"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Douglas Meyer who is with Salem Lutheran Church in Salem. Pastor Meyer is the guest of Representative Cavaletto. 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 Meyer."
"Shall we bow our heads. Our gracious God and Father, we come before You this morning with thankful hearts for all the blessings that we enjoy as citizens of this great country. We're grateful for the many freedoms that are ours and that so many people in other parts of the world sadly are not able to enjoy; freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion. Help us to never take those blessing for granted but to instead cherish and appreciate them along with the many sacrifices that made them possible for us. To that end, we pray that You would keep a watchful eye over all our soldiers, both at home and abroad. Cover them with Your protective care, bless their families during their times of separation and use these brave men and women to defend the rights and privileges that are ours as Americans. Lord, since You are the source and provider of every good gift, we pray that You would provide these Representatives, from the State of Illinois, with all the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual resources that they need to carry out the duties and responsibilities that have been entrusted to them. Bestow upon the them wisdom from on high so that the decisions they make might be in accordance with Your will and for the common good of the people they serve. Provide them with a keen 09800101.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 sensitivity to Your direction, for without Your help and guidance, our state and our county will never thrive. Guard their hearts from pride and a lust for power, and enable them to be true servant leaders, just like Your son, Jesus, who came, not to be served, but to serve. During their times of discouragement, encourage them. During their times of uncertainty or confusion, grant them discernment. During their times of debate, help them to display a kind and gentle spirit toward those who disagree with them. Indeed, let an atmosphere of peace pervade this room whenever these Representatives gather here. For we ask it in the precious, the powerful and the peace giving name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge today by Representative Sommer."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie:"
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect the excused absences of Representatives Cassidy, Smith, and Welch."
"Mr. Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that all the Republicans are present today."
"There is a quor… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. 115 Members being present, there is a quorum. Mr. Clerk." 09800101.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Thapedi, Chairperson from the Committee on International Trade & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 700. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 749. Representative Jacks (sic-Franks)Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4569, House Bill 4713. Representative Dunkin, Chairperson from the Committee on Tourism & Conventions reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: Recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 56. Representative Jakobsson, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4340; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5323. Representative Bradley, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on February 27, 2014: recommends be adopted is a Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2317. Representative Jackson, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on February 27, 2014: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3707, House Bill 5311. Representative Chapa LaVia, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action taken on February 27, 2014: recommends be adopted is Senate Joint 09800101.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 Resolution #3. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 866, offered by Representative McSweeney. House Resolution 868, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 869, offered by Representative Unes. And House Resolution 871, offered by Representative Hammond are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Under the Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 853, Mr. Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, please read a portion of the Resolution."
"House Resolution 853, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jacksonville's Our Saviour Shamrocks 8th grade boys basketball team on winning the IESA Class 1A 8th Grade State Championship and wish them many more years of continued success."
"Mr. Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, today, we have… today, we have our IEA… our IESA Class 1A 8th Grade State Champions for the State of Illinois. They actually have an undefeated season, 28 and 0. I would like to congratulate them on a great season and I'd like to introduce you to all the… all the young men that are… that are part of the team. Today we have Alex Anderson, Ryan Beckman, Kaleb Birdsell, Luke Bonjean, Sam Bruner, Hunter Chumley, Nathan Dickman, Clay Fox, Alex Hobson, Josh Lewis, Lucas May, Brooks Moore, Matt Muller, Jared Plunk, and Drew Winters, as well as their coaches Will Whalen and Tom Hill. This… by the way, 09800101.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 this is 8th Grade Basketball Championships. I want to congratulate them on their hard work, their integrity, their dedication, their sportsmanship, and to be a good representation for others in the State of Illinois. I appreciate you all coming here. Once again, your 8th Grade IESA Class 1A State Champions, the Jacksonville… the Boys… the Boys Basketball, Jacksonville, Our Savior Shamrocks 8th grade basketball team. Thank you."
"Congratulations. Welcome to Springfield. Those in favor of the Resolution will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no. 'The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Supplemental Calendar #1, House Resolution 700, Mr. Andrade. Please proceed, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, House Resolution 700 expresses our solidarity with North Korean refugees in their request for relief from hunger and prosecution, and supports developments of a human rights and democracy program that includes meaningful culture and educational changes with North Korea. We ask that the United State Government take a leadership role in forming an international framework for the resettlement of North Korean refugees, for both here and abroad. Locally, the City of Chicago has a very… one of the largest populations of Koreans and most of them are from my community. It's important that a civilized country, we do not stand silent while foreign governments prosecute and terrorize other human beings. Through this Resolution, we express our solidarity with the Korean community by urging the U. S. Government to help create a true democratic society that respects human rights and 09800101.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 encourages full participation in government. This Resolution is just the first step to raise awareness in our state of the policy of North Korean Government. Just last week, the United Nations handed in over a 400-page report, with over 320 witnesses that categorizes all of these tortures. Thank you very much."
"Those in favor of the Resolution will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognize Representative Turner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, this is our final Black History moment. I'd just like to give you a little information on Springfield's historic black firehouse. In 1901, Springfield had seven engine houses to provide fire protection. One of the newly organized companies was based at Engine House No. 5, located at 1310 East Adams Street. One would think that this was just another firehouse except for one important fact. All of the firefighters at this firehouse on Springfield's east side were African Americans. With the company of six African-American men, and operated until the early 1960s, African Americans in the Springfield Fire Department were allowed to work only at this firehouse. It is reported that if a white firefighter was assigned to the house, it was either as the station's supervisor or as punishment. Upon its establishment, Firehouse No. 5 was responsible for the fire protection for everything east of 10th Street, including Lake Springfield after its construction in the 1930s, as well as the downtown, if there was a second alarm. The original group of firefighters, inexperienced at the time, came from many walks of life. For 09800101.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 example, the first captain of the company, James Edwards, was a messenger for the Governor's Office. Other were former laborers, miners and coachmen. The first group of firefighters became experienced quickly, and over the years, the company of Firehouse 5 fought so many fires that they became recognized as one of the best firefighting companies in this city, even though they were often provided with inferior equipment. Not all of the history is pleasant. As firehouse No. 5 was the first firehouse to answer the alarm to extinguish the homes and businesses of black citizen that were torched by angry white mobs during the 1908 Springfield race riots. These riots led to the formation of the NAACP. Since 1970, the building has been owned by Central Lodge #3 of the Prince Hall Masons. The Masons have taken a particular interest in the heritage of the building they occupy, first through the ongoing commitment to preserving history, but also because of the building's particular link to African- American and Masonic history. Lodge #3 is now working with a group of local businesses and organizations to restore the façade of the firehouse to what it was when the firehouse opened in 1901, preserving its place as an important touchstone in black history. Thanks to financial help from many organizations and individuals, restoration steps were taken with funding being raised to complete the first architectural and engineering work necessary for the restoration. Due to these efforts, last year, Downtown Springfield, Incorporated recognized the group with this outstanding public-private partnership award and the project has been nominated for the 2014 Mayor Historic Preservation 09800101.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 Award. The group is now working to raise almost $200 thousand necessary to return this important and historic building to what it was when six brave African-American men joined together as the first organized Springfield Engine House No. 5. Thank you so much for celebrating with us at the Mansion yesterday for Black History Month and thank you for recognizing this moment."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 863, offered by Representative Halbrook. House Resolution 864, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 865, offered by Representative Evans. House Resolution 867, offered by Representative Yingling. And House Resolution 870, offered by Representative Hoffman."
"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. Mr. Dunkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I'd like to thank all the Members who actually participated and the attended last night's annual black food… soul food black soiree. We had a great time. It was well attended. Lots of fun. A number of rewardees are actually here in this Body. It is appreciated, especially, when all of your colleagues and friends attend events that we do here. It just sort of really help make our Black History Month that much more meaningful. So, thank you all." 09800101.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014
Speaker Lang: "It was a wonderful event, Sir. Thank you. Representative Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that tomorrow, February 28, is Representative LaShawn Ford's birthday, and he has cake in his office. So, please join me in wishing him a happy birthday. Thank you."
"Happy birthday, Sir. Mr. Jefferson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just want to introduce you to a Page for the day. Mr. Isaiah Shelton, he's been coming around. So, if you've got money, give it to him. And I'd also like to introduce his mom, who is my chief of staff, Dr. Wallace, who works in my office. And I'd just like to welcome them to Springfield today."
"Welcome. Glad you're here. Mr. Demmer."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"You may notice today that I'm wearing a bit of a strange headset. Today I'm wearing a Google glass, which is a… a pretty new technology Google's pioneering. We're doing it in a… in an attempt to do a little bit of a day in the life of a Legislator to try to engage people in democracy a little bit more. If you think back not too many years, it probably seemed a little strange to see people with smart phones or to see people using e-mail, to see… to project that people would be on Facebook and Twitter like they are. I think, it's just important to us that we realize that as technology evolves, 09800101.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 so do our ways of interacting with constituents and listening to… to the people and engaging people in democracy. So, while we may be in a little bit of the… the cutting edge here, it's important to show that government is going to respond, it is going to adapt as the market around us changes. So, I just encourage you to look for new ways of communicating you’re your constituents, knowing that the playing field and the rest of the world is always changing. Thank you."
"Representative Chapa LaVia."
"Point of personal privilege, Sir."
"Proceed, please."
"Weigh-in is still taking place in Room 206 of the paramedics, and we have a lot of great news. Representative Moffitt's been working with our vending machine company here on campus and asking for healthier selections in the vending machine. Also, on a personal note, one of our brothers here in the House lost his father this morning. Representative Morrison. So, could… today I ask for everybody to stand up and take a moment of silence for his family. Is Representative… is Representative Morrison here? Okay. If we could just do a moment of silence for him, he lost his father this morning, I'd appreciate it from everyone."
"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I also want to thank Representative Chapa LaVia for taking that moment for Representative Morrison. Just… She'd mentioned the weigh-in, this is for our retro-fit caucus. But I inquired, Mr. Speaker… Mr. Speaker, I inquired of the Chair a week or so ago about, you know, the vending machines. And it's exciting, the vend… 09800101.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014 the company that supplies the vending machines for the Capitol and the Howlett Building has agreed to put some more healthy options in there. But it isn't just healthy options, like, you know Kellogg's makes a chip that's only 110 calories, but Quaker makes a snack bar… those are not my candies there… makes a snack bar that's 100 calories versus significantly more. Not only that, it's an Illinois-made product. So, by doing this, we're… we're promoting an Illinois product and a lower calorie item. Hope you'll take advantage of that. Thank you."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, please."
"I was asked just to make a reminder that the third annual Women's Legislative Dinner will be next week, Tuesday, March 4, cocktails at 6, dinner 7, at the Governor's Mansion. Thank you very much."
"Members, I have an important announcement for you, if you will pay attention to the Chair. Are you paying attention to the Chair? The Session day scheduled for Friday March 7 has been canceled. Members, upon adjournment, the Democrats will caucus in Room 114. Upon adjournment, the Democrats will caucus in Room 114. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 4 at the hour of 12 noon. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 09800101.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 101st Legislative Day 2/27/2014
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Senate Bills. Senate Bill… First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2694, offered by Representative Drury, a Bill for an Act concerning posting of information on an Internet site. Senate Bill 2747, offered by Representative Stewart, a Bill for an Act concerning education. First Reading of these Senate Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09800101.docx 12