"Members are asked to be at their seats. We shall be led in prayer today by Vicar Kyle Severson who is with the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Vicar Severson is the guest of Representative Sente. 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."
"Let us pray. Loving God, we gather on this day from all across this great state as on so many other days in order to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters. But awaken in us the possibilities of this new day. For this very day brings particular opportunities to inspire trust in each other, work new compromises, pave new paths, fulfill new dreams, and secure liberty for those who are without. Thank You for this new day. Let not the enormity of the tasks before these public servants overwhelm and make apathetic, or rather, may that which weighs upon their hearts keep them ever vigilant in pursuing the justice and peace that comes first from You. Guide them to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to their leadership and yet responsive and generous to the vulnerable and those most in need. Draw 09800089.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 us all near to one another in peace as we work through our disagreements in the hope of providing a better future for all Your children. We give You thanks for the dedication of each Representative here, and especially for the sacrifices made by them and their families each day of the spring Session on our behalf. And in all things, grant us the courage and wisdom to lead with our hearts, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Anthony." Anthony – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Turner: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thanks… thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Acevedo, Dan Burke, Chapa LaVia, Dunkin, Golar, and Welch are excused today."
"Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Poe and Representative Stewart are excused on the Republican side of the aisle today."
"Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 110 Members present, a quorum is established. Mr. Clerk, Adjournment Resolution."
"Adjournment Resolution. House Joint Resolution #70 offered by Representative Currie. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE 09800089.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Wednesday, February 05, 2014, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Friday, February 07, 2014, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Monday, February 10, 2014, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, February 13, 2014, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, February 14, 2014, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 18, 2014, or until the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 11, 2014, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 18, 2014, or until the call of the President."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Reports. Representative Daniel Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on February 4, 2014: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment #6 to Senate Bill 1227."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 783, offered by Representative David Harris. House Resolution 784, offered by Representative David Harris. House Resolution 785, offered by Representative Verschoore. House Resolution 787, offered 09800089.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 by Representative Nekritz. House Resolution 788, offered by Representative Monique Davis. House Resolution 792, offered by Representative Sims. House Resolution 794, offered by Representative Yingling. House Resolution 796, offered by Representative Williams. House Resolution 797, offered by Speaker Madigan. House Resolution 798, offered by Representative Brauer. House Resolution 799, offered by Representative Poe. And House Resolution 800, offered by Representative Osmond."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. Representative Costello, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"Yes. I'd like to welcome Slim Bentea and Steve Grower, two of my hunting buddies with the NWTF that were here for the… our deer meeting with the IDNR today. I'd like to thank them for coming up on such a lovely day."
"Thank you, Representative. And welcome to your Capitol. Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Okay. I'd just like to comment on a project that we all worked on in legislation three years ago in a bipartisan manner on both sides of the aisle to sustain the Medicaid system in Illinois and to provide health care for the most 09800089.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 vulnerable people of Illinois. We worked very hard on that for an entire year and passed major reforms. Lately… I just ask for a little bit of quiet."
"Shhh… Members, can we get a little order in the chambers. It's becoming very hard to hear. Thank you."
"Thank you very much. Those reforms the Governor referred to as landmark legislation moving forward to sustain the Medicaid system in Illinois. We were going to go forward and, at last, be able to treat people, provide medical homes, provide primary care physicians for people who needed that, and also to take the savings of the reforms and pay our providers. In the last couple of months, we hit a snag with one of the major cornerstones of that reform, and that was using the outside contractor Maximus, which was to help us provide an audit to streamline the ineligible people in the system to make room for the most vulnerable population to be provided those services. We found out last January, or really in April, that out of the first hundred thousand people that were screened, almost 50 percent of those people lived in a different state. They didn't even live in the State of Illinois. While this information was alarming, we moved forward with our goals, which were to provide health care and medical homes to the most vulnerable in Illinois. Lately, six months ago one of outside unions said that that was unfair to them and that they wanted to have a grievance against the state. We asked the Governor to appeal that grievance so that we could continue to provide the medical care that we wanted. After months and months of foot-dragging, finally there was a decision and it was ruled that the Maximus contract was not 09800089.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 going to be upheld. That was the cornerstone of the reform. We were looking to save $350 million so that we could pay our providers and again provide the services to the most vulnerable population in Illinois. I am asking… so, when the appeal… the Governor let down the appeal about a month ago, and that's why I'm bringing this to this Legislature right now. Because that was the cornerstone of the reform, now, in the appeal process that was dropped, 500 more jobs were given… 600 more jobs were given two years ago, and yet we are overburdened now with our offices saying they don't have enough workers to provide this and work on the most vulnerable population. Maximus was doing their job. They were providing what we asked them to do. They were saving the state millions of dollars so that we could go forward and sustain our Medicaid system and not let it implode. I am asking you that Maximus should be allowed to continue the audit that was very successful and not let this be dropped in the background of something that was not approved by the Legislature. That contract of Maximus is in the SMART Act and I am asking you to join with me and ask that that contract still be upheld. I appreciate your attention. Thank you very much."
"Representative Hays."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I certainly agree with and echo, Patti Bellock, Representative Bellock's comments. She, Representative Leitch, Representative Feigenholtz, and many on both sides of the aisle work very hard. It was just a few days into my first term, and the Governor came to this very chamber and he asked for help. He said the Medicaid system in this state is simply unsustainable, and he asked for $2.6 09800089.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 billion, 2.6 billion in reforms in one year. And the Appropriation for Human Services Committee met dozens of times, made excruciatingly difficult choices, including coming to the conclusion that as a state, Illinois was doing an extraordinarily poor job of some baseline verification. Is there anyone among us who would not agree that one needs to live in the State of Illinois to participate in the Illinois Medicaid program? Is there anyone among us who would not agree that the needs are broad and the resources are narrow and when that is the case, it's even more imperative to make sure that those limited resources go towards those who are in fact most in need. A third party company was enlisted. This was a Bill that was not a close call. As I recall, the vote was 112 to 4 in the House, 57 to 0 in the Senate, and the Governor signed the Bill into law. This is what he asked for."
"Excuse me, Representative, excuse me. Excuse me, Members, can we get a little order in the House, please. I know it's day one and it's becoming increasingly difficult to hear. So, if we could just have everyone take their side conversations to the rear of the chamber, we'd really appreciate it. Shhh… Thank you. Representative Hays."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The vote was not close. Overwhelmingly, this Body, the people of this state have spoken. It was time for change. A third party company was enlisted, the early results were overwhelming, in terms of how many folks were operating outside of the guidelines of the program, and we went down the road to cleaning it up. It's extraordinarily unfortunate that that third party company is no longer involved with that due diligence. I think 09800089.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 it frankly borders on disingenuous that item after item after item of what was commonly called the Smart Act remain unimplemented. It's unfortunate for those who are most in need in our state. It's unfortunate for those on both sides of the aisle who worked very, very diligently together to make some excruciatingly difficult decisions and I'm very disappointed in this administration that after months and months of foot-dragging, the process has come to a grinding halt. And then in something that frankly resembles a parallel universe, not only is Maximus out of the deal, but we've hired upwards of 1200 new people, 1200. This is the same group who couldn't get the job done up front. I checked with the United Nations, if they hire five more people they'll be an army. I call for this Body to say it's not okay to do an end-run around the will of the people. It's not okay to shut down a process that was working extraordinarily well. We can do better."
"Representative Mayfield."
"Stand for a point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I just would like to remind everybody that February is Black History Month. This is the month that we look at and acknowledge the attributes and the accomplishments of the African-American upon American history. Throughout the month, on Session days, different Members will be presenting accomplishments, inventions, and we will be acknowledging their efforts to… to move the American… America forward. I just ask that everybody please, when we do this, that we won't be doing one today, but as we start doing them that everybody 09800089.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 please give our Members the courtesy of at least listening when we present African-American history this month. And we hope to see you all at the Soiree. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Bill Mitchell." Mitchell, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point, Sir." Mitchell, B.: "Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, behind me, and I'd like the St. Teresa Lady Bulldogs, if they would stand, please. The St. Teresa Lady Bulldogs Cross Country team has just been named the National High School Coaches Association Division II National Champions. They've attained… we're not done yet… they've… they're attained their fourth straight state championship. So, please, help wel… these are guests of Representative Scherer and myself. We went to St. Teresa a number of years ago. So, two alums are on this floor. It's great to see you. Please let us give a big… I was going to say something else… please give us a big welcome."
"Welcome to your Capitol, Lady Bulldogs. And congratulations. Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to extend a point of… stay standing, girls. This is quite an accomplishment. I'm so proud of you. I was one of those Lady Bulldogs once upon a time and I just… I just can't tell you how proud I am of all your accomplishments. Coach Vohland, will you please stand up for us too? This young man that's standing was also my son's teacher and coach. So great kudos to St. Teresa Bulldogs. Let's give them another hand." 09800089.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
Speaker Turner: "Congratulations, again, St. Teresa's Lady Bulldogs. Representative Bradley, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I have two points of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"First of all, I'd like to announce that the Marion Junior High School App Challenge Team has not only won the State of Illinois, but the entire Midwest, now goes on to the national championship and I'm particularly proud because my son Jackson Bradley is a part of that team. So, how about a round of applause for the Marion Junior High App Challenge Team.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you. My second point of personal privilege is that this week there's a lot of fan fair surrounding the Beatles first appearance in the United States. But for those of you that were here in 2003, you'll remember we passed a Resolution recognizing the first true appearance of a Beatle in the United States and the 40th anniversary. In September of 1963, George Harrison came to Illinois. He visited his sister in Benton. It was the first radio broadcast of a Beatles song in the United States on WFRX in West Frankfort. It was the first interview of a Beatle in the United States, deep down in southern Illinois. And it was the first public performance of a Beatle in the United States, in Brandon Phelps's hometown of Eldorado and in Benton. So, while all the rest of the world celebrates the appearance of the Beatles in America, we know that southern Illinois, the oldest part 09800089.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 of the State of Illinois, the great area of our great state, was the first when it came to the Beatles coming to America."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Greg Harris." Harris, G.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. There were some comments made by our friends on the other side of the aisle about the Maximus contract just a little bit ago. And I think, you know, all of us who voted for the Smart Act and all of us who are on the Appropriations- Human Services Committee for the last couple of years have been very concerned about being sure that our scare Medicaid dollars are being sent to the people who are truly in need and that those who are ineligible are being taken off the rolls. And I just remind Members on the other side that when the Smart Act was passed, the SMART Act said we may hire, we may hire, outside vendors to do the initial part of the redetermination to catch us up because we had diverted our resources toward those clients who were recipients of both SNAP and Medicaid. Maximus came in, they did their job, they did it well, but they have run their course. And at this point, spending $70 million a year for an outside vendor to do work that our state workers, which were approved in our last… last year's budget, could do is sending good money to a private company that is unnecessary. It's a duplication of resources; it is not a wise investment for the state. I believe that the state is moving ahead with the redeterminations, we're scrubbing the rolls, and we're doing it in the most cost-effective way possible. Thank you."
"Representative Flowers." 09800089.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I, too, would like to reference the remarks that was made on the other side of the aisle in regard to Maximus contract as well as the SMART Act. And quite frankly, I feel that the SMART Act was not very smart because, number one, it took away the dental care from the people who… who needed it the most. And as a result, people who ordinarily would have had access to dental care now have to go to the emergency room and pay upwards of $6 thousand to the emergency room where there is no dentist as opposed to paying $60 for an office visit to the dentist. More importantly, in regards to prescription drugs, the SMART Act was not very smart because now the patient who needs the prescription drugs and the doctors who said the patient needs the drugs, they are being denied because the State of Illinois has put a four-limit drug issuance to these people. The SMART Act was not for the business people. It's not about making rich people richer. Maximum (sic-Maximus) was not qualified to do the job, quite frankly. They were taking people off the roll who should not have been taken off. They also did not have all the tools that was necessary and they was depending on the very people that we laid off to implement the job that they were being paid to do. So, I think it was wise that Maximum (sic-Maximus) is no longer involved and we should really take our time, do away with the SMART Act and all the things that it has done to impede the people of the State of Illinois from getting the necessary health care that they need and start all over again. Thank you." 09800089.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"Shhh. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a growing list of Members wishing to see… speak. So, could we please afford everyone the same amount of respect and listen closely. Thank you. Representative Leitch."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would emphasize the importance of what Representatives Bellock and Hays shared with us. Illinois is broke and part of the fundamental problems that we have are an out-of-control Medicaid system and a very difficult pension unfunded liability which fortunately we've taken some measure to address. But the SMART Act was the response to that out-of-control Medicaid crisis that we have. And to dismantle it now is bad enough, but to replace it with the proposed 1115 new waiver which combines nine other waivers into one massive waiver over our Medicaid program is a very dangerous and risky thing because there is no specificity within that waiver. There are no financial implications or descriptions or metrics in that waiver. There is no dental care in that waiver. There are no provisions for downstate and rural health care in that waiver. And yet, at a time when we have these severe financial problems largely driven by Medicaid, we are in a position to, in a helter- skelter fashion, slap together a massive waiver so that it can go to the Federal Government where it may or may not be approved. It's also worthwhile to point out that when we had a vastly smaller waiver under Governor Edgar, we spent a year working out the details on that much more modest Medicaid waiver. So I would respect very much the points of view expressed by Representative Bellock and Hays. We have a crisis in Illinois and it's time to address it thoughtfully, 09800089.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 meaningfully, and with very substantive solutions, as opposed to going off, dismantling the SMART Act and guessing at what our future might be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I can keep… get the Body's attention, this is very important."
"Shhh Members. Thank you."
"The Republicans seek an immediate caucus."
"Well, the Republicans have requested an immediate caucus, but we still have three Republican Members we… wishing to speak. Would they still like to… Representative Bost."
"That would be fine. If they would… seek to speak and then we'll go to caucus after that."
"Thank you. Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Sure."
"I just wanted to say thank you to… this unending winter, and I want to just say thank you to all the State Troopers, to IDOT, to all the municipal and county road workers in helping everybody in Illinois get through this unending snow and cold. Thank you."
"Thank you. Representative Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to a point of personal privilege."
"State your point, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker, I have a question for you."
"Yes, Sir." 09800089.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"Have you ever heard Members in this Body say we need smaller government? Have you ever heard any of… any people say that?"
"A point of personal privilege, Sir."
"Well, a lot of people can talk the talk, but I want to give them a chance to walk the walk, because we're going to form a fitness Caucus and we have four chairs, four cochairs and Representative Chapa LaVia will be the Democrat Chair here in the House and I'll be the Chair for now on the Republican side and over in the Senate, Senator Altoff and Senator Sandoval. And we're going to have a weight loss contest. Everybody wants to see smaller government so get… Be prepared, we hope, next week for a weigh in. So, be ready and then we'll see who can walk the walk and get smaller government. A fitness Caucus. Thank you."
Speaker Turner: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I want to give a little institutional knowledge to this Medicaid debate. Medicaid is a wonderful, wonderful program that what happened, and it was brought to light by our Auditor General, probably about four years ago, that the fact when we looked at Medicaid, our previous Governor, through rules, put in three functions. He got rid of fraud investigation. He got rid of the certification process. You used to have to prove certification every year and that was an active participant. Now they send you a letter. If you don't respond, you're automatically reenrolled, that's a passive participant. Plus, you don't have to even be an 09800089.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Illinois residency requirement. In five short years, Medicaid has gone from seven billion dollars to fifteen and a half billion dollars. That's one-eighth of our budget going to one-quarter of our budget. That's a lot of our problems we're having today. This Maximus study, they looked at 200 thousand cases. Forty percent of them were scrubbed from the rolls. That's a huge, huge savings to the State of Illinois and I would certainly encourage us to continue. Thank you."
"Thank you. And now, Representative Bost made a statement that the Republicans will caucus immediately in Room 118. Democrats can go to lunch. Thank you. The House will stand at recess until 1:15."
"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. Mr. Clerk, on page 2 of the Calendar there appears Senate Bills-Second Reading, Senate Bill 1227. What is the status of the Bill?"
"Senate Bill 1227 was read a second time on a previous day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #6, offered by Representative Currie, has been approved for consideration.
"Leader Currie."
"Thank you very much, Speaker and Members of the House. Why don't we amend the Bill and then debate it on Third Reading, if that would be acceptable to my colleagues?"
"Is there any objection on the Republican side? Seeing none, those in favor of the Amendment will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09800089.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"Third reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1227, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Currie, are you handling this? Please proceed."
"Thank you, Speaker, and Members of the House. This is a measure similar to those that we have adopted over the years. The Governor has requested of us a delay in the presentation of his budget message from February 19 to March 26. His rationales are several. First of all, we know from our own budget forecasting organization, the… COGFA, and we gather also from the Bureau of the Budget that projections for revenues, especially in the income tax arena, are coming in and we should have a much better handle on what they will be in fiscal '15 in the next month or two. As well, given important structural changes, both to the state's pension systems and in our Medicaid eligibility and service program, there is a sense that the long-run picture of the state's fiscal health may be quite different over the next several years. The governor plans on March 26 to tell us, not only his proposal for fiscal '15, but to give us a five-year budget plan which I think would all… would be very helpful to all of us, to each of us, as we establish our own legislative priorities and contemplate spending decisions in the future. As I say, this is not new. We've done this for many other Governors and it's my personal bet, that we'll be doing it for many others. So, I would be happy to answer your questions, and I would appreciate your support for passage of Senate Bill 1227." 09800089.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Body, we have cooperated with the Governor for the past five years in helping him to have the time to understand the revenue numbers, to become better acquainted with the duties of his office and drafting a budget. I think cooperation is good. But we have come to the point when our Governor should know the revenue numbers. We had a Revenue Committee this morning that received the numbers from the Office of Budget and Management… Management and Budget, also, from COGFA. We have revenue projections that are up to date. Why does the Governor need more time to develop his budget? Conversely, what is the impact of waiting until March 26 to develop the budget? Many of you certainly have been attuned to educational issues and how difficult it is for school districts to plan their budget not knowing what the State Legislature is going to appropriate. This is the latest date that we have ever given the Governor, and it is only a few days ahead of when they have to rift any teachers that they're going to rift because of their revenue projections. I think we're doing a great disservice to our school districts by delaying until we get to the March 26 deadline. Additionally, our Revenue Committees are going to have a very difficult challenge in putting together a budget based on the numbers that we saw this morning of roughly 1.6 to 1.7 billion dollars less revenue next year. I think we need the time to analyze our priorities and to work together to come up with a sound budget as soon as we can, and delaying it a number of weeks, only 09800089.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 adds to the compactness of the challenge that we have before us. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, with all due respect to the Governor's request, I request that we not give him this kind of extension, that we get the budget numbers as soon as possible and get about the difficult challenge we have this year of developing and crafting an Appropriation Bills."
"Mr. Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I had a chance to be on Public Radio after the Governor's address, and I'll share with you what the contents of that conversation were. Public Radio, it's very good. I think you'd enjoy it, Jack. The Governor's been in office for five years. It took him five years to come up with a five-year plan. Now we have to wait five more weeks to understand what that five-year plan may be. The income tax went up to 5 percent, five years ago, or… I'm sorry, four years ago, and now we are going to wait, while we have about $5 billion in unpaid bills. So I'm not exactly sure what we will glean from an additional five weeks, but I think the people of the State of Illinois deserve answers. They deserve them in short order. Five more weeks, looking at the Calendar will be past the Primary. The political part can wait, that will happen on March 18 and then there'll be a full discussion in this Body about that budget. What the numbers look like, will the income tax be rolled back? We'll go all the way back to where it was, 3 percent. What's going to happen with the Speaker's Corporate Tax Bill? What the other chamber is thinking about? But instead, we'll wait for five more weeks past the date. I can't see any legitimate reasons to do that. I think the people of the state need to 09800089.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 know what their fiscal outlook is going to be right now. We have health care providers and hospitals and schools and a lot of folks on edge as to what the budget may be. I'm sure, as you have, I've had numerous constituents come and share those concerns with me as to what things will look like. Unfortunately, I'll have to tell them, I'll have to put it on hold for another five more weeks. So, unfortunately, I cannot support the measure. I think we need to hear from the Governor sooner than later. Thank you."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Leader yield for a few questions?"
"Lady yields."
"Leader Currie, in the past, accommodations have been given to the Governor with respect to his state of the Budget Address. Are you aware of any continuances or delays beyond March 15, for instance?"
"Yes, I am. I believe in 1992, the Legislature kindly gave, then Governor Edgar, the authority to give us his Budget Address on April 7. And in fact, it may be of interest to the Members to know that we didn't give Governor Edgar, Governor Jim Edgar, we didn't give him five years of absolution from the February date, we gave him six. So in no way is the request in Senate Bill 1227 unprecedented in this Body. And I would argue that the chances are good it will happen even after this Body becomes some other and the Governor becomes somebody different from the one we currently enjoy."
"Leader, thank you for that extensive answer. Of course, adjournment at that time was a month later, was it not?" 09800089.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014
"I think during part of that time, might have been, but nevertheless, it was a change in the statutory requirement, and that, I believe, was your question. Anybody do it later? Well, Jim Edgar, for starters."
"It was later, but proportionally not later. We'll move on, Leader. Is it happenstance, coincidence, or serendipity that it's beyond the date of the Primary that we are now extending the Governor's speech?"
"You know, I read that in the newspaper, Representative, and maybe you could enlighten me. As I understand it… well, I don't understand what possible relevance the Primary Election could have to the decision about a Budget Address. I just don't… I don't get it."
"Well, I'll try. Generally, that's when people gather to make electoral decisions, in some instances, based upon the State of the State, including its fiscal situation. But again, I'll move on. Is there a particular rationale with respect to this request from this Governor to get to March 26?"
"Yeah, and I said some of it in my opening remarks. First of all, both of the… both COGFA and the Bureau of the Budget are still grappling with the question, what will income look like in fiscal '15, and we all believe that we'll get better answers to that question by March 26 than by February 19. Second, because of major changes in structural programs like pension obligations and the Medicaid program, the Governor thought this would be a good time to lay out a five-year spending plan, not just the plan for the next fiscal year. I think that would be very helpful to us lawmakers as we craft a budget for fiscal '15 with an eye to what we might want to 09800089.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 do in the next four or five years. So, his rationale basically is let's know more about the numbers before I offer a plan, and I would think that's in our interests. We don't want to see a plan that’s half-baked that isn't based on the best available information. And second, he is taking this opportunity to offer us a long-term spending program, which I think would be very good for us in the Legislature, and for the people of Illinois."
"Again, thank you, Leader, for those elaborative answers. To… to the Bill. Half-baked budgets are something we see around here annually. The idea that additional time will pass so that better numbers will come in, so that a better budget process will ensue is ludicrous. Illinois is infamous, notorious for ramming through last minute budgets without giving Members, let alone the public, an opportunity to opine and play a participatory role. In this instance, we're again delaying the process for reasons unknown. For reasons said, well, we'll get better numbers. This is a process, a marathon, not a sprint. And instead, we're delaying that marathon to the end of a Primary and the idea that that’s just coincidence is laughable. This is a overtly political, bad policy decision. We ought to be giving the Address now, not later, now, and the process ensues. This is bad process, and it's bad politics. I respectfully urge a 'no' vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the Bill. This is, without a doubt, one of the latest requests to postpone the Budget Address in many, many decades in the State of Illinois. 09800089.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 This is a legislative process. We are all very important Members of that legislative process. Those of us that serve on Appropriations Committees take those responsibilities very seriously. It is unheard of that we, as Members of this Body, should have to wait until the end of March to hear from our Governor on the state of the budget. But more importantly, the fact that we are asking our human service providers, our schools, our universities, and every area within the State of Illinois budget to wait until the end of March is incredible. Most importantly, we all depend very heavily on our incredible staff members. They work very hard to the appropriation process, and to ask them to wait until the end of March and then try and put all of their notes and all of their research together, it's not acceptable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Bradley."
"I haven't agreed with a lot that Governor Quinn has done over last few months; however, this doesn't seem like an unreasonable request, and in my mind, it's somewhat deferential to this chamber. Over the last few years, the Governor has attempted to make budgets, and to put out numbers, and disregarded the House Revenue and Finance Committee and this chamber, and it didn't go well for him. So, we're in the process, we began this morning of having the revenue estimate hearings, of developing spending caps. We're in the process of examining tax incentives, tax credits, tax breaks which we will continue tomorrow. It doesn't seem like an unreasonable request and in some ways I think it's somewhat differential to us in the fact that the House is really the driver of the state budget, and at the end of the day, 09800089.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 generally what happens is that the revenue and finance numbers are accepted by the rest of the building. Oftentimes, unfortunately reluctantly, but I think this may, in fact, end up being a step in the right direction. And so I would stand in support of it at this time."
"Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I could not disagree more with the distinguished chairman of the Revenue & Finance Committee or with the Sponsor of this Bill than with what was just said. If you look at what has happened the past several years, the revenue estimate that has been put out by the House Revenue & Finance Committee are the numbers that are used for the Appropriations Committees. So, the Governor comes in and has, for the past number of years, comes in substantially higher than what the House Revenue & Finance Committee and this House approves. So, in essence, this means that the Governor isn't trying to work with us. He is trying to work on his own and not in conjunction with the House Revenue & Finance Committee. Which, by the way, the Sponsor of this legislation said, oh, COGFA is grappling trying to come up with the numbers. No, COGFA's not grappling with trying to come up with the numbers. We had a meeting this morning. We had a hearing this morning where COGFA put out a preliminary revenue estimate. You all have access to it. It shows that, if everything remains in place, our revenue for next fiscal year is going to be about $1.6 billion less than what we had this year. Okay. Maybe it changes slightly in the next six weeks 100 million, 150 million, in the term… in the scheme of things, that's not a 09800089.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 lot. We have a preliminary estimate we can work on right now. Interestingly, the Office of Management and Budget came in this morning with their revenue estimate, which, oh, by the way, was $750 million… excuse me, $727 million higher than COGFA's. The Governor's Office never saw a penny that they don't want to spend. Why doesn't they… why don't they… they issue their budget numbers in conjunction with the House, so that we can work together, so we don't have to provide… we don't have to suffer the pressures that the Appropriations Committees are going to feel in that very compressed schedule? I think this is the wrong way to go. This is not a surprise date for the Governor. He knows when he has to present his budget message. He basically knows, as does COGFA, what the numbers are going to be unless there's some change in the law. So, what's the reason for the delay? I don't think there's a good logical reason, and I'd urge a 'no' vote."
"Speaker Madigan to close."
"Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I want to thank everybody for participating in this debate. And I've listened with interest to the comments from the other side of the aisle. Let me reiterate what Representative Currie said. This is not the first time… this is not the first time that the Legislature has received a request from a Governor to delay the Budget Address. Representative Currie referenced a request from former Governor Edgar, and the Democrats in the Legislature responded positively to Governor Edgar's request. Governor Quinn would argue in support of this Bill, that indeed there are unusual circumstances facing the Governor as he prepares the budget message. The biggest being 09800089.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 the fact that the increase in the income tax is scheduled to expire in January of 2015, which obviously will complicate his preparation of the Budget Address. And that's one reason why he's asking for additional time. In addition, he is preparing a five-year blueprint on spending. And for that reason, he would ask for additional time. I hasten to point out that the House Revenue Committee, beginning shortly, will begin taking testimony from interested parties which will lead toward the adoption by that committee of a spending limit to be used in the budget making later in the spring. So the… that activity, the activity whereby which we determine how much we will spend will begin shortly. It's the activity that we've used over the last three or four budget cycles. And lastly, in the House, beginning today, the Appropriations Committees will be directed to begin their hearings immediately. So that for the period from today until March 26, the House Appropriation Committees will be entertaining testimony from agencies and other interested parties as to their spending requests for the budget to be prepared this spring. The Governor is asking for a delay, but here in the House, we aren't asking for a delay. We're going to move forward expeditiously to begin the usual process employed in the Appropriations Committee. So, I ask for your favorable vote and to repeat, again, this is not the first time that we've received a request like this from a sitting Governor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The… Leader… Leader Madigan moves for the passage of the Bill. Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 09800089.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Have all voted who wish? Mr. Drury. Please take the record. On this question, there are 62 voting 'yes', 48 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 5 at the hour of 12 noon. Those in favor say… Let me stop in the middle of my announcement. Democrats, upon adjournment, will meet immediately in Room 114. Sorry to do that to you. Democratic Caucus in 114 immediately after Session. Those in favor of the Motion will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House does stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 5 at the hour of 12 noon."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 780, offered by Representative Brauer. House Resolution 781, offered by Representative Brauer. House Resolution 782, offered by Representative Phelps. House Resolution 789, offered by Representative Cabello. House Resolution 790, offered by Representative Riley. House Resolution 793, offered by Representative Tracy. House Resolution 795, offered by Representative Pihos. House Joint Resolution 68, offered by Representative David Harris. Senate Joint Resolution 23, offered by Representative Wheeler. Senate Joint Resolution 24, offered by Representative Wheeler. These are referred to by the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4526, a Bill for an Act… offered by Representative Tracy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 4527, offered by Representative 09800089.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4528, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 4529, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4530, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4531, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning notices. House Bill 4532, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 4533, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4534, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4535, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4536, offered by Representative Daniel Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 4537, offered by Representative Daniel Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 4538, offered by Representative Nekritz, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4539, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4540, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning the lottery. House Bill 4541, offered by Representative Manley, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4542, offered by Representative Manley, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4543, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning fish. House Bill 4544, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning fish. House Bill 4545, offered by Representative 09800089.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. House Bill 4546, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4547, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4548, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 4549, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 4550, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 4551, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4552, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4553, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4554, offered by Representative Greg Harris, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 4555, offered by Representative Smiddy, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 4556, offered by Representative Smiddy, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4557, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4558, offered by Representative Drury, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4559, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4560, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning fish. House Bill 4561, offered by Representative D’Amico, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4562, offered by Representative D’Amico, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House 09800089.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Bill 4563, offered by Representative David Harris, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4564, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning public health. House Bill 4565, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4566, offered by Representative William Davis, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4567, offered by Representative William Davis, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4568, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4569, offered by Representative Pritchard, a Bill for an Act concerning state government. House Bill 4570, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 4571, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 4572, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4573, offered by Representative Kelly Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4574, offered by Representative Mayfield, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4575, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4576, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4577, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 4578, offered by Representative Hatcher, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4579, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4580, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning 09800089.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 regulations. House Bill 4581, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 4582, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 4583, offered by Representative Kay, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4584, offered by Representative Kay, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4585, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4586, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4587, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 4588, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4589, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4590, offered by Representative Hays, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4591, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4592, offered by Representative Kay, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4593, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4594, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4595, offered by Representative Currie, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 4596, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 4597, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4598, offered by Representative 09800089.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 McAuliffe, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4599, offered by Representative Fine, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4600, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 4601, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4602, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4603, offered by Representative Hays, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 4604, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4605, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 4606, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4607, offered by Representative Willis, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4608, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4609, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4610, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4611, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. House Bill 4612, offered by Representative Sandack, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4613, offered by Representative Sandack, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4614, offered by Representative Sosnowski, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4615, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 4616, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill 09800089.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4617, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4618, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4619, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4620, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4621, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 4622, offered by Representative Demmer, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4623, offered by Representative Demmer, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4624, offered by Representative Demmer, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4625, offered by Representative Demmer, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4626, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4627, offered by Representative Cavaletto, a Bill for an Act concerning state government. House Bill 4628, offered by Representative Daniel Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4629, offered by Representative Thapedi, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4630, offered by Representative Pihos, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4631, offered by Representative Crespo, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 4632, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4633, offered by Representative Reboletti, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 4634, offered by Representative 09800089.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 Phelps, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4635, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 4636, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 4637, offered by Representative Feigenholtz, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4638, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #42, offered by Representative Lilly. 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 Sections 2 and 5 of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE COMPOSITION (a) One Senator shall be elected from each Legislative District. Immediately following each decennial redistricting, the General Assembly by law shall divide the Legislative Districts as equally as possible into three groups. Senators from one group shall be elected for terms of four years, four years and two years; Senators from the second group, for terms of four years, two years and four years; and Senators from the third group, for terms of two years, four years and four 09800089.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 years. The Legislative Districts in each group shall be distributed substantially equally over the State. (b) Each Legislative District shall be divided into two Representative Districts. One Representative shall be elected from each Representative District. During each ten-year period, beginning with the general election in 2016, Representatives shall first be elected for terms of four years, then for terms of two years, and then for terms of four years. (c) To be eligible to serve as a member of the General Assembly, a person must be a United States citizen, at least 21 years old, and for the two years preceding his election or appointment a resident of the district which he is to represent. In the general election following a redistricting, a candidate for the General Assembly may be elected from any district which contains a part of the district in which he resided at the time of the redistricting and reelected if a resident of the new district he represents for 18 months prior to reelection. (d) Within thirty days after a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by appointment as provided by law. If the vacancy is in a Senatorial or Representative office with more than twenty-eight months remaining in the term, the appointed Senator or Representative shall serve until the next general election, at which time a Senator or Representative shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy is in any other Senatorial or Representative office, the appointment shall be for the remainder of the term. An 09800089.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 appointee to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the same political party as the person he succeeds. (e) No member of the General Assembly shall receive compensation as a public officer or employee from any other governmental entity for time during which he is in attendance as a member of the General Assembly. No member of the General Assembly during the term for which he was elected or appointed shall be appointed to a public office which shall have been created or the compensation for which shall have been increased by the General Assembly during that term. SECTION 5. SESSIONS (a) The General Assembly shall convene each year on the second Wednesday of January. The General Assembly shall be a continuous body for a period beginning and ending at noon on the second Wednesday of January of consecutive odd-numbered years. (b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. (c) Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine 09800089.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies to the terms of Representatives elected in 2016 and thereafter. This was the first reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #42. Introduction and First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #43, offered by Representative Durkin. 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 Sections 4, 5, and 6 of Article IV and Section 2 of Article V of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 4. ELECTION (a) Members of the General Assembly shall be elected at the general election in even-numbered years. (b) The proclamation of results of each election of members of the General Assembly must take place as soon as practical after the general election, but in no case later than seven 09800089.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 days prior to the date the General Assembly first convenes under subsection (b) of Section 6 of this Article. SECTION 5. SESSIONS (a) The General Assembly shall convene each year on the second Wednesday of December. The General Assembly shall be a continuous body during the term for which members of the House of Representatives are elected. (b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. (c) Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the General Assembly may not be in session in any general election year from the date of the general election until the second Wednesday of December, except upon a joint proclamation stating the purpose of the session signed by the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the 09800089.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 President and the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Governor; and only business encompassed by such purpose shall be transacted. SECTION 6. ORGANIZATION (a) A majority of the members elected to each house constitutes a quorum. (b) On the second Wednesday of December following a general election, the Secretary of State shall convene the House of Representatives to elect from its membership a Speaker of the House of Representatives as presiding officer, and the Governor shall convene the Senate to elect from its membership a President of the Senate as presiding officer. (c) For purposes of powers of appointment conferred by this Constitution, the Minority Leader of either house is a member of the numerically strongest political party other than the party to which the Speaker or the President belongs, as the case may be. (d) Each house shall determine the rules of its proceedings, judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its members and choose its officers. No member shall be expelled by either house, except by a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to that house. A member may be expelled only once for the same offense. Each house may punish by imprisonment any person, not a member, guilty of disrespect to the house by disorderly or contemptuous behavior in its presence. Imprisonment shall not extend beyond twenty-four hours at one time unless the person persists in disorderly or contemptuous behavior. ARTICLE V 09800089.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 89th Legislative Day 2/4/2014 THE EXECUTIVE SECTION 2. TERMS (a) The Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the Comptroller, and the Treasurer shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Monday of January after their election and until their successors are qualified. The Governor shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Wednesday of December after his or her election and until his or her successor is qualified. The Lieutenant Governor shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Wednesday of December after his or her election. All of the elected officers of the executive branch shall be elected at the general election in 1978 and every four years thereafter. (b) The proclamation of results of each election of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor must take place as soon as practical after the general election, but in no case later than seven days prior to the date the General Assembly first convenes under subsection (b) of Section 6 of Article IV. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #43. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09800089.docx 40