"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Shaun Lewis, who's the Illinois State Director of Capitol Commission, serving the political leaders of Illinois. Pastor Lewis is the guest of Representative Chapa LaVia. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Lewis."
"Thank you. If you would bow your heads in prayer. Our Gracious Father, in Psalm 115:1, the psalmist says, 'Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.' We so naturally pursue our own glory, and yet within a generation or so, who alive will be remem… will be able to remember any of our names? Your name, Oh Lord, has stood from generation to generation and Your works are still known and discussed thousands of years later. Plant the desire in our hearts to glorify Your name. Thank You for creating this day, for being a God who gives life and breath and blesses beyond what we deserve. You are a good God; One gracious, One who delights to give wisdom. And I pray that our lawmakers would seek wisdom and apply this to the ills of our state. Bless the time that our lawmakers spend away from home this week in caucus, in committee, on the floor. May they be considerate to their staff members, concerned about their constituents, kind to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge by Representative Flowers." 09800100.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Flowers – 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."
"Sorry, Representative. Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Smith and Welch are excused today."
"Leader Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that all Republicans are present and ready to do the work of the people."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 116 Members present. We do have a quorum. Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Reports. Representative Verschoore, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4226. Representative Beiser, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: recommends be adopted is Senate Joint Resolution 23, Senate Joint Resolution #24. Representative McAsey, Chairperson from the Committee on the Environment reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4606. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4530. Representative Mayfield, Chairperson from the 09800100.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Committee on Public Safety: Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4334, House Bill 4741. Representative Ford, Chairperson from the Committee on Restorative Justice reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4649. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3662, House Bill 4336, House Bill 4522, House Bill 4527, House Bill 4558, House Bill 4767; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 59, House Resolution 781, House Resolution 795. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on the Judiciary reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4266, House Bill 4505, House Bill 4417, House Bill 4726, House Bill 5415: do pass Standard Debate is House Bill 5512. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4403. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3721, House Bill 4304, House Bill 4586, House Bill 4743. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 860, offered by Representative Riley is referred to the Rules Committee." 09800100.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"On the Order of Resolutions, on the Calendar, there appears House Resolution 732, Mr. Pritchard. Please proceed, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, we passed this Resolution a few weeks ago but today we have the recipient of that legislation here. And I'm also joined by the Senator from this person's district, Sue Rezin, from… that represents part of LaSalle County, and the Minority spokesperson for the Agriculture Committee, Sam McCann, as well. And what we're doing today is recognizing an individual who has spent his life promoting agriculture, working with us here in the Legislature on agricultural policy and it seemed appropriate that upon his retirement as President of the Illinois Farm Bureau that we recognize Phil Nelson. Phil is up in the chambers over here on the right side. A year or two ago, Phil was the Star Farmer for Illinois. He was also the American Farm Bureau Federation National Outstanding Young Farmer, and then he was Prairie Farmers Magazine's Master Farmer in 2001. But he's a fourth generation grain and livestock farmer from Seneca, in LaSalle County, as I mentioned, and he has served as the 14th President of the Illinois Farm Bureau and as its full-time executive officer for the past 10 years. Phil Nelson is an outstanding spokesperson for farmers and for all facets of agriculture, maintaining the highest level of integrity and honesty. His knowledge of agricultural issues is highly regarded, resulting in expanded relationship with both sides of our aisle here in the House and in the Senate, and in the policies that occur in Washington. Not only has he served as the Farm 09800100.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Bureau President, he was also President of the Illinois Soybean Association, vice-president of the American Soybean Association and President of the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. Phil has been very active on the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors, working in the area of trade advisory committee for the last four years. It's our honor to recognize him, his wife, Carmen, and their three children as they continue the tradition of family farming in Illinois. All of us can participate in recognizing Farm Bureau for what they do in our food production system with a reception that's going to be held this evening in the President Lincoln Hotel from, I believe, it's 6 to 7:30. And we'll also have a reception immediately following adjournment where we can have some cake, if you want to have some cake, in the Speaker… the Leader's office for the Republicans, here on the back side. Also, with Phil today is Rich Guebert, who is the current President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and he will be welcoming us tonight. So, our congratulations and thank you for this recognition of Phil Nelson the 10th… the 14th President of the Farm Bureau."
"Those in favor of the Resolutions will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Thank you, Mr. Pritchard. Congratulations, Sir. Mr. Jefferson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I would like to have everyone's attention, if I may, to honor a very distinguished and graceful Lady that served 09800100.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 in this Body, the General Assembly, and that's Miss Wyvetter Younge. If you didn't have an opportunity to serve with Miss Younge, you missed a treat. Wyvetter Younge was born in August of 1930, deceased December… December of 2008. She was a Democratic Member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 114th District from 1975 until 2008. She served as Assistant Majority Leader and was a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, an attorney with a BS from Hampton Institute, a JD from St. Louis University School of Law, and an LM… LLM from Washington University School of Law. Younge was a former Assistant Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis. Miss Younge was married to Richard Younge, also an attorney, and they had three children: Ruth, Torque and Margaret and two stepsons, Richard Jr. and Roland Younge. Her daughter, Margaret, has said that her mother drove 90 miles, 90 miles, every day, back and forth to the General Assembly so that she could be home with her children in St. Louis that evening. She was one of the longest serving Members, current Members, of the Illinois House. Her legislative priorities included urban renewal, substance abuse treatment, services for the homeless and economic development. She was truly a public servant and dedicated to equality and community progress. Miss Younge received Best Legislator award from the UAW in 1993. She was a lawyer believing in education and the economic development, fighting hard to keep the community college in East St. Louis. She fought to make certain that the Casino Queen would be in East St. Louis. And she fought for any cause that would help her district. Miss Younge had a high school named after her in East St. Louis, and it's 09800100.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 still serving today to many, many kids from that area. She set the framework for Illinois Homeless Bill of Rights. She sponsored House Bill 4116 in 2004, which passed the House but did not progress to the Senate. It contained several provisions that are now law including the rights of the homeless people to access emergency medical care, the right to vote, and privacy of personal records. To respect her dedication and hard work for the people of her district, and on a larger scale, the contributions she has made for the advancement of African Americans in government, we believe she served to be honored… deserves to be honored this February as part of Black History Month. And on that note, I would in… take this opportunity to invite each and every one of you to the Governor's Mansion tonight. There will be a soiree that's being given by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and we would ask that you would all come. It starts are 5:30, is the start time; 6:00 is the program, and we'd hope we could see each and every one of you there. Thank you."
"Thank you, Mr. Jefferson. Chair recognizes Mr. Sosnowski."
"I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I'd just like the Assembly to recognize the state's attorney from Boone County, Michelle Courier, who's up in the balcony to the right and also has some staff and students. They are with their explorer program in which she introduces them to the State's Attorneys Office, and I think many of them have a future career in the… some sort of legal career 09800100.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 in… in mind. So, welcome to your State Capitol, good to have you."
"Thank you and welcome aboard. Representative Unes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Mr. Speaker, with us today is a special guest and group of homeschoolers from Bartonville and the surrounding area. If Brandy Tucker and all the children here… who are here visiting today, their Capitol, to see Illinois Government in action, rise, if we could give them a warm welcome to Springfield."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Proceed."
"I just wanted to comment on Representative Jefferson and just mention what an honor it was to serve with Representative Wyvetter Younge in the House of Representatives and that she was an amazing role model, not only to all the women here, but to every single Representative that served with her. And it's wonderful to have her be mentioned in… today. So, thank you very much."
"Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Thank you, Speaker. You look mighty fine today. In fact, I'd like to invite all of you to look even mighty finerer, if that's a word, but… it sounds like Ron Sandack over there. There have been 45 people to sign up for our caucus to date and that's amazing, but we want more people to sign up and go into Room 206 and get weighed in. I weighed in 09800100.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 myself. You want to know how much I weigh, come talk to me and we'll commiserate. But it's important not to… it's just to be healthy, you guys, and it's a start. You get to look at yourself and say, hey, I know where I'm at. Let me start doing some healthier things down here. And we don't want you to have the freshman 15, for you freshmen, so please, please. We're going to have weigh-ins all through today and tomorrow still, starting at 8 a.m. until we adjourn. Come join us. We're going to do pedometers next week and talk about all the great things we'll be able to do to keep each other healthy and happy and live a long, prosperous life. Live long. Prosper."
"Mr. Riley."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I'd like to join Representative Bellock in the beautiful and insightful words she had about one of our colleagues, Wyvetter Younge. I remember when I first came down here in 2007, it was on this row right here. Wyvetter was at the end, then it was me, then it was Naomi Jakobsson. Wyvetter was always the first person here and the last to leave, and she would drive home to take care of her husband. I gained so much, you know, as somebody who thought that they knew everything. You know, you don't, and you learn things from someone who has been there before you. And frankly, I think about Wyvetter every day because I have some memento from her that's in my office down here and my office back in Hazel Crest. So, thanks, Patti, for those words. Thank you, Chuck. I mean, normally, you know, we talk about someone during Black 09800100.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 History Month. But isn't it so great we can talk about somebody that had an impact on this entire state and a person during Black History Month that many of us know and served with. So, thank you very much, Chuck."
"Representative Mayfield."
"Personal privilege."
"Proceed, please."
"I just would like to introduce everyone to my administrative assistant in my district office, Doug Harrington. This is the gentleman who sends out my newsletters and keeps me on track when I'm at… away from home. So, I just want to welcome him to the Capitol, along with Tina, his beautiful girlfriend."
"Happy to have you with us today. Representative Senger."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I'd like you to give a warm welcome to my Page today, Megan Niklas, and her parents, Mel and…and Jeanne Niklas. Good. Thank you."
"Thank you. Thanks for being with us. Mr. Phelps."
"Pers… point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would want to take note, and I know… Representative McSweeney has done this already, so I appreciate his leadership on this, but our beloved Rich Miller is going to take the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics. So, I'm going to give, as well and I would challenge all my colleagues to do the same because who doesn't want to see 09800100.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Rich Miller in a swim suit, right? So, I would… I'd ask all of you to join me and Representative McSweeney by donating to help Rich Miller do this. So, thank you very much."
"Mr. Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, please pay attention here. We had a long-time radio broadcaster, Bob Murray, pass away this morning. Bob was host of the Morning Newswatch for WTAX radio since 19… or, I'm sorry, 2003. Before that, he was a long-time broadcaster on WMAY radio and Decatur television station WAND. The broadcaster was battling brain cancer. He revealed his diagnosis to listeners in late 2013. When asked Bob what he thought the news program should be, he said as much as possible. We want to be on the cutting edge of news. We want people to know that they've turned to us and listened for 20, 25 minutes, that they'll hear the latest news, not just recycled headlines. We're going to miss Bob. He was a dear friend of mine, dear friend of many of us. And if we could have a moment of silence for him and his family, I'd appreciate it. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Tracy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"I want to remind the women of COWL, the Conference of Women Legislators, that tonight we have a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Sangamo Club and it is being hosted by the 09800100.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 University of Illinois chancellors. All three of them will be present and it's an opportunity for all COWL members, as well as all Members of the General Assembly, to visit with them. And it'll be back… in the back at the Patio Room at the Sangamo Club tonight. Thank you."
"Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, please."
"As long as we're talking about plunging into the icy waters of Lake Michigan, I wanted to let everyone know that in addition to donating, you can join myse… you can join myself, Representative Fran Hurley and Senator Bill Cunningham in plunging on Sunday. So, we would love to accept your donations or have you join us up on, not too far from my district, on the east. So, any takers? I'll have a show of hands. Anyway, great cause, Special Olympics. Contribute if you can."
"We'll expect pictures posted on Facebook. On the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 654, Representative Wheeler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the General Assembly, I welcome today's special guest. I have the distinguished honor to introduce the District 13 Little League team consisting of players from northern Illinois. These spectacular athletes and their dedicated buddies successfully participated in the 2013 Challenger Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I'd like the athletes to please stand with their buddies to be recognized. If you'll allow me and indulge me, I'd like to 09800100.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 read their names. Matthew Williams. Please wave, too, so we can be… so you can be recognized. Matthew Williams, Jon Fuhry, Tom Koch. Jordan Harris, Kayla Graziano, Alex Ippolito, Tammy Vargulich, Lily Kreitz, Jeffrey Boston, Jacob Donahue, Zach Donahue, Rochelle Donahue, Mark Johnson, Conor Nolan, Nathan Larsen. Matthew Kennedy, Kyle Trusty, Ryan Santiago, Jordan Patterson, Michael Patterson, Will Hayes, Phil Rizzo, and Trevor Bergren. On behalf of the General Assembly, we congratulate you and your families for your dedication and commitment. Thank you very much."
"Congratulations and welcome to Springfield. The Chair recognizes Mr. Sims."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I have with me on the floor today, Darren Martin. He's an intern from my office, a student from Chicago State. He's down visiting the House today and learning more about government. Join me in welcoming him."
Speaker Lang: "Mr. Clerk, House Joint Resolution 81, the Adjournment Resolution."
"Adjournment Resolution. House Joint Resolution 81, offered by Representative Currie. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, February 27, 2014, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 04, 2014 at 12:00 noon, or until the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands 09800100.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 adjourned until Tuesday, March 04, 2014 at 12:00 noon, or until the call of the President."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Members, we're going to the Calendar now. Page 2 of the Calendar, under the Order of House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 3672, Mr. Riley. You wish to move your Bill, Sir? Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3672, 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 3784, Mr. Mautino. Mr. Mautino. Out of the record. House Bill 4206… Excuse me. Oh, Mr. Mautino, you wish to… I didn't see you there. You're wearing dark, Sir. You wish to move your Bill? Let's move back to 3784 and read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3784, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4206, Leader Nekritz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4206, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4262, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4262, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee 09800100.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4277, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4277, a Bill for an Act concerning fish. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4381, Mr. Zalewski. Out of the record. House Bill 4385, Mr. Walsh. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4385, 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 4386, Mr. Walsh. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4386, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4462, Mr. Moffitt. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4462, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4523, Mr. Moffitt. Please read the Bill." 09800100.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"House Bill 4523, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4534. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4534, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4585. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4585, a Bill for an Act concerning regulations. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4590, Mr. Hays. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4590, 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. Moving down the Calendar, on the Order of House Bills-Third Reading, page 3 of the Calendar, House Bill 4208, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4208, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Members, this is going to be a Third Reading Roll Call. Representative Fine."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Session, working with the Cook County Inspector General, we passed legislation that was proposed after an investigation of mismanagement to fiduciary 09800100.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 duties by the trustees of the Northfield Wood Sanitary District. Despite the mismanaging, it was found that the trustees were not held to the same ethical laws and policies as county officials and employees. That now… law now extends the ethical requirements to any member of governmental entities appointed by the chairperson or president of the county board. This Bill extends this clause to cover those appointed by any member or members of the county board that they, too, would have to follow the same ethical requirements."
"Lady 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? Nekritz. Please take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5017, Mr. Sullivan. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5017, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5017 is a technical change to the Charitable Gaming Act that will allow for multi… multiple nights to do your gaming, as opposed to one in a month. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Representative Cloonen."
"Yes. I rise in support of the Bill, also. This affects the schools in my area and it allows them to have two nights 09800100.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 in a row. And it just strikes out one event per month. So, please, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, why do we need the change in the law?"
"Last year, we enhanced the Charitable Games Act with Representative Lang's legislation and in there was an unintended consequence which limited to one night per month for nongovernmental entities. So, if you have a school that did a multiple weekend two-night event, those were now disallowed under the legislation. So, this is a cleanup to go back to how we were doing it before."
"And the law that we passed with Mr. Lang… you're saying Mr. Lang's law was all screwed up. Is that what you're saying? I'm just… I'm just trying to make sure I understand."
"We had a… we missed a piece of it that affected certain Catholic schools that do charitable games, like in my district, Carmel High School, and then in Representative Cloonen's district."
"So, his inferior legislation needs to be corrected. But I… here's what I'm trying to figure out."
"Yes."
"Under his previous inferior legislation, it allowed for how many nights of gaming and how much would this new and improved legislation allow for?"
"Twelve… 12 per year."
"Okay." 09800100.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"And it does not enhance the amount of nights. It just says how you can do it in… within a month."
"All right. So, we're changing the amount of nights, we're just making it more workable for those that need it worked."
"Yes. We are not adding gaming."
"Okay. I wonder what Mr. Lang thinks. I'm not sure he can speak about it right now."
"You know, there will be a time I'll be on the floor, Sir, and not in the Chair. I'm just telling you."
"Promises, promises. We… we all like to see that. Well, I appreciate that. I think… I thank you for… for clarifying that. And these are for, like, what they with the schools and…"
"Yes."
"…do that type… When you say it's charitable games, are they… is there real money being used or is this just for fun where they turn in…"
"There… there is real money being used."
"Okay. I just want to… okay."
"Yeah."
"Thank you."
"You bet."
"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? Please record yourselves, Members. Cassidy, Mussman. Please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'yes', 12 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Under the Order of 09800100.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Resolutions, there appears HJR69, Mr. Franks. You're lucky I'm recognizing you, Sir."
"It's so good to see you, Mr. Speaker and you know, I voted against that last piece of legislation 'cause I was sticking with you on your inferior one, so, thank you. This… this Joint Resolution is simply re-upping our joint task force on Turkish and Illinois relations. We've done this many times. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Those in favor of the Resolution 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. Cavaletto. Please take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes Leader Currie on HJR76."
"Actually, I was going to make a… Thank you, Speaker. This is the Resolution providing for the Joint Session to receive the Governor's budget message."
"Those in favor of the Resolution…"
"No…"
"…will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Switches are right in front of you, Members. DeLuca, Hatcher, Wheeler. Mr. DeLuca. Please take the record. On this question, there are 81 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no'… 34 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I'm pleased to introduce a very important Chicagoan who is visiting with us today, up here in the gallery. Timuel Black is a well- 09800100.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 known educator, urban historian, particularly, an historian of the black experience in Chicago. And I… it's my pleasure to say that he's my constituent. His work has long been admired. He is a recipient of many prizes and he's here to join the soiree this evening at the Governor's Mansion. So, he invites you all to join him there. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Continuing on the Order of Resolutions. House Resolution 420, Mr. Reboletti."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've had this Resolution before. It happened a couple of years ago. The idea of the Resolution is that… to make sure that when the Governor orders flags to be flown because of the passing of a military personnel, as we've seen very tragically recently, an IDOT worker and a tollway worker, that local and state media outlets would put the information of the Illinois Flag Honors subscription, which you can get by email. I'm encouraging all media to put that on there and ask all of us to put it on our websites so that people that want to fly the flag and follow what the Governor's putting out, can do so. I'd ask for its adoption."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"Representative, could we just hold that until we finish this Resolution?" Davis, M.: "I'll be happy to. I'll be happy to."
"You can stay standing. We're just about ready to go to you. Those in favor of the Resolution will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Now, Representative Davis." 09800100.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 Davis, M.: "First of all, I'd like to say in reference to Professor Timuel Black, he's also a famous author. He's written several books and he's appeared on many television programs. And he's truly an icon and a hero on African-American history and American history in this state. So, we ought to really give him a big round of applause. Welcome, Tim, again. I'd also like to say we have in our presence one of our former Members, Representative Karen May, who is visiting the floor today and she was an environmentalist on the floor, and we welcome her back to Springfield."
"Welcome, Representative. You trying to sell some more of your stuff from your apartment, is that why you're here? All right. House Resolution 474, Mr. Brauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 474 urges Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee to study and make a recommendation to the United State Secretary of the Treasurer on a production of a Lincoln Sesquicentennial Coin. I urge its passage."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 524, Representative Hatcher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 524 urges congress to pass House Resolution 875 to scientifically determine the effects of E-15 on internal combustion machines."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 675, Mr. Riley." 09800100.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 675 essentially urges the CTA to make financial and planning commitments to the Red Line Extension. The Red Line Extension has been talked about since 1967. And when the Dan Ryan 'L' was first constructed, the whole idea was for these stations to go all the way to 130th Street. And just like the old quote in the book said, what happens to a dream deferred? The dream of having the CTA Red Line go from 95th to 130th Street has been around a long time. Communities have been promised this. We don't think that the CTA has acted fast enough. It is not… no moneys for planning or construction are in the current budget. So, House Resolution 675 essentially urges the CTA, with all deliberate speed, to put some action behind the Red Line Extension."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Mr. Reboletti."
"Mr. Speaker, I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"Always makes me nervous. Please proceed, Sir."
"Speaker, since we're running all these Resolutions, are we prepared… are we prepared to adjourn sine die since we're… seem that we've finished all the House business?"
"Unfortunately, Sir, you are not recognized for that purpose."
"I said… I wasn't trying to make the Motion, Mr. Speaker. I just… feels like it's the last day of Session with all these Resolutions running."
"Is there anything else, Sir?" 09800100.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"No, this… it's always great to see you up in the Chair."
"Thank you. Mr. Sandack is laughing at you, Sir. House Resolution 707, Mr. Moylan. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 707 encourages the City of Chicago, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Federal Aviation Administration to revisit the current plan for a voluntary and workable Fly Quiet program. Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Resolution 730, Mr. Hays."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Falun Gong is a peaceful, spiritual practice and has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party as documented by the United States Department of State, the U.S. Commission of International Religious Freedom, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and many other governmental entities. Canadian human rights attorney, David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia- Pacific relations David Kilgour cowrote the investigative report 'Bloody Harvest: Revised Report into the Allegations of Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong Practitioners in China'. This heinous practice involves the involuntary harvesting of organs from citizens, from those who are incarcerated in prison. The Resolution calls for the United States Government and the U.S. President to investigate organ transplants in China and take all reasonable steps to bring an end to this revolting practice of harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners and requests the United State Government to prohibit any doctors who perform the transplant using 09800100.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 organs harvested from these practitioners from gaining entry into the United States. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Returning to House Bills-Third Reading, there appears House Bill 4244, Mr. Hays. Mr. Hays. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 4244, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Hays."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4244 provides that if an independent college with benefits from grant money received pursuant to the Build Illinois program no longer qualifies as an independent college, that the balance shall be transferred to any qualifying independent college. In this specific instance, the Benedictine University was partnering with Springfield College, and Springfield College now being defunct and that campus is run by Benedictine… Benedictine University, the grant award of $1 million would be moved from Springfield College to Benedictine to complete a construction project. I'd be happy to any… answer any questions."
"This will be a Third Reading Roll Call. The Gentleman's moved for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative, I'm not sure I totally understand what you're trying to do. It looks like we had a capital program 09800100.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 a few years ago and certain moneys were allocated but not spent. Would that be a fair portrayal?"
"That's right. This is part of the Build Illinois program. There were dollars that were earmarked for independent colleges. Independent colleges around the state received those funds. In this instance, Representative Franks, there would… there was an award to Springfield College. Springfield College is now defunct and that campus is being run by Benedictine University. There was a long-standing history of cooperation, courses from Benedictine being held on the campus of Springfield College. Benedictine now runs that campus. And so, this… the Board of Higher Ed, which actually testified in favor of this, said there was not a conduit… that… that there was not a conduit to allow the moneys to be spent by Benedictine. This is the same campus, the same students, the same location, but they were worried that there was nothing in statute that allowed those dollars to go from being awarded to Springfield College to Benedictine. This is the same project that they had anticipated doing before. The Board of Higher Ed just thought we needed to codify it so everything was…"
"Right."
"…according to Hoyle. They did testify in favor of this."
"So, it's just another name on the door, but it's going to the same place, for the same purpose?"
"Yes, Sir."
"It's just… it's just not going to the prior institution, it's going to the subsequent institution."
"That's absolutely correct." 09800100.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"Now, let me ask you this, has there been any material changes with the subsequent institution, which is Benedictine? Has there been a massive loss of students? Have they… are they… are they sound? I want to make sure that we're not going to be spending a lot of money and then having this college go out of business as well."
"Right. To my… to my knowledge, that is, in fact, the case. So, and like I said, the… probably what makes this transition as seamless as it could possibly be was the very close relationship prior between Springfield College and Benedictine. But yes, it's my understanding that they're on sound footing and they're simply wishing to go forward with a project that had been planned some time ago."
"And already been approved and already funded."
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you very much."
"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? Crespo, Gabel, Jakobsson. Please take the record. There are 116 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Resolutions, page 6 of the Calendar, there appears Senate Joint Resolution 45, Mr. Burke. Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. Chair recognizes Mr. Mautino."
"Oh, thank you, Sir. Just a point of personal privilege."
"Proceed."
"It's also a very special day over in 300 and those of… if you have the opportunity, stop by, say happy birthday to 09800100.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014 my assistant, Kelly. And this is some anniversary of her 29th birthday. I don't know, I'm not going to ask. But she's a wonderful lady and we all wish her a happy birthday."
Speaker Lang: "Happy birthday, Kelly. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committee was canceled for this afternoon. The Business Occupational Licenses Committee in Room 115 is canceled. Meeting at 2:00 is Labor & Commerce in Room 413, State Government Administration in Room 118, Tourism & Conventions in C-1. Meeting at 3 p.m. is Appropriations-General Services in D-1, Appropriations- Public Safety in C-1, Higher Education in Room 413, International Trade & Commerce in 114. And at 4:00 is Appropriations-Public Safety Committee in Room C-1."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 856, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 857, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 858, offered by Representative Osmond. House Resolution 859, offered by Representative Stewart. And House Resolution 861(sic-862), offered by Representative Wheeler."
"Leader Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House stand adjourned 'til Thursday, twe… February 27 at the hour of 11 a.m. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House does stand adjourned until Thursday, February 27 at the hour of 11 a.m." 09800100.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 100th Legislative Day 2/26/2014
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolution. Senate Joint Resolution 46, offered by Representative Harms, is referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 6007, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This is referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09800100.docx 29