STATE OF ILLINOIS
HOUSE JOURNAL
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
87TH LEGISLATIVE DAY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2000
11:30 O'CLOCK A.M.
NO. 87
[February 2, 2000] 2
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Daily Journal Index
87th Legislative Day
Action Page(s)
Adjournment........................................ 35
Balanced Budget Note Requested..................... 7
Committee on Rules Reassignments................... 6
Committee on Rules Referrals....................... 5
Fiscal Note Requested.............................. 6
Fiscal Note Supplied............................... 6
Home Rule Note Requested........................... 7
Introduction and First Reading - HB4143-4183....... 13
Joint Session...................................... 17
Judicial Note Requested............................ 7
Quorum Roll Call................................... 3
Recess............................................. 17
Reports............................................ 3
State Debt Impact Note Requested................... 7
State Mandate Note Requested....................... 6
Bill Number Legislative Action Page(s)
HB 2904 Committee Report................................... 8
HB 2909 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5
HB 2909 Second Reading - Amendment/s....................... 15
HB 2909 Third Reading...................................... 16
HB 2977 Committee Report................................... 8
HB 3027 Committee Report................................... 8
HB 3046 Committee Report................................... 10
HB 3053 Committee Report................................... 10
HB 3054 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5
HB 3054 Second Reading - Amendment/s....................... 16
HB 3117 Committee Report................................... 9
HB 3201 Committee Report................................... 9
HB 3205 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5
HB 3256 Committee Report................................... 10
HB 3271 Committee Report................................... 9
HB 3315 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5
HB 3355 Committee Report................................... 9
HB 3420 Committee Report................................... 10
HB 3431 Committee Report................................... 10
HB 3476 Committee Report................................... 10
HJR 0040 Committee Report................................... 8
HJR 0045 Adoption........................................... 15
HJR 0045 Committee Report................................... 5
HJR 0046 Resolution......................................... 34
HR 0560 Agreed Resolution.................................. 12
HR 0561 Resolution......................................... 32
HR 0562 Agreed Resolution.................................. 12
HR 0563 Agreed Resolution.................................. 13
HR 0564 Resolution......................................... 33
3 [February 2, 2000]
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Speaker in the Chair.
Prayer by Rabbi Jodie Futornick with McHenry County Jewish
Congregation Crystal Lake.
Representative Tom Johnson led the House in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
By direction of the Speaker, a roll call was taken to ascertain the
attendance of Members, as follows:
117 present. (ROLL CALL 1)
By unanimous consent, Representative Morrow was excused from
attendance.
REPORTS
The Clerk of the House acknowledges receipt of the following
correspondence:
Report on Industrial Hemp Investigative and Advisory Task Force.
Report on Account Wagering and Fixed Odds Wagering submitted by the
Illinois Racing Board.
Audit report on the Office of the Auditor General submitted by
Legislative Audit Commission.
Annual Revenue Report for the Fiscal Year 1998 submitted by the
Illinois Department of Human Services.
Report on the Bilingual Needs and Bilingual Pay Survey for 1999.
The 1998 Report on Illinois Child Care submitted by the Illinois
Department of Human Services.
Annual Financial Statement and Auditor's Report for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1999, submitted by the Northeastern Illinois Planning
Commission.
Report on Tax Home Per Diem Rates for Tax Year 2000 submitted by
the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Report on Private Business and Vocational Schools' Visitation and
Compliant Report to the Legislature submitted by the Illinois State
Board of Education.
The 1998 Annual Statistical Report for the Illinois State Board of
Education.
Report to the Governor and the General Assembly submitted by the
Office of the Inspector General Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services.
Annual Report for 1998 submitted by the Illinois State Toll Highway
Authority.
Annual report on State Owned and Surplus Real Property submitted by
the Department of Central Management Services.
1999 State Board of Education Cataloge of Reports submitted by the
Illinois State Board of Education.
Annual report submitted by the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
Annual report on the Community Based Residential Facilities
Demonstration Project submitted by the Illinois Department on Aging.
[February 2, 2000] 4
Annual report on the Long Term Care Partnership Insurance Project
submitted by the Illinois Department on Aging.
Annual Report on Illinois Health and Hazardous Substances Registry
submitted by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1999 submitted by the General Assembly Retirement System.
Report on School Dress Code submitted by the Illinois State Board
of Education.
Report on Illinois Enterprise Zone Act for designating MCI World
Com as an Illinois High Impact Business submitted by the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
Newsletter and Supervisor's Manual submitted by the Illinois
Employee Assistance Program.
Report on Jo Davies County Hazard Mitigation Project, December 1999
submitted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Report on the Illinois Task Force on Organ Transplantation
submitted by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Status Report on Vector Control Program submitted by the Illinois
Department of Public Health.
Report on ATM Safety and Security submitted by the Office of Banks
and Real Estate.
Annual report on Child Welfare Employee Licensure Program submitted
by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service.
1999 Annual Report on the Office of Rehabilitation Services
submitted by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Memorandum as a response to Senate Joint Resolution 40 submitted by
the Illinois Gaming Board.
Annual report on Educator Supply and Demand submitted by the
Illinois State Board of Education.
Annual report of the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority.
Annual report of the Upper Illinois River Valley Development
Authority.
Financial Statements through June 30, 1999 submitted by the Upper
Illinois River Valley Development Authority.
Annual report on Improvements to the Illinois Certification System
submitted by the Illinois State Board of Education.
FY99 reports on financial operations of the Build Illinois Capital
Revolving Loan Fund, Illinois Equity Fund, and Large Business
Attraction Fund submitted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Community Affairs.
Report on Village of Elizabethtown Hazard Mitigation Project,
December 1999 submitted by the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources.
Report on The Illinois Bond Watcher submitted by the Illinois
Economic and Fiscal Commission.
5 [February 2, 2000]
Report on Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletic Programs at
Illinois Public Universities submitted by the Illinois Board of Higher
Education.
Report on Illinois Documents List #9 September 1999 submitted by
the Illinois State Library.
Report on TANF Expenditures and January 11, 2000 meeting submitted
from the Budget Committee of COWL.
PERMANENT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Speaker Madigan appointed the following Democratic Member to serve
on the following Committee:
TRANSPORTATION & MOTOR VEHICLES: Representative Osterman.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Pursuant to House Rule 13(a) and House Resolution 556, Speaker
Madigan created the Special House Committee on Telecommunications
Review. This consists of 7 majority members and 7 minority members,
two members to be named later.
Subcommittee on Special House Committee on Telecommunications
Review: Representative Shirley Jones, Co-Chairperson; Representatives
Novak, Scott, Steve Davis and Julie Hamos.
REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES
Representative Currie, Chairperson, from the Committee on Rules to
which the following were referred, action taken earlier today, and
reported the same back with the following recommendations:
That the resolution be reported "recommends be adopted" and be
placed on the House Calendar: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 45.
That the Floor Amendment be reported "recommends be adopted":
Amendment No. 2 to HOUSE BILL 2909.
Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 3054.
Amendment No. 2 to HOUSE BILL 3205.
Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 3315.
The committee roll call vote on the forgoing Legislative Measures
is as follows:
3, Yeas; 2, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Currie, Chair N Ryder
Y Hannig N Tenhouse
Y Turner, Art
COMMITTEE ON RULES
REFERRALS
Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson of the Committee
on Rules, reported the following legislative measures and/or joint
action motions have been assigned as follows:
Committee on Aging: HOUSE BILL 3036.
Committee on Appropriations-General Services & Government
Oversight: HOUSE BILL 3423.
Committee on Child Support Enforcement: HOUSE BILL 3126.
Committee on Constitutional Officers: HOUSE BILLS 3293, 3901, 3988
and 4022.
Committee on Consumer Protection & Product Regulation: HOUSE BILL
3917.
[February 2, 2000] 6
Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: HOUSE BILLS 2962,
2985, 3406 and 3464.
Committee on Environment & Energy: HOUSE BILLS 3457 and 3558;
House Amendments 2 and 3 to SENATE BILL 1046.
Committee on Executive: HOUSE BILLS 3490 and 4025.
Committee on Financial Institutions: HOUSE BILL 3286.
Committee on Health Care Availability & Access: HOUSE BILLS 3262
and 4075; SENATE BILL 563.
Committee on Higher Education: HOUSE BILLS 3049, 3500 and 3966.
Committee on Human Services: HOUSE BILLS 3848 and 4021.
Committee on Judiciary I-Civil Law: HOUSE BILLS 3469, 3857, 3935
and 3944.
Committee on Judiciary II-Criminal Law: HOUSE BILLS 3059 and 3880.
Committee on Local Government: HOUSE BILL 3223.
Committee on Registration & Regulation: HOUSE BILL 3324.
Committee on Revenue: HOUSE BILLS 3428 and 3980.
Committee on Transportation & Motor Vehicles: HOUSE BILL 2971.
Committee on Urban Revitalization: HOUSE BILLS 3287, 3485, 3968
and 4074.
Committee on Agriculture & Conservation: HOUSE RESOLUTION 553.
Committee on Appropriations-General Services & Government
Oversight: HOUSE BILLS 3381 and 4114.
Committee on Constitutional Officers: HOUSE BILL 4018.
Committee on Elections & Campaign Reform: HOUSE BILL 4089.
Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: HOUSE BILLS 3854
and 3991.
Committee on Executive: HOUSE BILLS 4094 and 4144.
Committee on Higher Education: HOUSE BILL 4093.
Committee on Judiciary I-Civil Law: HOUSE BILL 4039.
Committee on Judiciary II-Criminal Law: HOUSE BILL 3899.
Committee on Local Government: HOUSE BILL 3990.
Committee on State Government Administration: HOUSE BILLS 3855 and
3911.
COMMITTEE ON RULES
REASSIGNMENTS
Representative Currie, from the Committee on Rules, recalled HOUSE
BILL 3928 from the Committee on Constitutional Officers and reassigned
it to the Committee on Executive.
REQUEST FOR FISCAL NOTE
Representative Hartke requested that a Fiscal Note be supplied for
HOUSE BILL 3053.
Representative Black requested that a Fiscal Note be supplied for
HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
FISCAL NOTE SUPPLIED
A Fiscal Note has been supplied for HOUSE BILL 527.
REQUEST FOR STATE MANDATE NOTE
Representative Hartke requested that a State Mandate Note be
supplied for HOUSE BILL 3053.
Representative Black requested that a State Mandate Note be
supplied for HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
7 [February 2, 2000]
REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL NOTE
Representative Black requested that a Judicial Note be supplied for
HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
REQUEST FOR BALANCED BUDGET NOTE
Representative Black requested that a Balanced Budget Note be
supplied for HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
REQUEST FOR STATE DEBT IMPACT NOTE
Representative Black requested that a State Debt Impact Note be
supplied for HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
REQUEST FOR HOME RULE NOTE
Representative Black requested that a Home Rule Note be supplied
for HOUSE BILL 3315, as amended.
MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by
Mr. Harry, Secretary:
Mr. Speaker -- I am directed to inform the House of Representatives
that the Senate has adopted the following Senate Joint Resolution, in
the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the
House of Representatives, to-wit:
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 54
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that
when the Senate adjourns on Wednesday, February 2, 2000, it stands
adjourned until Thursday, February 3, 2000, in perfunctory session; and
when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday,
February 8, 2000, at 12:00 o'clock noon; and when the House of
Representatives adjourns on Thursday, February 3, 2000, it stands
adjourned until Friday, February 4, 2000, in perfunctory session; and
when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Monday,
February 7, 2000, in perfunctory session; and when it adjourns on that
day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 8, 2000 at 1:00
o'clock p.m.
Adopted by the Senate, February 2, 2000.
Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate
A message from the Senate by
Mr. Harry, Secretary:
Mr. Speaker -- I am directed to inform the House of Representatives
that the Senate has concurred with the House in adoption of the
following joint resolution, to-wit:
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45
Concurred in the Senate, February 2, 2000.
Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate
[February 2, 2000] 8
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
Representative Steve Davis, Chairperson, from the Committee on
Constitutional Officers to which the following were referred, action
taken on February 1, 2000, and reported the same back with the
following recommendations:
That the resolution be reported "be adopted" and be placed on the
House Calendar: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 40.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 40 is as
follows:
11, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Davis, Steve, Chair Y Kosel (Mathias)
Y Beaubien, Spkpn Y Lyons, Eileen
Y Crotty, V-Chair Y McGuire
Y Curry, Julie Y Osmond
Y Holbrook Y Rutherford
Y Scott
Representative Persico, Chairperson, from the Committee on Electric
Utility Deregulation to which the following were referred, action taken
on February 2, 2000, and reported the same back with the following
recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass as amended" and be placed on the
order of Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3027.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3027 is as follows:
9, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Novak, Chair Y Meyer
A Biggins Y Morrow (Bradley)
Y Hassert Y O'Brien
Y Jones, Shirley Y Persico, V-Chair
Y Leitch Y Scott
Representative Woolard, Chairperson, from the Committee on
Elementary & Secondary Education to which the following were referred,
action taken on February 2, 2000, and reported the same back with the
following recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 2977.
That the bill be reported "do pass as amended" and be placed on the
order of Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 2904.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 2904 is as follows:
15, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Woolard, Chair Y Johnson, Tom
Y Bassi Y Jones, John
Y Cowlishaw, Spkpn Y Krause
Y Crotty Y Mitchell, Jerry
A Curry, Julie Y Moffitt
Y Davis, Monique, V-Chair A Mulligan
Y Delgado Y Murphy
A Fowler Y O'Brien
A Garrett A Persico
A Giles A Scully
Y Hoeft Y Smith, Michael
A Winkel
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 2977 is as follows:
14, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Woolard, Chair Y Johnson, Tom
Y Bassi Y Jones, John
Y Cowlishaw, Spkpn Y Krause
9 [February 2, 2000]
Y Crotty Y Mitchell, Jerry
A Curry, Julie Y Moffitt
Y Davis, Monique, V-Chair A Mulligan
Y Delgado Y Murphy
A Fowler A O'Brien
A Garrett A Persico
A Giles A Scully
Y Hoeft Y Smith, Michael
A Winkel
Representative Flowers, Chairperson, from the Committee on Health
Care Availability & Access to which the following were referred, action
taken on February 1, 2000, and reported the same back with the
following recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3201.
That the bill be reported "do pass as amended" and be placed on the
order of Second Reading -- Standard Debate: HOUSE BILL 3117.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3117 is as follows:
10, Yeas; 5, Nays; 4, Answering Present.
Y Flowers, Chair Y McKeon
Y Brosnahan P Moore, Andrea
P Coulson P Mulligan
Y Dart N Persico
Y Feigenholtz, V-Chair (Osterman) N Ryder
Y Garrett Y Scully
Y Kenner Y Sharp
N Klingler Y Silva
P Krause, Spkpn N Sommer
N Wirsing
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3201 is as follows:
15, Yeas; 3, Nays; 1, Answering Present.
Y Flowers, Chair Y McKeon
P Brosnahan Y Moore, Andrea
Y Coulson Y Mulligan
Y Dart Y Persico
Y Feigenholtz, V-Chair (Osterman) N Ryder
Y Garrett Y Scully
Y Kenner Y Sharp
Y Klingler Y Silva
Y Krause, Spkpn N Sommer
N Wirsing
Representative Feigenholtz, Chairperson, from the Committee on
Human Services to which the following were referred, action taken on
February 2, 2000, and reported the same back with the following
recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3355.
That the bill be reported "do pass as amended" and be placed on the
order of Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3271.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3271 is as follows:
8, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Feigenholtz, Chair Y Kosel, Spkpn
Y Bellock Y Myers, Richard
Y Coulson A Pugh
A Flowers A Schoenberg, V-Chair
Y Howard Y Sharp
A Kenner A Winters
Y Wirsing
[February 2, 2000] 10
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3355 is as follows:
10, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Feigenholtz, Chair Y Kosel, Spkpn
Y Bellock Y Myers, Richard
Y Coulson Y Pugh
A Flowers A Schoenberg, V-Chair
Y Howard Y Sharp
A Kenner Y Winters
Y Wirsing
Representative Bugielski, Chairperson, from the Committee on
Financial Institutions to which the following were referred, action
taken on February 1, 2000, and reported the same back with the
following recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3431.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3431 is as follows:
16, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Bugielski, Chair Y Hultgren
Y Biggins Y Jones, Shirley
Y Brady (Winters) Y Lyons, Joseph
Y Burke, V-Chair Y Meyer, Spkpn
Y Davis, Monique A Morrow
Y Durkin Y Novak
Y Fritchey Y O'Connor
A Giles Y Righter
Y Hassert Y Saviano
A Schoenberg
Representative Dart, Chairperson, from the Committee on Judiciary I
- Civil Law to which the following were referred, action taken on
February 2, 2000, and reported the same back with the following
recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3046.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3046 is as follows:
9, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Dart, Chair Y Lang
Y Brosnahan Y Mathias
Y Hamos Y Meyer
Y Hoffman Y Scott, V-Chair
A Klingler Y Turner, John, Spkpn
A Wait
Representative Hoffman, Chairperson, from the Committee on
Transportation & Motor Vehicles to which the following were referred,
action taken on February 1, 2000, and reported the same back with the
following recommendations:
That the bill be reported "do pass" and be placed on the order of
Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILLS 3053, 3420, 3476.
That the bill be reported "do pass as amended" and be placed on the
order of Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 3256.
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3053 is as follows:
17, Yeas; 8, Nays; 3, Answering Present.
N Hoffman, Chair Y Lyons, Joseph
Y Bassi Y Mathias
P Black Y McAuliffe
Y Brosnahan Y Moffitt
Y Fowler Y Myers, Richard
11 [February 2, 2000]
Y Garrett N O'Brien
N Giglio, V-Chair Y Pankau
N Hamos N Reitz
Y Harris Y Schmitz
N Hartke N Scully (Davis, S.)
Y Hassert Y Sharp
N Holbrook Y Wait, Spkpn
P Jones, John P Wojcik
Y Kosel (Tenhouse) Y Zickus
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3420 is as follows:
26, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Hoffman, Chair Y Lyons, Joseph
Y Bassi Y Mathias
Y Black A McAuliffe
Y Brosnahan Y Moffitt
Y Fowler Y Myers, Richard
Y Garrett Y O'Brien
Y Giglio, V-Chair Y Pankau
Y Hamos A Reitz
Y Harris Y Schmitz
Y Hartke Y Scully (Davis, S)
Y Hassert Y Sharp
Y Holbrook Y Wait, Spkpn
Y Jones, John Y Wojcik
Y Kosel (Tenhouse) Y Zickus
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3476 is as follows:
24, Yeas; 3, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Hoffman, Chair Y Lyons, Joseph
Y Bassi Y Mathias
N Black Y McAuliffe
Y Brosnahan Y Moffitt
Y Fowler Y Myers, Richard
Y Garrett Y O'Brien
Y Giglio, V-Chair Y Pankau
Y Hamos Y Reitz
Y Harris Y Schmitz
N Hartke Y Scully (Davis, S)
Y Hassert Y Sharp
Y Holbrook Y Wait, Spkpn
Y Jones, John A Wojcik
N Kosel (Tenhouse) Y Zickus
The committee roll call vote on HOUSE BILL 3256 is as follows:
28, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
Y Hoffman, Chair Y Lyons, Joseph
Y Bassi Y Mathias
Y Black Y McAuliffe
Y Brosnahan Y Moffitt
Y Fowler Y Myers, Richard
Y Garrett Y O'Brien
Y Giglio, V-Chair Y Pankau
Y Hamos Y Reitz
Y Harris Y Schmitz
Y Hartke Y Scully (Davis, S)
Y Hassert Y Sharp
Y Holbrook Y Wait, Spkpn
Y Jones, John Y Wojcik
Y Kosel (Tenhouse) Y Zickus
[February 2, 2000] 12
AGREED RESOLUTION
The following resolutions were offered and placed on the Calendar
on the order of Agreed Resolutions.
HOUSE RESOLUTION 560
Offered by Representative Monique Davis:
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish
to extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lois
Thomas, who recently passed from this life; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas, affectionately known as "Lo-Lo", was born on
July 11, 1979; her parents were the late Sammie Thomas and Lois
(Robertson) Thomas; she was the only girl in a house with four
brothers, Marlon, Lonnie, Deon, and Dontay; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas attended St. Justin Elementary School and
Dirksen Junior High; she attended Maria High School and graduated from
Thornwood High School; Lois Thomas always maintained a position on the
honor roll while in school; she went on to attend Northern Illinois
University and South Suburban College; she also took additional classes
in Child Care and Nursing; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas enjoyed basketball and swimming; she played
basketball on the girl's team while attending Thornwood High School;
she was class leader, respected and loved by her friends and
classmates; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior when she
was young and was baptized at Faith Revival Center Church under the
leadership of Reverend Wyatt McCray; she sang in the choir at church
and served as a Junior Usher; she will be remembered for her kind and
compassionate manner; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas will be remembered for her smile, her sense of
humor, and her uplifting ways; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas was employed at the Child Life Day Care, where
she worked by displaying her love for children; and
WHEREAS, Lois Thomas is survived by her mother, Lois Thomas; her
brothers, Marlon and his wife, Debbie, Lonnie, Deon, and Dontay; her
aunts, Beatrice (O'Neal) Grady, Maxine Robertson, Geneva (Marshall)
Walker, Myrtle Allen, Monyette Earsery, and Ophaline (James) Miller;
her uncles, Willie Earsery, Jr., and Charles Thomas; her nieces,
Dikera, Phayla, LaQuita, Marlena, Andrea, and Dee-Dee; her nephews,
Marco, Adam, Marlon, Jr., and Dontay, Jr.; and her many cousins, other
relatives, and many friends; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with
all that knew this young and loving woman, the death of Lois Thomas;
may there be peace and comfort in this time of loss; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to
the family of Lois Thomas.
HOUSE RESOLUTION 562
Offered by Representative Black:
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are
pleased to honor milestones in the lives of people of the State of
Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Charles "C.B." Motsett of Danville has announced
his retirement as a volunteer chaplain at the Danville Correctional
Facility; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Motsett was ordained into the priesthood in
Rome, Italy, on December 8, 1934; he served as Pastor of St. Paul
Catholic Church in Danville from 1948 to 1974; in 1973 he was given the
honor of being named a Danville First Citizen; from 1974 to 1982 he
served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmer City; he
served as Chaplain at the former St. Elizabeth Hospital from 1982 to
1986, when he retired; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Motsett was named Rotary Service Person of the
13 [February 2, 2000]
Year in 1998; in March of 2000 he will be honored as Volunteer of the
Year by the Danville Correctional Facility; and
WHEREAS, Since 1986 Monsignor Motsett has been serving as a
volunteer with the Danville Correctional Facility, offering mass and
spiritual guidance to the inmates; and
WHEREAS, At a retirement ceremony Monsignor Motsett was given a
winter coat emblazoned with a green shamrock, his initials embroidered
on the Irish symbol; he was also given a plaque stating his importance
to the prisoners of Danville Correctional Facility and a standing
ovation from the inmates; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate
Monsignor Motsett on his retirement as a voluntary chaplain from the
Danville Correctional Facility; we extend our sincere thanks for his
hard work and his devotion to people; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to
Monsignor Motsett.
HOUSE RESOLUTION 563
Offered by Representative Black:
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are
pleased to honor milestones in the lives of people of the State of
Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Larry Piper, of Danville, Illinois, will be retiring from
Danville High School on May 1, 2000; he has served as trainer and
equipment manager for 30 years, and earned the reputation as being the
most indispensable person at the school; and
WHEREAS, Larry Piper was first acquainted with Danville High School
when he was a student; at the age of 16 he dropped out of school and
swore never to return; in 1970 he returned to Danville High School with
his GED and a job with the school; he has served in a variety of
positions since those days, helping everyone from swimmers to football
players; and
WHEREAS, Larry Piper plans to travel upon his retirement with his
wife, Shirley; with a planned trip to the Northeast in the summer,
Larry Piper will have visited every state in the nation except Hawaii
and Alaska; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Larry Piper
for a job well done; he is now a part of the history of Danville High
School, and will continue to be remembered for his hard work and
dedication to the students and staff of Danville High School; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to
Larry Piper.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF BILLS
The following bills were introduced, read by title a first time,
ordered printed and placed in the Committee on Rules:
HOUSE BILL 4143. Introduced by Representative Biggins, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act by
changing Sections 4.7 and 4.11.
HOUSE BILL 4144. Introduced by Representatives Lopez - Moore, a
bill for AN ACT in relation to condominiums.
HOUSE BILL 4145. Introduced by Representative Smith, a bill for AN
ACT to amend the Illinois Pension Code by changing Sections 15-112,
15-113.2, 15-120, 15-134.5, 15-136.4, and 15-141 and adding Section
15-132.2.
HOUSE BILL 4146. Introduced by Representative Smith, a bill for AN
ACT to amend the Illinois Pension Code.
HOUSE BILL 4147. Introduced by Representative Winters, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Criminal Code of 1961 by changing Section 12-3.2.
HOUSE BILL 4148. Introduced by Representative Delgado, a bill for
[February 2, 2000] 14
AN ACT to amend the Criminal Code of 1961 by changing Section 36-1.
HOUSE BILL 4149. Introduced by Representative Dart, a bill for AN
ACT concerning public hospitals.
HOUSE BILL 4150. Introduced by Representative Dart, a bill for AN
ACT in relation to firearms.
HOUSE BILL 4151. Introduced by Representative Dart, a bill for AN
ACT to amend certain Acts in relation to the use of motor vehicles.
HOUSE BILL 4152. Introduced by Representative Schoenberg, a bill
for AN ACT concerning open access for Internet services.
HOUSE BILL 4153. Introduced by Representative Murphy, a bill for
AN ACT in relation to public utilities, amending named Acts.
HOUSE BILL 4154. Introduced by Representative Murphy, a bill for
AN ACT in relation to public employee retirement benefits.
HOUSE BILL 4155. Introduced by Representative Kenner, a bill for
AN ACT to amend certain Acts in relation to support.
HOUSE BILL 4156. Introduced by Representative Kenner, a bill for
AN ACT to create the Access to Health Care Planning Act.
HOUSE BILL 4157. Introduced by Representative Bugielski, a bill
for AN ACT in relation to tobacco settlement proceeds.
HOUSE BILL 4158. Introduced by Representative Feigenholtz, a bill
for AN ACT to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code by changing Section
4-1.12.
HOUSE BILL 4159. Introduced by Representative Gash, a bill for AN
ACT to amend the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986.
HOUSE BILL 4160. Introduced by Representative Lindner, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code by adding Section 1-12 and
repealing Section 4-22.
HOUSE BILL 4161. Introduced by Representative Lindner, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Nursing Education Scholarship Law by changing
Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10.
HOUSE BILL 4162. Introduced by Representative Sharp, a bill for AN
ACT to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act by changing Section 401.
HOUSE BILL 4163. Introduced by Representatives Madigan - Hannig -
Schoenberg, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations to the Office of
the Secretary of State.
HOUSE BILL 4164. Introduced by Representative Kenner, a bill for
AN ACT concerning State contracts.
HOUSE BILL 4165. Introduced by Representative Biggins, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 by changing
Section 20.
HOUSE BILL 4166. Introduced by Representative Giles, a bill for AN
ACT to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by changing Section 12-801.
HOUSE BILL 4167. Introduced by Representative Silva, a bill for AN
ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4168. Introduced by Representatives Saviano -
McAuliffe, a bill for AN ACT concerning preventive services.
HOUSE BILL 4169. Introduced by Representatives Saviano - Sharp -
Durkin - McAuliffe - Erwin, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4170. Introduced by Representatives Saviano - Giles -
Durkin - Sharp, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4171. Introduced by Representatives Saviano - Durkin -
Sharp - Biggins, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4172. Introduced by Representatives Saviano - Durkin -
Giles - Sharp, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4173. Introduced by Representatives Saviano - Bugielski
- McAuliffe - Capparelli, a bill for AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4174. Introduced by Representative Saviano, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 by changing
Section 107-9.
HOUSE BILL 4175. Introduced by Representative McGuire, a bill for
AN ACT making appropriations.
HOUSE BILL 4176. Introduced by Representative Hultgren, a bill for
AN ACT concerning prescription drug information cards.
HOUSE BILL 4177. Introduced by Representative Hultgren, a bill for
AN ACT concerning economic development.
HOUSE BILL 4178. Introduced by Representative Reitz, a bill for AN
15 [February 2, 2000]
ACT to amend the Illinois Drainage Code by changing Section 5-31.
HOUSE BILL 4179. Introduced by Representative Mathias, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the Plat Act.
HOUSE BILL 4180. Introduced by Representative Mathias, a bill for
AN ACT concerning bonds.
HOUSE BILL 4181. Introduced by Representative Mathias, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the School Code by adding Section 27-23.6.
HOUSE BILL 4182. Introduced by Representative Winkel, a bill for
AN ACT to amend the University of Illinois Trustees Act by changing
Section 1.
HOUSE BILL 4183. Introduced by Representative Smith, a bill for AN
ACT in relation to public employee benefits.
DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL CALENDAR
Supplemental Calendar No. 1 was distributed to the Members at 11:39
o'clock a.m.
RESOLUTIONS
Having been reported out of the Committee on Rules earlier today,
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 45 was taken up for consideration.
Representative Currie moved the adoption of the resolution.
The motion prevailed and the Resolution was adopted.
Ordered that the Clerk inform the Senate and ask their concurrence.
HOUSE BILLS ON SECOND READING
HOUSE BILL 2909. Having been read by title a second time on
January 20, 2000, and held on the order of Second Reading, the same was
again taken up.
The following amendment was offered in the Committee on
Transportation & Motor Vehicles, adopted and printed.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO HOUSE BILL 2909
AMENDMENT NO. 1. Amend House Bill 2909, on page 1, line 19, after
"customers." by inserting "The label shall be located on the front or
sides of the dispenser and within the top 30 percent of the height of
the dispenser. On a dual-faced dispenser, the label shall be affixed
on each front or each side in accordance with these requirements. With
respect to the methanol derivative MTBE, the labels shall state:
"CONTAINS (insert percentage)% METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE)."";
and
on page 1, line 21, by replacing "methanol and ethanol" with "methanol,
and ethanol, and the methanol derivative MTBE"; and
on page 1, line 31, by replacing "ethanol or methanol" with "ethanol,
or methanol, or the methanol derivative MTBE"; and
on page 2, immediately after line 7, by inserting the following:
"(e) With respect to the methanol derivative MTBE, the labeling
and notification requirements in this Section shall be enforced
beginning 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of
the 91st General Assembly.".
Representative Curry offered the following amendment and moved its
adoption:
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO HOUSE BILL 2909
AMENDMENT NO. 2. Amend House Bill 2909, AS AMENDED, in Section 5,
[February 2, 2000] 16
Sec. 4.1, subsection (a), the sentence beginning "Upon any retail", by
deleting "of the methanol derivative methyl tertiary butyl ether
(MTBE),"; and
in Section 5, Sec. 4.1, subsection (a), the sentence beginning "Upon
any retail", by deleting "of the methanol derivative MTBE,"; and
in Section 5, Sec. 4.1, subsection (a), by deleting the sentence
beginning "With respect to the methanol derivative MTBE,"; and
in Section 5, Sec. 4.1, subsection (a), the sentence beginning "Devices
used to dispense", by replacing "methanol, and ethanol, and the
methanol derivative MTBE" with "methanol and ethanol"; and
in Section 5, Sec. 4.1, immediately below subsection (a), by inserting
the following:
"(a-5) Upon any retail motor fuel dispensing device that is used
to dispense a motor fuel containing at least 2% by volume of the
methanol derivative methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), there shall be
displayed a label stating: "CONTAINS METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER
(MTBE)". The label shall be done in contrasting colors with block
letters at least 1/2 inch in height and 1/4 inch in width, and not more
than one inch in height and 1/2 inch in width, and shall be visible to
customers. The label shall be located on the front or sides of the
dispenser and within the top 30 percent of the height of the dispenser.
On a dual-faced dispenser, the label shall be affixed on each front or
each side in accordance with these requirements. Devices used to
dispense only motor fuels that contain a total of less than 2% by
volume of the methanol derivative MTBE need not be so labeled."; and
in Section 5, Sec. 4.1, immediately below subsection (e), by inserting
the following:
"(f) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to require or
impose an obligation upon the owner or operator of a retail motor fuel
dispensing station, facility, or device to perform a test on or
measurement of a shipment of motor fuel received to determine the
specific content of ethanol, methanol, or the methanol derivative
MTBE.".
The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted and ordered
printed.
There being no further amendments, the foregoing Amendments
numbered 1 and 2 were ordered engrossed; and the bill, as amended, was
advanced to the order of Third Reading.
HOUSE BILLS ON THIRD READING
The following bill and any amendments adopted thereto were printed
and laid upon the Members' desks. This bill has been examined, any
amendments thereto engrossed and any errors corrected. Any amendments
pending were tabled pursuant to Rule 40(a).
On motion of Representative Curry, HOUSE BILL 2909 was taken up and
read by title a third time.
And the question being, "Shall this bill pass?" it was decided in
the affirmative by the following vote:
116, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present.
(ROLL CALL 2)
This bill, having received the votes of a constitutional majority
of the Members elected, was declared passed.
Ordered that the Clerk inform the Senate and ask their concurrence.
HOUSE BILLS ON SECOND READING
HOUSE BILL 3054. Having been printed, was taken up and read by
title a second time.
Representative O'Brien offered the following amendment and moved
its adoption:
17 [February 2, 2000]
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO HOUSE BILL 3054
AMENDMENT NO. 1. Amend House Bill 3054 on page 1, line 18, on page
2, line 27, and on page 3, line 6 by changing "private" each time it
appears to "private"; and
on page 1, lines 21, 22, 23, 25, and 27 and on page 2, line 17 by
deleting "private" each time it appears.
The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted and ordered
printed.
There being no further amendments, the foregoing Amendment No. 1
was ordered engrossed; and the bill, as amended, was advanced to the
order of Third Reading.
RECESS
At the hour of 11:55 o'clock a.m., Speaker Madigan moved that the
House do now take a recess until the Joint Session has adjourned.
JOINT SESSION
12:00 O'CLOCK NOON
The hour having arrived, the time heretofore fixed by Joint
Resolution adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the
Joint Session convened for the purpose of receiving the Governor to
deliver his State of the State Message and Budget Message in person to
the Ninety-First General Assembly.
The Senate, preceded by its President and Secretary, appeared in
the Hall of the House of Representatives and, by direction of the
Speaker, took the seats assigned them.
The two Houses being convened in Joint Session, the President of
the Senate announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives announced that a quorum
of the House was present.
A majority of each House of the General Assembly being present, the
Speaker of the House announced the Joint Session duly formed.
ACTION ON MOTION
Representative Currie moved to suspend the applicable House Rules
to hear JOINT SESSION RESOLUTION 3 immediately.
The motion prevailed.
Representative Currie offered the following resolution and moved
its adoption:
JOINT SESSION RESOLUTION 3
RESOLVED, that a committee of ten be appointed, five from the
House, by the Speaker of the House, and five from the Senate, by the
President of the Senate, to wait upon His Excellency Governor George
Ryan and invite him to address the Joint Assembly.
The President of the Senate announced the appointments, as Members
of such Committee, on the part of the Senate: Senators Cronin, Myers,
Roskam, Link and Mitchell.
The Speaker of the House announced that appointments, as Members of
such Committee, on the part of the House: Representatives Hamos,
Mautino, Pugh, Moore and Saviano.
The motion prevailed.
[February 2, 2000] 18
His Excellency, Governor George Ryan, was admitted into the Hall of
the House of Representatives, and was presented to the General
Assembly, to deliver his message in person as follows:
"Meeting Today's Challenges...Investing in Tomorrow's Promise"
Governor George H. Ryan's
2000 State of the State Address and FY 01 Budget Address
(Combined) Revised Draft
Wednesday, February 2, 2000
Speaker Madigan . . .
President Philip . . .
Justices of the Supreme Court . . .
My fellow Constitutional Officers . . .
My partners in the General Assembly . . .
Our guests in the gallery . . .
And my fellow citizens of Illinois.
I'm joined today by my wife, my son George, my daughter Joanne, my
daughter Jeanette, my son-in-law John; and there weren't anymore seats
left to bring them in, so, but the ones that are here, we welcome all
of you here. Thank you. You know last year when I came to this
chamber and stood here, we had one of our fellow Constitutional
Officers that was in trouble. Jimmy Ryan had a tough battle against
cancer. I came in here today and I'm delighted to see that he's got a
full head of hair and he's healthy as a bird. We're glad to have you
back Jimmy.
Thank you very much . . . your warm welcome is greatly appreciated.
It's always a pleasure for me to come back to this House . . . it will
always be my home. The days I spent here will forever be in my memory
. . . and the friendship of this House will always be close to my
heart.
We stand here...at the dawn of a new century...and the state of
Illinois is strong.
Just over a month ago . . . for a day and a night . . . people and
families all over the world gathered to greet the new millenium.
Remote corners of the world . . . places that most of us only read
about . . . were beamed into our homes via the flick of the remote
control.
In countless homes all over the world . . . people paused, and prayed,
and were filled with hope and joy for a better day and a new beginning.
I believe we are at a crossroads - there are generations behind us . .
. and monumental change ahead of us. Let us think about what we do in
terms of the opportunities of the future. Let us remember who we are -
regular, ordinary people . . . who have an awesome obligation.
While watching the Super Bowl last weekend, I saw a pre-game interview
with Kurt Warner . . . a former stock boy from an Iowa grocery
store...and he said, "I'm just a regular, ordinary guy - in an
extraordinary situation." I thought, "That pretty much applies to all
of us."
We're just regular, ordinary people who struggle through life . . .
good times and bad. We hope our kids grow up OK. And if we are very
lucky, we find someone to love. . . to stand at our side and hold our
hand as we walk through this great adventure called life.
Most of us - you and I -- are just regular, ordinary folks like Kurt
Warner . . . who are sometimes called on to do important things.
19 [February 2, 2000]
One year ago, I stood before you and asked that you join with me in a
partnership to fashion a bold plan to begin a new day for the People of
Illinois. Together, we made history.
Working together, we enhanced education for our children . . . we
created thousands of jobs for our People . . . we provided for the
public safety . . . we increased social services for those among us in
need . . . we invested in the largest public works improvement program
in Illinois history...and together- - we balanced the budget.
We made a difference. The People of this State will live better lives
because of what we accomplished . . . and we did it together.
We can debate political action, and have great discussions concerning
political philosophy . . . but when a child is hungry, we must provide
food . . . when a senior citizen needs health care, we must provide it
. . . when a woman is battered, we must provide shelter.
In Scripture we read, "Though I have faith, so that I could move
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
Let me say that any political party . . . or any philosophy of
government . . . that loses its heart, loses its purpose for existence.
Last year, we had that purpose. When I asked you to give me your hand
in partnership for the People, you said . . . George, here is my hand .
. . I am with you. You don't know how important that was to me . . .
and from the bottom of my heart- - I thank you.
Because of that bipartisan cooperation, our economy is strong. More
people are working in Illinois than ever before.
Crime rates continue to fall.
The teen birth rate is at its lowest level in a decade.
The infant mortality rate continues to drop.
And, fewer Illinois children grow up in poverty today than did a decade
ago.
And, I can report to you today that the outlook for Illinois' future is
unlimited- - and the state of this state is outstanding.
Even with that, we have a special burden . . . now more than ever . . .
to look beyond today. To think beyond ourselves. To think about what
quality of life we will give to our children . . . and to theirs.
We made education our number one priority.
We agreed that the basic educational development of our children . . .
and the preparation of an internationally competitive workforce in
Illinois . . . are the keys to success in the 21st Century.
We agreed to earmark 51% of all new state revenues to schools and job
training.
We fully funded categorical grants - for the first time in Illinois
history.
We established tougher teacher standards . . . and demanded tougher
standards for student learning . . . because our children must be
prepared to compete in a global economy.
We made our schools safer to learn - by providing $14 million to fund
the Attorney General's "Safe Schools" initiative. We will make sure
[February 2, 2000] 20
our schools are free from crime . . . free from gangs . . . free from
guns . . . and free from drugs. And I ask you to join me in thanking
him.
Acting together, we gave parents throughout the State a greater choice
in selecting a school for their children.
And, provided new scholarship assistance for adult learners, and we
fully funded our merit and veterans scholarship programs for the first
time ever.
Secondly, we worked on a far-reaching agenda for job creation and
economic expansion. At the heart of that agenda was the EDGE tax
credit. Our efforts have already begun to reap benefits.
In the last year, we worked with companies large and small on
investment projects to benefit the People of Illinois. Those projects
resulted in $4.4 billion in new private investment in Illinois- - and
created or retained 61,000 jobs for Illinois.
Over 750 jobs at Solo Cup, at the former USX site in Chicago . . .
1,100 jobs at Uniforms to You in Bedford Park . . . 2,300 jobs at
Tellabs in Naperville . . . 1,000 jobs at MUMS in Pinckneyville . . .
1,200 jobs at Sprint PCS in Bolingbrook . . . 900 jobs at MCI Worldcom
in Rockford . . . and 550 jobs at Quaker Oats in Danville. Throughout
Illinois, we are putting people to work.
As we open this 21st Century, the first "buzz words" to enter our
culture have been "e- commerce" and the "New Economy" . . . terms that
reflect the on-going evolution of business as the world marketplace
keeps pace with technology.
Illinois must keep pace with technological advances so that we can
retain and attract high tech firms . . . and the high-paying jobs they
create.
Last year, we accelerated that pace by devoting over $230 million to
help expandall aspects of technology development - from concept to
customer.
Together, we also expanded tourism promotion last year - providing the
largest targeted tourism promotion budget in the nation to support this
$21 billion industry in Illinois. And, we took the first step towards
establishing the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library here is
Springfield-the capstone of our efforts to honor Illinois' most famous
son.
We expanded Illinois exports through creation of the Illinois Trade
Office. Were- established a presence for Illinois in critical overseas
markets by opening new Illinois trade offices around the world. And,
we expanded our horizons by traveling to Cuba . . . a humanitarian
mission to a nation that has been closed to Illinois farmers and
Illinois businesses for 40 years.
And, you and I enacted a five year $30 million program to assist
distressed communities...thank you, Senator Emil Jones.
Last year, we said we would embark on an historic effort to rebuild our
State's crumbling infrastructure . . . and we did.
Through Illinois FIRST, we agreed to provide $12 billion over five
years to repair aging and deteriorating roads and bridges . . . and to
build needed new highway lanes to reduce congestion. We agreed to
provide the funds to revitalize our mass transit systems . . . to
construct needed classroom space in growing school districts, and to
repair aging schools . . . to clean up urban brownfields and other
21 [February 2, 2000]
environmental hazards . . . to upgrade our water and sewer systems . .
.and to fund projects that will improve our overall quality of life in
Illinois.
Like you, however, I am concerned about making sure that these dollars
are wisely spent. I have, therefore, directed the Department of
Transportation to impose extra safeguards to make certain that all
construction criteria are met.
To oversee this scrutiny . . . to make sure that the process is open
and straightforward . . . I will appoint a panel of business, labor
and community leaders to oversee the bidding and contracting process
and review any problems or complaints. They will receive my full
authority and support. I want the schools, bridges and roads to be
built. . . I want the environment to be protected . . . and I don't
care who is selected to do the work as long as the work is done well.
Agriculture continues to be our number one industry and our proudest
heritage. And yet, our farm families continue to suffer . . . along
with others across this country who grow our food. The truth is, we
depend on them . . . and they're counting on us. Last year, we lobbied
Congress hard . . . and successfully . . . to pass a federal farm bill
that increased payments to farmers -- and we continue to support
ethanol.
We said we would do more to protect our environment . . . and we did
that too. We created the $160 million Illinois Open Lands Trust . . .
the largest open space preservation program in Illinois history.
We continued to fund the effort to restore thousands of acres along the
Illinois River watershed.
We extended and expanded the $100 million Conservation 2000 program.
We earmarked over $57 million for pedestrian and bike trails in
Illinois - a 79% increase over the previous two fiscal years combined.
We protected Illinois land by beginning the cleanup of leaking
landfills . . . in Chicago, Mattoon and Carlinville.
And, we budgeted enough money to leverage the maximum federal
contribution for low- interest wastewater and drinking water loans to
help local governments.
You and I fulfilled the promises we made to the People of Illinois last
year . . .about recommitting ourselves to educational excellence,
strengthening our economy, rebuilding our communities, and restoring
our land.
But one of the strongest commitments we made last year - together - was
the pact we made with families throughout Illinois to better protect
them from gun violence and crime.
We required longer prison sentences for anyone who uses a gun to commit
a crime. We enacted one of the toughest anti-violence laws in the
nation...by passing 15- 20 & Life.
We had the wisdom to pass a Child Access Prevention law that properly
balances the rights of legitimate gun owners with the safety we demand
for our children.
I convened a Discrimination and Hate Crimes Commission . . . to make
recommendations for dealing with these ugly crimes, and to ensure legal
protections for all Illinois citizens.
Criminal acts committed against any individual because of race, color,
[February 2, 2000] 22
creed, gender or sexual orientation cannot . . . in any way . . . be
tolerated or excused. I think it is time we acted.
Regrettably, one critical anti-crime measure was left undone - the Safe
Neighborhoods Law with the felony gun provision intact. I urge you to
fully reinstate a law that worked well for five years to help control
illegal gun possessions and reduce gun violence on our streets. I will
continue to work with you on a fair compromise.
The debate was distorted by false fears of law abiding hunters being
swept up by police. Those claims were nonsense, and we all know it.
This is not an issue about It is simply a matter of doing what is
right. I believe the People of Illinois understand this issue very
well. They know our streets will be safer . . . our schools will be
safer . . . and our law enforcement officers will be better protected .
. . when the we re-enact this Law. I urge you to do so now - re-enact
all of it . . . including the felony gun provision.
Last year, we also said we would strengthen and protect Illinois
families . . . and we did.
We enacted landmark HMO reform . . . to protect consumers... and to
provide a Patients Bill of Rights.
We established the "Futures for Kids" program under the direction of
the First Lady to help coordinate . . . publicize . . . and expand
comprehensive prevention and intervention services for young. I think
she has done a terrific job with that program . . . thank you... Lura
Lynn Ryan.
In addition, with the help of school districts, the clergy, business
leaders, doctors, organized labor and community activists -- we have
rescued the KidCare health insurance program from mediocrity.
Last year at this time, we had only 28,000 children enrolled. Today,
our enrollment numbers are close to 90,000 . . . and growing every day.
I congratulate Director Ann Patla and the Department of Public Aid and
their partners for their tremendous success in turning around this
program.
For the second straight year, Illinois led the nation in the number of
children placed in permanent homes.
In 1999, thanks to your commitment of $46 million more for these
services, DCFS placed a record number of children in loving, caring
homes-- a 72% increase from 1998. The department is to be
congratulated for those efforts to stabilize the lives of these kids-
7,000 Illinois children.
Your ongoing commitment to Illinois' welfare-to-work programs continues
to bear fruit. Last year, Illinois was recognized by the federal
government for leading the nation in finding jobs for welfare clients
who had faced significant barriers to employment.
In the last year, thousands of welfare families have started making a
positive contribution to their lives . . . and to the lives of their
families . . . earning respect for themselves as they loosen the bonds
of poverty-70,000 Illinois families.
In the last year, the number of state welfare clients with full-time
jobs has grown by 50%. And even more encouraging, over the past three
years, scores of people have become former welfare recipients and have
worked their way completely off of the public aid rolls. Its equivalent
to the entire population of Rockford-100,000 families.
23 [February 2, 2000]
Last week, I announced my nomination for a new Secretary of Human
Services . .. Linda Renee Baker . . . and I have every confidence that
she will continue the tremendous strides we've been making at that
Department.
And there were other successful ways, last year, that we were able to
help people in need.
Together, we agreed to strengthen the role of the Office of Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse within the Department of Human Services . . . to
help recommit ourselves to the prevention, recognition and treatment of
substance abuse in our society.
Under the strong leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, Illinois'
efforts to address women's health concerns are now recognized as a
national model for other states tp follow. Please join me in thanking
her- Lt. Governor Corinne Wood.
Thanks to your commitment and funding, last year the state expanded
cancerscreeningprograms from 50 counties to all 102 counties - a
potentially life-saving service for women throughout the State.
In addition, we increased funding for domestic violence prevention
programs by 62% -- a key element in giving women the strength they need
to break free from an abusive relationship for a life of independence.
For our seniors, you and I committed resources to help older
Illinoisans maintain a proper level of independence for as long as they
can. One important element was to increase the wages of community care
workers that provide services to seniors in their own homes.
While I am proud to highlight our human services successes from last
year, I must also report on our unsuccessful implementation of the
federally mandated disbursement unit for child support payments.
There was nothing wrong with Illinois' child support disbursement
process when the federal government mandated the change.
There is nothing easy about taking 102 separate and distinct systems
and merging them into one. Illinois and its sister states have had
great difficulty in making the change over.
That does not excuse our lack of success, however. And, it certainly
cannot remove the anger and frustration of custodial and noncustodial
parents . . . nor the hardship some have had to endure.
We acted quickly to provide emergency relief, and the situation has
improved, but we are not out of the woods yet.
We have brought in outside experts to pinpoint what needs to be done to
make the SDU work properly. The General Assembly has directed Auditor
General Bill Holland to conduct an audit so we can all better
understand what broke down and why. The solutions evident from both
studies will be implemented . . . the SDU is one of our highest
priorities. We need action now.
Overall, we have made great strides this past year to improve the way
we manage Illinois state government.
I established the Office of Statewide Performance Review, I challenged
them to look at every program . . . every regulation . . . in state
government. In this first year of their Review, they have already
identified 638 pages of the Administrative Code that should be repealed
. . . that's 43,000 lines of rules and regulations that can be
eliminated. Several dozen obsolete and inactive boards and commissions
are being recommended for abolition. We're determined to cut government
and make it work better. We're rewriting another 400 sections of the
[February 2, 2000] 24
administrative code. Because here in Illinois...it's time for
government to speak the way our people do...in plain English.
Our transition to the 21st Century was uneventful in more ways than
one. As the calendar turned, the world . . . and our State . . .
experienced no dramatic problems . . . no earth- shattering change.
I want to extend my appreciation to our Chief Technology Officer, Mary
Barber Reynolds, and the thousands of state employees who prepared our
state for the Y2K roll over . . . and I want to recognize the 9,000
state workers who gave up all, or a portion, of their millenium
celebrations to guard the Y2K watchtowers and keep everything running
smoothly. On behalf of a grateful state...we thank you.
We all woke up on January 1st to face the same world we left behind on
December 31st --- and the same challenges for the future.
There are still potholes that need to be filled.
The sick and the elderly still need to be cared for.
Children still need to be schooled and protected from harm.
Families still need health care and clean water and safe neighborhoods.
Businesses and farmers still need support in marketing their products
and creating jobs.
We still need to make sure that the trains run on time.
And yes...the Bulls still need a decent point guard.
Our responsibilities haven't changed.
Today . . . we need to chart our course for Illinois in this new
century.
Today . . . I am here to present this General Assembly with my policy
agenda . . . and my proposed State Budget for Fiscal Year 2001 . . . to
help us meet our obligations to the People of Illinois.
This is a continued bold agenda for Illinois . . . and another
aggressive budget . . . that allows us to continue to fulfill our
commitments to the People.
I believe its an affordable agenda . . . a prudent budget . . . as
Illinois continues to be blessed with strong economic growth.
Because of that our continuing economic prosperity . . . this budget
provides $480 million in tax relief approved by this General Assembly
during the last two years. Illinois taxpayers will be able to retain
$480 million in their own pockets this year . . . Rather than sending
it to Springfield.
I know that most of you would like to enact MORE tax relief measures
this year . . . and because this is an election year, there is no
shortage of good ideas for tax cuts.
I have advised the legislative leaders that if we can reach a
consensus on a tax relief plan this Spring . . . an affordable plan
within our budget . . . then I would certainly consider it.
My door will always be open to discuss your ideas. But let me be clear
- I do not believe it is in the State's best interest . . . nor in the
best interest of our People . . . to engage in a bidding war for the
affections of voters. I will not give away the store just to soothe
25 [February 2, 2000]
election year anxieties.
I also know that a second overriding concern this year will be the
question of what we should do with the tobacco settlement money. With
this budget, I propose we adopt a five year spending plan only . . .
with the basic principle of "Spend a little, and save a lot."
Because of continuing uncertainty over the amount of . . . and the long
term availability of . . . the tobacco settlement monies, this budget
proposes that we spend none of the $377 million expected to be received
in FY 2000. Instead, I propose we leave all of that money in the
Treasurer's investment portfolio as the state's "Revenue Stabilization
Fund" . . . Let's save it for a rainy day. This fund would keep the
interest it earns . . . and at the end of FY 2005, should contain
nearly $500 million.
I would recommend that 50% of the tobacco settlement receipts for
FY2001 through FY2005 be deposited in a trust fund to be invested by
the Treasurer. The remaining 50% of the total revenues would all be
spent on health and human service programs. . . and that money would be
used to leverage additional matching funds.
With this plan, then, we would spend roughly $970 million of our
tobacco funds on programs that would generate nearly $2 billion more in
matched spending. We would be able to improve our health and human
service infrastructure by nearly $3 billion over the next 5 years. . .
and still have almost $1.4 billion in the bank.
Where should we spend this money to accomplish the greatest good?
As with tax relief measures, we have had a number of thoughtful
suggestions put forward . . . many from those of you in this room . . .
and I acknowledge all of those suggestions. Yet, I believe we can best
spend this $970 million on programs to improve the health of our
society . . . and by planning strategically we can generate program
benefits at roughly 3 times the size of our investment.
I propose that we allocate $217 million over the next five years to
gradually expand Medicaid eligibility for the aged, blind and disabled.
These funds would leverage an additional $315 million in federal funds
over the five years. By making this investment, the State would
increase funding for the purchase of prescription drugs by our low
income elderly and disabled citizens, and our funding of other medical
services for our most needy citizens would increase by $300 million.
This plan proposes that we spend $40 million over the next five years
to allow disabled workers to obtain or continue Medicaid coverage by
paying a premium.
This year, I suggest a one-time investment of $8 million . . . to
hopefully attract an additional $15 million in federal funds . . . to
finance further KidCare outreach to medically uninsured children in our
State.
This plan provides $315 million over the next five years to hospitals
for serving the most severely ill patients.
I propose we spend an additional $350 million to nursing homes
providing long term care for the elderly.
As you know, Illinois currently has 94 local health departments which
are responsible for providing local health assistance needs and aiding
in the prevention of communicable diseases. I propose that we provide
them with an additional $55 million over the next five years, so they
can increase per capita spending from one dollar and 15 cents to two
dollars, and so we can increase their base level funding from $50,000
[February 2, 2000] 26
to $100,000 for each department.
I propose we allocate an additional $4.5 million of these tobacco funds
for the childhood lead screening program . . . and an additional $5
million for our Women's Health Illinois initiative.
I propose we provide $6 million for grants-in-aid to local governments
to establish enforcement programs that reduce youth access to tobacco
products. I propose we allocate $50 million to community-based alcohol
and substance abuse services around this State... and $17.5 million to
the Youth Smoking Prevention initiative at the Department of Public
Health...Let's act today to protect Illinois kids.
I propose we spend $15 million to establish local, community-based
Family Resource Centers so that government at all levels can provide
services to those in need at a single location . . . in the
neighborhood that must be served.
I propose we spend $180 million over five years for grants to major
teaching hospitals throughout the State. These grants allow hospitals
to develop new treatments and therapies that could benefit all of us.
Finally, I propose that we allocate $196 million in tobacco funds over
the next five years to expand our operations and capital investments in
biotechnology in this State. These investments will allow us to
leverage an additional $1 billion to help improve our biotechnology
infrastructure.
I believe this five year comprehensive plan for our tobacco revenues is
a reasonable approach . . . providing for the best and wisest use of
this financial windfall. I have proposed allocations that will advance
the health and welfare of the People of Illinois . . . while
safeguarding our economy and our future.
This budget, in particular, addresses three fundamental areas for our
attention this year: preparing Illinois for the new economy and
workforce and technology...the, refinement of our human services
infrastructure...and, our continuing commitment to criminal justice and
public safety.
Last year, I was privileged to be one of only eight governors named by
the National Governors Association to a new "Task Force on the New
Economy".
The New Economy is fast . . . knowledge-based . . .and
service-oriented. It is driven by technological advances and fueled by
the skill levels of the workforce. We must be ready to compete.
I want Illinois to become a recognized leader in this technological
revolution. . . and this budget stakes our claim to that leadership.
With this budget . . . our #1 priority, as it was in 1999, continues to
be educating our children . . . and preparing our workforce for the
jobs of the New Economy.
This budget honors our commitment to devote 51% of all new general
revenues to our schools and to job training programs. This budget
proposes $528 million more for education and workforce programs . . .
the largest education funding increase ever proposed in Illinois that
doesn't require a tax increase to pay for it.
Last year, for the first time in Illinois history, we fully funded
mandated categorical programs for local districts. With this budget,
we do so again.
Early childhood programs, reading grants and summer bridge programs
27 [February 2, 2000]
will get an increase of $53 million to reach more kids.
This budget boosts funding for literacy programs, school to work
initiatives, and our on-going campaign to promote greater parental
involvement in their children's schools.
This budget includes a pilot program...based on the successful Israel
Arts and Science Academy... to improve science and technology
instruction in our K through 12 classrooms.
This budget includes a pilot program . . . based on the successful
Israel Arts and Science Academy . . . to improve science and technology
instruction in our K through 12 classrooms.
We will invest $42 million to assist in the professional development of
our teachers.
If we expect our students to do well in the classroom, we must provide
the resources for their teachers to stay at the top of their game.
In addition, this budget contains $80 million to support and retain the
academic talent and research that makes our college campuses among the
best in the nation.
To help open access to higher education, the Illinois Student
Assistance Commission will receive a budget increase of $39 million to
increase the scope and breadth of its scholarship programs to serve
more than 135,000 students throughout the State.
And, I propose that for the first time in Illinois history, we provide
"career scholarship" grants to high school graduates who choose not to
go to college.
We will provide a grant of up to $1,000 in support of vocational
training, or an apprenticeship, or attendance at a trade school to
learn a specific job skill and start down a career path.
These grants would be designed to give a helping hand to young people
when they need it most...at the start of their working adult lives.
To further bring our workforce up to speed with the New Economy, I
recommend the coordination of some 18 separate programs form six
different agencies to provide for a seamless continuum of education,
job training, and lifelong learning.
Last month, the State Board of Education voted to transfer the control
of their expansive adult education program to the Illinois Community
College Board. I ask you to approve this transfer. I also ask that
you approve the proposal of the State's Workforce Investment Board to
move the administration of the federal Job Training Partnership Act
from DCCA to the Department of Employment Security.
I believe that such a move assists the ability of our locally-based
Employment & Training Centers to match appropriate workers with
available jobs.
I also ask that you approve the proposal of the state's Workforce
Investment Board to move the administration of the federal Job Training
Partnership Act from DCCA to the Department of Employment Security. I
believe that such a move assists the ability of our locally-based
Employment & Training Centers to match appropriate workers with
available jobs.
And while we reshape our workforce, I'm asking you to join with me to
approve an historic initiative that will "re-wire" Illinois' place in
the high tech New Economy. With this budget, I am proposing a
[February 2, 2000] 28
five-year $1.9 billion commitment of state funds that will assist in
the development of over $3.9 billion in technology-related
infrastructure throughout Illinois.
It's called Illinois VentureTECH. It's an investment in our future . .
. a commitment to research and development, biotechnology, health
sciences, information technology and advanced physics . . . that will
nurture and expand our State's role in the New Economy of the 21st
Century. I believe these are investments we must make if we are to
secure our place in the New Economy. I ask your support to enact
Illinois VentureTECH.
This five year plan will provide $343 million to enable us to build the
Illinois Century Network - the statewide technology "backbone" that we
initiated last year. The Illinois Century Network will link schools,
libraries, museums and government offices throughout the State.
This five year plan includes nearly $200 million for technology
programs in our elementary and secondary schools . . . and over $400
million for technology management initiatives in state government.
This five year plan includes support for engineering equipment grants
through IBHE . . . Alzheimer's Disease research, Juvenile Diabetes and
other health services grants . . . expansion of the Illinois Technology
Enterprise Corporation . . . and Accelerator research led by IIT.
For technology-related capital projects, I propose $30 million to
support the construction of a $200 million biotechnology building at
Northwestern University . . . I include the $93 million we agreed on
last year to build a new Medical School for the University of Illinois
in Chicago . . . I propose $30 million to provide additional space at
the National Center for Super computing Applications in Urbana ---to
allow them to compete for potentially hundreds of millions of dollars
in new federal funds for technology research.
This five year plan includes a value-added research program for
agricultural crops that will be run by the Department of Agriculture.
This initiative will provide farmers with matching funds to help them
increase the value of their harvests by preparing crops for use in more
diverse and lucrative products.
Additionally, Illinois VentureTECH will provide Illinois entrepeneurs
and technology businesses with over $800 million in critical venture
capital investments over the next four years - investments made
possible because of an historic partnership between State Treasurer
Judy Baar Topinka, the IDFA, DCCA, the State Teachers, the State
Universities Retirement System, and the Illinois State Board of
Investment.
I will invite a group of prominent Illinois-based entrepeneurs and
technology experts to advise me on the administration of this Illinois
VentureTECH initiative.
We have the fourth largest technology economy in the nation here in
Illinois. If we are to keep pace, we must make this technology
investment now.
Along with this focus on technology . . . this budget proposes that we
help small businesses in Illinois, since they are responsible for most
of our State's economic growth and job creation. I propose to
increase resources for small business incubators, development centers,
and international trade centers . . . and we call for the creation of
new "Business Information Centers" to help growing firms reach their
full potential.
As I've already mentioned, this New Economy is a global economy . . .
29 [February 2, 2000]
and this budget proposes that we increase our commitment to exports and
international trade. I propose to use technology to create a "Virtual
Trade Office" . . . and we propose to use old-fashioned shoe leather to
help open foreign trade doors by improved marketing through missions
and trade shows.
We are in the process of opening a new trade office - as promised last
year -on the continent of Africa to take full advantage of this
emerging market for food, technology and basic consumer goods. Later
this year, I plan to lead a mission to the Republic of South Africa . .
. to officially open our State's presence in Johannesburg.
We have re-established a commercial office presence in Canada . . . and
we continue to examine potential office locations in China, Israel and
South America.
The second fundamental premise of this budget is that no one will be
left behind as we move Illinois forward. We will continue to develop
the human services infrastructure we need in this State.
This budget proposes that we continue our successful welfare-to-work
programs -efforts that have freed more than $200 million in tax dollars
over the last two years that we have been able to use to help other
families.
I recommend that we further increase funding for state-subsidized child
care by 30% . . . providing care for approximately 218,000 children.
This budget focuses our human resources dollars in our neighborhoods,
and our communities.
We will establish "Family Resource Centers" as consolidated service
centers . .. providing one-stop human services offices along with
one-stop employment and training offices and one-stop local government
services offices.
We will increase our commitment of resources to fight domestic violence
. . . we will increase our commitment of resources to the Coalition
Against Sexual Assault . . . and we will provide funding for the
Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program you created last year.
We will provide $2 million for community-based Child Advocacy Centers.
And, we will provide $5 million more for Community Integrated Living
Arrangements for persons with developmental disabilities . . . and
provide an additional $4 million for Family Assistance Programs and
Home Based Support Services.
Our commitment to the human services infrastructure also will include a
total of $7 million to expand services to fight the abuse and neglect
of the elderly . . . and a $7 million allocation to expand the
home-delivered meals program to 1,500 more senior citizens in need.
This budget will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to open and
staff a new 40 bed Alzheimers unit at the Manteno Veterans Home . . .
and to fully fund 120 beds at the new John Joseph Kelly Veterans Home
in Chicago.
The success of our efforts to improve the human infrastructure of
Illinois would be incomplete without a strong and comprehensive answer
to crime and violence . . . and that is the third fundamental premise
of this budget.
Providing for the public safety is one of our first duties in
government.
[February 2, 2000] 30
First, we must update our laws. Each and every year, for decades now,
the Legislature has added to our criminal code. In some ways, the
provisions are now inconsistent, and even contradictory. It's time for
a complete overhaul.
Accordingly, I will issue an Executive Order creating a "Commission to
Rewrite the Illinois Criminal Code," and ask knowledgeable citizens to
serve to help us bring our criminal laws up to date. Earlier this week,
I made a difficult, but important decision, relating to the
administration of the death penalty in Illinois.
First, let me say that I believe the death penalty is an important tool
in our criminal justice system. But, no one in our state can ignore
the fact that at least 13 people sentenced to death have had their
convictions overturned. Clearly, something is wrong.
As the one person who has the final word before an execution is carried
out, I cannot, in good conscience, allow a flawed system to stand
unchallenged until I can be sure that an innocent person will not be
executed, there will be no further executions in Illinois.
One year ago, you and I enacted new measures to protect the public. The
centerpiece of our effort was 15-20&Life- the landmark law that
significantly raised the stakes for those who would do violence with a
gun.
I know that law will be effective . . . but it must be actively used by
our local police and prosecutors to keep our streets safe. I call on
all 102 state's attorneys to use this law to punish those prone to do
violence and to ensure the deterrent effect of this law.
Second, we need to empower the victims of crime. My Commission on the
Status of Women have proposed the "Illinois Gender Violence Act" . . .
to open the doors to justice for women who have been beaten or sexually
assaulted . . . and to provide opportunities to seek justice for those
whose lives are damaged or destroyed by violence because of their
sexual orientation. It is a fair initiative . . . and I support it.
Last year, this Assembly passed, and I signed, the "Illinois Equal
Justice Act". It's a cornerstone piece of legislation for the legal
assistance community. With this budget, we devote $1 million to fund
this program.
Third, we need new technology. Criminals today threaten Illinois with
a staggering array of high-powered weaponry and high-tech tools.
We need to level the playing field . . . and I am asking State Police
Director Sam Nolen to lead a major new initiative to modernize the
Illinois State Police and keep it at the vanguard of law enforcement
technology.
It's called "ISP 2000" . . . It will focus on the new 21st Century
technology to fight crime. I want Director Nolen to assess all the new
technologies available, and develop a plan of cooperation with local
police agencies for the sharing of crime fighting technology . . . lab
facilities . . . forensic expertise . . . and manpower.
I want Director Nolen to accelerate and expand the ISP partnership with
Argonne National Laboratory that has begun the development of a DNA
microchip. This technology will solve violent crimes faster - and
help protect the innocent. I want him to develop a plan to create a
forensic science institute in connection with the University of
Illinois . . . to serve as a consolidated center for forensic and crime
scene training . . . and to serve as a national focal point for the
advancement of forensic technology.
31 [February 2, 2000]
And, ISP 2000 will continue the improvement in communications
technology that we began last year with Illinois FIRST.
Fourth, we need to bring the forces of community decency together.
That's why my Office will convene a statewide crime summit later this
year . . . to talk about the impact of guns, gangs and drugs on our
neighborhoods, our schools and our communities.
Finally, we must match our rhetoric with resources. The new laws,
technologies and other innovations I've talked about today will require
additional police to ensure we can bring a new measure of safety to the
neighborhoods and communities of Illinois.
This budget funds two new state police cadet classes that will add 86
new officers to the force. This budget also funds needed improvements
to our statewide communications system . . . retools the technology and
equipment at the state's forensic lab . . . and funds a new initiative
to better prepare our state police to thwart and battle potential acts
of terrorism.
For the Department of Corrections, this budget fully funds the 1,082
new prison beds we opened last year, and enables us to decrease
dangerous prison overcrowding by opening three new facilities that will
house 4,400 inmates. We plan to open a new maximum security prison in
Thomson . . . a new medium security facility in Lawrence County . . .
and a needed juvenile facility in Kewanee.
In addition, this budget fully funds the pledge we made last year to
double the number of parole agents that are monitoring released felons
on our streets.
Comprehensive reforms like this require resources . . .continuity . . .
and focus. I therefore announce today that I am creating a new post in
my Administration - Deputy Governor for Criminal Justice & Public
Safety.
I have appointed a distinguished former Assistant United States
Attorney, Matt Bettenhausen to serve in this new post. Working with
me . . .and reaching out to you and the whole law enforcement community
. . . he will help immeasurably in my effort to make real the issues
of public safety and criminal justice.
As we move to make our communities safer from crime . . . we will also
allocate sufficient resources in this budget to address essential
"quality of life" concerns in Illinois. Our population continues to
grow with our economy . . . as families gravitate to the opportunities
we have to offer throughout the State. Families everywhere crave open
spaces . . . natural areas . . . and bike paths and other recreation
facilities.
It's our responsibility to make sure that this critical need of our
People is met . . . and with this budget, we do just that.
Our land is our greatest resource in Illinois - for farming . . . for
living . .. for industry . . . and for recreation. In various,
meaningful ways . . . this budget protects and invests in our land.
This budget includes the second $40 million installment for our
Illinois Open Lands Trust, and $21 million for Open Space Land
Acquisition and Development grants for park districts and forest
preserves to construct playgrounds, bike trails, and nature reserves.
It devotes $13 million to our efforts to clean and restore urban
brownfields for redevelopment. It includes funding to help reduce
urban sprawl through innovative transportation strategies and business
redevelopment incentives. And, it includes substantial funding for the
Department of Natural Resources to help students and families learn
[February 2, 2000] 32
more about our rich natural heritage.
Thanks to the generosity of Bill Rutherford . . . and his donation to
the People of Illinois of the Wildlife Prairie Park near Peoria . . .
future generations of Illinoisans will be able to enjoy his unique
1,200 acre natural preserve. This budget contains the resources for
DNR to preserve this natural resource gem.
The quality of life we enjoy is threatened by the hours and hours that
many commuters must endure sitting in traffic congestion on the
Tollway. That's going to change.
The Board and the Administration of the Illinois Toll Highway Authority
will be identifying strategies for us to consider . . . and I expect to
announce a plan of action within the next several weeks.
I realize that all of this is an ambitious agenda . . . and I recognize
your intention to shorten your time in Springfield this Spring. But we
can accomplish all of this through the FY 2001 spending plan I am
presenting to you.
It's a plan to invest in Illinois' future. This budget sets out a plan
guided by educational excellence . . . expanded health care . . .
renewed public safety . . . and an investment in technology for the New
Economy.
This budget takes a solid step toward strengthening our State for years
to come.
This budget addresses our critical human services needs and fills many
of the gaps in the lives of families.
Together . . . we can make Illinois a better place to live.
Because we stood together last year . . . we were able to accomplish
much . . . we were able to begin building a new Illinois.
I invite you to continue the journey this year . . . let us build on
our successes . . . learn from our mistakes . . . and march confidently
. . . together . . . into the 21st Century.
Thank you . . . and God bless All of You.
Having concluded his message, his Excellency Governor George Ryan
was then escorted from the Hall of the House of Representatives by the
Committee heretofore appointed.
At the hour of 1:20 o'clock p.m., President Philip moved that the
Joint Assembly do now arise.
The motion prevailed.
The Senate having withdrawn, the House resumed its session.
Speaker Madigan in the Chair.
RESOLUTION
The following resolutions were offered and placed in the Committee
on Rules.
HOUSE RESOLUTION 561
Offered by Representative Hoffman:
WHEREAS, Statistics show that an alarming number of young drivers
are involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes, and while teenagers make
up only 6% of the driving population, they account for 16% of all
33 [February 2, 2000]
automobile deaths; and
WHEREAS, The vehicles teenagers operate in driver's education class
during their behind-the-wheel instruction have "Student Driver" signs
prominently displayed on them; and
WHEREAS, Before a teen may obtain a driver's license, as a
supplement to his or her driver's education class, the teen holds an
instruction permit for three months, and under the instruction permit,
the teen must practice behind-the-wheel driving with a responsible
adult for a minimum of 25 hours; and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Secretary of State encourages parents to
spend these 25 hours supervising their children driving in many
different situations, for example, driving both during the day and at
night, driving on the highway and in the city, and driving in varying
weather conditions; and
WHEREAS, There is currently no requirement that a beginning driver
display a sign on his or her vehicle that reads "STUDENT DRIVER" or
"PERMIT DRIVER" during the 25 hours he or she spends behind the wheel
driving under the supervision of a responsible adult, meaning that
other drivers on the road have no way of knowing that they should
exercise additional caution around these drivers; therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Secretary
of State to initiate a program to provide the parents of student
motorists with signs or stickers, bearing the words "STUDENT DRIVER" or
"PERMIT DRIVER", to be displayed while the student is performing his or
her mandatory practice driving; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to Secretary
of State Jesse White.
HOUSE RESOLUTION 564
Offered by Representative Woolard:
WHEREAS, Illinois is a coal-producing and coal-consuming State that
has benefitted tremendously from the hard, dangerous work of retired
coal miners; and
WHEREAS, The United States government entered into a contract with
the coal miners in 1946 that created the United Mine Workers of America
Health and Retirement Funds; and
WHEREAS, This contract was signed in the White House in a ceremony
with President Harry Truman; and
WHEREAS, A federal commission established by U.S. Secretary of
Labor Elizabeth Dole concluded in 1990: "Retired coal miners have
legitimate expectations of health care benefits for life; that was the
promise they received during their working lives and that is how they
planned their retirement years. That commitment should be honored.";
and
WHEREAS, This promise became law in 1992 when Congress passed, and
President George Bush signed, the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit
Act (the Coal Act); and
WHEREAS, The Coal Act reiterated the promise of lifetime health
benefits for retired coal miners and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, Congress intended the Coal Act to:
"(1) remedy problems with the provision and funding of health
care benefits with respect to the beneficiaries of multi-employer
benefit plans that provide health care benefits to retirees in the
coal industry;
(2) allow for sufficient operating assets for such plans; and
(3) provide for the continuation of a privately financed
self-sufficient program for the delivery of health care benefits to
the beneficiaries of such plans"; and
WHEREAS, Certain court decisions have eroded the financial
structure that Congress put in place under the Coal Act; and
WHEREAS, These court decisions have placed the continued provision
of health benefits to retired coal miners in jeopardy; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Congress
[February 2, 2000] 34
and the Executive Branch of the United States to work together to
reform the financial structure of the Coal Act and to ensure that
retired coal miners continue to receive the health care benefits they
were promised and so rightly deserve; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to the
President of the United States and to each member of the Illinois
congressional delegation.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 46
Offered by Representatives Granberg - Lang:
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois made a good faith effort to help the
economy of Illinois; the hotels that benefited from this effort have
not returned that same good faith by paying back the money borrowed and
are now required only to pay back money toward the loans when they
declare a profit and the money is applied to the principal not the
interest; and
WHEREAS, State of Illinois employees have paid more to stay at
these hotels than the hotels have paid back since the inception of the
loans, and the continued use of these hotels is resulting in the
residents of Illinois paying double to these hotels because the loans
are not being repaid; and
WHEREAS, The Collinsville Holiday Inn has borrowed from the State
of Illinois and still owes $15,428,773 in principal and $8,837,518 in
interest, and has a total outstanding balance due of $24,226,291 as of
December 30, 1999; and
WHEREAS, The Renaissance Hotel of Springfield has borrowed from the
State of Illinois and still owes $14,012,106 in principal and
$8,994,624 in interest, and has a total outstanding balance due of
$23,006,730 as of December 30, 1999; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING
HEREIN, that until such time as the loans to the hotels are being paid
back on a regular basis, all State of Illinois employees shall be
directed not to use these hotels while travelling on State business;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to
Governor George H. Ryan.
At the hour of 2:20 o'clock p.m., Representative Currie moved that
the House do now adjourn until Thursday, February 3, 2000, at 12:00
o'clock Noon.
The motion prevailed.
And the House stood adjourned.
35 [February 2, 2000]
NO. 1
STATE OF ILLINOIS
NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE ROLL CALL
QUORUM ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE
FEB 02, 2000
0 YEAS 0 NAYS 117 PRESENT
P ACEVEDO P FOWLER P LINDNER P REITZ
P BASSI P FRANKS P LOPEZ P RIGHTER
P BEAUBIEN P FRITCHEY P LYONS,EILEEN P RUTHERFORD
P BELLOCK P GARRETT P LYONS,JOSEPH P RYDER
P BIGGINS P GASH P MATHIAS P SAVIANO
P BLACK P GIGLIO P MAUTINO P SCHMITZ
P BOLAND P GILES P McAULIFFE P SCHOENBERG
P BOST P GRANBERG P McCARTHY P SCOTT
P BRADLEY P HAMOS P McGUIRE P SCULLY
P BRADY P HANNIG P McKEON P SHARP
P BROSNAHAN P HARRIS P MEYER P SILVA
P BRUNSVOLD P HARTKE P MITCHELL,BILL P SKINNER
P BUGIELSKI P HASSERT P MITCHELL,JERRY P SLONE
P BURKE P HOEFT P MOFFITT P SMITH
P CAPPARELLI P HOFFMAN P MOORE P SOMMER
P COULSON P HOLBROOK E MORROW P STEPHENS
P COWLISHAW P HOWARD P MULLIGAN P STROGER
P CROSS P HULTGREN P MURPHY P TENHOUSE
P CROTTY P JOHNSON,TIM P MYERS P TURNER,ART
P CURRIE P JOHNSON,TOM P NOVAK P TURNER,JOHN
P CURRY P JONES,JOHN P O'BRIEN P WAIT
P DANIELS P JONES,LOU P O'CONNOR P WINKEL
P DART P JONES,SHIRLEY P OSMOND P WINTERS
P DAVIS,MONIQUE P KENNER P OSTERMAN P WIRSING
P DAVIS,STEVE P KLINGLER P PANKAU P WOJCIK
P DELGADO P KOSEL P PARKE P WOOLARD
P DURKIN P KRAUSE P PERSICO P YOUNGE
P ERWIN P LANG P POE P ZICKUS
P FEIGENHOLTZ P LAWFER P PUGH P MR. SPEAKER
P FLOWERS P LEITCH
E - Denotes Excused Absence
[February 2, 2000] 36
NO. 2
STATE OF ILLINOIS
NINETY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE ROLL CALL
HOUSE BILL 2909
MTBE-PUMP LABELS
THIRD READING
PASSED
FEB 02, 2000
116 YEAS 0 NAYS 0 PRESENT
Y ACEVEDO Y FOWLER Y LINDNER Y REITZ
Y BASSI Y FRANKS Y LOPEZ Y RIGHTER
Y BEAUBIEN Y FRITCHEY Y LYONS,EILEEN Y RUTHERFORD
Y BELLOCK Y GARRETT Y LYONS,JOSEPH Y RYDER
Y BIGGINS Y GASH Y MATHIAS Y SAVIANO
Y BLACK Y GIGLIO Y MAUTINO Y SCHMITZ
Y BOLAND Y GILES Y McAULIFFE Y SCHOENBERG
Y BOST Y GRANBERG Y McCARTHY Y SCOTT
Y BRADLEY Y HAMOS Y McGUIRE Y SCULLY
Y BRADY Y HANNIG Y McKEON Y SHARP
Y BROSNAHAN Y HARRIS Y MEYER Y SILVA
Y BRUNSVOLD Y HARTKE Y MITCHELL,BILL Y SKINNER
Y BUGIELSKI Y HASSERT Y MITCHELL,JERRY Y SLONE
Y BURKE Y HOEFT Y MOFFITT Y SMITH
Y CAPPARELLI Y HOFFMAN Y MOORE Y SOMMER
Y COULSON Y HOLBROOK E MORROW Y STEPHENS
Y COWLISHAW Y HOWARD Y MULLIGAN Y STROGER
Y CROSS Y HULTGREN Y MURPHY Y TENHOUSE
Y CROTTY Y JOHNSON,TIM Y MYERS Y TURNER,ART
Y CURRIE Y JOHNSON,TOM Y NOVAK Y TURNER,JOHN
Y CURRY Y JONES,JOHN Y O'BRIEN Y WAIT
Y DANIELS Y JONES,LOU Y O'CONNOR Y WINKEL
Y DART Y JONES,SHIRLEY Y OSMOND Y WINTERS
Y DAVIS,MONIQUE Y KENNER Y OSTERMAN Y WIRSING
Y DAVIS,STEVE Y KLINGLER Y PANKAU Y WOJCIK
Y DELGADO Y KOSEL A PARKE Y WOOLARD
Y DURKIN Y KRAUSE Y PERSICO Y YOUNGE
Y ERWIN Y LANG Y POE Y ZICKUS
Y FEIGENHOLTZ Y LAWFER Y PUGH Y MR. SPEAKER
Y FLOWERS Y LEITCH
E - Denotes Excused Absence
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