we were somewhat, I guess, six years or so ago. But that doesn't necessarily mean that we have to throw the baby out with the bathwater, right? So, have you looked at or considered maybe the Comptroller's Office or the Treasurer's Office…"
"Yes, in fact I would like…"
"…n terms of consolidating them?"
"…I …I would like to merge those offices. But the legislation we're considering here right now is to eliminate the Office of Lieutenant Governor; it's a luxury that we can't afford. Let's give the people the opportunity in 2014 to decide. Let's show them once and for all that we're really interested in cutting spending in this state."
"Well, I… I think most of us here are very interested in being efficient and reducing spending. We've done a tremendous amount of cuts all across the board in every single agency, every single department. Right now we're struggling to pay our pension and so we're looking at ways even more so to do further reductions. But I don't think every idea is always a good idea. Certainly one that needs to be tremendously thought out of eliminating a major constitutional office here in our state. Can you imagine not having a Lieutenant Governor in place when the last Governor left office?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I can. And because…"
"So let me ask… 09800038.doc 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"…the Attorney General would've taken over. It's… it's an office that is a luxury. I understand if we were sitting on a pile of cash, if we had a AAA bond rating it would be a different story, but what I am relying on is talking to the senior citizens who've had their benefits cut, the small businesses who are paying higher taxes, and saying would I rather provide basic services or would I rather provide lower taxes or would I rather spend money on the Lieutenant Governor? It is a luxury that we can't afford. The state is insolvent, Representative."
"Representative, I… I again, I understand saying your point. But is this the most sa… the most salient issue that citizens in this state are talking about? Let's eliminate the Lieutenant Governor's Office and we'll be able to save a great deal of money. It'll… it'll stop the flow of health care dollars of providers being paid, social service agencies receiving dollars, school districts receiving money, our senior citizens improving their prescription drug program, et cetera. Is this the big issue on the dinner table of houses across this state today?"
"What's on the dinner table in this state is that we have nine and a half percent unemployment, that Caterpillar just cut additional jobs today, that the state is insolvent. This is a message that we're serious about cutting spending; it'll show the voters that we're finally willing to eliminate an office. Let's talk about the fact that we need to show the voters that we're going to cut spending. So yes, people are talking about the loss of jobs, they are talking about the insolvency of this state. 09800038.doc 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 We are at the lowest bond rating in the country, our debt costs three times more on a spread basis than the State of California. This will show people that we're serious. Give the voter's a choice, Representative…"
"Representative…"
"…that's all that I'm doing here. Let's put it on the ballot."
"…you mentioned Caterpillar?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Can you tell you how much state taxes does Caterpillar pay?"
"I can't give you an exact amount…"
"Any idea?"
"…of said Caterpillar, but what I will tell you about that…"
"Caterpillar…"
"…is that…"
"…I can… I can give you an answer."
"…what I can tell you about that is that Caterpillar is an important employer in this state. And that we need to create a better business environment…"
"No doubt."
"…in this state so…"
"Gentlemen. Gentlemen, please…"
"You're… you're absolutely…"
"Ladies and Gentlemen, there isn't too much we do more serious than debating a Constitutional Amendment. Please give these speakers your attention and hold down the 09800038.doc 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 noise level or go to the rear of the chamber. Please proceed, Mr. Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, I mentioned, we're talking about savings here, ultimately saving. First off, we have reduced spending here in this state. Last year and the year before that, and now this year we're looking at having a total of about $6 billion in cost reductions, of how we run this state, in terms of our business, in terms of what we're spending. We're making… we made 3 billion… almost $3 billion in cuts of how we operate government just last year. And this year we're probably going to be at that same number, of running government less and more efficiency… with more efficiency and trying to be as frugal and astute as possible. Most of us are keenly aware of what it is that we need to do, or trying to get there, to be as efficient as possible. What I like to point out, you mentioned again, Caterpillar, one of our great companies here in this state that we want to stay here. We want to see it expand and grow, but guess what Representative, they don't pay state taxes at all. They are one of many large corporations here in this state that get a free ride to do business. Now we now they employ folk, we know they invest in infrastructure, but they don't pay taxes. You pay taxes, I pay taxes, many of our citizens pay taxes, many of the government workers here pay taxes, but yet they get… they're a multibillion dollar corporation and they receive a major tax incentive. They don't pay taxes on equipment; they don't pay taxes on their grain, a transaction tax. Is that fair? And… and I'm not picking on Caterpillar, but 09800038.doc 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 that’s one of many companies here that is not carrying their full load and being responsible and contributing to our respective General Assembly… our General Revenue Fund to help…"
"Mr. Dunkin…"
"…make the case for…"
"…could you bring your remarks to a close, Sir."
"And… and what I'll say on that Representative is that we have nine and a half percent unemployment in this state. People are out of jobs; the state is insolvent. It's time that we once and for all show that we're serious about cutting spending…"
"Should…"
"…and that's what this will do. And raising taxes on companies, Representative, will not attract businesses…"
"Listen…"
"…to this state."
"…I never said raising taxes. What I'm saying is…"
"Well, I'm not…"
"…corporations, should they pay fair taxes as do citizens here in this state, as do other smaller businesses do? Should they be allowed to contribute to the economy as most citizens in this state do or should they continue to enjoy a free ride?"
"Mr. Dunkin, can you bring your re…"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you very much. Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off, I would like to stick with the Gentleman's Resolution and just so you know, I'm 09800038.doc 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 going to say that I am happy that Caterpillar is in the State of Illinois and I'm happy that they provide the employment that they do. And actually, if you'll look very closely, there's a lot of taxes that are paid, but that's not what we're talking about here. I rise in support of the Gentleman's Motion and the reason I do, as I've watched over the years, if you look at the history of this office we've had two that have quit because they were bored to tears, two. They were bored to tears. There wasn't anything the office was doing. Now, many of them over the years, from both sides of the aisle, have done great things, whether it's from that the… main street programs and different things that they focus on, but they have to provide themselves busy work. Ladies and Gentlemen, we could save this. One of the other Members of the… one of the other Members that spoke said that we should combine the Treasurer and the Comptroller, I'm for that too; I am for that, too. This gives the opportunity for the voters to decide. The voters, remember they sent you here? They sent me here. This gives us opportunity when… if you sit in the coffee shop, we know we have the problem with pension, that is talked about, we know we have a problem with our budget, but this is something that comes up. Yeah… exactly why, and to think that we couldn't survive without it, really? Hey, how about when we had the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich, do you remember for two years we didn't have one. We didn't have one. Did anybody see any problem? We went on… did it, no problem. Look, does it save a tremendous amount of money? No. But the same way when the Democrat Leader spoke 09800038.doc 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 a while ago, when we were talking about the taxes on airplanes, every little bit counts, every little bit. This isn't some radical move. It is a Constitutional Office, I understand that, but that Constitution was drafted for the people of the State of Illinois and all we're saying is, put this on the ballot and allow them to decide, them to decide. Not this chamber. If they want to get rid of that office and then there is… we… other states don't have Lieutenant Governors., They have sensible ways set if something would happen, that a competent person would then take that office, bBut they don't have somebody in… that just their main job is to sit around and wait for the final heartbeat. It's time for this. I've supported this since I first got here. Send it to the people, let them vote for it."
"Representative Soto."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the… to the Sponsor of the Bill. I have a question. If the Republicans were in Leadership would be you… would you be introducing this Bill?"
"Absolutely."
"Absolutely?"
"One hundred percent."
"Okay. So, would…"
"No doubt about it."
"Oh, thank…"
"It's an important symbol. And it's an important cost savings, yes."
"Okay. Okay. So, then, since you're not right now would you be willing to take the Bill out… out of the record and 09800038.doc 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 wait 'til, you know, your Party's in charge and then maybe introduce this Bill?"
"Respectfully, no, Representative. The time is now. Let's let the people decide; let's cut spending; let's show people that we're serious, Representative. Let's do it now."
"And we are serious. We are serious. We have gone back and forth with your side of the aisle. I'm a vice chair and I'm sitting with the chairs and vice chairs sitting in negotiations trying to come up with a plan and we've been asking to please give us something in writing so that we can address some of these issues that we had, but we're not seeing anything in writing yet. So, I'm hoping that maybe you can help with that. Maybe come up with something in writing with your side of the aisle and let's just roll up our sleeves and work."
"But no, Representative…"
"Because we're going back and forth just introducing silly legislation… I'm sorry, I'm… I'm not… not to disrespect you because you're a wonderful man and I have a lot of respect for you. But I mean, really there's others… other things that we can do, let's really dig deep and look at these… let's negotiate something. Give us something in writing and let's go back and forth and try to tweak what we have and let's make everybody's life better."
"And… and let's start that process by showing the people that we're serious about cutting spending."
"And we are serious."
"Right." 09800038.doc 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I think people know that we're serious and we're not playing around when we come down here. We are serious because when we leave our homes, we're not leaving our families behind to come here and play games. That's really what I'm trying to tell you. Okay. thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Absolutely, thank you."
"Representative Bill Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields." Mitchell, B.: "Representative McSweeney, I've sponsored this exact Constitutional Amendment x number of years ago, so I want to congratulate you. Freshman, you're doing a great job. And you probably said this in your opening remarks, how much… how much would the State of Illinois save?"
"One million, eight hundred and forty six thousand was the fiscal…" Mitchell, B.: "Nearly $2 million?"
"Right." Mitchell, B.: "That's a piece of change in my neck of the woods. So… how many times since 1980 has this office been vacant?"
"Two times, I believe." Mitchell, B.: "Two times."
"Yes." Mitchell, B.: "And in those two times did state government halt?"
"No, Representative. And did the government…" Mitchell, B.: "Did anyone notice that there was a vacancy there? A couple of years ago it was vacant for, 09800038.doc 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Representative Bost said, two years. The State of Illinois didn't notice. How much does the State of Illinois, how many… how much back bills do we owe?"
"The number is… that varies. It's somewhere between eight to nine billion depending on the week." Mitchell, B.: "Nine billion dollars roughly, right? So, we got to work on this problem incrementally, piece by piece. So, this is not a partisan issue. If there was a Republican Governor with a Republican Lieutenant Governor, I would support this issue, just as I support when we have a Republican Comptroller and a Republican Treasurer, the combination of those two offices. This is a commonsense Constitutional Amendment that you're presenting to the people of Illinois. Now, to the Constitutional Amendment. It's been in the Representative's remarks talked about our high unemployment. I would like to tell the General Assembly the area that I represent in central Illinois has 13.7 percent unemployment, the highest in the state. The policies of debt and high taxation just aren't working, folks. It isn't working. We've got to start making some economies. Caterpillar just announced 460 layoffs in the City of Decatur, who I represent. Those are people, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, they pay taxes and they're now got the pink slip. And so when a proposal like this comes up to save nearly $2 million, they say, well, it's common sense. Let's just do it; let's just stop being partisan here. Let's stop being hyper-Republicans or hyper- Democrats. Let this get this thing done. I urge a 'yes' vote." 09800038.doc 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"David Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the Sponsor."
"Sponsor yields." Harris, D.: "Representative, I should say by the way that before I make any remarks, I called Dave O'Neal and Bob Kustra to get their thoughts on… on this Constitutional Amendment, for those of you who don't know the names of those folks from the past. Question of the Sponsor; you mentioned that there were six states that do not have a Lieutenant Governor. My information indicates that there are seven, but you mentioned West Virginia. In the case of West Virginia do you know how their succession plan works?"
"Representative, I'm not sure on West Virginia, but in… this legislation the Attorney General would be next in line…" Harris, D.: "Right."
"…that's what's important. What… what I have focused on is what's good for the State of Illinois. I think the system right now in place is good." Harris, D.: "And I understand. And just… just for the Body's information, I believe there are seven states from what LRU gave to me; Tennessee is also on that list. But in the case of both Tennessee and West Virginia, their Senate President also holds ex officio the Office of Lieutenant Governor. So, in essence, there are five states that do not have anyone who calls himself or herself the Lieutenant Governor. It's not often that I disagree with my distinguished freshman colleague from Cook County, but on this one I do. And let me tell you why, this is not just a 09800038.doc 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 dollars and cents argument. This is a constitutional argument; this is changing our Constitution, the document by why which we govern ourselves and it's been said, let the people decide. Well, we have to let the people decide because guess what, to change the constitution, the Constitutional Amendment has to go to them. Last year this Body voted down a very reasonable Constitutional Amendment on which most of us, I'm willing to bet, campaigned in 2010, and that Amendment was to combine the offices of Treasurer and Comptroller, would have saved 16 to 18 million dollars by way of combining those two offices. For the life of me, I don't know why we voted that down. The excuses were weak in my mind, but this Body rejected a Constitutional Amendment to combine two offices which have somewhat duplicate… duplicative duties, rejected an Amendment to saves 16 to 18 million dollars. This saves $1.8 million. Now Ladies and Gentlemen, I sit as a Member of the General Services Appropriations Committee, the Lieutenant Governor's Office comes before the General Services Appropriations Committee. Folks, if we don't want to give them $1.8 million we, the General Assembly and this House, has the capability to say, I'm not going to appropriate $1.8 million, I'm going to appropriate 300 thousand. I'm going to pay your salary and a staff or two. We don't have to give them $1.8 million. So, we're doing away with a constitutional office for which I firmly believe there is a logic, there is a logic here in the event of gubernatorial… a vacancy in… in the Governor's Office. There is a logic, especially now, when the Governor 09800038.doc 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 and the Lieutenant Governor are going to run as a team in the… in the election. So, again, I think my colleague is extremely well-intentioned. I think his motivations are right in terms of trying to save dollars, but we can do that through our own appropriations process without eliminating an office, which I think, makes sense. Doesn't happen very often, there's not very frequently that there's a vacancy in the Office of the Governor, but when there is there's a… I think we want to feel comfortable that there's a normal progression there. I will tell you also in those five other states that I mentioned earlier, as having no Office of the Lieutenant Governor, in not a single one of those states does the Attorney General succeed. It either falls to the… Secretary of State or the President of the Senate. And one could ask the question, why don't we pattern ourselves off… after the United States Constitution where if the Vice President isn't there, the Speaker of the House becomes the President? Can I… can I get a yeah on that? I'm… I don't mean to make light of this, but the point is, we have in place a process for succession in the vacancy of the Governor. Yeah, we could save a couple of bucks by doing away with this office. The Gentleman's idea is again, well-intentioned, but I don't think it moves us in the right direction. And because of that, with all due respect, I urge a 'no' vote."
"Mr. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. History, we just went through this; we had a Governor that was removed from office, by many of us that were here were part of that 09800038.doc 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 process and we had a Lieutenant Governor's Office that remained vacant for two years. The world did not come to an end. But if you want to know a more particular reason why we should support this, most of us, I think, when we're on the campaign trail, talking about making a government more efficient. How do we make government more efficient? Well, this is the way to do it. Many of us talk about and have heard about so many taxing bodies and elected officials in the State of Illinois and you say, you're right, we need to do something about that. And so you're on the campaign trail and you're talking to your constituents and you're saying, I'm going to do these things. Well, here's the day. Here's the day to honor what you've said in the field. Here's the day to make government more efficient, streamline government by removing more elected officials and saving the tax dollars… the taxpayers some money. So, are your words and actions going to align today and the answer will come on this vote. Please vote 'aye'."
"Mr. Durkin."
"I think if you ask any of the residents or any bod… your neighbors or anybody in the state of what the role or the function of the Lieutenant Governor's Office is and they're going to say no. They know that they're there in place if the Governor passes or if they're sent away to prison, which seems to be more of a track record in this state, but at some point we need to pose the question to the citizens, the taxpayers, the people who pay our salaries and keep the state functioning. This office has outlived its usefulness. It is not as if it's the Vice 09800038.doc 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 President, they don't break a tie in the Senate. There really is no function for it. We all know that. It sounds great, it's a ceremonial office, but I think that this is one particular question which needs to be placed to the voters. We have tried in the past to combine the Treasurer and the Comptroller's Office; we all think it's great. Everybody campaigns on it, but never seems to make it out of the chamber. How about that? The Republicans, the last time they ran a chamber, had control of the chamber was 1996. So, why don't we allow the citizens to make that decision? Let there be a public debate on the usefulness, the fate or the future of this Office of Lieutenant Governor because we all know at the end of the day that this office will continue. It has been the appendix on state government. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Christian Mitchell." Mitchell, C.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Representative McSweeney, you know I have a great deal of respect for you and what you're trying to do here in terms of efficiency in government. And I'd also like to note that I share Leader Bost's concern about the proliferation of executive boredom. And… but I have a couple of concerns with this and I think, the first is that I don't think the money that we would save justifies disrupting the constitutional line of succession. And that secondly, I think that I share Representative Harris' concerns vis-à- vis, our role as the General Assembly to… to deal with the appropriation, if we think it's too high. And that furthermore, and I think perhaps even most importantly, I 09800038.doc 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 think that the voters have a right to be led by the Party of their choice. And if we had, for example, a Republican Governor, Democratic Attorney General, something were to happen, God forbid to them, that we would be changing Party rule for something other than the will of the voters. And it's for that reason, not your desire of efficiency, not what you're trying to do with government, that I'll be voting 'no'. Thank you."
"Mr. Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative, what are the constitutional duties of the Lieutenant Governor? The former, one of the former speakers who's now in the Chair, talked about really important things that the Lieutenant Governor does. What are those by con… by the Constitution, not by statute."
"By the Constitution there are no official duties. There are duties as Leader Lang pointed out. For example, being in charge of the Rural Affairs Council, that should be transferred to the Governor's Office. This is an office, Representative, that does not play in the line of… of any type of legislative authority, does not have any official powers. That's why it's a luxury and it should be eliminated."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Constitutional Amendment. Let's look at some of the important duties that we would… we could not live without the Lieutenant Governor presiding over, be that person Republican or Democrat. Chairman of the government… Governor's Rural Affairs Council, chairman 09800038.doc 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 of the Rural Bond Bank of Illinois, head of the Illinois Main Street Program and of course the chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council. Wow. If we don't have a Lieutenant Governor to preside over these things, what would happen? I don't have any idea what the Illinois River Coordinating Council does. I do know there's a Main Street Program. Does the Lieutenant Governor have to be the person that presides over it? But most of these are statutory things that we've put… we've given the Lieutenant Governor the opportunity to do because the Lieutenant Governor has almost nothing to do. Representative Franks said on the House Floor that the Lieutenant Governor's job was to read obituaries, and I don't think I'm misquoting him. So here we have an opportunity to let the people speak. It's not a silly Amendment; it's not a partisan thing. I've supported this. As a matter of fact, to Representative David Harris's point, I filed House Bill 2734 which takes the Lieutenant Governor's appropriation out of the Comptroller's Office, out of their budget and puts it with the Governor's Office. But the Lieutenant Governor's Office was opposed to that because they were afraid the Governor's Office would zero them out or could zero them out. Why couldn't the Governor say w… working with the Lieutenant Governor 'cause they're going to start running together, why couldn't the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, coordinate staff, coordinate office space, coordinate on all of their legislative agenda? So, I have a Bill, but it was opposed. Let the Governor decide how much money the Lieutenant Governor should get in their own appropriation when they come to our appropriation 09800038.doc 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 committees. And yes, we want to try to save money. We had a Bill here yesterday to cut our salaries and cut our per diem. And while that's a small amount overall to our budget, that was important. But now some of us want to rally around the Lieutenant Governor's Office and draw a line in the sand and play, we cannot live without the Lieutenant Governor's Office. I think the Attorney General could preside over this office, any other constitutional officer could step in. For two years it was vacant, you could walk by it on the second floor nobody missed it, nobody tours there, children don't go there and tour. They come to see the Governor's Office, they come to see the Secretary of State or the Attorney General. If we can't streamline this form of government, what can we streamline? The Gentleman has a good Constitutional Amendment, let the people of Illinois speak on it. If they think it's a good idea for the Attorney General to take over in succession if something happens to the Governor, let them speak. Let that become the law of the land. The Governor always says let the will of the people be the law of the land and I think Gentlemen… the Gentleman has a good Bill. Let the people speak on this issue and let's abolish the Lieutenant Governor's Office."
"Mr. Drury."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"So, Representative, I just have a few procedural questions, 'cause there's been a lot of talk about whether or not this is good or bad, but I just think we should all 09800038.doc 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 understand how this is going to work. So, if… if the Governor vacates his position or her position for whatever reason, the… under your… under this Amendment now, the Attorney General will have to take over the Governorship. Is that correct?"
"The Attorney General is next in line, that is correct."
"Okay. Can the Attorney General, if the Attorney General is completely happy with her position, decline it?"
"I believe, yes, that the Attorney… then it would go to the next in line which is the Secretary of State. I'm not changing anything in the existing Illinois Constitution so…"
"Okay. And… and I'm not… I'm not an Illinois Constitutional scholar. So if, are you telling us, because I think this is important, if… if we… if the Governor vacates his or her position and we get to the Attorney General and they say, Mr. or Miss Attorney General, congratulations you're now the Governor of the great State of Illinois, can the Attorney General say thank you, but no thank you? I mean, do we know for a fact what… what happens?"
"I believe that the Attorney General would then have to resign. I… I believe to be clear under this situation and I don't think there's any type of precedence on this, that the Attorney General would be obligated to take position unless they'll say before the Attorney General resigned from that office. So… to be clear, because you asked a very specific question at the beginning, is if the 09800038.doc 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Attorney General declined, I believe, that the Attorney General is duty bound unless the Attorney General declines by resigning as Attorney General. That…"
"Okay."
"…that would be my interpretation of what the constitution says."
"Okay. And so, I… I think that's important that before we vote on something like this, and this isn't whether you're for it or against it…"
"Yep. And this is the same as the existing Constitution. Nothing is changing in the Illinois Constitution. All that we're doing is eliminating the Lieutenant Governor from the line of succession."
"Right… right no, I… I appreciate that."
"Yeah."
"And so, I guess the next question I have is recently the General Assembly passed some legislation that says that the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor will run as a ticket and… and that passed out of here and they ran as a ticket and some people have asked some questions… It's a Party issue, right, in one respect, right? If the Governor today vacated his position, Sheila Simon would take over and there's… there's a uniformity of succession. Now, if… if the Governor is of one Party, and I don't care which Party it is, and the Attorney General is of another Party and the Attorney General then becomes the Governor, who becomes the Attorney General?"
"The Attorney General is appointed by the new Governor." 09800038.doc 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"So… so, what would happen under the… right now, the way we would have it is, we could have a Republican Governor vacates the position we have a Democrat… Democratic Attorney General, that Democrat becomes the Lieutenant Governor… or becomes the Governor and then the Democrat is going to appoint another Attorney… another Attorney General?"
"That is correct and that's why it's so important that the people have notice. That's why the effective date of this is 2019. So, that's why the Attorney General's Office will be even more important. So, when people elect the Attorney General, they know that they could be electing a future Governor also. But your interpretation is correct."
"Okay. Then… then the other question I have is, when new Governors even if it's of the same Party, and new Attorney Generals I imagine, even if they're of the same Party they take over the office, they're executives, right?"
"Right."
"So, as an executive they can change policies, they can change staff, they can change a whole lot of things when they come into office, correct?"
"That's correct."
"And do we have any idea of what the cost is of… of turnover, losing experience, losing deputies, people leaving their position 'cause they're no longer happy there? Because I've seen this happen in my government service where there's big turnover." 09800038.doc 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Right. And Representative, there's a turnover every election cycle. And what will happen if the Lieutenant Governor took the Office of Governor right now there would be turnover also, nothing changes. All that we're doing here is giving the people the ability to eliminate this office, we're cutting spending in the future, sending a strong signal, but we're also giving people warning and giving them notice that the Attorney General is even a more important office in the future, you're potentially looking at a future Governor. I think that's a reasonable approach."
"Okay. To the Bill. I think, fellow Members, this is a very serious Bill. I… I'm not… and I appreciate you bringing it to our attention. I think we need to consider the repercussions very seriously and make sure that we understand what the procedures are before we vote on this. This Bill or Amendment has come up today, it has… it's being vetted here on the floor. But the concern is, there's a big difference between being a Governor and being an Attorney General. And so yes, if the Lieutenant Governor became the Governor there would be maybe a change in policy but those offices are very distinct in their duties and so there's going to be a cost to all of a sudden making the Attorney General, forcing the Attorney General, to become the Governor, if whether or not that person wants to be. So, I think that when you cast your vote on this one, that you take that into consideration that there… there may be cost savings and this may be a good idea, but it may need further thought. And I'll just suggest this, 09800038.doc 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Representative, without saying you should or you shouldn't like others do, I personally would like to have the opportunity to consider this further but it's your Amendment, but I'm just going to put that suggestion out there."
"Mr. Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Thank you. Representative, I didn't really come here today to support your… your Bill for the very same reasons that I think Representative Harris was not going to support your Bill. But after listening to the debate today. I don't see any way, but what I have to support your Bill because we've talked about just about everything and anything but your Bill with the exception of Representative Drury, and that's a shame. So, Mr. Speaker, I'm going to ask that you give me a little liberty here, because all of a sudden what I've heard today is a little bit of money doesn't make any difference. Well, it does; it does. As a matter of fact it wasn't very long ago that we gave away $210 million to two people that… businesses that were attempting to hold us hostage and we didn't think twice about it. That's after we deemed corporate America and the individual taxpayer a lot of money. We didn't think twice about it. That's a shame. The inition… addition to that, it's a shame that when we're considering cost and vetting things, that we have a tangible growth package that would bring no less than $600 million to the State of Illinois and there's not one of those Bills that will get out of committee or get to this 09800038.doc 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 floor. So, I… I'm wondering how serious are we about not only saving money but making money? Because the simple truth is you can't make it, you got to save it. I mean, you know, folks, there's an old saying that there are people who know things and there are people who quite frankly do things, and then there are people who are known for what they simply are. And I think people look at us and they know that we're simply not doing our job. Now, this isn't a big deal in terms of cost savings, but for the fact that we can't save money, we can't cut costs. And I've heard that this isn't a big deal. Well, it is a big deal because we can't cut costs anywhere else, we can't make budget, we can't pay our bills. And yet there are viable options available to us, but for the fact that politics as usual. Politics as usual keeps us from doing something. Now you may not agree with the growth package and you may not agree with all the Bills in that package, but certainly there are one or two things that would be very good for the business community including Caterpillar, who by the way has been influenced substantially by the climate in the State of Illinois which is a climate that is, I guess, based on an environment that is not warm. So, this Bill now has become important. I'm going to say this, either we start becoming known for what we do or we're going to fail. I'm going to support the Gentleman's Bill. I think Representative Drury brought up some good points, I hope that's pursued further. But I hope we don't step up on this floor again and say, money or cost is not important. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Leitch." 09800038.doc 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've heard a lot of really stupid things said on the floor before but normally they're in jest, they're not supposed to be serious. And to say that Caterpillar doesn't pay its fair share of taxes has to be close to the top of the list. I can't tell you how impressed they are since they've got a $2 billion payroll, 25 thousand employees in Illinois, and are constantly appealing to us to provide some meaningful tax relief be it, worker comp, unemployment insurance or many other categories of taxation that they're subjected to. There's a reason why Caterpillar hasn't expanded in Illinois in many, many years. They've… it's because we've been tone deaf… a deaf ear to the very important reforms that would be necessary to once again restore the opportunity for companies to succeed here in Illinois. So, I would only share that with the Members because I think it is appalling to make those kind of statements to one of the finest companies in the world that we should all be grateful is still headquartered here in Illinois. Thank you."
"Mr. Arroyo."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative, is the motive for eliminating the Lieutenant Governor only a financial motive?"
"It is. It's a luxury. At this point in time, when we can't pay our bills, when we're cutting basic social services, it's a financial issue. It's a luxury, Representative, that we can't afford anymore." 09800038.doc 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Well, you know there's… this is an election year coming up and there's a hundred other than you, a 117 Members here that could become a Lieutenant Governor. So you're eliminating all these people here in this chamber from being Lieutenant Governor. You know, I know Jack always wanted to be Lieutenant Governor so you're trying to eliminate Jack from being Lieutenant Governor. You know, this year it might be a Latino that's going to be Lieutenant Governor. This Bill came to Exec last year and I stood up and talked about that I might have a chance to be Lieutenant Governor this year. So, you're trying to eliminate Jack, you're trying to eliminate me, you're trying to eliminate some Latino from being a Lieutenant Governor or somebody from the Black Caucus, like Art Turner Jr. could be the next Lieutenant Governor. So, we're going to, as minorities, we're going to vote 'no' for this Bill. So… and I'm… I'm suggesting for everybody to here to vote 'no', because you're taking the opportunity. You might have a Lieutenant Governor on your side."
"Right."
"Reboletti doesn't want to be a Legislator all his life, he might want to be…"
"Right."
"…a Lieutenant Governor…"
"Right."
"You know, he's up there, he's a spokesperson for you guys. Have you asked Reboletti if he wants to be a Lieutenant Governor?" 09800038.doc 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"And Representative, what I want to do is create opportunities for all citizens of this state. What this legislation does…"
"But you're not… you're not creating…"
"…is it eliminates the luxury and actually this is not effective until 2019. So, there will be a Lieutenant Governor on the ballot 2014. This is giving the opportunity, Representative, to the people to eliminate this office. I want to create economic opportunity for all of our citizens. Let's show our citizens that we're serious about cutting spending, Sir."
"You're taking opportunities away from this Body. You're taking opportunities away from anybody. So, you're saying you're giving people opportunities to save money. I don't think that's a good idea, on my behalf, I think that this year's the time for a minority to become a Lieutenant Governor. I hope that we don't have to take that chance to be able to… we can't pass that chance up to become Lieutenant Governor…"
"All right. And let me be…"
"So, I urge everybody in this Body not to vote for this Bill. Thank you."
"Right. And… and let me be clear, that is not… my intent is to save money."
"Mr. Dunkin, for what reason do you rise? You spoke in debate, Sir?"
"I believe my… was my name mentioned in debate?"
"No, it was not, Sir." 09800038.doc 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Let me say this very plainly and clearly. Myself, just like probably every Member here in this Body, support Illinois companies. We want them to stay here and thrive and hirer and expand, grow and develop, do research. Most of us, probably all of us, want to support that, including Caterpillar, Motorola, Sears, the film industry, tourism, our universities. But the fact of the matter is, a lot of these major corporations are not paying a corporate income tax and so to infer anything beyond that is ludicrous. Yes, there's a big deficit in our budget and we ask every citizen to pi… to pay his or her fair share, and that's okay. But at some point everyone, including multinational corporations are going to have to pay their fair share as well and contribute to our budget to take care of its most vulnerable citizens and run efficient programs that all of us can benefit from. So, I want to make sure we're clear with that. But the time is now for everybody to pay their fair share, including most of Illinois's major corporations as well."
"Mr. Reboletti, you spoke in debate, for what reason do you rise?"
"Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, an inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"Was Representative Dunkin's name used in debate?"
"Gentleman rose on a point of personal privilege. Do you have some comment you'd like to make at this point, Sir?" 09800038.doc 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I do. Mr. Speaker, my name was used in debate and I'm not rising on a point of personal privilege. To Representative Arroyo's point, I do not want to run for Lieutenant Governor. I do not want to preside over the Illinois Rivers Council or the Illinois Main Street Program. I think we can trust all the voters of this state be they Latino, African American, Asian, everybody here to decide if this form of representation, the Lieutenant Governor's Office, should exist. This is not a jobs Bill for somebody or someone so they have an opportunity to serve in a constitutional office. Do we believe the Lieutenant Governor's Office is the most efficient way for us to transition power from the Governor, if they can no longer serve or they pass, to the Lieutenant Governor's Office or should it be the Attorney General or Secretary of State? Just like we have with the President, the President dies we have a Vice President, we have a whole transition of power. But now we've also been sideswiped by everybody should pay their fair share. I've heard that for 8 years, 10 years in this state. A lot of people pay their fair share, more than their fair share and the state's still broke. What does that mean? At the end of the day it's pretty simple, the Lieutenant Governor's Office costs us $2 million. You like it or you don't like it, let the people speak."
"Mr. Arroyo, you spoke in debate, for what reason do you rise? The Chair would admonish Members not to mention other Members names in debate, perhaps this would save us a lot of time. Mr. Arroyo." 09800038.doc 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"No, the Sponsor cannot yield, Sir. You already spoke in debate."
"Okay. What I'm… I want to speak, my name was spoken in debate."
"Yes, it certainly was."
"So, I said that Reboletti would make a good… a good Lieutenant Governor, right? But now I'm going to retract that, I don't think that he would make a good Lieutenant Governor. I think that he should stay as a State Representative for the rest of his time. Thank you very much."
"Mr. Martwick, for what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Amendment. You know there's been much talk about reducing wasteful expenditures and I think that that's admirable and there's no doubt that that is something that we need to do. We have the legislative authority to do that. We don't need to eliminate this office to do that. I don't… I'm not really sure I understand the motivation behind that. There are still going to be, while we may argue about how necessary the office is, the Lieutenant Governor does still… still serve some constitutional purpose. They… she sits on… on certain boards. So, if we eliminate the office, then the… I suppose, we will allow the Governor to appoint someone to serve as chairman of these rural bank boards, which… or development committees, which I'm sure we could all agree, are probably something that is worthwhile, and that will probably have an associated cost with it. So, by 09800038.doc 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 eliminating the office, we will not save $2 million, that's the budget of the office. We will not save all of that money. We will not eliminate every responsibility, we will find some responsibilities that are worthwhile and we will find another place in the budget for them. We can use our legislative authority to pare down that office to whatever it needs; if it's wasteful, let's rein it in. I… I'm told time and time again what a great job this Body has done in the last few years reining in waste. So, let's use our authority as a Legislature to rein in that waste and to… to the point that… that, I won't say the name, that one of my fellow freshman colleagues brought up about the succession is legitimate. The succession problems are a real difficulty if we have different Parties in control. It's going to create a mess in government. We can accomplish everything that we need to do without this Amendment. I commend you Representative McSweeney. I think this is a great initiative, but I think there's a better way to accomplish it and I urge a 'no' vote."
Speaker Lang: "Mr. Reboletti, do you think you can speak without mentioning somebody's name in debate?"
"I'll… how about if I use yours, Lou?"
"You could do that."
"Mr. Speaker, again, my name was used in debate. And the previous Gentleman spoke about my potential candidacy for Lieutenant Governor which, if elected, I would not serve. But it's too bad that we combine the offices, Mr. Speaker, because maybe if I announce my candidacy for Governor I could have my good friend, Mr. Arroyo, I did use 09800038.doc 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 the name in debate, you could join me. We could begin our candidacy today, but you do want me to stay here with you, so I'll just do that then. Thank you."
"Mr. McSweeney to close."
"The time is now. We have nine and a half percent unemployment; we have $9 billion of unpaid bills. Let's give the people a chance to eliminate this office. I urge a 'yes' vote." Speaker Lang: "Gentleman's moved for the adoption of this Constitutional Amendment. This requires 71 votes. Please vote your own switches. Those in favor of the Gentleman's motion will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Davis, Ford, Mautino. Mr. Davis. Please take the record. On this question, there are 83 voting 'yes', 28 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present'. And the House does adopt House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 18. Chair recognizes Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Just using some quick figures, with a profit of about eight… and understand that these are… could be a little bit off, but with a profit of about 5.8 billion and one-third of that being raised in the State of Illinois, 1.9, about 140 million in taxes is what that particular company pays. And we're glad to have them here."
"Mr. Acevedo." 09800038.doc 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like the record to reflect that the last vote on the Constitutional Amendment my button was pressed 'yes'. I want to be recorded as a 'no'."
Speaker Lang: "Record will reflect your intentions. Representative Hernandez."
"Yes, I, too, inadvertently pressed the wrong button. So, can I please be a 'no' on the previous."
"The record will reflect your intentions. House Bill 631, Mr. Riley. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 631, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Riley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 631 essentially just allows Chicago State University to serve or sell alcohol at non student-related activities in the buildings that they… that they own. And this is similar to the same kind of exceptions to the state statute that the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University presently have. I'll answer any questions you may have."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no debate, those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 70 voting 'yes', 43 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2947, Mr. Drury. Please read the Bill." 09800038.doc 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 2947, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Out of the record. House Bill 3006, Mr. Dunkin. Please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 3088, Mr. Evans. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3088, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Evans. Out of the record. Let's return to Mr. Dunkin's Bill, House Bill 3006. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3006, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Dunkin. Out of the record. Mr. Riley in the Chair."
Speaker Riley: "House Bill 3186, House Bill 3186, Representative Moffitt. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3186, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3186 is also an initiative of… from the task force. And on February 26, 2013, when Governor Quinn gave his State of the State Address, one of the things he mentioned in there it says, but let's not forget one community that already has great technical skills and training, that's our veterans. We need to make sure their military training counts here in Illinois. That's why this morning I signed an Executive Order that directs our 09800038.doc 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 licensing agency to access military training for state license requirements. Just last month we completed a great first step with the Board of Nursing approving the suggested bridge curriculum for military medics to obtain LPN license. We owe it to our veterans and to our companies to keep this process moving. This Bill takes it a little further and it's, like I say, a direct result with a task force. We have quite a list of proponents including the fire chief… Illinois Fire Chiefs and the VFW. What it does is that says that, in prescribing EMT licensure testing requirements for honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Department of Public Health shall ensure that the candidate's military emergency medical training, emergency medical curriculum completed and clinical experience is recognized. This is an opportunity to take advantage or make use of that great training that the military has provided and apply it to civilian life. I'd appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3186 pass?' All those in favor state by saying 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Walsh, Tabares, Mautino. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On a vote of 113 'aye', 0 'nay', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 3186, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1288, Gabel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1288, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill." 09800038.doc 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative Gabel. Out of the record. House Bill 2919, 2919, Representative Fine. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2919…"
Speaker Riley: "Out of the record. House Bill 3272, Representative Moffitt. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3272, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This issue actually came up at JCAR when we were working on definition of having time off for blood donation and also expanding that to include blood plasma and blood platelets, which is a newer concept. JCAR took the position that it really should be a legislative issue and I indicated I would file the legislation. So, that’s… the result, rather than do it by just… by rule, we wanted it to go through the Legislature. This really, we should be encouraging blood donation and blood parts making it easier to do that. The… such as platelets and plasma. This amends the Organ Donor Leave Act and provides for a definition of blood that includes whole blood or any cell or part of blood and provides that the Department of the Central Management Services may adopt rules governing leave for the purposes of donating blood. JCAR suggested it; JCAR and CMS are both proponents of this. You need to have a little more time off to donate blood plasma or platelets than you do to just donate whole blood and this recognizes that as being one of those it would fall under. Looking down the road we 09800038.doc 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 might want to have a separate Act. To me, blood is not an organ, but that's the Act that it falls under now. So, I would urge a 'yes' vote. It encourages blood donation and to give adequate time off to also donate blood plasma and platelets which is a newer concept. Be happy to entertain any questions."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Is there a limit of how many times in a year that an employee can take off because, obviously, with blood donations you can do it multiple times a year even with plasma you can do it multiple times a year. So, is there a limit and is there anything to protect the employer where it would maybe make it difficult for them to allow the employee off due to the ability to run their business or something along those lines?"
"It does limit it and of course, as I'm sure you know, you can only donate every so often on blood and in platelets is different and even bone marrow. So, it… it does reflect that that it's a different amount of time that that can be done. And they… they have to obtain approval from the employer to be able to do this, but… if you've given, it needs to recognize the difference in blood plasma and blood platelets and whole blood."
"Thank you."
"Good question. Thank you."
"Representative Moffitt to close." 09800038.doc 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Again, because of changing times and technology where I think probably a number of people in here donate blood on a regular basis, I certainly do, but the concept of plasma and platelets, needed to recognize you need a little more time off to be able to do that in the proper manner. So, I'd urge a 'yes' vote to help encourage that."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3272 pass?' All those in favor state by saying 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having reached the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 83, House Bill 83, Representative Burke. Daniel Burke. Mr. Clerk… Out of the record. House Bill 1871, Representative Sandack. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1871, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Riley: "Representative Sandack. Out of the record. House Bill 2919, Representative Fine. Delay that. House Bill 3067, Representative Fine. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3367, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Fine."
"HB3367 addresses a lack of clarity in existing Illinois law when it comes to bicycles. It is a technical fix that would not change the meaning of the law or what is normal practice among cars and bicycles. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, bicycles commonly ride to the right of cars 09800038.doc 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 when the road is wide enough to do so safely and cars routinely pass cyclists on the left when they are moving faster. The lack of clarity comes from a Section of the law that does not allow a two-wheeled vehicle like a motorcycle to pass on the right, but exempts devices moved by human power. A bicycle therefore is not a vehicle under the Code. The Bill is consistent with the Vehicle Code as written; it is just more explicit. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"On that question, Representative Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, if there is a group of people at a traffic light and someone's in front of me and they're going to go forward and then I go and I'm supposed to turn right, many times you'll see a bicyclist not follow the rules of the road and pass on the right to not wait in a line and so then they're first off to go. How does this impact that type of scenario?"
"Well, the bicyclist does have to follow the rules of the road, but if traffic is stopped and it is safe for the bicycle to move forward on the right, the bicycle is allowed to do so. Now, if he's in the right and a car is going to turn right, he has to be aware of that car."
"How would that impact if I would hit that person and you now make a statutory change that says they have the right to pass on the right… they have the legal right to pass on my right side and I would hit that person, what would be my li… liability because now they're legally can do so?" 09800038.doc 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Well, right now in the law it is legal to do so and this is just a technical fix that says it is a man-motored vehicle and not a motorized vehicle. However, if the law is violated by a bicycle rider, he does have to abide by the rules of the road. What this does protect the bicycle rider from is being doored. So, if he is passing on the right and there is enough space, if somebody were to open their car door that person should look before they open the door to make sure a bicycle is not approaching."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative. And I understand what you're doing; I just respectfully disagree. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, by making this change you're going to give a legal right to a bicyl… a bicyclist to pass on the right and put yourself as a car owner in jeopardy of legal prosecution or legal liability. Now, many of you know I'm an avid cyclist, I guess I should be for this Bill. But many times you're going to see people passing on the right at stop signs, at stoplights and you're not going to see when you turn and you hit them. And the Representative just said, you're now going to have to watch before you open the door and we should don't get me wrong, but it's the liability standpoint that I'm talking about. Do we want to increase liability for something that, quite frankly, you're not going to see? You're not going to see a cyclist coming up on you at 30 miles an hour when you're trying to turn right and nobody should be passing you on your right. The liability here alone is the reason we should not support this Bill. I ask for a 'no' vote."
"Representative Fine to close." 09800038.doc 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Again, this just clarifies the law that is already in place. The law does say, except devices moved by human power, and to protect bicyclists on the road, I would appreciate your 'aye' vote."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3367 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those in favor vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Members, vote your switches, please. DeLuca, Dunkin, Fortner, Soto, Unes. Mr. Clerk… Harris, Sandack, Unes. Take the record. On this question, with 60 voting 'aye', 50 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2477, Representative Reboletti. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2477, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Body. This Bill is a technical change with respect to the way we treat people suspended or revoked driver's licenses. There was a Illinois Appellate case or Supreme Court case that said that if you are revoked or suspended for it could be toll violations, it could be for environmental emissions suspension, that if you then were revoked for DUI or reckless driving, reckless homicide, that you would never be able to be charged with an upgraded driving while license revoked because the first suspension or revocation at the time is what you could only be charged with. So, you 09800038.doc 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 could only be charged with a misdemeanor emissions violation even though you had two previous DUIs, you've had convictions, felony convictions, you could not be charged with felony driving while license revoked because the court said that you could only revoke or suspend a driver's license once, which does not make a lot of sense. As a matter of fact, you can suspend or revoke a driver's license numerous times. So, I would ask for your favorable consideration."
"There being no further debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2477 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Soto, Walsh, McAuliffe. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 'ayes', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moylan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege for Representative Mike McAuliffe and myself."
"State your point."
"In the gallery today we have students, res… doctors and nurses from the Main Township School Based Health Center, can we have a big cheer?"
"Thank you very much for coming to your State Capitol, enjoy the rest of your day. Representative Gabel, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point." 09800038.doc 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I also would like to recognize students who are here for School… School Center Health Day from Evanston Township High School, they're up in the balcony. Thank you so much for coming down."
"Thank you to the wild kids, enjoy your day. House Bill 2330, Representative Ford. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2330, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill, as we talk about streamlining the budget, will help HFS and the Department of Corrections streamline the child support record keeping. Right now, there's over $157 million that HFS has to maintain. So what this Bill does, it directs HFS and IDOC to share relevant data and collaborate to identify incarcerated parents eligibility to temporarily suspend or modify their child support obligations. Right now, this is already possible under the law. Right now, this would just require for HFS and D… Department of Corrections to work together to make sure that we not miss any of the eligible incarcerated parents. I move for the passage of House Bill 2330."
Speaker Riley: "And on this question, Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Ford, are you saying that if a person is incarcerated that they would no longer be 09800038.doc 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 responsible for their child support while they were incarcerated. Is that what this Bill does?"
"No, that's not what I'm saying."
"I'm trying to figure out exactly what this does. It's just for DCFS and DOC…"
"Yeah."
"…to share information?"
"Right. Right now, HFS is reporting that there's about $157 million worth of unpaid child support on their books. And it's costing them too much money to maintain those records and we want to make sure that we go after the parents that’s capable of paying so that they could clear their books."
"What about the debt that the people that are incarcerated are responsible for? Why aren't we going to continue to track that information?"
"Well, we will. Those… this will not go into effect until 2013. Anyone that's prior to 2013 will still be responsible for payments."
"Thank you."
"Thanks."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield? Representative, I'm really…"
"He indicates he will."
"…I'm really trying to figure this out. Now, exactly what… what will it do?"
"It would simply make sure that IDO… the IDOC and HFS work together to check and make sure the eligibility of 09800038.doc 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 payments by incarcerated parents. So, if a parent is capable of paying, we need to make sure that they're paying their child support. If they have real estate transactions or if they have any other form of payments then we want to."
"So, it allows them to go after other assets?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I don't think that's what the Bill said, but I'm trying to get that. And one reason I want to say this, too, is that, were you familiar with the work release program that the Department of Corrections use to have that the Governor abolished?"
"No."
"Okay. With a lot of the closures, there were work release programs that and prisoners were, to a certain point, they actually worked in the communities and they did jobs and everything like that."
"Yes, I'm… I'm familiar with it."
"One of the strongest arguments before COGFA for not closing those, even though they did close them, was that these particular, though they were still in the Department of Correction rolls, they were able to work and by working many of them were able to pay a lot on their child support. Would this block that in any way if there was a program like that that came up?"
"Not at all. The judge will… this is judge's discretion as well so the judge will look at the ability to pay. And that’s why HFS and Department of Corrections and Human Services are all in support of this because it's not going 09800038.doc 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 to allow any eligible parent to escape their responsibility. It will really force the state to look at the eligibility of payment a little closer."
"All right. Thank you very much."
"Representative Sullivan."
"Representative, I don't know if we're looking at the same Bill, quite frankly. If… if what you're saying is you want to make sure that they provide child support while they're in… suspended, we would support you on that and not allow them to get away from it, but that's not what your Bill says. And I'll… I'll actually read from an article, where you're quoted at say… saying, Ford says that debt affects their credit report where it makes it more difficult to find work when they are released. Ford's proposal would allow inmates to suspend child support payments during their sentence. So, I don't know that we want to go down that path and if we read the Bill itself, it says just that. It says, and are literally…"
"Well…"
"…unless otherwise agreed to by the court, an obligation to pay child support is suspended by operation of the law. So, what you're… and I understand what you're doing, I disagree with it."
"Well, I think you, you know, you and I both know that you can't always believe that you got the full quote in the paper. So, I'll tell you exactly again what…"
"That's… that's why I'm asking, but I…"
"…I'll tell you what, right now it says the notice of any suspension of review, adjustment, or enforcement of a 09800038.doc 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 support obligation and any prohibition on interest accrued on the obligation. It also states that an opportunity to reque… to request that the suspension or prohibition be terminated or modified, modified is the key term, on the basis that the noncustodial parent has sufficient income or resources to continue payment of support obligations during their incarceration and time. Once again, we're talking about making sure that we streamline the budget. But makes no sense for HFS to continue to have to pay to keep their books for child support payments that cannot be paid. Now once again, it also allows for HFS, Department of Corrections and the courts to look very closely at those custodial parents that can pay, noncustodial parents that can pay. And so it will rein in on and pull in more child support payments for the State of Illinois because the courts will be looking very closely at each child support order."
"Representative, I get what you're trying to do. Respectfully, this Bill does not do that, and that's… that's what we're handling with and so…"
"It does it all. It does everything that I said and it may do some things that you may not like, but it also does some things that you should like. And no Bill is perfect, but this Bill will help HFS, it will help the Department of Correction and it will help save money for the state. Now I…"
"And Representative, I don't disagree with what you just said and I understand in Section (d), the department should not be liable for failing to act, I get that, I 09800038.doc 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 agree with you there. But the first part of the Bill is saying that while they're incarcerated they do not have an obligation to pay their child support. They could have all kinds of resources…"
"No. That's…"
"…out in checkbooks and out in the world, but they're not obligated to pay because they're not working is the premise of your Bill that I personally disagree with. And so for that reason I would suggest to the Body that maybe this needs a little more work and vote 'no' until these adjustments are made. Thank you."
"Representative Osmond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to yield my time to Representative Reboletti."
"So, let it be done. Mr. Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I'm looking at the Amendment and under Section (a) it states, in pertinent part, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement set forth in a court or administrative order for support or unless otherwise approved by a court, an obligation to pay child support is suspended by operation of law in which in any period of time of which a person is due and owing of support and is committed to the custody of the Department of Corrections. Doesn't that mean you're saying if the person is incarcerated they don't have to pay child support? Isn't that what that says in… in paragraph (a)?" 09800038.doc 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I didn't hear you. I was getting my argument together for you. One more time?"
"I'll give you as much time as you need to… to refute…"
"Go again."
"I… I basically just read… of your Amendment, I read sub… of paragraph (a) of Section 10-12.5 it says, that by operation of law if you're incarcerated in IDOC or Juvenile Justice your child support payments are suspended. So, you're not requiring people who are incarcerated to pay child support. Is that correct?"
"Well… I mean, unless the court says that they have the ability to pay. Does it say that also?"
"It does not. It says…"
"Not at the beginning it doesn't."
"No, it does… it doesn't say that at all. It said by operation of law, meaning if we pass this law by this operation if you become incarcerated it happens that you don't have to pay child support, it's suspended."
"If you look at Section (c)(2) it'll be there."
"Then… let me… let's look at Section…"
"Page 3, line 8 I'm being told you will find where the courts could force the parent to pay…"
"Right, why here."
"…if there's a…"
"An opportunity to request that the suspension or prohibition be terminated. You're not… you're not saying you have to go to court to terminate it, you're saying it 09800038.doc 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 already happens as an operation of law. That means that the incarcerated individual doesn't file a petition in the…"
"The parties are given an opportunity to… to request the suspension… to terminate the order."
"So, if the inmate is incarcerated in Will County in Statesville but the other parent lives in Coles County where is that… where is the jurisdiction of this going to be held, in Coles County or Will County?"
"I'll get back to you on that."
"What's that?"
"I'll get back to you on that."
"Okay."
"But once… one thing that you have to know is, are you saying that we should continue to force the state to keep the books for over $157 million when they're asking me to pass legislation because they cannot continue to maintain the books for over $157 million of child support payments that cannot be paid, while at the same time people are being incarcerated and they're breaking the law while they're in jail because they can't pay child support? So, what are we going to do? We're going to make the state continue to maintain the books for something that they can't collect, we're going to make people that's incarcerated continue to break the law while they're…"
"Representative, just because you can't collect something doesn't mean it's not due and owing."
"Okay."
"What should we tell the six-month-old that doesn’t have money for food or for shelter? Say, oh, we can't 09800038.doc 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 collect it so we're not going to mind it any longer, don't worry about it?"
"No, the parent… the parent can still go to court. This still allows the parent to say that they would like for the child support order to be in effect."
"But here's… here's what also your legislation says is, any period of incarceration of parent obligated to pay child support shall not be considered a period of voluntary unemployment. It is voluntary unemployment because they're incarcerated."
"Right."
"So, you're saying not to consider it. That's why you want to be able to suspend it because you're saying they're not voluntarily unemployed."
"Your statement is made and I'm making my statement that it is unfair and is unjust to try to collect from people that's incarcerated when they can't pay."
"How is it unfair and unjust? What's unfair and unjust is these children are going to be waiting for the…"
"All right. Let me ask you… I mean…"
"…and the moms are going to be waiting for the child support."
"I… I want to… Let's be realistic…"
"And now you're not going to even…"
"…let's be realistic Leader Reboletti, is it possible for an incarcerated individual to pay child support while they're incarcerated if they have no means? Let's just answer realistically." 09800038.doc 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative your Bill presumes that each person…"
"No."
"…who is incarcerated has no means by which to pay. I have no idea if a person has a million dollar home…"
"Section C2."
"…if they have a bank account…"
"If you look at Section (c)(2) it speaks to if a person has the ability to pay then the courts will force them to pay."
"But here the presumption here is that you don't have to pay."
"No. There will…"
"Now the other parent has to go back into court…"
"No. So, the court…"
"…to make the individual pay."
"No. The courts will see at… during the pretrial they will see the …"
"The courts aren't going to see anything because under operation of law it's already suspended. That's your first paragraph."
"Oh… that's right. Only for certain… certain instances, not for all."
"Representative, you're changing a presumption in the law, and that's what the problem is with this Bill. You're taking away opportunities to continue to collect. Maybe the person is indigent, and I get that. Most people that are incarcerated don't have the means to pay, I get that. That doesn't mean that while they're incarcerated for 09800038.doc 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 six months they don't owe that amount of the six months plus interest. You also say that interest doesn't accrue at that time."
"Well, that's what HFS and DCEO, they're asking for this legislation."
"Well, I appreciate they may be asking for that and it might save them money. We just had a debate about a Constitutional Amendment that, oh, that doesn't save too much money so let's not vote for that. Here we're going to say to children and to… and to moms, for the most part, that we're not going to collect child support or try to collect child support 'cause a person is incarcerated…"
"I think that a debt…"
"…and that there's a presumption don't owe while…"
"…the debt…"
"…while they're incarcerated."
"…the debt…"
"We should not be giving people a free pass for not paying child support just because they're incarcerated, Representative."
"You know the debt is really uncollectable, you know that, that's why it's over $157 million."
"There is debt that's uncollectable that attorneys go after all the time."
"Okay."
"And people get judgments against people…"
"And…"
"…in the case that they may at some point have means." 09800038.doc 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"…and…"
"…when the individual gets out of prison or Juvenile Justice they have the right as a pro se litigant to go to court…"
"…And that's right."
"…and tell the court, I was incarcerated I couldn’t pay."
"…I'm glad you said that because guess what? When the person is released, the parent could go after the deadbeat and say this person has not paid me…"
"Right. The parent has to now to go to court themselves. So, mom has to go to court to go collect after dad is in custody."
"After… immediate…"
"Why is the burden on mom? Isn't the state supposed to be trying to track this money down for them? Isn't that what our job is?"
"…the moment…"
"Aren't we supposed to be protecting the children of the State of Illinois?"
"…the moment… the moment the person is released child support order goes back into effect."
"Representative, I appreciate you're trying to save the state some money and I get that part. The problem is, these presumptions in law make it a burden on the mom or the custodial parent and the presumption…"
"It's a burden on the state."
"…and that presumption is that the debt is suspended while the time that they're incarcerated. And for that 09800038.doc 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 reason, I cannot support your legislation because there should never be a presumption that you are not due and owing of your child support just because you happen to be incarcerated does not… is not a valid excuse."
"Representative Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Well, here we go again. Representative, are you aware of the fact that some people in prison receive certain benefits?"
"Let's pull this back to Second Reading and hold it, please."
"Mr. Clerk, move House Bill 2330 back to Second Reading. House Bill 1871, 1871, Representative Sandack. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1871, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1871 is an initiative of the Comptroller. It seeks to streamline some payments and do away with some unnecessary expense. This initiative basically allows for paperless pay stubs. The Comptroller years ago has been pushing to pay by way of electronic payment but still issues paper receipts. Beginning in July of 2014 that would end and instead they'd have a secure website in order to get information to people, but they would stop sending paper receipts. This would save about $1.2 million. I know of no opposition." 09800038.doc 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative Monique Davis, would you like to speak on this Bill?" Davis, M.: "Yes, I will, thank you. I'd like to ask which receipts are you speaking of exactly, are they payroll? So, they wouldn't get a payroll sheet. Is that correct?"
"They would no longer…" Davis, M.: "A stub."
"Yes, Ma'am." Davis, M.: "They would no longer get a stub."
"Yes, Ma'am. They would no longer get a paper stub. They would go to a website and see the information online. These are people who are already being paid by direct deposit." Davis, M.: "So, they would have no… no paper records. Is that correct?"
"They would no longer have a piece of paper. They'd have a secure website…" Davis, M.: "So, if…"
"…would have all the information on it." Davis, M.: "Representative, what happens if they don't get paid by direct deposit?"
"They still get a piece of paper." Davis, M.: "They what?"
"They still get the paper, then." Davis, M.: "And we still would have this vast savings?"
"Oh, I think it's 90 percent of their employees right now are paid by way of direct deposit. So, yes…" Davis, M.: "So, the savings you…"
"…we would still have these vast savings." 09800038.doc 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Davis, M.: "…the savings you mentioned were based upon those who currently have direct deposit. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Davis, M.: "What other… do you have any other ideas in reference to denying the public a piece of paper in order to have it online?"
"No, Ma'am. I think this is a good Bill. It saves money. These are folks that are getting paid by direct deposit as it is, so there is no paper. They don't get a check; they get a deposit and they get… they will have access…" Davis, M.: "To the Bill."
"…to their accounts." Davis, M.: "Thank you. To the Bill. You know, I don't really object to the Bill, but I do have vast concern when people assume that every household has a computer. Even though we would love for every household to have a computer, for all people to be computer literate, but as we know in Illinois it just has not kept pace with what we want to do. I do believe that establishing a record for your payroll is very important and having it online is significantly important, but I believe that if the payee chooses to continue to get that paper sheet, they should have that opportunity. I know your Bill does not include that, but you may want to consider adding to it, that if an employee chooses to get a paper record, that that will continue to go to them, because everyone does not have computers available to them. We wish we did. I will support the Bill, however."
"Representative Jack Franks." 09800038.doc 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"This came through committee in State Government. Would this allow an opt out for those employees who are enrolled in the online system so if they still wish to receive paper they could?"
"Yes, Mr… Representative. To the previous speaker's questions. If people still wanted a paper receipt, they could still get their receipt."
"And is there anything in this Bill that would prohibit someone from actually printing it out if they went online?"
"No, Sir."
"Okay. So, we'd save a mill… over a million bucks by doing this?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Sounds good."
"Representative Reboletti."
"Will Senator Sandack yield?"
"No."
"Representative Sandack indicates that he will."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Representative Sandack will yield? Senator, is this your first House Bill?"
"It is my first House Bill."
"Is there a reason you're so closed off right now with your arms folded like that?"
"Just because you're speaking to me."
"Whoa. We're… we're a little bit more free spirited here, Representative. That's all we want to just welcome you to the House of Representatives, you're a great 09800038.doc 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 addition. You've now shed the cloak of the Senate. And good luck on this piece of legislation."
"I have no response."
"Representative Sandack to close."
"I appreciated the first two speakers questions immensely. I ask for your affirmative vote. It's a good Bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Then the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1871 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Leader Lang. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Representative Hammond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And congratulations, you look good up there."
Speaker Riley: "Thank you very much, flattery gets you everywhere."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"I would like to welcome members of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and the Macomb Area Economic Development. They're behind us in the gallery and here visiting with several people in Springfield today and we're tickled to have them." 09800038.doc 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you very much for coming down to your Capitol, enjoy the rest of your day. House Bill 84, Representative Franks. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 84, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill came about because of a situation in my district where there's… I got a call from our local hospital, Centegra, which is also our largest employer. And what they told us is when drugs were in shortage, they were finding out that they were being price gouged. Some pharmaceuticals that typically cost $20 a dosage were being charged $300 a dosage. So, I filed a Bill and then worked with members of PHARMA and other interested parties. And we now have an agreed Bill, which was amendment #1, which would stop the price gouging and also contains provisions for the purchasers to report to the state unscrupulous conduct by distributors. So, gouging it will strengthen our drug supply and stop the price gauging what happens when we have drug shortages. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 84 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is 09800038.doc 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 hereby declared passed. Representative Sullivan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege and interest."
"State your point."
"Would someone want to walk down to the front of the chamber and ask the Italian Caucus why they're caucusing right here for all of us to see? Maybe a little more information should be available."
"We will see what we can do. Representative Lilly, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to have all of you give two of my best constituents, who are going to be our future voter, a round of applause for working with you today. We have here Paxton and Colby who has been serving you all day. Can you give them a round of applause? This is our future. Thank you Paxton from the 78th District."
"Thank you very much for being our Pages today. House Bill 1335, Representative Sandack. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1335, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate your graciousness. House Bill 1335 is an initiative of the community bankers. It is a very straightforward and simple Bill. It would permit consenting companies to deviate from the good funds requirement of electronic transmission for a closing if the parties know each other and consent. There 09800038.doc 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 was opposition by the title insurance companies, they wanted only electronic payments. But I want to be very clear, this is permissive in nature. No one need agree to deviate from the ordinary course. This went through committee unanimously. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1335 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Dunkin, Osmond, Zalewski. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 112 'yeas', 0 'nays', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1288, Representative Gabel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1288, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1288 improves the special educational safeguards available to children. It benefits families as well as school districts. There are two things that House Bill 1288 amends in the Illinois School Code. One is that it improves the state complaint procedures to ensure that the… the parents or the individual is provided with a copy of the response and all documentation as submitted to ISBE by the school district. Currently they would have to file a FOIA in order to get that information. And secondly, it allows a parent to file for mediation to invoke the state put protection, meaning that their child could remain in his or her current 09800038.doc 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 educational placement. Right now, in order to have that child stay in their current placement, they would have to file a due process which is a much more complicated and costly procedure."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1288 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Kay, Mitchell, Smith, Sosnowski. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1238, 1238, Representative Sandack. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1238, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ron Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is it, I assume, maybe for the whole Session, right, with the rule of three? In all seriousness, House Bill 1238 is an important initiative. It provides for the issuance of the H Foundation committed to cure for cancer license plates. I know some folks are not fond of license plates Bills, but if there has ever been a better organization more deserving and more capable of moving these plates and using them for good designations and instances, it's this organization. I ask for your affirmative vote."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1238 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all 09800038.doc 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Vote your switches, please. Dunkin, Ford, Kay, Meier. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 106 'yeas', 7 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2262, Representative Gabel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2262, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2262 amends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Article of the Illinois Aid Code. It provides that the Department of Human Services shall disregard the value of assets held by a family as it relates to the determination of TANF eligibility. So, the TANF asset test is really a prewelfare reform policy that is no longer necessary. Currently there are very stringent work requirements that discourage families that aren't truly needy from receiving funds through this program. It prevents our poorest families from building savings behavior and becoming financially independent and being responsible citizens. If we remove the asset test they will be able to develop these kinds of behaviors. Eliminating the asset test, is a national trend because it saves taxpayers money. The state's administrative costs far exceed the very small number of families that would be disqualified by this policy. So, DHS did an analysis and they found that the cost of investigating assets cost them almost a million dollars, 09800038.doc 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 $960 thousand; whereas when they looked at… they reviewed 51 thousand cases and only 8 of those were over the asset test. So, I think this is a good Bill. It will save us money and it will teach our citizens on how to save money and get out of poverty."
The Chair recognizes Representative Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"I just have a couple of questions, Representative. What does the asset test look like in other states?"
"Well, I know what it looks like in our state. I mean, there's… there's about seven other states that don't do it at all. In our state, you… a person… for one person, the person can have liquid assets of under two thousand and for two people under three thousand."
"And how does the asset test impact families' ability to build savings?"
"Well, it doesn't allow them to build savings at all. If they… if they have any more than those limits, then they would not be able to receive any funds from TANF which is a… a maximum of a five-year program. During that time it would be great if they could have some savings so they could save for any catastrophes that happen in their families or for their kids to maybe go to college."
"Last question, Representative. Can low-income families really save on this program?"
"Can they save on that program?"
"Yes." 09800038.doc 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"They could save very little, very little. The amount of money they would get… they get a month is about between $200 and $400 a month."
"So, they're getting money that they actually need, is what you're telling us?"
"Yes."
"To the Bill. That is exactly why I encourage the Assembly to support this Bill. It's a very good Bill. The asset test prevents families from becoming financially independent but requiring them to spend down the little savings that they do have and preventing families from building savings behavior. We need to support our families along the pathway to financial security and not continue to create additional barriers. And I'm asking everyone to support this Bill."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had my light on prior to the discussion here. It's a point of personal privilege, if that's o… acceptable or would you rather wait 'til the…"
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Directly behind me here at north balcony I'd like to recognize a group. First, of course, I was wondering where Representative Noreen Hammond is, she's nowhere to be found on the floor because she is up with this group. We have a large delegation from Macomb and from Western Illinois University and they're also here for a reception tonight. So, would you please make welcome, I think the mayor was up there and the Chamber of Commerce 09800038.doc 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 folks and representatives of Western Illinois University. Would you please make them welcome to the House."
"Thank you for coming for… to the Capitol. This is Leatherneck nation today. Thank you. Returning to the Bill, Representative Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, what were those thresholds again on people that qualify for TANF assistance?"
"Well, there's a number of things they look at. One thing they look at is to see if they're citizens in the state. Secondly, they look at income and their income can only be up to 50 percent of the federal poverty level for earned income, and only 28 percent of the federal poverty level for unearned income and there are also very stringent work requirements of 30 hours a week, if you have children over the age of six or under. The savings can be up to $2 thousand for a smaller family and up to $3 thousand for a larger family."
"So, what would that 50 percent threshold dollar figure be for…"
"It would be about… the federal poverty level is 11 thousand for one person, 15 thousand for two people and 19 thousand, so it would be half of that. So, it would be about $5,500 or $7,500 a year."
"And how long would… so anybody that would make less than that would receive these benefits. And then is there a time frame?" 09800038.doc 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"They would have to have a dependent child or be pregnant."
"Okay. But is there a timeframe where this… these benefits sunset and they have to reapply, is that each year?"
"They have… they are redetermined every six months. But they can continue to qualify for a maximum of five years in their whole lifetime."
"Okay. Now would this… by doing away with this asset test, is that just at the initial application or at each time that they're checked to make sure that they still qualify?"
"It would be… it would be… it would be permanent, it would not be checked again later on. But as we said, it's very difficult to save money on this program. But hopefully they would be able to save a little it would be… it's something that we should promote."
"And I realize that, Representative, but I also realize that some people may qualify for TANF benefits who maybe both spouses… both parents lost jobs, they qualify for it at this particular time, maybe their grandmother or their mother or father or a relative died and left them an estate. I mean, I just think that…"
"No, no, I understand that and I will tell you, if somebody left them a lot of money, they would not come back for their little money that they get on TANF because they have to work 30 hours a week or 20 hours a week, if they have children under the age of six, for very, very low wages so." 09800038.doc 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"So, they would just quit their job because they got an inheritance?"
"They would… they would either live on their inheritance or look for another job."
"Well, Representative, we have different… just different outlooks of what's right and what's wrong. To me… the comment's been made that we want to help our families save and get out of poverty."
"Okay. The jobs are simply community states… community jobs that the state gives them. They are not real jobs."
"To the Bill. The comment's been made that we want to help our families save and get out of poverty. Well, how will we ever know that they are getting out of poverty unless we really look at what's… what's being measured there. Income's a certain… certainly a big part of that, but I think assets are, too, and we should be looking at all ways that we can to identify these families once they get over that thresholds that they're out on their own, that these very, very necessary funds are put to the places where they needed to be sent the most. And you know, we've tried to get ID card… photo IDs put on these cards. We want to make sure the program's working the best and safest and in the most responsible way as possible. And I think doing away with this will do a disservice to the… to the program. I would urge a 'no' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Durkin."
"TANF stands for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families by lifting or not using…"
"Speaking to the Bill, Representative?" 09800038.doc 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"To the Bill. Disregarding the value of assets held by the family seems to be completely contrary to what TANF was set up for. Assets could be converted to income, whether its real property, personal property, stocks and bonds. I don't believe that this is the appropriate way to address the situation. Those types of assets can be… they can be valued, they could be assessed or they… and someone could make a determination of it. And I'm afraid that there are people who really shouldn't qualify for TANF are now going to qualify for a very important program… a program that assists the neediest of families in the State of Illinois. I would recommend a 'no' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Osmond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, in committee we had a long conversation about this… this Bill. And one of the issues that came up was the fact that in the past history there were many, many cases, I can't remember the exact number, that have been reviewed and only eight showed up that actually would qualify… that would not qualify for the TANF and coming forth with those statistics, and perhaps, you could tell me that amount?"
"Yeah. It was 51 thousand cases that were reviewed and only 8 were over… were over the limit of $3 thousand."
"So, in respect to… what…"
"And… and we save… and it cost us $960 thousand to review those cases." 09800038.doc 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"In fairness to my colleagues that made statements earlier, if you look at this, with this many going through it and only 8 showing up, you know, I think that this is something that has to be looked at seriously and maybe done away with at this time. The abuse is not there apparently. Eight… 8 out of that many? So, I stand in support of this because I feel that we need to give those caseworkers more time to work on the case as necessary and to, I don't know the proper word, I guess, slim this down to where people can get what they need in a… in a timely sense and make sure that they get the emergency assistance they're entitled to. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, I'm not extremely familiar with the TANF program. Where does the… the dollars for the TANF program come from? Is there any federal money that comes into the program or is it all state money?"
"I believe it's mainly federal dollars."
"It's all… it's federal dollars."
"We're checking, but…"
"And you're saying that there was how… how many cases 'cause it was a little loud in here. How many cases were…"
"Reviewed."
"…reviewed?"
"Fifty-one thousand."
"And only… you said… only…" 09800038.doc 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Eight."
"…eight were found to…"
"Eight cases were over the level that you could have for savings over the asset level, but they weren't over by huge amounts."
"Do… do you know what those eight cases were? I mean…"
"I don't. I don't have the details. They just…"
"'Cause I think it would be helpful if the Members…"
"…they just said to me they were over."
"…understand if it was, you know, you're… you're only supposed to have… supposed to have 20 thousand and now you're at 25 thousand because I know Representative Durkin had… had mentioned what if somebody was entitled to some type of inheritance, and it's a $300 thousand house and now they're getting temporary assistance. And then, my other concern is, is that if we're not rooting out the fraud or abuse, is somebody else not getting the TANF money that they would be deserving of because these individuals were taking it? And I… I appreciate it's only…"
"Yeah. Well, there… there is no waiting list for TANF. Everybody who applies… it's an entitlement program. So…"
"Well, Representative, I won't belabor the point. If you don't find out now, when the Bill's over, you can just let me know some other time."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Riley: "The Chair recognizes Representative Feigenholtz." 09800038.doc 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just rise in support of this Bill. One of the prior speakers was talking about the cost benefit analysis; we worked tirelessly on all human service issues and definitely want to make these programs more efficient. As the Sponsor of this Bill said earlier, we're spending nearly a million dollars on so many human resources that we could be putting toward other things that really need to get done like the verification of enrollment that we've been working on and so many other efficiencies that we have been looking towards. So, I really think that she has proven to us, in drafting this legislation, working with the department and the advocates, that this effort makes sense. And I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Gabel to close."
"Thank you. So, currently, we have an outdated policy that harms families and is unnecessarily costly for taxpayers. By removing this asset test, we would create a more streamlined application process while supporting families' efforts to become financially independent and responsible. I encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2262 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Gabel."
"Can we put this… this vote on Postponed Consideration? Or this Bill?" 09800038.doc 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Take the record, Mr. Clerk. On a vote of 55 voting 'aye', 58 voting 'nay'. Representative… Representative Gabel."
"I… I requested Postponed Consideration."
Speaker Riley: "Mr. Clerk, put this Bill on Postponed Consideration. House Bill 2341, 2341, Representative Jakobsson. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2341, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Jakobsson. Out of the record. House Bill 1538, Representative Golar. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1538, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Golar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 1538, of course, is a Bill that is actually going to put Illinois mental health first aid training on the map. My colleagues, right now, we know in the State of Illinois mental health is one of the greatest issues that we're facing. And with all of the clinics across the state that have been closed and all of the issues that we have faced doing the Medicaid SMART Act, it is time, now, for all of Illinois to be the first responders on mental health. This Bill is to help build the mental health alcohol and substance abuse literacy. The trainers, and they have training classes, who will be the first responders in helping some of the issues, not only are we facing in our great state, but also in many of the agencies across this 09800038.doc 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 great state. Mental Health First Aid USA has been operating since 2008 and has been adopted in the states of Maryland, Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, and New York. And Ladies and Gentlemen, since 2008, 50 thousand people in 47 states have taken this course. Mental Health First Aid has been replicated in 14 countries. And the research has shown that the Mental Health First Aid training increases understanding of mental health and alcohol and substance abuse issues. It also connects people with care, treatment, and services. And it reduces stigma. Training in Illinois should be provided statewide. So, today, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would be happy to answer any questions. And I ask for your consideration a 'yes' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I think that this is a incredibly smart idea. As the Representative mentioned, the cuts to mental health services have… have had tremendous impacts on our communities. And in fact, I've actually contemplated suggesting that the folks that work in our district offices have this kind of information because the people that come in seeking services frequently have greater needs than… than we are equipped to… to address without some appropriate training. So, I stand in strong support of this Bill. I think that being able to recognize and appropriately assist folks who… who suffer from mental illness is a great skill set that we should be encouraging. So, I strongly encourage a 'yes' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Bellock." 09800038.doc 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative Golar. So, how much would this program cost 'cause I see that the Department of Human Service is going to administer it?"
"There is not just one figure that I can give you, Representative Bellock, but it is subject to appropriation. And they have had, I do know, trainings in Washington D.C., and I think it was something like $500 per person, but I'm not sure of that figure."
"And how many people are you kind of thinking about?"
"Beg your pardon?"
"How… how large of a program are you thinking about with this?"
"Well, I mean, it is as large as we, this great state, want to expand because, as we know, in our schools even in hospitals and all of the other agencies that have to deal with mental health, we, and even as Legislators as Representative Cassidy so eloquently spoke in terms of things that we could do as first responders. We want this particular first aid training to be as we are… are trying to put in CPR; we want it to be that. So, it has nothing to do with how many. We see the potential, as first responders, trying to actually work with teachers and schools and other agencies across this great state as we recognize that mental health with many people that we come in contact with, we could actually say that we have this training. And of course, it is subject to appropriations. 09800038.doc 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Earlier, when I first redu… introduced this before the Human Services Committee, the… this initiative is an initiative of CBHA and they had stated that we were going to use a grant from the state. Well, that Amendment changes that because we do not want to infringe on contracts that are already in the works and those agencies that have been doing great work. So, it is subject to appropriation."
"Okay. I guess, my other question is, when we passed the Children's Mental Health Act several years ago, this was one of our missions was to go into the schools and try to pick up on problems that kids were having with bullying and different things. My one concern with that group is that we didn't want any people doing mental health screenings on children in the schools without permission of the parents. And so, if you can assure me that these people are not going to be doing screenings of children and actually making diagnoses themselves…"
"Yes."
"…because I think that has to be by trained…"
"That is correct."
"…mental health professionals."
"And that's why we have these 12 hour trainings for people that would like to bring it into their particular school or agency, and then, of course, bring that expertise into their organization. And I do understand your concern because it is important with young people, and I will try to get more information in regards to that, Representative Bellock." 09800038.doc 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you. I just have one other question because I didn’t…"
"Sure."
"…see on the proponents. Did the… did… was this idea run past the Mental Health Summit because that has most of the mental health providers in Illinois represented on it?"
"I cannot say that. But I can say that this particular initiative because it's been in other states and a successful model, it was actually brought on by CBHA because of… of what other states have done."
"Okay. Thank you very much, Representative Golar."
"You're quite welcome."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I think this is a great Bill. I think we've seen a need for it as we have more and more people that are suffering from mental health illnesses. To be able to recognize those red flags at an earlier time, to then direct them to the professionals, I think is a great thing. I think that's what this Bill does. Give people training to understand and see those red flags before we have tragedies occur like we've had in other places, for example in Newtown. So, thank you. I think this is a fantastic Bill. And I would urge people to vote 'aye' on it. Thank you."
Speaker Riley: "There being no further questions, Representative Golar to close."
"First of all, I just want to thank the ones that actually see this Bill as a real way to address some of the mental health issues that we are facing across this great 09800038.doc 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 state. I would hope that we would, as Legislators, be able to in your town hall meetings and in your newsletters that you, as this Bill moves forward to the Senate, that we would be talking about this particular issue because it is so needed. And thanks for the comments. And I ask for a considerable 'yes' vote."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1538 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 105 'yeas', 8 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3047, Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3047, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hernandez."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 3047 creates the Office of the New Americans. The state has made a commitment to its immigrant community and has had an Office of New Americans by Executive Order. The work of this office has gained national recognition and awards like the… the E Pluribus Unum Award. There are many changes regarding immigration at the federal level and the state needs a way to coordinate the response and the implementation of these changes to be full… in full compliance with the Federal Law. So, the Governor's Office has successfully implemented two phases of its work. The office just launched its third phase of the plan just 09800038.doc 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 recently. Establishing this Office of New Americans will ensure that these state initia… initiatives are fully implemented, that we are in compliance with changing Federal Laws and that we are working closely with immigrant communities to maximize their ongoing contributions to the state. There is no fiscal impact to this. There are staff already working in the offices that have been assigned. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3047 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? McAsey. Bradley. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On a vote of 113 'aye', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2675. House Bill 2675, Representative Lilly. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Out of the record. House Bill 2585. House Bill 2585, Representative Manley. Out of the record. House Bill 2411. House Bill 2411, Representative Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2411, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Riley: "Representative Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 2780. House Bill 2780, Representative Hoffman. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2780, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hoffman." 09800038.doc 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2780 is designed to begin to address the more common practice that we're seeing throughout the state of individuals taking copper and other types of metals out of air conditioners and other type of appliances and then going and reselling them. This is an idea that has been put forward by the loc… my local state's attorneys, as well as, the U.S. Attorney in our area to begin to look at how we can address this continued… continued theft of these recycled metals. This would set up a task force to make recommendations on how we can begin to address this… this problem."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2780 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Cabello. Cabello. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'ayes', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2893. House Bill 2893, Representative Martwick. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2893, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Martwick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is the Crimes Against Police Officer Advisory. This was a Bill that was worked in conjunction with the Illinois State Police. It provides a advisory system… immediate advisory system for the dissemination of information in the event a police 09800038.doc 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. If that… if the requesting agency believes that the dissemination of certain information, much like an Amber Alert would work, would lead to the apprehension of the suspect who committed the crime against the police officer, then the State Police would have the authority to disseminate that information to the media to… to aid in such apprehension. I… I urge an 'aye' vote."
"And the Chair recognizes Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, our analysis says that the Illinois State Police are opposed. Has that changed with the Amendment, and if so, what was the opposition?"
"It was changed, Representative. The initial Bill was called the Blue Alert System. There were some technical changes to the Bill. And the language that was proposed or the new language of the Bill, the gut and replace, was drafted by the State Police so that it satisfies their needs."
"So…"
"They are not in opp… in opposition."
"So, they are okay with the Bill the way it stands?"
"They're in support of this Bill, yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Costello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 09800038.doc 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Actually, I just want to commend the Sponsor for the work he did working with the Illinois State Police to take away their opposition. We heard it in committee and you did a great job. Thank you. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"There being no further debate, Representative Martwick to close."
"Thank you. I think this is a great measure that will help prevent and aid in the apprehension of suspects who commit crimes against our first responders, our police officers. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2893 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1868. House Bill 1868, Representative Unes. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1868, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Unes."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1868 is a follow up Bill from Senate Bill 1799… 1799 in the 97th General Assembly. House Bill 1868 goes a long way to help in the skills gap that were finding especially in specialized manufacturing. This Bill is very good for workforce development. We had a… a very good discussion in committee which… where it passed 09800038.doc 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 unanimously. I'm happy to answer any questions. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"There being no further debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1868 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Sente, Williams. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1460, Representative Martwick. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1460, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Martwick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber. This Bill pre… creates the Motor Vehicle Ancillary Products Act. This provides a situation where ancila… ancillary product providers will file a registration with the Director of Insurance and set… sets forth provisions concerning financial requirements, contract receipt requirements, disclosures, protection product warranties… excuse me, one second… so, it's a… my apologies, I was reading from the wrong section of my summary here. Amends the Service Contract Act to add the definition… Can I… can I remove this from the… the record for right now?"
"Out of… out of the record. House Bill 197. House Bill 197, Representative Mayfield. Out of the record. 09800038.doc 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 House Bill 2647. House Bill 2647, Representative McAsey. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2647, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative McAsey."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 2647 is an initiative of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office. It's a clarification with regard to the state's child pornography statutes. Existing law allows for consecuting… consecutive sentences with regard to multiple images. There was an Appellate Court holding that said each image could not be considered a separate offense. This just works to make a technical change to clarify that each image can be separately charged. An image does not include an identical image. It's another tool for prosecutors to better protect children. And I know of no opposition. And ask for the support of the Body."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2647 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3052. House Bill 3052, Representative McAsey. Out of the record. House Bill 3255. House Bill 3255, Representative Nekritz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3255, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill." 09800038.doc 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Representative Nekritz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Members of the Body may remember that last November in Texas there was a rather horrific accident with… involving a veterans' parade that was crossing a railroad tracks. The railroads were unaware of it and the municipality, I guess, allowed that… the local unit of government allowed that to happen. But a train struck a float passing over the railroad tracks and four members on that… four individuals on that float were killed. House Bill 3255 seeks to improve and prevent that situation by allowing communities to prohibit, through their permit process or other permission process, on some… any portion of a parade route from crossing over an active railroad track."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3255… Get on the switch. Representative Reis, for what reason do you rise?"
"I'm sorry. Just a real quick question for the Representative, if she'll yield?"
"She will yield."
"Representative, can you repeat that past… or the last part of your comments there about prohibiting parades from going over par… railroad tracks?"
"This allows municipalities to pro… to… when they're through their permit process to prohibit that, if they so choose."
"But it's a local issue and it's…"
"It's a local… it's all within the loc… control of the locals." 09800038.doc 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Okay. I have like 35 parades a year and three-fourths of them go over railroad tracks. So, I was just making sure."
"Just be careful."
"There being no further debate, Representative Nekritz to close."
"I ask for your vote."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3255 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Sommer. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 113 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 801. House Bill 801, Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 801, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Scherer."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I'm presenting House Bill 801 which closes a loophole to increase legal protection for on duty nurses. Currently, an attack on a teacher, police officer, taxi driver, and several other groups of individuals is classified as aggravated battery. However, on-duty nurses do not receive the same protection. A nurse's work, in a high stress environment where patients' lives often depend on them, should afford them the same protections we provide to other public workers. I would appreciate an 'aye' vote." 09800038.doc 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
Speaker Riley: "And the Chair recognizes Representative Durkin."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, I recall that we had a rather lively debate in the Judiciary Committee regarding your Bill. And I believe, it was not the battery Section, but it was the aggravated assault which we raised concern."
"Yes."
"And you indicated that you would remove that particular crime from the enhancement."
"Yes."
"Was that amended on the Bill?"
"Yes. That's the Amendment that we passed previous to today."
"Thank you. You have my support."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"There being no further debate, Representative Scherer to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote, please."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 801 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all 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. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2762, Scherer. Out of the record. House Bill 2536. House Bill 2536, Representative Sims. Out of the 09800038.doc 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 record. House Bill 2969, Representative Smiddy. Out of the record. House Bill 1572, Representative Smith. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1572, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Derrick Smith."
"Mr. Speaker, House Bill is a agreed upon Bill. It's with… between the Department of Financial… Finance and Professional Regulation. It's the Credit Union League. This Bill is an attempt to… to create a unified and an assured penalty and establish a due process protection for the credit union. It is amended… amends the Department of Civil Penalty Assessment Process for the credit union. The Bill requires that the Department give notice of and an opportunity to correct subsequent violations, further defines unsafe and unsound practices and requires that the civil penalties be re… remanded and punitive… and not punitive. I would appreciate your support on this agreed Bill."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1572 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Bradley, Thapedi. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3139. House Bill 3139, Representative Smith. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 09800038.doc 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 3139, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Derrick Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill allows elect… electronic devices used to show proof of insurance. It was presented, previously, in committee. And it was presumably told that the second in return without… with the Amendment, and it was done so. This… this Bill just allows the… to use electronic devices to show proof of insurance to… to law officers. It's a… there's no opposition to the Bill."
Speaker Riley: "On that question, the Chair recognizes Representative Durkin."
"To the Bill. I appreciate what the Sponsor's doing. And I think we want to make things convenient for individuals as much as they can, but I believe that by allowing for the electronic verification, it opens up the issue of whether or not someone has liability insurance to manipulation or certain acts of fraud. I believe that while these… I'm sure that the Sponsor is well-intentioned, but I believe that this is not a good Bill. And I believe that people will take advantage and manipulate the law based on what we currently have in this legis… legislation. I would encourage a 'no' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Willis."
"With respect to my colleague across the aisle, as someone that has… I'm sorry. Will the speaker yie… Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 09800038.doc 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you. With someone that has had to go to court to verify that I have… do indeed have liability insurance because my paper… piece of paper that says I have it has been misplaced in my car or in my glove compartment, I think this is a wonderful thing to be able to have, so that I can pull it up on my iPhone and verify right there, on the side of the road, that yes, in fact, I do have insurance and to save the court's time and all of us, basically, a nuisance time. I think this is a wonderful Bill. And I commend you for doing this. Thank you very much."
"Thank you."
"Representative Sandack."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, can you just walk me through how this would work and… and show… proving up electronic verification?"
"Excuse me. I didn't hear you."
"Can you give me an example of how this Bill would be put into implementation or would work?"
"Well, with the electronic device you would… on the electronic device it has… it has the same thing on… same information on the electronic device as it has on your identification card which you have in your car."
"Wouldn't that be then redundant? What… what's the good use of… Why have the electronic device if you've got the card?" 09800038.doc 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Well, sometimes, you know, when you renew your… your insurance, if you accidentally forget your insurance card at home or forget to put it in your vehicle, this will allow you to show proof of insurance if you're pulled over."
"Mr… Representative, has anyone verified how this system would work and that it would be fraud free or not subject to any manipulation or misuse?"
"The information on the electronic device has to be the same information that's on your card. And there's been other states that had… have used this here, and the other states… what happens is… is we have so many individuals that go to court and they end up throwing it out and these individuals actually have insurance."
"Last question, Representative. Any opponents on this Bill?"
"No. We had some opponents, but we satisfied them and they have no position at this time."
"Okay. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, correct me if I'm wrong, but GEICO has a commercial where the little pig is in a convertible and a State Trooper pulls him over. And he gives him the electronic phone and it has his insurance on that. Is that what we're talking about in this Bill?"
"Yes." 09800038.doc 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"So, this is something that's out there already? This is something that's been proven. This is something that's probably what's going to happen in the future?"
"Yes."
"It appears to me that this Bill is common sense. I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Drury."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Our analysis shows that the State Police are opposing this. Do you know why that is?"
"We've satisfied them. They were under the assumption that they would be responsible for the electronic device. In the Amendment, you will see that we're letting them know that they will not be responsible for the electronic device."
"And they're okay with it now?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"There being no further debate, Representative Smith to close."
"I would ask for 'aye' vote."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3139 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mayfield. Brady. Monique Davis. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 110 votes… voting 'aye', 2 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the 09800038.doc 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3346. 3346, Representative Wheeler. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3346, a Bill for an Act concerning military service. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Wheeler."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill… this Bill creates a task force for women veterans within Department of the Veterans' Affair and comprised of women veterans to examine the needs of women's… women veterans with respects of issues including rehabilitation, outreach, health care and any issues facing women veterans in our community. I move to… I move the passage of this Bill."
"There being no debate, the question is 'Shall House Bill 3346 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Pritchard. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 voting… voting 'yea', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3270. House Bill 3270, Representative Soto. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3270, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Soto."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 3270, this legislation is an initiative of CMS. The 09800038.doc 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 legislation would codify composition of the Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council as 11 unpaid members, appointed by the Governor, who are Latino subject matter experts. The Governor would… the Governor-appointed council will examine the prevalence of the Hispanic employed by State government, barriers faced by Hispanics who seek employment with the state. And I'm looking for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"And on this question, we have Representative Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, my analysis indicates that you were going to hold this on Second Reading. I'm not in the committee, and I have no idea if you made that representation, but were you going to hold this on… on Second Reading?"
"No. No. Not at all. Do you see that? No."
"Thank you."
"Representative Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, could you give the Body a little brief history on the Hispanic Employment Advisory Council?"
"Okay. I'm going to repeat what… they do. This council meets quarterly, shall now be subject to Open Meetings Act, the council will be charged with providing consult… consultation to state agencies and the diversity enrichment coordinator. The Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council 09800038.doc 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 shall receive administrative support from the Department of Central Management Services and shall issue an annual report and activities each year on and before February 1."
"So, you're creating this or you're codifying something that's already in place?"
"Right. We're just… we're codifying it."
"Okay."
"So, it's a… just like…"
"So, last year, we had a lot of discussion in Appropriations-Public Safety about a new expenditure for State Government. Did they get $750 thousand last year?"
"I didn't have this last year. This was an initiative that I… a Bill that I received from the Department of CMS. So, I'm carrying this legislation for them. So, I'm new and I don't have that information from last year. But this is just to codify what they already have. So, this is…"
"Well, and… and… that's our concern, Representative. And… and you know, there's a lot of things that go on in this… this state to… to help employment, to help particular industries. Most people know I'm a farmer, and we have the Illinois Pork Producers Association. We… we fund our and promote our industry with our own money. And this was what the debate was, last year, in public policy was that, you know, we're closing prisons, we're voting to not give raises that went through courts, but yet, we gave $750,000 to this new thing. And we thought maybe it was going to be a temporary thing, but they would set up their own board, run as an independent or… agency or organization. But now, 09800038.doc 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 we're codifying it into law and then we're going to be required to fund it each year."
"Okay. Well, I think, that the need is there. I think that anytime we have someone come before the committee when you talk about universities we're asking of… about the disparities there. So, there's a lot of disparities in the State of Illinois in this growing population of Hispanics. So…"
"And… and I don't have a problem with that all, but how's come we haven't had an Asian council like this, or a Polish or a Romanian? And they…"
"Representative, can jus… can I just interrupt you? You can introduce some… you can introduce legislation if that’s the way you feel. This is something that was given to me to carry and of course, it's something that I support. And I'm hoping that you'll support it too. And if you don't, I understand."
"I'm… I'm just…"
"And again…"
"I'm trying to address my concerns both last year and this year…"
"Okay."
"…is that we gave money last year to something that was run independently, and now, we're codifying that… that council into law. Are we going to keep funding it? And I'm trying to make the point that many of these things are done independent of State Government."
"I…" 09800038.doc 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Lots of things are promoted and industries are promoted and… and throughout the state, but they're done independently of State Government."
"And… and you know what, and I understand that, but… but Representative, we both… on both sides do the same thing. We do a lot of the things that we… and we support each other if we choose. So you know, I'm hoping that this is something you can support, but you know, we do it on this side, but you, also, do it on your side."
"Will you guys be asking for another 750 thousand this year?"
"I have not been told and I don't think so."
"Okay. Thank you."
"No, thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Bost. I cannot hear you, Representative Bost. Representative Pritchard."
"I thought you said Representative Bost?"
"I did."
"Would… would the Representative yield, please?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, when we discussed this in committee wasn't there some agreements that were made?"
"Agreement of… a previous Member mentioned to hold it?"
"Yes."
"It wasn't this one, Representative. Was it the horse track Bill? The… that's the one that we were waiting for an Amendment that already passed. We did a House Floor Amendment, but it was not this Bill." 09800038.doc 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Okay. Our… our notes indicated that this was one that you were going to hold on Second."
"Do… do you remember what it was for 'cause I don't have my notes on here, and I write my information on here?"
"And my notes are back at the office too."
"Okay."
"But…"
"No. I would know of this was it 'cause I write my notes up in the front, and I'm not seeing it here. And I have my second Bill that's going to be next and that's the one that I am going to hold. I mean did hold for a second Amendment, and now, it's passed out of Second."
"So, how much do we think this is going to cost?"
"Right now, there's no cost, I mean, no new costs. So, whatever they've had in the past. 'Cause there's no fiscal note and there's no opposition to this Bill."
"So, what will the council be doing?"
"This would codify composition of the Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council as 11 unpaid members appointed by the Governor who are Latino subject matter… matter experts. The Governor-appointed council will examine the prevalence of Hispanic employed by State Government, barriers faced by Hispanics who seek employment with the state."
"So, doesn't the Governor already have a council that does these types of things?"
"Well, if they created this and it's something that already existed… existed and now, they're codifying it."
"Because I thought that's, in our… our testimony, I thought that's… what was going on is that there was already 09800038.doc 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 an existing advisory council looking at these things. And the question came up why stop at just Hispanic issues?"
"Right. And I remember that."
"Why not other minorities? Why not certain disadvantaged groups?"
"And… and what I said is that… that was not on here and that if anyone wanted to introduce another population, they're free to do so."
"Well, it just seems like we should do this in a more holistic approach rather than creating more advisory councils. So, I would just ask this Body to think about what commitments we're making here. Thank you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Riley: "The Chair recognizes Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." Davis, M.: "Cynthia, you know you and I are friends, we have been a long time. And as I read your legislation, it says all members of the Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council and the Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council. Why did you leave off other minorities? Why did you leave off African Americans?"
"I…" Davis, M.: "Why did you leave off other small groups? I just wondered."
"I didn’t leave them off. That's the… this is the legislation that… a Bill that was given to me that I'm 09800038.doc 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 carrying for the Department of Central Management Services." Davis, M.: "So, you're saying that CMS wants you to have a Bill that has an employment council for two groups in the State of Illinois; just the Hispanic Caucus and the Asian community? That does trouble me; that troubles me."
"Okay. But I know that there has been some caucus members that have introduced Bills in the past and have not included Latino caucus members either." Davis, M.: "To my knowledge, if we were discussing issues that affected smaller groups, to my knowledge, even before Latinos came into the Body, we included them in our legislation as part of the so-called minority community in Illinois. We said the African American, Latino, women, you know, we always did, so I don't remember seeing anything where we just reduced it to two groups, Hispanics and Asians. So, a lot of us are considered part of the minority community. And I would just ask, where do we want to go with this?"
"What we can do, Representative, is a…" Davis, M.: "I'm sorry. Go on."
"Okay. We can always amend the Bill in the future or… you know, but I know we're running out of time. I can work with you on pre… putting something together to that effect and doing it together. It's something that we've been encouraging, you know, that I have been saying working together would be great; we have a lot of the same issues. So, it's not, like you said, we're good friends, it's not something that, you know, that we can't work on." 09800038.doc 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Davis, M.: "We are good friends. And House Bill 3270 should certainly be amended, in my opinion, to include the African American community because they, too, suffer from a dearth of employment in the State of Illinois."
"It has just been brought to my attention that your plan already exists. You already have an African-American employment plan." Davis, M.: "I even have been joined by the Italian Caucus. However, they say to me they don't care… they don't care to be part of this. And the Irish Caucus said they don't want to be a part of it. But the African-American Caucus would like to be a part of it."
"Okay. So, Rep… Representative, maybe you… you know, so… because you're saying that you're not… you don't have a plan, there's an existing African-American employment plan." Davis, M.: "A what now?"
"It already exists an African-American Employment Plan. I remember being here when it was introduced." Davis, M.: "You're telling me that… you're telling me that there exists an African American Employment Council or plan?"
"A plan… plan." Davis, M.: "Really?"
"Yes. It does exist." Davis, M.: "Well, we'll certainly look into that. And if it does not, then we'll ask the Senate Sponsor to make sure that we are added to House Bill 3270."
"Wonderful. Thank you." 09800038.doc 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Davis, M.: "And Cynthia, as always, you and I will always get along, share information and ideas."
"Wonderful. Thank you." Davis, M.: "Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Acevedo."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go again, putting the African Americans against the Hispanics. This is not what the Bill does. The Lady was given a legis… a piece legislation by CMS and all of a sudden we're doing this Hispanics and African Americans again. This is not what it's about. If the… if the Italian Caucus don't want to be a part of it, so be it. If the Irish Caucus don't want to be a part of it, so be it. This was given to her by CMS, and it included Hispanics and Asians. And… and in response to the former speaker, who just sat down, there was a African-American Employment Plan done years ago. And let me re… remind you that the Latinos and the Asians were not included. We should never pin each other against one another. We're here to work together, but all of a sudden here we go again with the race issue. Enough's enough."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, I'm not aware of any Member of the Italian Caucus that's opposed to this legislation. We never said anything about it. As a matter of fact, we usually meet and don't talk about legislation. So, I support the gentle Lady's Bill, and I hope you guys will too."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Sullivan."
"Would the Sponsor yield?" 09800038.doc 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, have you had any discussions with the Sullivan Caucus in regards to this legislation? I believe she has not. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is pretty straightforward. You have underlying legislation, if you read the Bill, that addresses certain items in regard to the Hispanic and Asian communities. Unfortunately, our Bill sometimes gets disjointed, and so, you don't have things that are a part of the African group within this Section. And so, that's why we're not seeing it. But un… that's kind of how this works down here, disjointed at times. So, this is a very simple Bill. It's trying to bring it in line with what you have on the Asian side of this which is separate from the African-American Council. So, let's stop debating this, pass it over, and do what's right."
"There being no further debate, Representative Soto to close."
"Thank you. I encourage everyone to support this Bill. It's a good Bill. Thank you."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3270 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Reis. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 111 'yeas', 0 'nays', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2506. 2506, Representative Soto. Re… read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09800038.doc 167 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 2506, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Soto."
"Yes. Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is an agreed Bill. Bill 2506 is a very simple Bill that will require Illinois racetracks to place two Automated External refib… defibrillators, AED, at locations where racing industry workers are most likely to need them when they are present in the Illinois racetrack. It is my understanding that most Illinois racetracks already have AED… AEDs on their properties. This Bill will only require them to put them in the areas where racing industry workers are located. Thank you. I ur… urge everyone to support it. Thank you."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2506 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Hammond, Morrison, Sommer. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 111 voting 'yea', 0 voting 'nay', 1 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1139. House Bill 1139, Representative Welch. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1139, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1139 is a very important piece of legislation. This Bill is designed to 09800038.doc 168 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 break the code of silence amongst gangbangers who are causing trouble in the streets throughout our great state. We need to create a Witness Protection Act, in the state, to break that code. And I'm asking the colleagues to join in on House Bill 1139. This came out of Judiciary on a 16-0 vote. There was an Amendment filed on March 19 that took away any opposition from the Illinois State Police. And I believe this is good legislation for our state. And it's going to help law enforcement with another tool that'll be designed to help get criminals off the street and in… in a place where they belong. I ask for your support."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1139 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 voting 'yea', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3038. House Bill 3038, Representative Williams. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3038, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill simply creates a corollary civil remedy for eavesdropping based on electronic communication. Currently, it's already a civil penalty for a regular conversation for eavesdropping, and it is criminal violation to eavesdrop whether by conversation or electronic communication. This, simply, 09800038.doc 169 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 extends it in the civil section of the Criminal Code providing for civil remedies for electronic communications. I'd hap… be happy to answer any questions, and I know of no opposition."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3038 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Lilly, Walsh, Monique Davis. Please vote your switches. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1391. House Bill 1391, Representative Yingling. House Bill 1391. Out of the record. House Bill 2520. House Bill 2520, Representative Zalewski. Mr. Cl… Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2520, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Zalewski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a technical change in the Code that would simply say that if a person wants to cash out their credits they've won in a… in a machine, they… they don't have to cash out the ticket and then get another voucher and reenter the ticket. This is just a way to… to carry the value upon the voucher. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"And on that question, we have Representative Jack Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 09800038.doc 170 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I… I saw a demonstration of this over at the Coin Operators' thing, and I thought it made a lot of sense because there was a lot less cash being handled. Is that the… is that the reason for this?"
"Yes. It… That's a very good point, Jack. We… we… you know, the vouchers are what we do in most other gaming instances, so it makes sense to apply to video poker as well."
"So, even if you're not for expansion of gambling, this is certainly a way to make it more safe for those who do because there's less touches of the money and less people handling the money."
"I would agree. And… I would agree with that."
"I think it makes plenty of sense for even those folks who may not be for gambling. This is certainly a Bill that I would encourage you to vote for because I think it makes the whole process safer for all those involved. So, please vote 'aye'."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I'm just curious why is the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction against this Bill?"
"Their testimony in committee, Ken, was that if… if you don't have to put the… physically put the money in, you… you may be less inclined to replay the machine. I… I would argue against that point. I think we do this at… at horse… at horse races and in certain other instances of 09800038.doc 171 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 gaming that's already well regulated, and if there's no incentive or disincentive to play based on the voucher on… based on a cash voucher versus cash system."
"Okay. So, that means you would not… I'm not a gambler, so that means you would not have to play that entire amount. If I put a $100 on… on a credit… on a voucher today, I have to spend it all?"
"Well, you got… so, if you… if there's remaining value on the voucher… if you put the cash in, you decide halfway through you don't want to play that game anymore, you have to cash the machine out, get a… get the cash and bring it over to a new machine to play. This eliminates some of that process by saying it'll return to you a voucher with money left on the voucher, and you go play something else."
"Okay."
"So, as… as our previous speaker mentioned, it's a way of reducing cash management."
"Okay. And that… it makes sense to me. I'm just curious why… this is a (inaudible)."
"I… I think, you know, to the extent that… that that particular group has challenges with… with gaming, this is one more reason."
"Thank you."
"There being no further debate, Representative Zalewski to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"So, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2520 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed 09800038.doc 172 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Hammond. Dunkin. Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 92 votes 'aye', 20 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3006. House Bill 3006, Representative Dunkin. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3006, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ken Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can you move this Bill back to Second so I can add an Amendment?"
Speaker Riley: "Make it so, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1539, Representative Dunkin. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 1539, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker, since we moved it back to Second, I'd like to add an Amendment. It needs to go back to Second, so I can add an Amendment. I'm not sure if the Amendment…"
"Mr. Clerk, move this Bill back to Second."
"Oh. Okay. Excuse me. I want to move that Bill. I thought that this was the same Bill."
"Mr. Dunkin, all I can do is call you when you're ready."
"Sorry, professor…"
"If you'd like to…" 09800038.doc 173 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"…I'm not paying attention."
"…like to move your… Mr. Dunkin, would like to move your Bill?"
"Yes, Sir."
"House Bill 1539, Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, this Bill simply… This Bill is… Mr… Mr. Speaker…"
"Mr. Clerk, move this Bill…"
"To Third."
"…back to Third Reading."
"Thank you."
"Representative Dunkin, proceed."
"Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen…"
"I'm sorry. Wait… wait a minute. Let the Clerk read the Bill."
"House Bill 1539, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill simply allows the… is sponsored by ABATE. It allows… it authorizes persons who is a local authority to direct traffic; that's basically it instead of using State Police or local police. And I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"And on that question, the Chair recognizes Representative Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, is this your first Bill?" 09800038.doc 174 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I feel like it sometimes."
"Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I understand what this Bill about, but I raise the question with the advocates that came to my office and I don't expect you to amend the Bill now, but if you'll consider this in the Senate I'd appreciate it. So, the idea, here, is that some people need to hire people who are not police to do traffic control, is that correct?"
"Correct."
"And the Bill says that if someone is authorized by law enforcement to direct traffic, they'll be able to do it, correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"But how does a person who's driving into some parking lot or down the street or wherever know if the person's authorized or not authorized?"
"Well, first of all, that individual would receive training. And they would have, I would guess, maybe a special jacket or vest that's probably neon in color."
"Yeah. So, anyb… my point is anybody can buy one of those vests. I'm going to vote for your Bill, but I… I would like you, in the Senate, to address the issue of how does the regular, ordinary citizen driving know whether the person that's waving their arms park here, park there, stop, slow down; how does the regular, ordinary person know to obey 09800038.doc 175 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 this person or not obey this person? And so, if you would address that, I think you have a good Bill. Thank you."
"Thank you, Sir."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I have the same concerns as the precious speaker because I'm not sure, exactly, what you're trying to do. You're saying, for… for instance, when motorcyclists ride in a group, one person can then be the traffic cop, so to speak, and tell… and tell other traffic to stop or to divert?"
"That's correct."
"Will there be any training?"
"Yes."
"Okay. But I know you talked about a vest or something, but there's nothing in the Bill that… that actually is written that they would have to be… they'd have to wear something so that they could identify themselves as being temporarily deputized."
"Right. You know this… it's up to the local authority, and they would establish the rules whether they want to wear a jacket or not or a… a sash."
"Well, is there any penalty for not following their orders because if someone is not dressed, and I would think in a professional manner, and they're waving me and telling me to go away… to go a certain way, I'm going to ignore that person. And I'm going to go how I want to go."
"Well…" 09800038.doc 176 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"So, what's the… is there any penalty if I don't follow their… their direction?"
"I'm not exactly sure. This doesn’t address that. All this does is, it really saves local governments money, you know, it doesn't take away from State Police. It offers very simple training. And it would be up to that local government to establish what they want to have to indicate that they're… they're to be taken seriously."
"Well, I'm just concerned that there… there has to be some standards. I think that it should be laid out here."
"It, simply, gives them authority as if they're a crossing guard. You remember the crossing guards in school, right? It's very similar. And it doesn't usurp local or state resources."
"But it's a serious issue with the crossing guard because we had a tragedy when I was in high school, in Marengo, where a crossing guard was tragically killed because of the glare at the time of day. So, I think we have to be very careful if we're going to be opening this up for folks who don't have this type of training. They also have to have the proper equipment and the proper clothing. So, I think it needs to be tightened up, and hopefully that can happen in the Senate should this pass."
"Sure. I'd be willing to work that when it comes… when it passes this chamber. Again, the local authority is going to provide that training. They're going to do all that they can to make sure that this crossing guard is appropriate before they go in front of vehicles."
"Thank you." 09800038.doc 177 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"The Chair recognizes Representative Sullivan."
"Will the Sponsor yield? Representative…"
"He indicates he will."
"…first off, there is no, within your Bill, and I… once again, I'm in favor, but I just want to point out some things that have been brought up. First off, there is penalties for disobeying this person. What you're adding to our local folks to what… there's three exceptions, right now, police, fire, and crossing guards. Police and fire typically have… police and fire typically have their uniforms on. A crossing guard will have something that will indicate stop, go with a vest. And so, that's the point that, I think, people are making. And you want to… and you want to differentiate them because there are penalties, mandatory $150 fine, for doing this. And so, that's the point that's being made here. Secondary to this, the only thing that you say in point three on page 2 is, and certifying persons to control traffic. So, the entity, the municipality, county or whatever, will certify these people, but it doesn't… doesn't state the training. And I know, obviously, police and fire have their own training standards, and there's training standards for your crossing guards. But you do not have standards in these… for these, you know, these folks that are going to be out there. So, I'll vote for this. That's fine. But those are the two points, I think, that everyone would like you to work on when you go over to the Senate. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Bost." 09800038.doc 178 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"One of my colleagues wanted to know if this was actually… would also work in the dom… Dominican Republic? Or maybe the West Indies? Just checking."
"There being no further debate, Representative Dunkin to close."
"Thank you. I would ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you, guys."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1539 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 107 voting 'aye', 5 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3357. House Bill 3357, Representative Meier. Out of the record. Representative Brady, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, please join me in thanking one of our great Pages today from my legislative district in Lexington, Illinois, Mr. Jack Boehle."
"Congratulations, young man. House Bill 3218. 3218, Representative Crespo. Out of the record. Returning to the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, House Bills- Second Reading. House Bill 3388, Representative Kelly Burke. Mr. Clerk… Mr. Clerk, status of 3388?" 09800038.doc 179 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"House Bill 3388, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Riley: "Third Reading. House Bill 1440… 1443, Representative Moylan. Mr. Clerk, status?"
"House Bill 1443, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. This Bill was read second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Moylan, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Moylan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment #1 provides that teachers, guidance counselors, support staff, coaches, and volunteer coaches employed by a school, college, university or other educational institutions report… fails to report hazing to law enforment… law enforcement authorities any hazing to educational authorities are… are held accountable just as the hazers. I urge an 'aye' vote for this Amendment."
Speaker Riley: "Representative Moylan moves Amendment… Representative Lilly, you have a question on this Amendment? Representative Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, I'm going to request a Roll Call vote on the Floor Amendment."
"Representative Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor, please, repeat that. Thank you." 09800038.doc 180 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"I move for the adoption of the Floor Amendment. And I would encourage a Roll Call."
Speaker Riley: "One moment, Representative. There's been a request for a Roll Call vote on Amendment #1 of House Bill 1443. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Record yourselves, Members. Representative Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, 111 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 1 voting 'present' and House Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1443 is adopted. Clerk. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. But a fiscal note, state mandates note, balanced budget note, and correctional budget note has been requested and not filed on this Bill."
"This Bill will remain on Second Reading. We have some Bills that are presently on Third and we're going to move back to Second for an Amendment at the Sponsor's request. I'm sorry. Representative Lilly, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege. I do have an announcement. Today, at 5:00 or directly after the Session, the Capitol Capers creative team will be meeting at 5 p.m. in the M-1. Just wanted to make that announcement so everyone can put that on their schedule. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen."
"Members, make a note of that. Representative Dunkin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of clarification. Today, House Appropriation for Higher Education Committee 09800038.doc 181 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Members, we are meeting immediately in Room 114 to finish the Appropriations for Higher Education that has Chicago State University in it. So, we'd appreciate if Members could come down expeditiously. Thank you."
"Thank you. Now, we have Bills on Third Reading we're going to move back to Second for purposes of an Amendment at the Sponsor's request. Mr. Clerk, move House Bill 2616 back to Second Reading. What's the status, Mr. Clerk, of House Bill 2616?"
"House Bill 2616 was on the Order of Third Reading."
Speaker Riley: "Move that Bill back to Second. What's the status of House Bill 3202, Mr. Clerk?"
"House Bill 3202 is on the Order of the Third Reading."
Speaker Riley: "Move that Bill back to Second. Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 2748?"
Clerk Hollman: "House Bill 2748 is on the Order of Third Reading."
"Move that Bill back to Second Reading. We're going to return back to the Order of Third Reading. Back to the Order of Third Reading. House Bill 2947. House Bill 2947, Representative Drury. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2947, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Drury."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 2947 amends the State Budget Law. It calls for more transparency in the state budget. It requires that the budget show projected budget 09800038.doc 182 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 deficits, surpluses for the current fiscal year and actually show the actual information on our budget for the past two years. It requires the budget to specifically identify nonrecurring revenue from borrowing and fund sweeps. And it can include any nonrecurring revenues that can't be realized without a change to the law in making these projections. And finally, it requires that accounts payable, at the end of the year, be clearly shown and it identify any… any general fund liabilities that have accrued but won't be paid or could be paid from future fiscal years. This Bill passed out of State Government without… it passed out unanimously. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"There being no debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2947 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 112 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, what's the status of House Bill 1443?"
"House Bill 1443 is on the Order of Second Reading. Amendment #1 was adopted today. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Just to beg your indulgence, Members. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 5 p.m. today: the Appropriations-Higher Education Committee will 09800038.doc 183 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 meet in Room 114, the Appropriations-Human Service… Human Services Committee will meet in Room 413, the Judiciary Committee will meet in Room D-1 and the Revenue Committee will meet in Room 115."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 225, offered by Representative Nekritz. House Resolution 226, offered by Representative Jefferson. House Resolution 227 and 228, offered by Representative Poe. House Resolution 229, offered by Representative Jakobsson. House Resolution 232, offered by Representative Jackson. House Resolution 233, offered by Representative D'Amico. And House Resolution 234, offered by Representative Franks."
Speaker Riley: "Leader Currie moves to adopt the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor state it by saying 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions have been adopted. Members, I'd also like to remind you that substantive Amendments should be filed by 3:00 on Friday, 3:00 tomorrow. Substantive Amendments shall be filed or should be filed by 3 o'clock on Friday. It's extremely important, if you have any Amendments you get them filed by 3 o'clock. Thank you. Mr. Clerk."
"Attention Members, all the committees scheduled for 5 p.m. today will meet immediately upon adjournment. All the committees scheduled for 5 p.m. today will meet immediately upon adjournment." 09800038.doc 184 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Begging your indulgence, Members. Begging your indulgence. Representative Bost, for what reason do you rise?"
"Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry."
"I know you said, begging your indulgence. We're just wanting to know what we're indulging you with because we're kind of… We… we actually know the line. The line is, and now… so, that's what we were waiting on. We're just kind of wondering where it went."
"It's being held in abeyance. Representative Arroyo, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege… personal, personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Mr… Mr. Speaker, since everybody's standing around here I'd like to come back to my lion. I want to see if I can name my lion, you know, because I… I haven't got enough e-mails and enough names. Can somebody volunteer to give me a name for this nice, pretty lion while we're here? So…"
"Representative Willis, for what reason do you rise?"
"I think the lion should be named Tasty."
"Representative Arroyo, for what reason do you rise again?"
"Going once. Going twice. We'll take this out of the record for right now, Mr. Speaker. We'll be back next week." 09800038.doc 185 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the committees will start immediately. And now, allowing for perfunct… perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves to adjourn the House of Representatives until Friday, April 12 at 9 a.m., Friday, April 12 at 9 a.m. All those in favor state it by saying 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House shall stand in adjournment."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and Resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 25, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, is referred to the Rules Committee. First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1497, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1498, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Senate Bill 1530, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1534, offered by Representative Tracy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1538, offered by Representative Halbrook, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. Senate Bill 1539, offered by Representative Williams, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 1547, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Senate Bill 1589, offered by Representative Sacia, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1623, offered by Representative Golar, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 1653, offered by Representative Williams, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Senate 09800038.doc 186 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Bill 1670, offered by Representative Brauer, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 1674, offered by Representative Thapedi, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 1688, offered by Representative Jakobsson, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1703, offered by Representative Kay, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1737, offered by Representative Brown, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 1746, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1763, offered by Representative Pritchard, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1778, offered by Representative Berrios, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1814, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1823, offered by Representative Kifowit, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 1825, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1845, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1846, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 1872, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 1876, offered by Speaker Madigan, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. These are referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction-First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 3624, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. This is referred to the Rules Committee. First Reading of Senate Bills. 09800038.doc 187 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 Senate Bill 72, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 922, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1908, offered by Representative Harms, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1930, offered by Representative Walsh, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2155, offered by Representative Burke, Kelly, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2157, offered by Representative McAsey, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2167, offered by Representative Kosel, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2199, offered by Representative Jakobsson, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2217, offered by Representative Drury, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Senate Bill 2229, offered by Representative Conroy, a Bill for an Act concerning higher education. Senate Bill 2347, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. Senate Bill 2371, offered by Representative Hays, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Senate Bill 1431, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1439, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1519, offered by Representative Farnham, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 1550, offered by Representative Sandack, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1608, offered by Representative Hammond, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. These are 09800038.doc 188 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 4/11/2013 referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09800038.doc 189