Illinois House Floor Debate — August 5, 2015

"Good afternoon. The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. 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. Mr. Padget."

"You may keep that job. Be led in the Pledge today by Representative Ives." Ives – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, 09900075.docx 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Mr. Brown."

"Mr. Clerk, please take the record. We have 100 even Members of the House present, and we do have a quorum. The Chair recognizes Mr. Ford."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Please join me in wishing Representative Mary Flowers a happy birthday. She celebrated her birthday while we were away. Happy 21st birthday."

"Representative, we're happy to have you here, and we're ready for cake. Representative Hernandez."

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"I just… I'm asking if all Latino Caucus Members meet in the back room. Just 10 minutes of your time. Thank you."

"You didn't say when, Representative."

"Right now."

"Mr. Brown."

"Thank you, Sir. Representative Hurley, for an introduction."

"Point of personal privilege."

"Proceed." 09900075.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"I'd like to introduce my intern from your Find Your Futures (sic-Kaleidoscope) campaign, La'Rie Suttle. She's here for the day. Give her a warm hand if you would."

"Welcome. We're glad you're here with us today. Representative Willis."

"Point of personal privilege, please."

"Go right ahead."

"I would bear indulgence of the floor and all Members. This past weekend in my district we had a tragedy take place, and I'd like to ask for a moment of silence, please."

"Members will rise."

"In Wood Dale, during their Prairie Fest, there was a microburst. Tragically, it hit a young man of 35, Mr. Steve Nincic and a… a father of two, who had been there at the fest with his children enjoying it. Tragically, the tent fell and hit him, and he was killed instantly. So I ask for a prayers in remembrance for his family, Nicole… his wife, Nicole, and his two young daughters, and the town of Wood Dale as they heal during this tragedy. Thank you very much."

"Body will take a moment of silence. Thank you, Representative. Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Personal privilege, please."

"Proceed." Harris, D.: "I had to leave early at the last Session and was not here for the Resolution, the Death Resolution, on behalf of former Representative Woods Bowman. And I just want it put into the record that I served with Woods Bowman. He was a creative, intelligent and bright Legislator. His… his death was a real tragedy the way that it occurred, and just wanted 09900075.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 to put in the record that many of us who served with him will remember him for years to come. Thank you."

"Thank you, Representative. Representative Bourne."

"Proceed."

"Welcome. Up from where, Representative?"

"Oh, you made it sound like up from Uruguay or something. Mr. Yingling."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I rise on a point of personal privilege."

"Go right ahead."

"As many of you know, a tornado touched down in my hometown of Grayslake on Sunday night and swept through the neighboring communities of Round Lake Park, Hainesville and Wildwood. Miraculously, no one was hurt, and although our early warning systems failed because the storm came on so quickly, but there was significant damage done. As I spent Monday and Tuesday visiting with those affected, what really stood out to me wasn't necessarily the damage to these communities, but the way the communities came together to… to help each other out on… in what could have been a moment of helplessness for so many. The strength of our community shown… came through, and I think that's an example we can all learn from. So I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came 09900075.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 out to help… to help out with the… with the storm damage, and… and I think it really highlights what it means to be part of a community. I would like to ask everyone keep… keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers. They're going to have a… a difficult upcoming weeks and months. Thank you."

"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Mr. Clerk… on Supplemental Calendar #1, under the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 373, Representative Wallace. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Page 4 of the Calendar, House Bills- Second Reading, there appears House Bill 682, Mr. Bradley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Mr. Bradley on Amendment 1."

"This is the property tax proposal of the Governor. It's identical to the Governor's property tax proposal. We voted on it before. I would ask for an 'aye' vote on this Amendment."

"Those in favor of the… Mr. Thapedi is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"

"The Sponsor yields."

"John, I… I've had a couple conversations with the Governor's Office, trying to get some clarification as to how this particular Bill differs from theirs. They insist that it's not the same thing. Could you please shed some light on how this Bill differs from what the Governor's proposal is, 'cause I'm thoroughly confused on this… on this topic?"

"This is the property tax portion which is identical to the property tax portion. Amendment #2 is the collective bargaining/prevailing wage portion, which is identical to the prevailing wage and collective bargaining proposal of the Governor." 09900075.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"So… so again, this portion, this Amendment that deals with the property tax freeze component of the Turnaround Agenda, is exactly what the Governor is asking us to do and exactly what he's asking the Legislature to consider. Is that accurate?"

"That portion, yes."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Sandack."

"Mr. Welch. Mr. Welch does not care to speak. Mr. Bradley, do you wish to close?"

"Identical to the property tax portion of the Governor's proposal. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote on this Amendment."

"Those in favor of the Gentleman's Motion will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? One last time. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take 09900075.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 the record. On this question, there are 37 voting 'yes', 22 voting 'no', 26 voting 'present'. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Mr. Bradley."

"This is the prevailing wage/collective bargaining portion of the Governor's proposal. It is identical to that portion of that proposal. I do not support this."

"Those in favor of the Gentleman's Motion will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there is 1 voting 'yes', 62 voting 'no', 16 voting 'present'. And the Amendment fails. Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"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. The Chair recognizes Mr. Brown."

"Would that be immediately, Sir?"

"Now?"

Speaker Lang: "The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 immediately. The Democrats will caucus in Room 114 immediately. That's immediately. And the House will be in recess 'til the call of the Chair. The… the House will be in order. Leader Currie moves that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole for purpose of a subject matter hearing on the FY2016 budget in accordance with guidelines established by the Speaker. All those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes’ have it. And the Motion is adopted. And the House hereby resolves into Committee of the Whole." DISSOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE DO NOW ARISE

"The House will be in order in regular Session. On page 6 of the Calendar, under the Order of House Bills-Second 09900075.docx 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 Reading, appears House Bill 4145. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Leader Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This Amendment deals with testimony that we heard today dealing with the needs of our youngest children, and also with our… our older population. It provides two months of funding, just two months of funding. This is not the full-year budget, just from July 1 to August 31. First, it would appropriate fifty- one and a half million federal dollars for the program that serves the needs of women, infants, and children. Second, it would appropriate nine million in federal funds and a little under two million in state funds for the senior program that we'd most recently have heard about. The program that doesn't just provide meals, but it provides extra pairs of eyes, extra pairs of hands, and helps the elderly in our communities have access to a quality life, as well as quality nutritional programs. I'd be happy to answer your questions. I think this is a great opportunity to do the right thing for our vulnerable, fragile populations."

"Mr. Sandack."

"Lady yields." 09900075.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"Well, this… this is Amendment 1 to House Bill 4145. Were this Amendment to succeed, then I think the only thing in the Bill would be what I’ve just now described…

"…two months funding for the programs that serve women, infant, and children, and that serve the elderly through meals and other kinds of support."

"Yes, except that there's some money in this proposal that is not included in the Senate Bill. Let me also remind you and the rest of the Members of the chamber that that Bill, although it has passed the Senate, has not yet passed the House."

"We'll find out next week. Stay tuned."

"Yes."

"Well, if… if it… yeah."

"Frequently that happens, Representative. I don't see that there's a… a tension or a problem with different approaches, from different chambers, on different days."

"We already have hearings scheduled on the Senate Bill. You're invited to both of them. One will be next Monday in Chicago."

"The other will be Tuesday here in Springfield."

"You're welcome."

"Well, I… I don't get the point of your question."

"Well, no, no…" 09900075.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"…you… you asked… you asked about different approaches. I said we often have different approaches…"

"Two questions, twice removed, like… like relationships with cousins. Right. What was your question, Sir?"

"Well, of course, so does the Senate Bill. The real point is that we do not have possession of the Senate Bill in the sense that we can act upon it today."

"Today, we are here. The Senate Bill hasn't yet had a chance to be read into the record, so we can't discuss it today. I think it's important for us to respond to what we heard, today, in this chamber from very vulnerable, needy populations that we can offer help to this very afternoon, if we…"

"…adopt Amendment 1."

"We… we can do our…" 09900075.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"…our part. Representative, we can do our part to help them today."

"And I invite you to help me help them."

"Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Chair."

"Yes, Sir."

"Is this Bill going to be voted on… do we know, is this Bill going to be voted on in… on Third Reading today?"

"The Chair doesn't have that information. That would be up to the Sponsor, Sir." Harris, D.: "Well, my question then of the Sponsor, if I may?"

"Proceed." 09900075.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 Harris, D.: "It would… appropriate to debate this now, or debate it on Third Reading, if it’s going to be…"

"I thought we'd go ahead and debate it now. Sometimes we don't, and I didn't ask for the opportunity to avoid debate on Second." Harris, D.: "Okay, if I may then. To the Bill. So this… or to the Amendment. So this Amendment covers funding… some funding from other funds for the women and… women… the WIC program, women, infant, and children's program, as well as the senior meal program we… Meals on Wheels?"

"Yes. For the WIC program, all the dollars are federal. For the Meals on Wheels program, the bulk are federal, but there also are some state funds." Harris, D.: "Right. And last week we did epil… epilepsy treatment services and Workforce Investment Act. We did that in that…"

"Correct." Harris, D.: "…Amendment last week. And I think the week before that, didn't we do county fairs, and horse racing, and Immigrant working centers… Welcoming Centers, and Immigrant immigration services… Integration Services, and the Office of Energy Assistance. Did we do that the week before that?"

"Right." Harris, D.: "Right. And the week before that, we did… I think we did Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening, and Domestic Violence Shelters, and the Autism Program, the Early Intervention Program, and the Homeless Youth Services, and a number of others as well. Is that… is that correct?"

"I… I think Lincoln's Challenge was also covered in that." Harris, D.: "And Lincoln's Challenge was in there." 09900075.docx 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"Yep." Harris, D.: "So we are selectively choosing what we are funding on a… on a week-by-week basis?"

"We are responding to the fact that while we adopted a one-month budget that covered everything, we did it without your support. And the Governor, as I understand it, didn't act on that budget. It has now become moot. So in response to the issues that were raised frequently by Members of your caucus on this House Floor, we have adopted a different approach, one that we are hopeful will command your support." Harris, D.: "Why… why don't, as a change, we just do a… it might come as a surprise, a 12-month budget?"

"We tried that, and we sent it to the Governor, and he vetoed portions of it. Not, of course, the education budget, which I, myself, was quite pleased to support." Harris, D.: "And why couldn't… if… if we're doing it on a piecemeal basis, let's do a… a budget once again on a… on a full fiscal year."

"And when we do that, Representative, can I count on your 'aye' vote?" Harris, D.: "Well, I will tell you that you might be able to count on my 'aye' vote, depending on what's in the Bill.”

“Oh, phooey.” Harris, D.: “And you know, if… if I may, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, it… it is said that we're in this impasse, because… because the Governor wants certain policy changes before he will consider other revenue issues. And those policy changes are being labeled as extreme, that they shouldn't… they shouldn’t be mixed in with the budget. Anyone who has been in 09900075.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 this chamber, or involved with the legislative process, to say that everything other than numbers are extraneous to the budget proj… process doesn't understand the legislative process. I mean, there is clearly compromise on lots of issues. Can any of my friends on the other side of the aisle say that Illinois is in a better position now than they were 12 years ago… than we were 12 years ago? I don't think so. So maybe the Governor's on to something. Maybe we ought to have some policy changes. You know, when did we enact the Illinois Labor… the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act? I think it was around 1985, and… and guess what? There have been, except for the Chicago Public Schools, virtually no changes to labor relations in this state in 30 years. Maybe it makes sense to have some changes on labor relations, which is the kinds of things that the Governor is talking about. So yeah, to answer your question, Representative, come up with a budget Bill, and… and indeed, I might be able to vote for that budget Bill, which might even include, dare I say it, dare I say it, revenue. I might be able to do that, but I think it's fair to ask that there be some policy changes that are incorporated as part of those negotiations. So rather than do one by one, week by week, pick… pick those items which we/you think, the Majority Party thinks, ought to be funded on a… on a basis, let's somehow break the logjam, say we each have to come to the middle, and let's get ourselves a 12 ye… a 12-month budget. Thank you."

"Leader Currie, to close."

"Thank you, Speaker. I'd love to have a 12-month budget, one that could pass and be signed by the Governor, but I don't 09900075.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 think selling out values that are important to middle-class families in the State of Illinois is the best approach. There's been some discussion of piecemeal versus doing the whole thing, and I certainly appreciate the most recent speaker's suggestion that we try, again, the 12-month approach. I, myself, will take that suggestion under advisement, but I would also remind the chamber… Members of the chamber that the Bill that is on its way to us from the Senate is by no means comprehensive. It's a piecemeal approach. It says let's deal with some, not all, let us deal with some federal funding for some important programs. Doesn't mean it's a bad idea, but the idea that Amendment 1 to House Bill 4145 isn't good enough, because it doesn't do the whole shebang, certainly applies to the Bill that is on its way to us from the Senate. You heard the testimony today, compelling testimony, from people who are helping children, babies, toddlers in need, desperate need of help, from seniors who need some way to stay healthy and well at home. I urge your 'aye' vote."

"Those in favor of the Lady's Motion will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Last time. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 56 voting 'yes', and 23 voting 'present'. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Lang: "Third Reading. Representative Kifowit is recognized."

"Thank you, Speaker. A matter of personal privilege." 09900075.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"Go right ahead."

"Thank you. I… in sitting here, we've had a long summer, it's been very stressed, and I just want to appreciate the professionalism of the discourse from my distinguished, veteran colleague that he just gave. I… I appreciate his facts. I appreciate his demeanor and his respect for the process, and the dialogue that went on in that last Bill. And I just wanted to point out how much I think professional discourse means so much more than some of the non-professional discourse that we have seen recently. And I appreciate you for allowing me to take the time to express my appreciation for thoughtful and very well-done debate. Thank you, Sir."

"Mr. Wehrli."

"Go right ahead."

"You want to tell us your age now, Sir? No. Page 4 of the Calendar, House Bills-Second Reading, there appears House Bill 800, Representative Conroy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Representative Conroy." 09900075.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"Thank you, Speaker. This Bill is a trailer Bill to House Bill 4025, which was our civics legislation. This simply clarifies the effective date for this legislation, which is going to apply to incoming freshman students as of the beginning of the 2016-17 school year."

"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."

"Representative Conroy."

"And again, this just clarifies the effective date for our civics education."

"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. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting 'yes', 6 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 1054, Mr. D'Amico. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."

"Mr. D'Amico." 09900075.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 1054 is merely clean- up language that would bring Senate Bill 627 in compliance with Federal Law."

"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."

"Mr. D'Amico."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 1054 is merely clean- up language that would bring Senate Bill 627 into compliance with Federal Law."

"Mr. Unes."

"Yes. That's what they said, and now… and… and IDOT did not oppose this Bill either, though."

"Most likely, yes."

"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. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 71 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Page 11 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions, House Joint Resolution 88, Mr. Harris. Mr. Harris. Out of the record. House Resolution 241, Representative Gordon-Booth. Representative Gordon-Booth. Out of the record. House Resolution 572, Mr. Mitchell. Please proceed, Sir." Mitchell, C.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This is a Bill asking the Illinois State Board of Education to study the efficacy of doing a cap on the number of standardized tests, combined state and district testing burden, here in the State of Illinois. This is an issue that's been brought to light in various capacities, one I've been interested in in a long time. Representative Guzzardi had a Bill dealing with this, or a version of this, earlier in the year on opt-out. I think this is potentially a more comprehensive solution, and one that asks ISBE to use its considerable resources to help us figure out what number makes the most sense. I want to thank Leader Sandack for his leadership on this issue as well. I welcome any questions, and would ask for the adoption of the Resolution."

"Those in favor of the Resolution will say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is 09900075.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 adopted. House Resolution 609, Mr. Evans. Please proceed, Sir."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 609, I was just giving an opportunity for the students in my community to communicate with us directly. And when we talk about referendums and we talk about getting input, I wanted my students in my community to feel empowered, and to have an opportunity to tell us what their priorities are. The priorities are listed within the Resolution. I'll be presenting it, either with the principal or one of our students, to the Governor, and hopefully we can use ideas like this. Please, if you are inspired by or reach out to either the students in your community, let them speak, and let's continue to encourage civic responsibility and civic involvement."

"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Riley in the Chair."

Speaker Riley: "Next, we have House Resolution 641. House Resolution 641, Leader Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this Resolution congratulates Vision 20/20 on its work, particularly, in the area of technology. There are many cosponsors on both sides of the aisle. I ask your support."

"House Resolution 641 needs a Roll Call vote. Therefore, all those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this measure, with 92 voting 'yea', 0 voting 09900075.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 'nay', and 0 voting 'present', House Resolution 641 is hereby declared passed. Senate Joint Resolution 12, Representative Brown."

"All those in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 12 vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, with 94 voting 'yea', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', House Joint Resolution 12 is hereby declared passed. I'm sorry, that was Senate Joint Resolution 12. Representative Zalewski, for what reason do you rise?"

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Make your point."

"While we're in ease here, I've been asked by former Member Lyons to let everyone know that this year's White Sox Caucus event is sold out for Monday night. So we look to see… we hope to see everybody at White Sox Caucus. Thank you for the support. It's been a rough year. We thought we had some momentum, but it's not looking good these days. So, thanks. We'll… we'll try to turn it around again on Monday the 10th. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"You're welcome. Important information. Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 191." 09900075.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015

"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Winnebago, Representative Wallace."

"Thank you, Mr. Chair. As the Clerk stated, we rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law by President Johnson on August 6, 1965. Many of us do understand the history of our nation and even though… even though, following the Civil War, enslaved individuals were granted their freedom, and during the 14th and 15th Amendments, they were granted particular rights: equal protection under the law and the right to vote. However, for another almost 100 years, the right to vote eluded individuals of African descent in this country. And so, I think that it’s very important that we would always understand our history, and that we always understand that citizens in our nation should have and hold the right to vote as a precious right, an unalienable right. And we, as legislators, should always work to protect that right. So, thank you. I would also like to add that everyone in this chamber be listed as cosponsors to this Resolution, and again, thank you for 09900075.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 75th Legislative Day 8/5/2015 the recognition of this important and monment… monumentous moment in history."

Speaker Riley: "Thank you, Representative Wallace. House Resolution 191 has been approved previously. Announcement for the next time we meet for Session. Next Tuesday at 4 p.m., Session will convene. Next Tuesday at 4 p.m. And next Wednesday at 11 a.m. Next Wednesday at 11 a.m. So we will reconvene in Session next Tuesday at 4 p.m. and next Wednesday at 11 a.m. And now, leaving perfunctory time for the Clerk, pursuant to House Joint Resolution 85, the House will adjourn until Wednesday, August 11 at the hour of 4 p.m., or until the call of the Speaker. Tuesday, or the call of the Speaker. Have a safe trip."