"The hour of 12:30 having come and gone, the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois will come to order. Members and guests are requested to be in their seats, refrain from starting all laptop computers, silence all cell phones and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by a Pastor Mark Schulz who is with the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, Illinois. Pastor Schulz is the guest of Representative Sandack. Pastor Schulz."
"It's a privilege to be with you today. We pray. Most awesome God, the bible makes the claim that You are not just loving but that You are love itself. I believe that You came to this world and lived and died to show that love to us. And I believe that You taught us that that love is not at its essence an emotion or a feeling, but that it's an action. A self-sacrificial action that puts the needs of others first and seeks to help others grow and thrive and be all that they were created to be. May all that is done in this place today be done in according to the rule of love. We thank You for the privilege bestowed upon these men and women to serve the great State of Illinois. Guide our Representatives as they use their gifts to serve and through that service to love. And let self-sacrificial love be the foundation of all of our communities and intuitions. Be with who… all who serve as public servants including police officers, fire fighters, educators and more. Keep them safe and grant them patience and wisdom. Bless the economic climate of this state, especially over these next weeks as we work on a budget. Grant us to be wise stewards of the blessing You've entrusted to 09900041.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 us, knowing that to whom much is given, much is expected. And in all things, let love guide all we do, Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge by Representative Moffitt."
"I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll call for Attendance. Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Verschoore is excused today."
"Leader Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. There are excused absences for Representative Fortner, Representative Stewart, Representative Tryon, and Representative Barb Wheeler. Thank you very much."
"Thank you. Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 113 Members present, a quorum has been established and we're ready to do the work of the people of the State of Illinois. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative McAsey, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Charter School Policy reports the following committee action taken on April 29, 2015: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 1591; recommends be adopted House Resolution 265 and House Resolution 380. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Business & Occupational Licenses reports the following committee action taken on April 29, 2015: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 718 and 09900041.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 Senate Bill 749. Representative Hoffman, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on April 29, 2015: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 38; recommends be adopted House Resolution 335. Representative Kelly Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on April 29, 2015: recommends be adopted House Resolution 241; House Resolution 329; and House Resolution 333. Representative Jackson, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on April 30, 2015: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 87; Senate Bill 650; and Senate Bill 804. Representative Fine, Chairperson from the Committee on Youth & Young Adults reports the following committee action taken on April 30, 2015: do pass Short Debate for Senate Bill 721. Introduction of Resolutions: House Resolution 435, offered by Representative Monique Davis. This Resolution is referred to the House Rules Committee."
"Representative Wehrli, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"I'd like to welcome… joining us in the gallery today is a Springfield native, now a resident of Naperville and a fine member of the Naperville Jaycees. He's down here to receive a state award as a Naperville Jaycee, Chad Pedigo."
Speaker Riley: "Thank you for coming. Congratulations. Representative Breen, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, a point of personal privilege." 09900041.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015
"Make your point."
"Ten years ago today, on a crisp April afternoon, my lovely wife Margie walked the 144 feet down the aisle at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Chicago and we were privileged to be… have our marriage blessed by Bishop Perry, one of the auxiliary bishops of the Archdioceses and so I brought Margie on the floor today to celebrate our 10th anniversary. So if you guys would help me that would be very much obliged."
Speaker Riley: "Congratulations. Thank you for coming. Representative Meier, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Earlier in… on the March 10th, we… adopted House Resolution 248 honoring the United States Jaycees and their hundredth anniversary. Well, today with us we have the U.S. Jaycee President Jennifer Ray, sitting up in the gallery to my left here in the corner with the Illinois Jaycee President Tricia Buehne, Vice-President Vanessa Birchler, and Presidential Assistant Reginald Dittmer and many other of the Illinois Jaycee Board here in Springfield watching how things go where they'll have their re… convention this weekend. Thank you."
"Thank you very much for coming. Representative Andersson for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of pers… personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Thank you. I'd like to introduce everyone in the House to my Page for a day, Ashley O'Brien is here. She's a junior 09900041.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 at Geneva High School and I ask that you all give her a big warm welcome."
"Thank you so much for serving. Representative Moffitt for what reason do you rise?"
"Rise to a point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"My cochair of the Retrofit Caucus, Representative Chapa LaVia and I would like to announce the weight loss contest. So you can weigh in next week Wednesday or Thursday in the paramedic's office on second floor. Weigh in and then we'll weigh out near the end of May, see who can lose the most weight. So, we'll remind you of that. But a weight loss contest, Retrofit Caucus, and I think… Representative Chapa LaVia just finished some nice snacks. I don’t know if she had anything to add to that."
"Almonds. Thank you everybody."
"Thank you… join the… losing."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 432, offered by Representative Walsh. House Resolution 433, offered by Representative Kelly Burke. House Resolution 434, offered by Representative McAsey. House Resolution 436, offered by Representative Sommer."
"Representative Hammond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"I'm sorry, be… belay that for a second."
"Okay." 09900041.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015
"I'd like to adopt the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Mautino moves to adopt the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And Agreed Resolutions have been adopted. I'm sorry, Representative Hammond, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Joining us this afternoon, in the gallery, I wish everyone would welcome Kaitlin Karr. Kaitlin Karr is Miss Macomb 2015. Kaitlin is 23 years old, a graduate student at Western Illinois University majoring in communication sciences and disorders. Kaitlin is from LaOtto, Indiana. And her platform is Relay for Life and this fall she will be competing in the Miss Illinois pageant. Kaitlin is joined this afternoon by Bob and Nancy Foote, also from Macomb. And Bob and Nancy have been incredible advocates, not just for Miss Macomb but for Miss Illinois, for absolute decades, and they have dedicated a lot of years to this service. And I just want to thank them also personally and welcome Kaitlin to the Illinois House."
"Thank you so much. Thank you for your work. Representative Evans, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of this august assembly, I'll be heading back north today to Southside of Chicago. And I'll be heading back to a community similar to the community that… of Baltimore. And I'll tell you if we watched it on television, 09900041.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 and we've seen the 200 people who've been arrested in Baltimore. We've seen the schools and businesses being looted by rioters. We know the conflict started after a young gentleman died, was found injured while in police custody, triggering a local outburst. The anger has been similar nationally for so many people in these conversation over race relations… been starting to bubble over. And I'll be having some of those conversations in the Chatham community, with my friends in the Inglewood community, and the Pollman community. When I'm hanging out with my friends this ev… this weekend talking about these issues. Unfortunately I've had a lot of these personal issues happen to me, and until we truly appreciate the fact that men and women of color are treated differently and do something significant to address it, there'll be many more Baltimore uprisings before we truly have that unified communities that we all want and were talked about by Dr. King. The… thankfully…"
"I'm… I'm sorry, Representative Evans. Ladies and Gentlemen, can we just bring the noise down, please?"
"I think…"
"Bring the noise down. Proceed."
"Thank you. I think, thankfully, history has proven that injustice is a universal language and no matter who the person is or where they are from, they recognize injustice when they see it. I think the hope and the prayer that as we see these injustices, whether it's in Baltimore or the south side of Chicago, all over the State of Illinois, that we would again inspire this new generation of people of color and classes increase and come together and fight to ensure that America 09900041.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 truly honors her promise of liberty, justice for all by pushing for the reforms necessary to fight these wrongs. This is not to attack a Member of this General Assembly but to thank and… and acknowledge that I'm proud that we are taking steps here in Illinois. Folks on both sides of the aisle, like Representative Anthony, like Representative Sims, Representative Mitchell, and for so many years, Representative Ford, fighting the battle for equality here in Illinois, for restorative justice here in Illinois. We got a lot of work to do. But I'm proud to be a Member of this Assembly. I'd like to take a moment of silence, not to choose a side about Baltimore, cause that doesn’t matter. But I'd like to request a moment of silence for peace in Baltimore and continued process… excuse me, continued progress for the State of Illinois. We're a leader and we're not only going to turn this state around but we're going to lead the nation as we go back to our varying districts, whether it's Barrington, whether it's south side of Chicago. And hopefully continue to take that spirit of making this pl… state a better place and… and fighting for justice. So, thank you. I'd like to request a moment of silence."
"Moment of silence, Members. Thank you very much. Representative Ford."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Mr. Speaker, I just want to commend my colleague Marcus Evans for his speech. I too stand in full support of your speech. And I thank all of us, and I want to thank everyone for standing in a moment of silence because I too feel 09900041.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 everything that you said. And I think all of us, it effects everyone here whether you're black or white or Hispanic. We all suffer from injustices in our state. So thank you, Marcus Evans, for your speech on the House floor."
"On Order of Resolutions on page 6, we have House Resolution 212. House Resolution 212. Mr. Clerk."
"House Resolution 212, offered by Representative Anthony. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are honored to recognize Joe Black, whom in 1952 became the first American… African-American pitcher to win the World Series game; and whereas be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Joe Black for being more than a Dodger; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Martha Jo Black as a symbol of our remembrance and respect for Joe Black's leadership."
"Representative Anthony."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can we get a… Today, we are proud to recognize Mr. Joe Black, who in 1952 became the first pitcher… the first black pitcher to win a World Series game. As a young man, at the start of his career, Joe Black pitched in the Negro Leagues, helping lead the Baltimore Elite Giants to two championships in seven years. He was then signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers, where his friend and roommate, Jackie Robinson had broken Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1946. In 1952, at the age of 28, the Dodgers promoted Joe Black to the Majors, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors 09900041.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 and won the opening game of the 1952 World Series. Joe Black pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Redlegs, and Washington Senators during his Major League career. After his baseball career ended, Joe Black remained in baseball through his affiliation with the commissioner's office, where he consulted with players about making good career choices. He also went into business, working his way up to become the first black vice president of transportation for the Greyhound Bus Company. Joe Black…"
Speaker Riley: "Ladies and Gentle… excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a Resolution, you know, that we're hearing now. Please keep the noise down. I'm sorry, proceed Representative."
"Thank… Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joe Black was most proud of his family. Especially his two children, son Joseph Frank Black and daughter, Martha Jo Black. It is fitting that we honor the life and legacy of Joe Black today. As this very evening in Chicago, his daughter, Martha Jo, is having a book signing for her new book about her dad, Joe Black: More than a Dodger. Joe Black passed away in 2002 at the age of 78. Yet his impact on the game of baseball and his many contributions to his community and American life endure to this day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in adopting House Resolution 212 to honor Joe Black on this very special day of celebration in Chicago of his life and legacy. Our recognition of Joe Black here today will mean a lot to his daughter, Martha Jo, and the entire Black family as they share the story of an athlete who made baseball history. And a man who achieved much in life after the game. I would also request a 09900041.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 moment of silence in honor of Joe Black, more than a Dodger. Thank you."
"Members, moment of silence. Thank you very much. The question is, 'Shall House Bill… I'm sorry… House Resolution 212 pass?' All those in favor state by saying 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 212 is hereby adopted. Representative Martwick, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Make your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, joining us today in the gallery are… are two of… constituents from my district. Sherry and Andrew Lawson. Sherry and Andrew, would you please stand up? Andrew Lawson was… is a young man who lives in my district who was, at a young age, was stricken with a very rare medical disorder known as mitochondrial disease. This is a debilitating condition that has affected him, but Andrew is not the kind of person to let something small like that hold him down. He has been an active participant in community and civic… engagement in our community. And he traveled here to Springfield to raise awareness of this very rare disorder. There are people who are… are afflicted with this. He testified before a Senate Committee yesterday, and he's… he's working to raise awareness on this disease. And… and hopefully raise some attention here so we can help people with this disorder. So, please, Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'd please join me in welcoming Andrew and Sherry Lawson to the House chamber." 09900041.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015
"Thank you very much for coming. Representative D’Amico, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Speaker."
"Make your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to let everyone know next week is the House – Senate softball game on Wednesday, and we will be having our last practice on Tuesday the night before the game. So bring your stuff down next week, let's hope we put together a nice team out there for a victory on Wednesday night. Thank you."
"And now, allowing for Perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House of Representatives stand in adjournment until Tuesday, May 5 at the hour of noon. All those in favor state by saying 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House of Representatives is adjourned until Tuesday, May 5 at the hour of 12:00 noon."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 7, offered by Representative McAsey, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 209, offered by Representative Christian Mitchell, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House… Senate Bill 378, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 763, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1679, offered by Representative Dunkin, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1818, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act 09900041.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 41st Legislative Day 4/30/2015 concerning education. Senate Bill 1846, offered by Representative Manley, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. First Reading of these Senate Bills. Introduction of Senate Joint Resolution #7, offered by Representative Scherer. This is referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09900041.docx 13