STATE OF ILLINOIS
HOUSE JOURNAL
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
67TH LEGISLATIVE DAY
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2001
4:00 O'CLOCK P.M.
NO. 67
[May 29, 2001] 2 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Daily Journal Index 67th Legislative Day Action Page(s) Adjournment........................................ 30 Committee on Rules Referrals....................... 6 Extending the Deadline............................. 4 Fiscal Note Requested.............................. 7 Fiscal Note Withdrawn.............................. 7 Home Rule Note Requested........................... 7 Quorum Roll Call................................... 4 State Mandates Note Requested...................... 7 Bill Number Legislative Action Page(s) HB 0030 Committee Report................................... 5 HB 0030 Extend Deadline.................................... 5 HB 0293 Motion Submitted................................... 6 HB 0922 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 10 HB 1908 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 1970 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 2161 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 2392 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 2439 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 9 HB 2538 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 2703 Committee Report................................... 5 HB 3128 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HB 3188 Motion Submitted................................... 6 HB 3289 Committee Report - Concur in SA.................... 5 HJR 0039 Committee Report................................... 5 HJR 0039 Committee Report................................... 5 HJR 0047 Resolution......................................... 28 HR 0122 Committee Report................................... 5 HR 0397 Agreed Resolution.................................. 10 HR 0398 Resolution......................................... 25 HR 0399 Resolution......................................... 25 HR 0400 Agreed Resolution.................................. 10 HR 0401 Agreed Resolution.................................. 11 HR 0402 Agreed Resolution.................................. 11 HR 0403 Resolution......................................... 26 HR 0404 Agreed Resolution.................................. 12 HR 0405 Resolution......................................... 27 HR 0406 Agreed Resolution.................................. 13 HR 0407 Agreed Resolution.................................. 14 HR 0408 Agreed Resolution.................................. 15 HR 0409 Agreed Resolution.................................. 15 HR 0410 Agreed Resolution.................................. 16 HR 0411 Agreed Resolution.................................. 17 HR 0412 Agreed Resolution.................................. 17 HR 0413 Agreed Resolution.................................. 18 HR 0414 Agreed Resolution.................................. 19 HR 0415 Agreed Resolution.................................. 19 HR 0416 Agreed Resolution.................................. 20 HR 0417 Agreed Resolution.................................. 21 HR 0418 Agreed Resolution.................................. 22 HR 0419 Agreed Resolution.................................. 23 HR 0420 Agreed Resolution.................................. 23 HR 0421 Agreed Resolution.................................. 24 SB 0020 Motion Submitted................................... 6 SB 0020 Senate Message - Refuse to Concur.................. 7 SB 0022 Extend Deadline.................................... 4
3 [May 29, 2001] Bill Number Legislative Action Page(s) SB 0264 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 0372 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 0397 Motion Submitted................................... 7 SB 0397 Senate Message - Refuse to Concur.................. 8 SB 0435 Motion Submitted................................... 7 SB 0435 Senate Message - Refuse to Concur.................. 8 SB 0489 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 0843 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 0887 Senate Message - Refuse to Concur.................. 9 SB 0926 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 1171 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 1283 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SB 1285 Committee Report-Floor Amendment/s................. 5 SJR 0028 Committee Report................................... 5
[May 29, 2001] 4 The House met pursuant to adjournment. Representative Hartke in the Chair. Prayer by Kristin Van Aken Legislative Assistant. Representative Burke 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: 116 present. (ROLL CALL 1) By unanimous consent, Representatives Schoenberg and Stephens were excused from attendance. REQUEST TO BE SHOWN ON QUORUM Having been absent when the Quorum Roll Call for Attendance was taken, this is to advise you that I, Representative Dart, should be recorded as present. EXTENDING THE DEADLINE GENERAL ASSEMBLY STATE OF ILLINOIS MICHAEL J. MADIGAN ROOM 300 SPEAKER STATE HOUSE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706 May 29, 2001 Anthony D. Rossi Clerk of the House House of Representatives 402 Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 Dear Mr. Clerk: Please be advised that I have extended the committee and 3rd reading deadline for the following Senate bill until May 31, 2001: Senate Bill: 22 If you have questions, please contact my Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes. With kindest personal regards, I remain Sincerely yours, s/Michael J. Madigan Speaker of the House GENERAL ASSEMBLY STATE OF ILLINOIS MICHAEL J. MADIGAN ROOM 300 SPEAKER STATE HOUSE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706 May 29, 2001 Anthony D. Rossi Clerk of the House House of Representatives 402 Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706
5 [May 29, 2001] Dear Mr. Clerk: Please be advised that I have extended 3rd reading deadline for the following House bill until May 31, 2001. House Bill: 30 If you have questions, please contact my Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes. With kindest personal regards, I remain Sincerely yours, s/Michael J. Madigan Speaker of the House 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 bill be reported "approved for consideration" and be placed on the order of Third Reading: HOUSE BILL 30. That the resolution be reported "recommends be adopted" and be placed on the House Calendar: HOUSE RESOLUTION 122; HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 39. That the Floor Amendment be reported "recommends be adopted": Amendment No. 2 to SENATE BILL 264. Amendment No. 4 to SENATE BILL 372. Amendment No. 3 to SENATE BILL 489. Amendment No. 3 to SENATE BILL 843. Amendment No. 2 to SENATE BILL 926. Amendment No. 2 to SENATE BILL 1283. That the resolution be reported "recommends be adopted" and be placed on the order of Resolutions: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 28. That the Motion be reported "recommends be adopted" and placed on the House Calendar: Motion to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 1908. Motion to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 1970. Motion to concur with Senate Amendment No. 3 to HOUSE BILL 2161. Motion to concur with Senate Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 2392. Motion to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 2538. Motion to concur with Senate Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 3128. Motion to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 3289. That the the Motion to Table Floor Amendment be reported "recommends be adopted": Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to SENATE BILL 1171. The committee roll call vote on the foregoing Legislative measures is as follows: 3, Yeas; 2, Nays; 0, Answering Present. Y Currie, Chair N Ryder Y Hannig (Lang) N Tenhouse, Spkpn Y Turner, Art (Hartke) That the bill be reported "approved for consideration" and be placed on the order of Second Reading -- Short Debate: HOUSE BILL 2703. That the Floor Amendment be reported "recommends be adopted": Amendment No. 1 to SENATE BILL 1285.
[May 29, 2001] 6 The committee roll call vote on the foregoing Legislative measures is as follows: 3, Yeas; 2, Nays; 0, Answering Present. Y Currie, Chair N Ryder Y Hannig N Tenhouse, Spkpn 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 Cities & Villages: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 3 to HOUSE BILL 2380. Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: House Amendment 4 to SENATE BILL 975. Committee on Environment & Energy: House Amendment 4 to SENATE BILL 1069. Committee on Executive: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 2439; Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 3188. Committee on Human Services: House Amendments 3 and 4 to SENATE BILL 461. Committee on Insurance: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to HOUSE BILL 2419. Committee on Judiciary II-Criminal Law: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to HOUSE BILL 2228. Committee on Registration & Regulation: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to HOUSE BILL 2391; and Motion to Concur in Senate Amendment 1 to HOUSE BILL 2595. Committee on Revenue: SENATE BILL 22; House Amendment 7 to SENATE BILL 22. Committee on The Disabled Community: Motion to Concur in Senate Amendment 1 to HOUSE BILL 3192. Committee on Personnel & Pensions: House Amendment 1 to HOUSE BILL 2703. Committee on Revenue: House Amendment 7 to SENATE BILL 1171. Special Committee on Redistricting: First Conference Committee Report to HOUSE BILL 2917. JOINT ACTION MOTIONS SUBMITTED Representative Hartke submitted the following written motion, which was referred to the Committee on Rules: MOTION #2 I move to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 3188. Representative Beaubien submitted the following written motion, which was placed on the Calendar on the order of Concurrence: MOTION #2 I move to non-concur with Senate Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 293. Representative Coulson submitted the following written motion, which was referred to the Committee on Rules: MOTION #1 I move to recede from House Amendment No. 2 to SENATE BILL 20. Representative Mathias submitted the following written motion, which was referred to the Committee on Rules:
7 [May 29, 2001] MOTION #1 I move to recede from House Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to SENATE BILL 397. Representative Lindner submitted the following written motion, which was placed on the Calendar on the order of Non-concurrence: MOTION #1 I move to refuse to recede from House Amendment No. 1 to SENATE BILL 435. REQUEST FOR FISCAL NOTE Representative Black requested that a Fiscal Note be supplied for SENATE BILL 22, as amended. FISCAL NOTE WITHDRAWN Representative Black withdrew his request for a Fiscal Note on SENATE BILL 267. REQUEST FOR STATE MANDATES NOTE Representative Black requested that a State Mandates Note be supplied for SENATE BILL 22, as amended. REQUEST FOR HOME RULE NOTE Representative Black requested that a Home Rule Note be supplied for SENATE BILL 22, 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 concurred with the House in the adoption of their amendment to a bill of the following title, to-wit: SENATE BILL NO. 20 A bill for AN ACT to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by changing Section 11-501. House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill No. 20. I am further directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has refused to concur with the House in the adoption of the following amendment: House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill No. 20. Action taken by the Senate, May 29, 2001. Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate The foregoing message from the Senate reporting their refusal to concur in House Amendment No. 2 to SENATE BILL 20 was placed on the Calendar on the order of Non-Concurrence.
[May 29, 2001] 8 A message from the Senate by Mr. Harry, Secretary: Mr. Speaker -- I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has refused to concur with the House in the adoption of their amendments to a bill of the following title, to-wit: SENATE BILL 397 A bill for AN ACT concerning firearms. House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill No. 397. House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill No. 397. Action taken by the Senate, May 29, 2001. Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate The foregoing message from the Senate reporting their refusal to concur in House Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to SENATE BILL 397 was placed on the Calendar on the order of Non-Concurrence. A message from the Senate by Mr. Harry, Secretary: Mr. Speaker -- I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has refused to concur with the House in the adoption of their amendment to a bill of the following title, to-wit: SENATE BILL 435 A bill for AN ACT in relation to criminal law. House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill No. 435. Action taken by the Senate, May 29, 2001. Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate The foregoing message from the Senate reporting their refusal to concur in House Amendment No. 1 to SENATE BILL 435 was placed on the Calendar on the order of Non-Concurrence. A message from the Senate by Mr. Harry, Secretary: Mr. Speaker -- I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has refused to concur with the House in the adoption of their amendments to a bill of the following title, to-wit: SENATE BILL 887 A bill for AN ACT concerning title insurance. House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill No. 887. House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill No. 887. House Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill No. 887.
9 [May 29, 2001] Action taken by the Senate, May 29, 2001. Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate The foregoing message from the Senate reporting their refusal to concur in House Amendments numbered 1, 2 and 3 to SENATE BILL 887 was placed on the Calendar on the order of Non-Concurrence. 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 the adoption of their amendment to a bill of the following title, to-wit: SENATE BILL NO. 1177 A bill for AN ACT concerning taxation. House Amendment No. 1 to SENATE BILL NO. 1177. Action taken by the Senate, May 29, 2001. 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. 2 Concurred in the Senate, May 29, 2001. Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEE Representative Burke, Chairperson, from the Committee on Executive to which the following were referred, action taken earlier today, and reported the same back with the following recommendations: That the Motion be reported "recommends be adopted" and placed on the House Calendar: Motion to concur with Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 2439. The committee roll call vote on the Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments numbered 1 and 2 to HOUSE BILL 2439 is as follows: 10, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present. Y Burke, Chair A Capparelli Y Acevedo Y Hassert Y Beaubien (Lindner) Y Jones, Lou Y Biggins (Persico) Y McKeon A Bradley Y Pankau (Ryder) A Bugielski, V-Chair Y Poe, Spkpn Y Rutherford (Tenhouse) Representative Joseph Lyons, Chairperson, from the Committee on Revenue to which the following were referred, action taken earlier
[May 29, 2001] 10 today, and reported the same back with the following recommendations: That the Motion be reported "recommends be adopted" and placed on the House Calendar: Motion to concur with Senate Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 922. The committee roll call vote on the Motion to Concur in Senate Amendment No. 1 to HOUSE BILL 922 is as follows: 10, Yeas; 0, Nays; 0, Answering Present. Y Lyons, Joseph, Chair Y Kenner, V-Chair (Hamos) Y Beaubien Y Lyons, Eileen Y Biggins Y McGuire Y Currie Y Moore, Spkpn A Granberg Y Pankau Y Turner, Art AGREED RESOLUTIONS The following resolutions were offered and placed on the Calendar on the order of Agreed Resolutions. HOUSE RESOLUTION 397 Offered by Representative O'Brien: WHEREAS, The Members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize significant milestones in the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that the Limestone Fire Protection District is celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, The Limestone Township Fire Protection District began in January 1951 when, after discussing the need for a fire department, township residents held a public meeting to establish the District and to set up a fund to cover the expense of establishing the District; and WHEREAS, Subsequent to the creation of the District, trustees were elected who then purchased a 1951 fire engine; with the hard work of the fire department members, the old town hall was converted into a fire station; members donated their time to pour a concrete floor, install doors, and perform other work in building; and WHEREAS, In 1957, a new fire station was constructed consisting of 3 truck bays, a meeting room, and a kitchen; this facility was subsequently expanded over the years and additional truck bays were built; WHEREAS, 5 years ago the volunteer members of the fire department and the community began planning a new fire station that, after 5 years of planning, has now become a reality; this new fire station has 6 drive-through bays, administrative offices, high-tech training facilities, and day crew staff accommodations; and WHEREAS, Today the Limestone Township Fire Protection District area consists of 56 subdivisions serving more than 5,000 residents; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Limestone Township Fire Protection District on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lyle Coffman, President of the Board of Trustees for Limestone Township Fire Protection District, as an expression of our respect and esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 400 Offered by Representative Black: WHEREAS, The Members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize significant milestone events in the lives of citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Ed Bell is retiring
11 [May 29, 2001] after 38 years of teaching; and WHEREAS, Ed Bell taught social studies, government, and history at East Park Junior High School in Danville 1963-1980 and at Danville High School 1980-2001; and WHEREAS, Danville School Superintendent David Fields, principal of East Park Junior High School when Ed Bell taught there, praised him as "simply an outstanding teacher"; and WHEREAS, Ed Bell was educated in the small central Illinois towns of Garland, Metcalf, and Hume, starting school in a one-room schoolhouse in Garland and graduating from Young America High School in Hume in 1959; he received his bachelor's degree in social studies from Eastern Illinois University in 1963 and his master's degree in education from the University of Illinois in 1973; and WHEREAS, Ed Bell plans to spend his retirement with his wife, Tillie, who runs an antique store in Danville, and also would like to travel, especially to visit his sons, Tim and Steve, in Florida; therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Ed Bell on his 38 years as a teacher and on his retirement; and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be delivered to Ed Bell as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 401 Offered by Representative Black: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone achievements in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Felicia Austin has been named the State of Illinois' Correctional Officer of the Year; and WHEREAS, Felicia Austin began working at the Danville Correctional Center three years ago; she has worked in just about every job there, including in the towers, main gate, armory, in the housing units, and health care; and WHEREAS, Felicia Austin is currently a movement officer who moves inmates from one building to another; and WHEREAS, Felicia Austin is active in athletics; she was awarded a basketball and softball scholarship to Lincoln College; she later received a scholarship to play softball at Morehead State University in Kentucky, where she majored in sociology with an emphasis in corrections; and WHEREAS, The Danville Correctional Center has seen two other employees named Correctional Officer of the Year in the past five years; Felicia Austin was one of 16,000 Correctional Officers nominated for this honor; and WHEREAS, Felicia Austin is fulfilling her dream of working in a setting where she helps others; she represents a good example of the excellent work being done by officers at the Danville Correctional Center; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Felicia Austin on being named the 2001 State of Illinois' Correctional Officer of the Year; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Felicia Austin as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 402 Offered by Representative Currie: WHEREAS, The Members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize significant milestone events in the history of religious organizations in the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, The present K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation was formed in 1971 by the merger of the two oldest Reform congregations in the
[May 29, 2001] 12 Midwest; and WHEREAS, The congregation was founded in 1847, making it the oldest Jewish congregation in the Midwest; it was a founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1873 and has been located in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area of Chicago since the 1920s; and WHEREAS, K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation is a special Hyde Park-Kenwood institution, has a tradition of activism, and is nationally known as a leader in Reform Judaism and Hyde Park-Kenwood interfaith activities for social justice; and WHEREAS, After the 1971 merger, the building at 51st Street and Drexel Avenue that had been the congregation's synagogue became the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH coalition; and WHEREAS, K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation has been a home to some of the leading lights in American Jewish and civil life, including Rabbi Jacob Weinstein, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Arthur Goldberg, Supreme Court Justice and United Nations Ambassador; Abner J. Mikva, Congressman, Federal Judge and White House Counsel; Rabbi Morton Berman, community builder and leader in moving the Reform movement to Zionism; Arnold Jacob Wolf, rabbi, scholar, civil rights leader and innovator of Reform Jewish practice; and Hayim Goren Perelmuter, a foundational figure in Catholic-Jewish dialogue; and WHEREAS, Today's membership of K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation, located at 1100 East Hyde Park Boulevard, includes many of Illinois' most respected leaders in fields as diverse as business, law, philanthropy, science, economics, journalism, literature, art, medicine and social services; and WHEREAS, The congregation's Spring fund-raiser, "Bubbles Galore and Much Much More", is scheduled for June 2, 2001, at 8 p.m.; therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the members of K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation on the congregation's 30 years as presently constituted and on its more than 150 years of history and wish them well in their fund raising efforts; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be delivered to the congregation's president, Gary Laser, as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 404 Offered by Representative Erwin: WHEREAS, June 21, 2001 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the birth of Sean Thaddeus Erwin to John and Patricia Erwin in Detroit, Michigan; and WHEREAS, Sean's great enthusiasm for entering the world surprised even his parents since he arrived two months early with little warning; and WHEREAS, Due to the loving care and attention of his parents, highly-skilled pediatric specialists and a recycled incubator, young Sean was welcomed home by his loving, dotting older sister; and WHEREAS, Sean's younger years were marked by noteworthy falls on the head including a spectacular double-somersault out the car door on the Henry Ford Expressway resulting in a fractured skull and a somewhat less-thrilling dive from the front porch of his home in Birmingham, Michigan; and WHEREAS, Despite severe trauma's to the head, Sean progressed through elementary school, charming the nuns to the disdain of his older sister who was always in trouble in school; and WHEREAS, The adolescent years were marked by the usual family feuds and general discord associated with the trials and tribulations of growing up in a traditional 1950's Ozzie and Harriet home where mom stayed home to bake cookies all day and gracefully declined to hold any personal opinions on politics or the news of the day; and WHEREAS, Sean adjusted to a life of being the new kid in school in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois much better than his sister, who continued
13 [May 29, 2001] to cause strain and anxiety in the family, thus diverting attention away from the mischief of both Sean and the newer addition to the family, Edward; and WHEREAS, Sean's early work experience fitting women's fat feet into too small shoes at Baskin's in Oakbrook, helped shape a strong work ethic, but disdain for work involving either heavy lifting or women's feet; and WHEREAS, A distinguished college career at Northern Illinois University was marked by both academic and social success, becoming an officer of his fraternity where he learned valuable skills like how to drink beer in 1001 new ways; and WHEREAS, Sean's great moment of brilliance came when he asked Amy Lester to be his bride, however failing to inform her that he would be starring in a sequel to "The Fugitive" requiring that he pull up stakes every couple of years to either escape his past or, move up another rung on the corporate ladder; and WHEREAS, Sean and Amy wasted little time welcoming Benjamin Thomas as their first born and every year following, welcoming Matthew, Katie, and Kevin until Kimberly Clark was assured that enough Baby Kimbies would be sold to keep him employed and Amy announced, "Enough already!"; and WHEREAS, Sean weathered the storms of parenting largely by being at work and out of whatever country they happen to be living in at the time, but making up for it by being a truly great dad and all-around "really nice guy", according to number four child, Kevin; a real soft touch to his only daughter Katie; and a friend and mentor to Ben, Matt and all the kids; and WHEREAS, Having trotted around the globe for the glory of Kleenex, Depends and Baby Kimbies, the Erwin family is most grateful that Sean has decided to rejoin the entire family in Alpharetta, Georgia, making his parents, sister and brother also happy that he's back, but sad that they may never get to see Australia again; and WHEREAS, It is fitting and appropriate that having already lost and regained his hair several times, Sean's June 2001 50th birthday celebration will be marked by his children, family and friends with the usual class and decorum of say, "Animal House"; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we join in congratulating Sean Erwin on reaching the ripe old age of 50 years old and respectfully suggesting that he check for any back taxes due to the State of Illinois so we can continue to pay his sister's public salary; and be it resolved RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Sean Erwin to symbolize our best wishes as he celebrates 50 years of life, love, health and happiness with his family and send our sincere hope that he enjoys at least 50 more years, which he surely will, if he will just listen to what his mother tells him about his diet and health. HOUSE RESOLUTION 406 Offered by Representative Bill Mitchell: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Mark W. Gregory is retiring from his duties as Superintendent of Central A & M Community Unit District 21; and WHEREAS, Mark W. Gregory was born on October 14, 1937 in Moweaqua, Illinois to Lloyd and Helen Gregory; and WHEREAS, Mark W. Gregory is a 1955 graduate of Moweaqua High School, where he served as Valedictorian of his class; he earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1959 and earned his master's degree from the University of Colorado in 1963; he received a certificate of Advanced Study from the University of Illinois in 1981; and
[May 29, 2001] 14 WHEREAS, Mark W. Gregory began his 42-year teaching career and 29-year career as a Superintendent in 1959 at Moweaqua Community Unit District 6A as an Instrumental Music teacher for grades five through twelve; on 1970, he was named as Principal of Moweaqua Elementary School; in 1972 he was named Superintendent of Moweaqua Community Unit District 6A; and in 1992 he was named Superintendent of Central A & M Community Unit District 21; and WHEREAS, In addition to his administrative duties, Mark W. Gregory is a member of First Baptist Church in Moweaqua, Illinois where he serves as a moderator, as Deacon, youth sponsor, and choir director; in addition, he served as treasurer and past president of the Illinois Association of School Administrators; as a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials, as President-Elect of the Moweaqua Rotary Club, as a member of the Assumption Optimist Club, as a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi, and as past president and member of the Board of Managers of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region; and WHEREAS, Mark W. Gregory is supported by his loving and very proud family which includes his wife, Von Arlene Gregory, and his children, Jason, Nathan, and Caleb; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mark W. Gregory on his retirement as Superintendent of Central A & M Community Unit District 21 and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mark W. Gregory as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 407 Offered by Representative Coulson: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Nancy L. Firfer, President of the Village of Glenview, Illinois, on her retirement; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer has served as Glenview Village President since 1993; she was recognized as Outstanding Local Elected Official by the Private Industry Council in 1995; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Glenview from 1987 to 1993; she served on the Steering Committee of the Glenview Values Project, a community resource effort; she also served as chairwoman of the Glenview Independence Day Commission 1989-1993, having been appointed to the Commission in 1987; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer was a member of the board of Northbrook/Glenview Elementary School District #30 from 1978 to 1985, serving as vice president 1980-1981 and as President 1981-1985; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer served on the Northfield Township High School District #225 Board of Education 1985-1987; she served as President of the Northwest Municipal Conference 1998-1999; and she has served in numerous other civic positions; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in Evanston in June 1967, with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance Education; she subsequently attended National Lewis University in Evanston and Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, successfully completing various graduate level education courses; she taught Grades 3 through 6 at a private school in Chicago from October 1968 through June 1973; and WHEREAS, Nancy L. Firfer and her husband, Rick, have three grown children; therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Nancy L. Firfer on her retirement as President of the Village of Glenview, Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED, We would also like to extend a very special "Thank You" to Nancy L. Firfer for her years of commitment and dedication to the Village of Glenview and we wish her well in all of her future
15 [May 29, 2001] endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Nancy L. Firfer as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 408 Offered by Representative Currie: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sylvia Glagov, who passed away on May 19, 2001; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Glagov earned her undergraduate degree in history from Brooklyn College and a master's degree from Columbia University and worked on her doctorate at the University of Chicago; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Glagov began her career at Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois at Chicago; she then moved to Harold Washington College, formerly called Loop College, where she, during her more than 25 year career, became an award-winning college professor; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Glagov cared greatly for and was a major influence in the lives of her students; known for having difficult classes, she expected a lot from her students, even requiring them to take notes, which she then inspected; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Glagov's main areas of expertise were in Russian history, women's history, and the social sciences; and she was always available to give advice, especially on the importance of good study habits; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Glagov retired in 1992; she devoted herself to her other interests, which included listening to classical music, playing the harp, reading, attending films, and visiting art museums; she volunteered to record books for the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic; and she traveled around the globe, exploring most of Europe and visiting Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Russia; and WHEREAS, The passing of Sylvia Glagov will be felt by all who knew and loved her, especially her husband of nearly 55 years, Dr. Seymour Glagov; her son, Hersh Glagov; and her nieces and nephews; therefore be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with all who knew and loved her, the death of Sylvia Glagov; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sylvia Glagov. HOUSE RESOLUTION 409 Offered by Representative Durkin: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson is retiring after 43 years of service to the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force; and WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson began his distinguished military career in 1955 when he joined the Civil Air Patrol; in 1958 he graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in Miami and then enlisted into the United States Air Force as Airman 3rd Class at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; in September 1958, he was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base for three years; in February 1961 he was assigned as a rescue medic at Sidi Slimane Air Force Base in Morocco; in February 1962 he was assigned to Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana, now known as Grissom Air Force Base, where he was involved in rescue efforts on numerous B-58 crashes that earned him the nickname "Crash"; in August 1965 he was assigned to Clark Air Force Base in the Phillippines where he served as a medic on helicopter and C-130 and C47 aircraft flying rescue missions into various areas of Southeast Asia; in June 1966 he was honorably discharged from the
[May 29, 2001] 16 United States Air Force with the rank of Sergeant; and WHEREAS, In June 1966, Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson joined the Illinois Air National Guard, 108th Refueling Squadron as an in-flight refueller; during the next ten years, he served as in-flight refueller and as in-flight refueling instructor and later he was promoted to Technical Sergeant; in March 1974, he attended officers' training at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tennessee and received his commission on April 3, 1975 as Second Lieutenant; in April 1978, he was promoted to First Lieutenant; and WHEREAS, In January of 1979, Lt. Col Clifford P. Johnson organized and supervised, in conjunction with the City of Chicago, a massive humanitarian effort to provide transportation for critically ill kidney dialysis patients to area hospitals for treatment during the Great Blizzard of 1979; in April 1984, he was promoted to the rank of Captain; in the spring of 1988 he was transferred to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico as a base readiness officer; and WHEREAS, In April of 1988, Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson was promoted to the rank of Major; in the spring of 1990 he was transferred to Portland, Oregon Air National Guard Base, 244th Combat Communication Squadron where he helped write new state laws authorizing special license plates for national guard members, and co-produced, "On Call, Serving America", a video history of the Oregon Air National Guard; in March 1992, he was transferred to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida where he was assigned to 6 Civil Engineering Squadron; in February 1994, he attended BRUTUS, a tactical communications course for combat operations held by the British Royal Air Force in England, where he served as the only United States military officer to ever be invited to participate in this program; and WHEREAS, In April 1994, Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; in January 1997, he was transferred to Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, where he co-produced, "Global Reach For America", a video history of air mobility that has won several awards; and in March he was transferred to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida where he began engineering and construction of "Thunder Village", a new on-base training facility that allows military units to train in field conditions; the Thunder Village was completes in 1998 and will save millions of taxpayer dollars over its lifetime; and WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson is retiring from the Air National Guard on June 9, 2001 with 42 years, 11 months and 2 days of total service; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lt. Col. CLifford P. Johnson on his retirement after a distinguished career of 43 years in the United States Military and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lt. Col. Clifford P. Johnson as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 410 Offered by Representative Lou Jones: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr is stepping down from her duties as Local Area Network and Budget Administrator at the Nancy Jefferson Alternative School; and WHEREAS, Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr has provided a dedicated and committed service as an Administrator and Educator in the Chicago Public Schools for the past 34 years; she has faithfully served Nancy Jefferson Alternative School, Corliss High School, Lane Technical High School, Simeon Vocational High School, and Herzel Elementary School; and WHEREAS, Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr has made successful efforts to promote the cause of education, civic pride and responsibility, health
17 [May 29, 2001] care and other important social issues; and WHEREAS, Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr has performed many great services and fully deserves her retirement from her professional life; her kindness, insight, strength and knowledge will be missed; in addition, her work as an advocate for minority scientists and engineers, as a supporter of science and technology education, and her personal example of excellence in teaching and administration will leave a lasting impression on all who have known her; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr for her dedication and commitment to education and her community and on her forthcoming retirement; we also wish her well in all of her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mae Ruth Wadlington Carr as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 411 Offered by Representative Brady: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor milestone events in the lives of citizens of Illinois; and WHEREAS, Mike Manahan recently was chosen Class A Coach of the Year for the 2000-2001 school year by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association; and WHEREAS, Mike Manahan has been the head wrestling coach of Olympia High School for 30 years, serving in that position since the school was established in 1972; and WHEREAS, Olympia High School was 2nd in the State this year, with a record of 27-4, 4th in the State last year, with a record of 28-5, and 3rd in the State in 1999, with a 27-3 record; and WHEREAS, Mike Manahan has been coaching for 34 years and has compiled an overall record of 356 wins, 320 losses, and 3 ties; he has won the Coach of the Year Award 6 times; and WHEREAS, Mike Manahan began wrestling at Bloomington High School, where he was a qualifier for the State Individual Tournament and the captain of his team; he qualified twice for the national tournament while at Illinois State University and served as captain of his team senior year; he coached at Bloomington Junior High School, Normal University High School, and Eureka High School before beginning the wrestling program at Olympia, where he still coaches; and WHEREAS, Mike Manahan has been a wrestling official for 39 years, working regional and sectional tournaments, as well as some college matches; he has been tournament director of the Illinois Elementary School Association State Wrestling Championships for 9 years, serving as Grand Marshal for the tournament in 1998; therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mike Manahan on his selection by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association as Coach of the Year for the 2000-2001 school year; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mike Manahan as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 412 Offered by Representative Flowers: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Lula Mary Flowers is going to be inducted into the Chicago Senior Citizens' Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers was born on December 13, 1930 in Inverness Mississippi; she moved to Englewood where she has been a resident for over 44 years; and
[May 29, 2001] 18 WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers has been an active member in her community; she is the president of the 6900 South Ada Block Club; she has served on the Chicago Board of Education and the Chicago Board of Elections; and she is currently a crossing guard for the Chicago Public Schools; and WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers has been active in politics; she has assisted many of Chicago's mayors including Richard Daley, Harold Washington, and Eugene Sawyer; and she has supported and assisted several elected officials as they worked in improving the Englewood community; and WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers received the 7th District Caps Advisory committee award; she continues to dedicate service to that organization; and WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers was married to Willie W. Flower, who is now deceased; she is the proud mother of seven children, State Representative Mary E. Flowers, Willie W. Flowers, Betty J. Phillips, Shirley A. Hiner, Edward J. Flowers, Louis S. Flowers, and Kimberly C. Flowers; and she has 25 grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers earned her high school diploma from Hillard Adult Education Center while she raised her seven children; WHEREAS, Lula Mary Flowers is a role model to all seniors as she actively provides service through her work with the Englewood community; therefore be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lula Mary Flowers on her upcoming induction into the Chicago Senior Citizens' Hall of Fame; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lula Mary Flowers as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 413 Offered by Representative Cowlishaw: WHEREAS, Bettye Wehrli was presented with the annual "Woman of the Year" award by the Naperville branch of the American Association of University Women on May 5, 2001, in honor of her remarkable contributions to the Naperville community during a period that spans three decades; and WHEREAS, Bettye Wehrli served as co-chairperson of the first Little Friends Benefit Auction 25 years ago, was a member of the first Naper Settlement Museum Board, and served on the Bicentennial Committee to restore Naperville's Central Park in 1976; and WHEREAS, Service to the Naperville Heritage Society has been a theme throughout her ongoing volunteer efforts; she has been the chairperson of the Heritage Society Antiques Show, chairperson of the Heritage Society Dinner-Dance fundraiser, and, for three years, chairperson of the Heritage Society House Walk; and WHEREAS, Bettye Wehrli was among the leaders who helped to create the first phase of the Naperville Riverwalk, which is now a community landmark; and WHEREAS, Presently employed as community liaison of Neuqua Valley High School, Bettye Wehrli is a member of the Exchange Club, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, and Central Area Naperville Development Organization; she is a trustee of the Naperville Libraries; and WHEREAS, Bettye Wehrli is a volunteer coordinator of Illinois historic tours; she is a board member of the Naperville Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago; and WHEREAS, As a wife and mother, Bettye Wehrli has set an example of achieving an ideal balance between serving her family and community concurrently; and WHEREAS, Cheerful and compassionate as a friend and as a community leader, Bettye Wehrli has inspired one of her long-time friends to observe, "Wherever in Naperville anyone finds things bright and beautiful or wise and wonderful, there is Bettye Wehrli"; therefore, be it
19 [May 29, 2001] RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Bettye Wehrli on the receipt of the annual "Woman of the Year Award" by the Naperville branch of the American Association of University Women; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Bettye Wehrli. HOUSE RESOLUTION 414 Offered by Representative Meyer: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, Charles Gray graduated from Illinois State University and began his teaching career as a high school teacher in Paxton, Illinois, and then taught middle school in Brookfield, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Charles Gray was hired by School District 61 as a social studies teacher at Eisenhower Junior High School and became Assistant Principal in 1976; and WHEREAS, Charles Gray became Principal at Mark DeLay School and later Principal at Lace School; and WHEREAS, He has influenced and supported academics, fine arts, and athletic programs with the children always at the forefront; and WHEREAS, He has shared both his interests and excitement with students, parents, and staff; and WHEREAS, Charles Gray's exceptional dedication and commitment to excellence has propelled School District 61 into prominence as one of the finest school districts within DuPage County; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby honor Charles Gray for his many positive contributions, in particular, for his dedication, leadership, and professionalism, his efforts have enriched the lives of Darien's young adults and the entire community for the past 30 years and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Charles Gray as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 415 Offered by Representative Scully: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are honored to recognize the distinguished military careers of Jason Wildfong, Jay Wildfong, Jr., and Jay Wildfong, Sr. in their service to the State of Illinois and the United States of America; and WHEREAS, The Wildfong ancestry and family record of military service goes back to the French and Indian War in the 1700s; and WHEREAS, Jay D. Wildfong, Sr. is a veteran of World War II; he joined the United States Navy in January 1944 before graduating from high school; in March 1944, just before D-Day, he was stationed in San Diego, California and at sea in the Pacific Theater where he manned guns on three different supply ships for our troops throughout the South Pacific; his last service was an assignment to the United States Fleet aboard the Walter B. Cobb in 1945; he was honorably discharged in 1946; and WHEREAS, Jay D. Wildfong II was raised in the shadow of World War II; he started his training in 1971 at the tail end of the Vietnam War and received advanced training at Fort Dix in New Jersey; he went on to engineers training at West Point and then served with the B Company-961st Engineers in Racine, Wisconsin; he was then an advisor in St. Louis Missouri; from 1984 through 1988, he worked at the Army Reserve Center in Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin; from 1988 through 1994, he served as Operation NCO for "B Company" of the 961st Engineers Battalion, where he received numerous awards and merits; his most current service was with the 863rd Engineers Battalion in Kankakee,
[May 29, 2001] 20 Illinois from 1995 until his retirement in December 2000; while in Kankakee, he earned the love and respect of the community due to his involvement; he and his son, Jason, vertically "repelled" a well-known landmark on the Southeast end of Kankakee during one celebration; he was also concerned about survival, so he made sure Hum-V's were available for the local and State law enforcement during terrible blizzards that made I-57 and State Rt. 17 unpassable; in addition, he was instrumental in setting up Memorial Day events where the local communities would come to the reserve center to learn about the United States Army and its personnel; he also assisted the local police in firearm training with years of range experience and weapons training; and WHEREAS, On March 12, 2001, Sgt. Specialist-Ordinance Disposal Technician Jason Douglas Wildfong was killed in a bombing accident in the country of Kuwait; a few years earlier in the State of Kentucky, he was seriously injured but miraculously survived a Blackhawk helicopter crash during training in which six United States Servicemen were killed; he gave his life in the service of his country; and WHEREAS, Jay Wildfong, Sr., Jay Wildfong II, and Jason Wildfong all shared a deep dedication and loyalty to the United States of America and have proven it through years of military service; they have have put their lives at risk, and even sacrificed their lives as the ultimate sign of loyalty to their State and Country; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby honor and thank Jay Wildfong, Sr., Jay Wildfong II, and Jason Wildfong for their distinguished military service to the State of Illinois and the United States of America, and we join with the family and friends of Jason Wildfong in mourning his tragic and untimely death; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jay D. Wildfong, Sr., Jay D. Wildfong II, and the family of Jason Wildfong as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 416 Offered by Representative Bill Mitchell: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Father Kevin Vann is leaving his duties as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish to accept his new position as Pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann was born on May 10, 1951 to Bill and Theresa Vann; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann attended St. Agnes School in Springfield from 1956 through 1965, Griffin High School in Springfield from 1965 through 1969, and Springfield College in Illinois from 1969 through 1971; he received his bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from Milikin University in 1974; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann was employed for three years at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, two of those years being night shift supervisor in the clinical laboratory; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann attended the Diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield from 1976 to 1977, attended Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri from 1977 to 1981 when he received his master's of divinity; he was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on May 30, 1981; he then attended the University of St. Aquinas in the City in Rome, Italy, with residence at the North American College from 1981 through 1985, earning a Doctorate in Canon Law in 1985; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann's assignments over the years include as Parochial Vicar at the Blesses Sacrament in Springfield from 1985 through 1990; as Judge, Defender of the Bond, and Procurator/Advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal from 1985 through 1994; Judge of the
21 [May 29, 2001] Metropolitan Court of Appeals for the Province of Chicago from 1985 through 1994; Parochial Administrator at St. Mary, Pittsfield, Holy Redeemer, Barry, and Holy Family, Griggsville from 1989 through 1990; as Pastor of St. Benedicts in Auburn from 1990 through 1992; as Parochial Administrator at St. Mary in Pawnee in 1991; as Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Second Instance for the Province of Chicago in 1994; as Parochial Administrator at St. Isadore, Bethany and Sacred Heart in Dalton City from 1995 through 1997; and Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Mt. Zion in 1995; as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur from 1992 to the 2001; as Dean at Decatur Deanery from 1996 to the present; and as Episcopal Contact for Hispanic Ministry from 1999 to the present; and WHEREAS, Father Kevin Vann has been involved with the following community organizations, including the Greater Decatur Chorale, as chaplain to the Decatur police department, author of the Community Agenda for the Herald Review, planned the New Year's Eve 2000 celebration at the Civic Center, participated in the Coming Together Project, the YMCA, the New Life Pregnancy Center, Ministerial Alliance of the North Decatur Churches, and the Breakfast Sertoma on Fridays; in addition, he was involved with the growing Hispanic community in Decatur and working with others to help provide for their spiritual, emotional, and material needs; and he worked with the State of Illinois to find office space for the "Illinois Association of Agencies and Community Organizations for Migrant Advocacy"; and WHEREAS, The parish members of Our Lady of Lourdes have been honored and privileged to have Father Kevin Vann as their Pastor since 1992 and will miss his presence immensely; therefore be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Father Kevin Vann for his dedication and service to the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes and we wish him well as he takes over the duties as Pastor of the Blessed Sacrament in Springfield; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Father Kevin Vann as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 417 Offered by Representative Dart: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, Father John P. Smyth was born on June 5, 1934; he is a 1952 graduate of DePaul Academy and the 1957 graduate of the University of Notre Dame; and WHEREAS, Although he was an NBA First-Round Draft Choice, Father Smyth chose the priesthood; he was ordained on April 28, 1962 and was assigned to an aging institution that became Maryville Academy; he has served as the Executive Director of Maryville Academy since 1970; and WHEREAS, For the past 30 years, Father Smyth has given his time, energy, enthusiasm, leadership and his life to service the children at Maryville Academy; in the 1970s he placed Maryville on the road to financial health; and WHEREAS, During the 1980s, Father Smyth established Fresh Start, the Farm Campus Treatment Foster Care, a Witness Protection Program, the Paulina Home, and the Columbus-Maryville Children's Reception Center in response to the increasing number of children who are victims of abuse, neglect, child pornography, teenage prostitution, sexual abuse and family violence; and WHEREAS, In the 1990s, Father Smyth developed the Maryville Parenting-Teen Center, the Haymarket-Maryville Post-Partum Chemical Dependency Program, Herrick House, Maryville-St. John of God, Maryville Residential Treatment Center, and the Maryville Center for Medically Complex Children programs; and WHEREAS, Today, Father Smyth's Maryville Academy is the largest residential child care facility in the State of Illinois, and one of the largest in the nation, providing comprehensive services to abused,
[May 29, 2001] 22 neglected, and abandoned children of all races and creeds; and WHEREAS, Father Smyth was the recipient of the 2000 Order of Lincoln Award for his success of providing abused, neglected and abandoned children with a loving, organized and opportunity-filled environment; the Order of Lincoln, presented by the Lincoln Academy is the State's highest award for individual achievement; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Father John P. Smyth for his dedication and commitment to the children of Maryville Academy and on being the recipient of the 2001 Man of the Year Award given by the Mount Greenwood Civic Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Father John P. Smyth as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 418 Offered by Representative Dart: WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the honors and achievements of Illinois citizens; and WHEREAS, Ms. Joan Klein is being named Woman of the Year by the Mount Greenwood Civic Association at the 41st Installation Dinner on June 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, Ms. Klein is a Registered Nurse and graduated from the Little Company of Mary Hospital School of Nursing in 1959; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and a Master of Science degree in 1979 from De Paul University; in 1987, she earned a Master of Science degree from St. Xavier University; and WHEREAS, Ms. Klein has had a long and varied career; she has worked for Little Company of Mary Hospital; Drs. Blough and Gallagher; San Diego Claremont Hospital; Little Company of Mary School of Nursing; Moraine Valley Community College, where she taught maternal-child nursing; and St. Xavier University School of Nursing; while at St. Xavier University, Ms. Klein served as the Division Director for Senior Level and the Director of the On-Campus Nursing Center and she served on the Rank and Tenure Committee, the Faculty Senate, and the By-Laws Revision Committee; among her many accomplishments, she offered monthly immunizations in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Health, provided yearly skin cancer screenings, offered flu shots to the community, provided tuberculosis skin testing, offered health promotion classes, and provided free Hepatitis B shots for children at St. Cajetan, Queen of Martyrs, and St. Christina parishes; Ms. Klein retired from St. Xavier University on May 28, 2001; and WHEREAS, Ms. Klein has been honored numerous times in the past; she was honored by the Illinois League of Nursing for "Excellence in Teaching"; in 1977, she was awarded the St. Xavier University Award; Ms. Klein has been included in the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers"; she was awarded a fellowship to the University of Colorado for three summers; she is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing; Ms. Klein won the Mentoring Award from the Alpha Omicron Chapter; and WHEREAS, Ms. Klein is an active member of St. Christina parish, serving on the school board, as president of the Altar and Rosary Society, and as the part-time parish nurse; she is member of the Respect Life Committee of the Altar and Rosary Society; Ms. Klein is the coordinator of the Parish Nurse Program of Little Company of Mary Hospital and a member of Little Company of Mary Hospital's Committee to Address Domestic Violence; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Joan Klein on being named Woman of the Year by the Mount Greenwood Civic Association and wish her success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Joan Klein.
23 [May 29, 2001] HOUSE RESOLUTION 419 Offered by Representative Dart: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Tom Hynes will be honored as Man of the Year at the 41st Installation Dinner of the Mount Greenwood Civic Association on June 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, Tom Hynes has served as Cook County Assessor for eighteen years, and as an Illinois State Senator for eight years, the last two as Senate President; and WHEREAS, As Cook County Assessor, Tom Hynes modernized the office and served as a taxpayer advocate for homeowners; and WHEREAS, As an Illinois State Senator, Tom Hynes worked hard for the community and responded to thousands of constituent requests; he sponsored and was responsible for the passage of the legislation that funded the reconstruction program for the unimproved streets in Mt. Greenwood; he has received numerous awards and commendations for his legislative efforts on behalf of education and consumer protection and for his legislative efforts to end red-lining; he championed a package of tax relief bills, including the Homeowners Exemption, which is considered to be the most significant tax relief legislation ever to pass the State Legislature; and WHEREAS, In addition, Tom Hynes has served as a Democratic Committeeman for the 19th Ward for over 25 years and has played a leadership role in national, State and local Democratic politics; in 1996, he was appointed by President Clinton as Chairman of his Presidential campaign in the State of Illinois; he currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee and is a partner in the law firm of Quinlan & Crisham, Ltd.; and WHEREAS, Tom Hynes is supported by his loving and very proud family who include his wife, Judy, and their four children; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Tom Hynes for his dedication and commitment as Cook County Assessor and as an Illinois State Senator to the citizens of Illinois and on being honored as Man of the Year by the Mount Greenwood Civic Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tom Hynes as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 420 Offered by Representatives Howard, Lou Jones and Shirley Jones: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone achievements in the history of high schools in the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Whitney Young High School placed first in the Illinois Academic Decathlon held at Malcolm X College last March; and WHEREAS, For the 16th year in a row, Whitney Young High School won the State contest scoring 45,452 points out of a possible 60,000 points; since 1987, the magnet school has placed among the top 10 schools in the country; and WHEREAS, The State finals was a culmination of regional contests that weeded out hundreds of schools throughout the State; the students participating are a cross-section of average to honors students hoping to represent the State in the National Decathlon competition in Alaska this June; and WHEREAS, In addition, Whitney Young High School also placed third during the United States Academic Decathlon this year with many outstanding performances by its team members; and WHEREAS, The members of the Whitney Young High School Decathlon team include Megan Wachspress, Marianne Tarcor, Olivia Tarcor, John
[May 29, 2001] 24 Henry Gonzalez, Cynthia Wong, Jeremy Aquila, Rensise Buenviaje, Scott Meyers, and Ken Morris; the members were coached by Brian Tennison and Susanne McCannon; and WHEREAS, The members of the Whitney Young High School Decathlon team have displayed outstanding sportsmanship and dedication not only to their school, but also to their community and to the citizens of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Whitney Young High School on their outstanding performances at the Illinois Academic Decathlon and the United States Academic Decathlon; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Coaches Brian Tennison and Susanne McCannon and to each member of the Whitney Young High School Decathlon team as an expression of our esteem. HOUSE RESOLUTION 421 Offered by Representative Mendoza: WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Marina Rey is retiring from an outstanding teaching career at Seward Academy at the end of the 2001 school year; and WHEREAS, Marina D. Rey graduated from Chicago State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Education with an emphasis on High School Spanish; she began her teaching career as a student teacher at Brother Rice High School; and WHEREAS, In September 1972, Mrs. Rey began her teaching duties at Seward Academy at the new bilingual preschool parent child center in the Back of the Yards community; she was assigned to teach three-year-olds; by 1973 she accepted the position of Parent Coordinator of the Parent Child Center; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rey took classes at Northeastern University and received her Teacher's Certificate to teach pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade and in 1986, received her master's degree in Bilingual Education at Loyola University; and WHEREAS, From 1973 through 1977, Mrs. Rey taught the parents of the school children English, arts and crafts, survival skills, child development, and reading and writing skills; in addition, she was in charge of the festivities for Children's Day and Cinco de Mayo; and WHEREAS, In 1977, Mrs. Rey served as a seventh and eighth grade bilingual teacher and also as a bilingual teacher for the fourth and fifth grades; from 1978 through 1980 she served as a bilingual preschool teacher as well as kindergarten and first grade during the summer months; and WHEREAS, In 1980, Mrs. Rey returned to her position as Parent Coordinator where she worked with parents on many issues which involved the total community; these issues included the rental of additional space at Holy Cross Church to relieve the overcrowding at Seward Academy and the construction of the Cesar Chavez Multicultural Center; and WHEREAS, In 1982, Marina Rey became a Parent Advocate for Steward Academy because of gang violence in the Seward neighborhood; in 1983, and with the help of Pat Salmon of the Back of the Yards Council, she formed the Department of Community Affairs of Back of the Yards; Mrs. Rey served as Executive Director of Community Affairs of Back of the Yards as well as translator for the organization's journal, El Periodico; and during her time with the Back of the Yards Council, she has been an integral part of the success of the Back of the Yards Ballet Folklorico which has been vital in giving hundreds of children an alternative to gangs; and WHEREAS, In 1986, Marina Rey organized the parents to help support the Seward teachers in their endeavors to return to school with a fair
25 [May 29, 2001] raise; and WHEREAS, Marina Rey has served as a local school council member since 1987, representing the teachers and working as a liaison with the parents; and WHEREAS, Since 1980, Marina Rey has continued her duties as the Parent-Community liaison as well as continuing her service as a bilingual teacher of all grades as Seward Academy; and WHEREAS, Marina Rey is supported by her loving and very proud family who include her recently deceased husband, Jesus Rey, and her children Jesse Rey and Gabriel Rey; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Marina Rey on her retirement after nearly 30 years of service as a bilingual teacher and Parent-Community liaison at Seward School and we wish her well in all of her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Marina Rey as an expression of our esteem. RESOLUTIONS The following resolutions were offered and placed in the Committee on Rules. HOUSE RESOLUTION 398 Offered by Representative Bill Mitchell: WHEREAS, The first contract issued under the Sheltered Workshops for the Severely Handicapped Section in the Illinois Procurement Code was given to an Illinois not-for-profit agency for the production of Illinois license plates; and WHEREAS, Macon Resources, Inc. is located in Decatur and has produced license plates since 1984; and WHEREAS, Presently, only 70% of Illinois license plates are made in Illinois while the other 30% are made in Canada; and WHEREAS, It is our belief that certain not-for-profit workshops for the severely handicapped can complete the requests as needed from the Secretary of State for license plates; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Secretary of State to keep the production of license plates within the State of Illinois and to try to utilize not-for-profit agencies for the severely handicapped for the manufacturing of the license plates; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of State. HOUSE RESOLUTION 399 Offered by Representative Younge: WHEREAS, Inner-city elementary and secondary schools often serve low-income students and those students often continue to fail throughout their educational careers; and WHEREAS, Inner-city schools have never been fully funded and, as a result, lack the resources necessary to improve instruction in inner-city schools and help low-income students meet their potential; and WHEREAS, In order to encourage the growth of industry in urban areas, a well-educated and competitive workforce is needed; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that there is created a legislative task force consisting of 9 members appointed as follows: 5 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and 4 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, all
[May 29, 2001] 26 of whom shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose; and be it further RESOLVED, That the task force shall (i) review educational programs being used throughout the United States to improve instruction in elementary and secondary school classrooms located in inner-city schools that are populated by low-income children; (ii) evaluate those programs and determine which are the most successful; (iii) determine the cost of implementing those programs in Illinois schools; (iv) determine what changes in tax policy are needed to provide adequate resources to all schools in order to meet the educational standards of the State Board of Education, the Board of Higher Education, and the Illinois Community College Board; (v) determine what changes are needed in tax policy in those areas of Illinois where schools are underfunded and ill-equipped to produce students who are competitive in a technology-based society; and (vi) determine how tax policy changes can be used to revitalize urban land and property and to build industry in urban area; and be it further RESOLVED, That the task force shall receive the assistance of legislative staff, may employ skilled experts with the approval of the Speaker of the House, and shall report its findings to the General Assembly; and be it further RESOLVED, That upon reporting its findings to the General Assembly, the task force is dissolved. HOUSE RESOLUTION 403 Offered by Representative Delgado: WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is home to a substantial number of candy makers; and WHEREAS, Thanks to the hard work of the nation's most productive candy workers, the Chicago metropolitan area is known as the "Candy Capital of the United States"; and WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has 15,000 workers in the confectionery industry, 9,000 in the City of Chicago alone, and the State and its environs enjoy the benefits and healthy economy that such employment provides; and WHEREAS, The 1996 Federal Freedom to Farm law, meant to wean farmers from federal subsidies, left in place a program of price supports and special loans to prop up the price of U.S. sugar; and WHEREAS, As a result of the Freedom to Farm legislation, Federal subsidies have declined for cotton, corn and wheat but have risen to over $600 per acre for sugar; and WHEREAS, The benefits of this legislation are lopsided, as 1% of sugar cane (largely grown in Florida) growers reap 58% of the support program's benefits; and WHEREAS, Taxpayers will pay $1.4 million a month to store 9% of last year's sugar crop which was forfeited to the Federal government as part of the sugar support program; and WHEREAS, The program requires United States industrial users of sugar to pay double the world price for sugar, resulting in an annual cost to consumers of approximately $2 billion; and WHEREAS, This Federal sugar program and the policy behind it inflates production prices and puts Chicago confection industry jobs at risk; with the local confectionary suffering and 11% decline in employment since 1991 and a steady decline in new plant investment; and WHEREAS, A change in the Federal Freedom to Farm law is needed to remove this artificial and costly price support program to keep our confection industry competitive and to keep Chicago's title as "Candy Capital of the United States"; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the United States Congress to pass legislation reforming the Federal Freedom to Farm law and the sugar support program to correct the current inequities; and RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be sent to each
27 [May 29, 2001] member of the Illinois congressional delegation. HOUSE RESOLUTION 405 Offered by Representative Novak: WHEREAS, Development of Illinois' natural resources, especially its coal reserves, in an environmentally sound manner will stimulate the economy of this State, especially in the southern part of our State; and WHEREAS, Illinois is currently in the process of transitioning from a fully regulated electric generation market into a competitive electric generation market; and WHEREAS, Recent events in the western part of the United States have demonstrated the need to develop electric generation resources to ensure a reliable supply of electricity; and WHEREAS, There is an increasing need for electricity and electric generation capacity within Illinois and surrounding states; and WHEREAS, Illinois has the richest coal reserves in the nation and it is imperative that these coal reserves be developed and utilized; and WHEREAS, It is paramount that any electric generating facilities built in Illinois use Illinois natural resources, especially Illinois coal, and protect the environment with the best available technology; and WHEREAS, In preparing for the coming deregulated electric power generation market, Illinois must plan to take advantage of the environmentally sound use of its own natural resources, including Illinois coal; and WHEREAS, Illinois has the opportunity to foster significant economic development within the State during the transition into a deregulated electric marketplace; and WHEREAS, The development of power generation capacity raises concerns about the environmental impact of those power generation facilities; and WHEREAS, Current federal regulations regarding emissions of nitrogen oxides and emission credits may impede development of necessary electric generation facilities; and WHEREAS, Illinois must ensure that sufficient nitrogen oxide emission credit are available for new electric generating sources that will utilize clean coal technologies; and WHEREAS, Illinois' budget for nitrogen oxide emission allowances is limited due to the State's current reliance on nuclear power which will eventually be decommissioned and therefore unavailable for generating electricity; and WHEREAS, The development of clean coal technologies, including coal gasification, with the vast coal reserves within Illinois will enable Illinois to harvest the rewards of utilizing the proven coal reserves of this State and to support the further development of clean energy solutions utilizing our State's natural resources as the fuel; and WHEREAS, President Bush has called for the development of a national energy policy; and WHEREAS, Illinois is uniquely positioned to contribute to the development of that national energy policy through use of its extensive natural resources and coal reserves in an environmentally sound manner; and WHEREAS, Some adjustments in Illinois' nitrogen oxide emission allowances established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency will be necessary to foster the development of electric generating facilities that utilize Illinois natural resources and coal reserves; and WHEREAS, The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is charged with overseeing the nitrogen oxide emissions credit program and is the most appropriate agency to make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding any adjustments necessary to accommodate the development of sufficient new electric generating capacity; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND
[May 29, 2001] 28 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the United States Congress and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to increase Illinois' nitrogen oxide emission allowances budget; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency shall prepare and submit a report to the General Assembly regarding the availability of nitrogen oxide emissions credits within the State and within the trading region established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; the report shall contain data regarding the use of emissions credits by existing electric generating units, the availability of emission credits for purchase in Illinois and within the trading region, the number of emission credits that may be reasonably projected for use by new sources in Illinois, and the relationship between the cost and availability for electricity and access by existing and new sources to emission credits and shall contain recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes that may be necessary to encourage the development of new electric generating capacity in Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED That the report shall be submitted to the General Assembly by October 31 of each year until 2007; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Governor of the State of Illinois, the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 47 Offered by Representative O'Connor: WHEREAS, In 1980, the General Assembly authorized the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) to establish a health insurance program for benefit recipients and their dependents, with annuitants paying 50% of the cost; and WHEREAS, In 1991, the General Assembly authorized TRS to increase the subsidy from 50% to 75% to achieve closer parity with State retirees' health insurance premiums; and WHEREAS, In 1995, the General Assembly transferred the health insurance program from TRS to the State of Illinois, to be administered by the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and established the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP); and WHEREAS, The General Assembly reduced the premium subsidy for the traditional indemnity plan from 75% to 50%; and WHEREAS, The General Assembly mandated that active teachers pay 0.50% of their salary to help finance the CMS program; and WHEREAS, The General Assembly mandated the State of Illinois to match the contributions of the active teachers to help finance the CMS program; and WHEREAS, The Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission reported in November of 2000 that current revenues would not be able to fund the current TRIP, with a shortfall of $9.3 million by the end of fiscal year 2002; and WHEREAS, The Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission updated its report in April of 2001, increasing the shortfall to $37.6 million by the end of fiscal year 2002; and WHEREAS, TRS has hired a health insurance actuary to provide an independent review of the current TRIP funding status and an analysis of TRIP's projected financial needs, along with possible alternative scenarios; and WHEREAS, The Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission identified 4 possible funding sources for increasing TRIP funding: retiree premiums, active teacher contributions, State contributions, and a new contribution requirement for school districts; and WHEREAS, CMS has proposed an increase to 70% for annuitant and dependent premiums; therefore be it
29 [May 29, 2001] RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Governor reduce the 70% proposal by the Department of Central Management Services to a level similar to previous years' increases; and be it further RESOLVED, That a TRIP Funding Task Force be established, composed of 3 members appointed by the President of the Senate, 3 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, 3 members appointed by the Speaker of the House, 3 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House, one member appointed by the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, one member appointed by the Illinois Education Association, one member appointed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers, 2 members appointed by the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, and the Director of Central Management Services or his or her designee, to study the current funding shortfall and to report its recommendations on a solution to the General Assembly on or before November 1, 2001; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, the Illinois Education Association, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, and the Director of Central Management Services. At the hour of 6:20 o'clock p.m., Representative Currie moved that the House do now adjourn until Wednesday, May 30, 2001, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. The motion prevailed. And the House stood adjourned.
[May 29, 2001] 30 NO. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE ROLL CALL QUORUM ROLL CALL FOR ATTENDANCE MAY 29, 2001 0 YEAS 0 NAYS 116 PRESENT P ACEVEDO P FEIGENHOLTZ P LEITCH P PERSICO P BASSI P FLOWERS P LINDNER P POE P BEAUBIEN P FORBY P LYONS,EILEEN P REITZ P BELLOCK P FOWLER P LYONS,JOSEPH P RIGHTER P BERNS P FRANKS P MATHIAS P RUTHERFORD P BIGGINS P FRITCHEY P MAUTINO P RYAN P BLACK P GARRETT P MAY P RYDER P BOLAND P GILES P McAULIFFE P SAVIANO P BOST P GRANBERG P McCARTHY P SCHMITZ P BRADLEY P HAMOS P McGUIRE E SCHOENBERG P BRADY P HANNIG P McKEON P SCULLY P BROSNAHAN P HARTKE P MENDOZA P SLONE P BRUNSVOLD P HASSERT P MEYER P SMITH P BUGIELSKI P HOEFT P MILLER P SOMMER P BURKE P HOFFMAN P MITCHELL,BILL P SOTO P CAPPARELLI P HOLBROOK P MITCHELL,JERRY E STEPHENS P COLLINS P HOWARD P MOFFITT P STROGER P COULSON P HULTGREN P MOORE P TENHOUSE P COWLISHAW P JEFFERSON P MORROW P TURNER,ART P CROSS P JOHNSON P MULLIGAN P TURNER,JOHN P CROTTY P JONES,JOHN P MURPHY P WAIT P CURRIE P JONES,LOU P MYERS P WINKEL P CURRY P JONES,SHIRLEY P NOVAK P WINTERS P DANIELS P KENNER P O'BRIEN P WIRSING P DART P KLINGLER P O'CONNOR P WOJCIK P DAVIS,MONIQUE P KOSEL P OSMOND P YARBROUGH P DAVIS,STEVE P KRAUSE P OSTERMAN P YOUNGE P DELGADO P KURTZ P PANKAU P ZICKUS P DURKIN P LANG P PARKE P MR. SPEAKER P ERWIN P LAWFER E - Denotes Excused Absence