State Senator Barack Obama:

Voting Record Highlights by Issue

1997-2003
This document represents a summary of selected votes cast by
Senator Obama. For more detailed information about the bills
presented here, please refer to the Key Votes chart (which appears in
two versions by year/bill number, and by subject.
ABORTION:

In 1997, Obama voted present twice on the floor on important

legislation to prohibit partial birth abortions. The Governor
amendatorily vetoed HB 382 to recommend deleting a provision
allowing the father of a fetus or infant to maintain a civil action
for damages based on a violation of the Partial-birth Abortion Ban
Act. Senator Obama did not vote on the motion to accept the
Governors amendatory veto. The motion was considered final
action on the bill. (HB 382: Third Reading, May 13, 1997, passed the Senate 49-03-04,
Motion to accept amendatory veto, 44-05-00, Public Act 90-0560.) (SB 230: Judiciary committee,
Obama voted no on a do pass as amended motion, March 4, 1997 and then voted Present on
Third Reading, March 18, 1997, passed the Senate 44-07-05. This bill did not pass House.)

In 1998 and in 2000, Obama voted no on legislation that

prohibits state funded abortions except in instances of rape,
incest or to preserve the life of the mother or child. (HB 383: Third
reading postponed consideration, passed the Senate 30-24-01. This bill was vetoed by the
Governor. Total Veto stands.) (HB 709: Third Reading, passed the Senate 33-23-02. This bill was
also vetoed by the Governor. Total Veto stands).

In 2001, voted present on two bills, both in committee and

then again on the floor, on legislation to create the Parental
Notice of Abortion Act. (HB 1900: Judiciary Committee, May 1, 2001, do pass as
amended motion, Obama voted present. third reading, May 16, 2001, passed Senate 38-10-09.
The motion to concur failed in House.) (SB 562: Judiciary committee, March 29, 2001, Obama
voted present. Third reading, April 6, 2001, passed the Senate 39-07-11. This bill was held in
the House rules committee.)

In 2001, Obama voted no on a resolution to create the

Abortion Breast Cancer Task Force to review any linkage between
breast cancer and abortion. (SR 8: Adoption, May 29, 2001, failed in the Senate
27-20-01.)

In 2001, a series of bills was introduced when a nurse from Christ

Hospital in suburban Oak Lawn expressed concerns that
abortions were being performed at her hospital and live babies
were being born and no medical care was being offered to the
child. Obama failed to take a stand on this critical legislation by
voting present on a bill that prohibits abortions which are
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likely to result in a live birth from being performed unless there is

another physician present to provide medical treatment to the
infant. (SB 1093: third reading, March 30, 2001, passed the Senate 34-06-12. Failed in
House committee.)

In 2001, Obama also voted present on another bill in this

series which creates a cause of action if a child is born alive after
an abortion and the physician harms or neglects the child or fails
to provide medical care after the birth. (SB 1094: Third reading, March 30,
2001, passed the Senate 33-06-13. Failed in House committee.)

In 2001, Obama also voted present on another bill in this

package which creates a definition of a born alive infant to
apply throughout state statutes. (SB 1095: third reading, March 30, 2001,
passed the Senate 34-05-13. Failed in House committee.)

In 2002, Obama decided to take a position on the Born Alive

Infant Protection Package. He voted no on a bill which creates
a cause of action if a child is born alive after an abortion and the
physician harms or neglects the child or fails to provide medical
care after the birth. (SB 1661: third reading, April 4, 2002, passed the Senate 31-1110. Held in House committee.)

In 2002, Obama voted no on legislation to create a definition

of born alive infant to apply throughout the state statutes. (SB
1662: Third reading, April 4, 2002, passed the Senate 30-12-10 and then failed in House
committee).

In 2002, in committee, Obama voted no on legislation which

prohibits abortions which are likely to result in a live birth from
being performed unless there is another physician present to
provide medical treatment to the infant. (SB 1663: Senate Judiciary
Committee, do pass motion, March 5, 2002, the bill passed the committee by a vote of 6-3-1 and
was held on the Senate Calendar order of postponed consideration).

In 2003, Obama, voted with Planned Parenthood on a

controversial clinic access bill. He voted yes in the committee
that he chairs, to Create the Freedom of Access to Clinic
Entrances Act which establishes criminal and civil penalties for
unlawful interference with access to reproductive health services.
(HB 2486: Health and Human Services Committee, May 1, 2003, Do pass motion passed 8-3-0.
The bill was then held on 3rd Reading in the Senate.)

In 2003, in the committee that he chairs, Obama voted no on

legislation to authorize the Secretary of State to issue a Choose
Life license plate for persons who wish to demonstrate support
for organizations that encourage adoption as a positive choice
for women with unplanned pregnancies. (SB 1502: Health and Human
Services, March 13, 2003, do pass motion failed in committee XX-XX-XX.)

BUDGET/STATE FINANCE:
In the Illinois General Assembly, there are generally three types of
budget bills. First, is the actual budget bill or series of bills that
contain the spending authority. Second, are the budget
implementation bills which are bills that make any necessary
statutory changes required to implement the budget. Finally, there
may be bills that are necessary to raise revenue to support the
spending in the budget. Below is a summary of Obamas record on the
state budget.
FY 98:

In 1997, Obama voted no on the statutory language necessary

to implement the FY 98 budget, and he voted no on the actual
budget. (SB 1101: CCR # 1, June 1, 1997, passed the Senate 49-05-03. Public Act 90-0009.)
(SB 1129: CCR # 1, May 31, 1997, passed the Senate 49-09-00. Public Act 90-0010).

FY 99:

In 1998, Senator Obama supported all of the budget legislation.

There were two budget implementation bills that made the
statutory changes necessary to implement the FY 99 budget.
Senator Obama voted yes on one bill and did not vote on
the other. (Obama voted yes on SB 1704: Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, May
22, 1998, passed the Senate 58-00-00. Public Act 90-587). (Obama did not vote on SB 1706:
concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May 22, 19998, passed the Senate 56-00-00. Public Act

However, Senator Obama did not vote on the other

omnibus budget implementation bill. (HB 455: Third Reading, May 22, 1998,
90-0588).

passed the Senate 58-00-00, Public Act 90-585.)

FY 00:

In 1999, Obama supported all of the budget legislation except

he was the only member to not vote on one of the bills that
enacts the statutory changes necessary to implement the
budget. (HB 2793: Conference Committee Report # 1, May 27, 1999, passed the Senate 4511-00. Public Act 91-0025). (For a complete listing of the budget bills see the larger chart.)

FY 01:

In 2000, Obama supported all of the budget legislation and the

budget implementation legislation. (see the chart for a complete listing of all
the bills.)

FY 02:

In 2001, Obama supported all of the budget legislation

(spending and budget implementation) during the Spring
session. Up to this point in time, the state budget was growing
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rapidly. That growth, however, was about to come to an end.

(See

chart for complete listing of bills.)

After the events of September 11, 2001 and the beginning of the
economic decline, it was apparent that Illinois was facing a budget
problem. The problem became evident in the Fall of 2001. During the
Fall of 2001 and early 2002, Governor Ryan asked for statutory
authority to begin cutting the budget. The bill giving the Governor this
authority, HB 3495, ultimately passed out of the Republican controlled
Senate over the objections of many Senate Democrats. The House,
controlled by the Democrats, ultimately refused to act on this bill.
This series of events, coupled with the Democrats inability to pass
House Bill 3495, allowed the financial problems to grow and fester.
This led to a much more serious budget problem in FY 03. (Source Senate
2002 Senate GOP End of Session Report.)

In the Fall of 2001 and early 2002, Obama twice voted no with
several of his Democrat colleagues on legislation to give the
Governor the needed authority to cut the budget to keep the
structural budget problem from growing. (HB 3495: Third Reading,
November 29, 2001, failed in the Senate 30-26-01. Motion to Reconsider the vote prevailed.
Third Reading, January 10, 2002, passed the Senate 42-14-00. Held in the House on
Concurrence.)

FY 03:

In 2002, the budget that passed at the end of the Spring Session
represented the Governors budget with added House spending.
Obama voted yes on this legislation. It was later item and
reduction vetoed by the Governor and a special session was
called to address over 300 vetoes to this bill. Those specific
votes will be addressed in a separate document. (HB 2393: Concurrence
with House Amendments # 1 and # 2, May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 55-02-01. Public Act 920538).

In 2002, Obama voted no on the capital projects budget.

(HB

6061: third reading, June 2, 2002, passed the Senate 48-05-00. Public Act 92-0717).

In 2002, Obama voted present on a partisan roll call on the

two bills that enact the statutory changes necessary to
implement the FY 03 budget. (HB 4580, third reading, June 2, 2002, passed the
Senate 32-02-24, Public Act 92-0597. HB 5686: third reading, June 1, 2002, passed the Senate
32-01-24. Public Act 92-0600).

In 2002, Obama voted yes for a controversial bill that allows

the state to issue up to $750 M in tobacco securitization general
obligation bonds the bonds are backed by the tobacco
settlement funds but if those funds are not sufficient, they are

backed by the states general fund. This was part of the revenue
package for the FY 03 budget and was a proposal of the Senate
Democratic caucus. (HB 2828: Third Reading, June 2, 2002, passed the Senate 36-1802. Public Act 92-0596).

In 2002, Obama voted present on a revenue bill for the FY 03

budget. Specifically, the bill increased the cigarette tax by 40
cents/pack and to re-direct money from open space and natural
area acquisition to the General Revenue Fund. (HB 539: Third Reading,
May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 30-06-22. Public Act 92-0536.)

In 2002 Obama also voted present on another revenue bill to

increase the riverboat gambling privilege tax and admission tax.
(HB 2381: Third Reading, May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 30-07-21. Public Act 92-0595).

FY 04:
The financial picture for Illinois continued to deteriorate and the
Democrats now control both chambers of the General Assembly and
the Governors office. Pledging not to raise state income or sales
taxes, the Democrats drafted their first budget.

In 2003, the budget itself was contained in approximately 13

different bills. In a year when the state faced the worst budget
deficit in its history, the General Funds budget approved by the
Democrat-controlled General Assembly grew by over $1 billion.
(Source Senate GOP End of Session Report). Obama supported all but one of
these spending authorization bills. He voted no on HB 2700.
(HB 2700: third reading, May 22, 2003, passed the Senate 30-25-04. This bill was later
item/reduction vetoed by the Governor. PA 93-0091.)

Three budget implementation bills were necessary to carry the

statutory language required to implement the budget. Obama
voted yes on each one of these bills. While none of these bills
contains specific fee increases, SB 874 does contain the
statutory language necessary to use some of the fees to operate
state government. (SB 742: concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May 31, 2003,
passed the Senate 57-01-00, Public Act 93-0020.) (SB 744: Concurrence with House Amendment
# 1, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 55-03-00, Public Act 93-0021.) (SB 874: Concurrence with
House Amendment # 1, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 31-27-00. Public Act 93-0025.)

The budget also required several revenue enhancement/tax

increasing mechanisms. Obama supported all of these proposals
except for two.
Obama voted against these two bills.

Rolling Stock/Commercial Distribution Fee ($82 million)

In 2003, Obama voted no on legislation that harms the
trucking industry by narrowing the scope of the rolling stock
exemption and increaing the registration fees by 36% on certain
categories of trucks. (SB 841: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May 31,

2003, passed the Senate 30-27-00. Public Act 93-0023.)

Fee Increases, Charge backs, and Fund Transfers (1.035

billion)
In 2003, Obama voted no on legislation to increase
approximately 300 fees with the provision that the new revenues
would be used for the general operations of state government.

(SB 1903: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 30-28-00.
Public Act 93-0032).

Obama supported the following revenue enhancement/tax increases:

Pension bonding ($1.9 Billion):
The first of these was the Governors pension bonding proposal.
According to the Senate GOP appropriations staff, this plan has
little to do with improving the financial integrity of the pension
systems and is more about budget relief and funding the
operations of state government. HB 2660, included the authority
to issue $10 Billion in general obligation bonds. The majority of
the proceeds will be used to invest in the pension systems in an
attempt to earn a rate of return of 8% on those investments. A
total of $1.9 billion of the proceeds will be used right away to pay
for the states contributions to the pension systems through
fiscal year 2004. This, according to the Senate GOP
appropriations experts, is bonding of state government
operations.

In 2003, Obama voted yes for this pension bonding bill which
automatically doubled the states general obligation debt and
uses bonding to pay for the operations of state government. (HB
2660, Postponed Consideration, April 4, 2003, passed the Senate 37-16-05. Public Act 93-0002.)

Tax Amnesty ($45 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to create a tax
amnesty plan for Illinois. (SB 969: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May

31, 2002, passed the Senate 39-19-00. Public Act 93-0026).

Brokered Natural Gas ($42 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation that requires natural
gas users to begin paying state sales tax on natural gas

purchased from out-of-state suppliers.

(SB 1733: Concurrence with House

Amendment # 4, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 31-27-00. Public Act 93-0031.)

Elimination of Sales Tax Exemptions/Credits/Deductions ($59

million)
In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation that eliminates seven
sales tax exemptions worth $59 million, including the Coal, Oil,
and Aggregate Machinery Exemption ($1 million), the Graphic
Arts Equipment Exemption ($4 million), the Manufacturers
Purchase Credit ($20 million), the Pollution Control Facilities
Exemption ($3 million), the Replacement Vehicles Exemption ($ 2
million), the Vending Machines Exemption ($3 million) and the
Non-commercial Aircraft Exemption ($26 million). (SB 842: Concurrence

with House Amendment # 1, May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 31-27-01, Public Act 93-0024).

Elimination of Corporate Tax Exemptions/Credits/Deductions

($57 million)
In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation which eliminates
various corporate income tax exemptions including the Life and
Health Insurance Guarantee Offset ($13 million), the
Replacement Taxes Paid Credit ($7 million), the Research and
Development Credit ($15 million), the corporate Standard
Exemption ($5 million) and the Training Expense Credit ($15
million) and raises the insurance premium tax to generate an
additional $2 million. (SB 1634: Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, May 31,

2003, passed the Senate 31-27-01. Public Act 93-0029).

Hollywood Tax Credit

In a year (2003) when other legitimate business tax credits and
incentives are being eliminated to save the state money, Senator
Obama votes yes on a bill initiated by his Democrat colleagues
to offer a new tax credit for film production companies that shoot
films in Illinois. (SB 785: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, # 2 and # 4, May 31,

2003, passed the Senate 31-21-01. Public Act 93-0543).

Liquor Fee/Cigarette Tax Prepay ($89 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to require cigarette
distributors to prepay sales tax on cigarettes. The bill also raises
the license fee imposed upon liquor retailers from $175 to $500
annually ($250 of this new fee will go to GRF for operations of
state government) and requires distributors to submit sales
records to the Department of Revenue in an effort to accelerate
sales tax compliance. (SB 774: Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, May 31,

2003, passed the Senate 31-27-01. Public Act 93-0022).

Sale of State Property ($233 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on one of the most short-sighted

budget proposals which grants the Governor the authority to sell
three state buildings (the Thompson Center, The Toll Highway
Authority Headquarters and some land at the Elgin Mental Health
Center) and then lease them back from the new owners. This is
like taking out a second mortgag on a building you own free and
clear. (SB 719: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, # 2, # 3, and # 4, May 31, 2003,
passed the Senate 33-25-01. Public Act 93-0019).

Creation of the State Death Tax ($45 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to decouple the State
of Illinois from the elimination of the federal estate tax. Illinois
tax will apply to estates over $2 million and will apply
retroactively to January 1, 2003. (SB 1725: Concurrence with House Amendment

# 2, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 31-26-00. Public Act 93-0030).

Riverboat Licenses ($350 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on controversial legislation to
create a new gaming license as a replacement for the current
10th license and to allow the State to either competitively bid or
own a riverboat license. Specifically, the bill allows for a
competitive bidding process for the 10th license. Allows the state
to own the 10th license if the Board, after reviewing the
applications determines that the highest revenue would be
derived from the State conducting the gambling operation in lieu
of re-issuing the license. (SB 1607: Concurrence with House Amendments # 3 and

# 5, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 30-24-03. Public Act 93-0028).

Riverboat Taxes ($201 million)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to increase the
admission tax (entry fee which can be passed onto patrons) and
other taxes paid by the riverboat owners. (SB 1606: Concurrence with

House Amendment # 2, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 33-24-01. Public Act 93-0027).

BUSINESS:

In 1999 and again in 2001, Obama voted no on a major tax

break for Illinois businesses. This legislation would have done
away with the unemployment insurance fund building tax.
These bills were considered at a time when the fund had
excess money. (SB 777, Third Reading, March 24, 1999, passed the Senate 32-27-00,
but did not pass the House.) (SB 796: Third Reading, April 3, 2001, passed the Senate 3225-00. This bill was held in the House on 3rd Reading.)

In 1999 and again in 2001, Obama also voted no on another

major tax break for Illinois businesses. This legislation would
have reduced the minimum contribution tax rate for the
Unemployment system. These bills were considered at a time
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when the fund had excess money.

(SB 879, Third reading, March 11, 1999,

passed the Senate 33-17-7 but did not pass the House.) (SB 795: Third Reading, April 4,
2001, passed the Senate 33-23-00. The bill was held on third reading in the House.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation that would put

goods made by Illinois manufacturers at a competitive
disadvantage with like goods made by manufacturers in other
states. (SB 1380: Third Reading, April 4, 2003, passed Senate 41-16-00, held in House
Rules Committee).

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to increase the

minimum wage in Illinois. (SB 600: Third Reading, April 8, 2003, passed the
Senate 33-23-1, Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate
33-23-1. Public Act 93-581.)

See the budget and tax sections for additional anti-business votes.
CHILD PROTECTION:

In 2001, Obama voted present on a bill that would restrict

adult uses by prohibiting location of such an establishment to
within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, places of worship, preschools,
day cares and other residential areas. (SB 609: Third Reading, March 29,
2001, failed in the Senate 33-15-05).

In 1999, siding with the ACLU, Obama by voting no on

important legislation to require school boards to equip public
access computers with software that prevents minors from
gaining access to sexually explicit materials. (HB 1812: Third reading,
May 13, 1999, passed the Senate 38-18-03, bill later died in House in conference committee.)

CRIME/DRUGS:

In 1997, Obama voted present on a bill to provide graduated

sentences for those convicted of their first conceal and carry
violation by lowering the sentence for the first offense and
raising subsequent offenses. (SB 71: Concurrence on House Amendment # 2, May
21, 1997, passed the Senate 36-14-09 but was later amendatorily vetoed by the Governor. Veto
Stands.)

In 1999, Obama again voted present on legislation that

required mandatory adult prosecution for aggravated discharge
of a firearm in or near a school. (SB 759: Third Reading, March 25, 1999, passed
the Senate 52-01-05. Public Act 91-0015).

In 1999, Obama was the only member to vote against a bill that
prohibited certain persons convicted of criminal sexual abuse
from receiving good time credits for time served in a county jail.
(SB 485: March 11, 1999. Third Reading. Passed the Senate 54-01-02. PA 91-0117.)

In 2000, Obama voted present on legislation that addresses

sentencing concerns raised by the United States Supreme Court
in the landmark decision New Jersey v. Apprendi . (HB 1511: Third
Reading, November 30, 2000, passed the Senate 54-02-02. Public Act 91-0953).

In 2001, in response to a brutal gang murder in Chicago, Obama

voted no on legislation to toughen penalties for gangbangers
that commit crimes in the furtherance of gang activities. (HB 1812:
Third Reading, May 12, 2001, passed the Senate 44-09-05. This bill was vetoed by the Governor.)

In 2001, Obama voted present on an important initiative of

the Attorney General. This bill gets tough on pedophiles and
rapists. It revamps the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act
(SVP Act). Allows for juvenile court records to be reviewed and
copied by the DOC, DHS and prosecutors who are evaluating,
prosecuting, or investigating a potential or actual petition
brought under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act
relating to a person who is the subject of juvenile law
enforcement records, juvenile court records, or a pre-sentence
report, or the respondent to a petition brought under the
Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act who is the subject of
juvenile law enforcement records, juvenile court records, or a
pre-sentence report. It restricts the use of those mental health
records, disclosed under this bill to the Attorney General or
State's Attorneys, to actions brought under the Sexually Violent
Persons Commitment Act, specifically excluding the use of those
records in bringing new criminal prosecutions. It treats persons
committed by the SVP Act the same as incarcerated persons by
eliminating that persons' ability to consent to sex in the facility
and subjecting employees of treatment and detention facilities
for persons committed under the SVP Act to charges of Custodial
Sexual Misconduct for having sex or sexual contact with a person
committed under the SVP Act. Prohibits persons sought to be
committed under the SVP Act who refuse to speak with a DOC or
DHS evaluator from introducing expert testimony, at the SVP Act
trial, of an examination of the person sought to be committed.
Such persons may only introduce expert testimony based on a
review of their records. Provides that a trial on the petition to
determine if a person is sexually violent must commence no later
than 120 days (rather than 45 days) after the date of probable
cause hearing. (HB 2088: Third Reading, May 3, 2001, passed the Senate 47-01-06.
Public Act 92-0415.)

Drugs:

Obama voted yes on two separate bills (2001, 2003) which

would put needles in the hands of drug users. (SB 880: Third Reading,
March 24, 2003, passed the Senate 30-24-02. Public Act 93-0392.) (SB 155: Public Health and
Welfare Committee, March 6, 2001, do pass as amended motion passed 6-3-0, failed in full Senate

10

and placed on postponed consideration.) (There was also another bill, SB 148 from 1997. Senate
could not immediately find the committee roll call on this bill.)

DEBT:
There are two different kinds of bonding authorization general
obligation and moral obligation. General obligation means the state
pays the debt. Moral obligation means the state must back up the
bonding authority so if the authority defaults, the state must pay off
the bonds. Obama seems to support both types of bonding.

In 1997, Obama voted yes on legislation to increase the Illinois

Finance Development Authoritys bonding authorization by $2
Billion. (HB 1450: CCR # 1, June 1, 1997, passed the Senate 54-02-00. Public Act 90-0470.)

In 1999, Obama voted yes on legislation to increase

McCormick Places bonding authority by $270 million. (SB 1010:
Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, May 20, 1999, passed the Senate 50-07-00. Public Act
91-101).

In 1999, Obama voted yes on Governor Ryans Illinois First

bond bill which bonded $12 billion over five years to build, repair
and upgrade the infrastructure needs of the state. (SB 1203: CCR # 1,
May 27, 1999, passed the Senate 58-01-00. Public Act 91-0039).

In 2001, Obama voted yes on legislation authorizing the

financing for an $800 million McCormick Place expansion which is
paid by bonds. (HB 263: Third Reading, May 24, 2001, passed the Senate 45-08-04.
Public Act 92-0208).

In 2003, Obama voted yes for a pension bonding bill that

automatically doubled the states general obligation debt and
uses bond proceeds to pay for the operations of state
government. (HB 2660, Postponed Consideration, April 4, 2003, passed the Senate 37-1605. Public Act 93-0002.) (Also listed under Budget section. See that section for further details.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes one of the most short-sighted

budget proposals which grants the Governor the authority to sell
three state buildings (the Thompson Center, The Toll Highway
Authority Headquarters and some land at the Elgin Mental Health
Center) and then lease them back from the new owners. This is
like taking out a mortgage on a building that you already own.
(SB 719: Concurrence with House Amendment # 1, # 2, # 3, and # 4, May 31, 2003, passed the
Senate 33-25-01. Public Act 93-0019). (Also listed under Budget section.)

EDUCATION:
During 1997, education funding reform was a major issue debated in
the Legislature. While there was a consensus that something must be
11

done to bring the states poorest schools up to a reasonable foundation

level, there was much disagreement over how to reach that point.
Research revealed three major proposals that were advanced during
this time. The first proposal was Governor Edgars plan to raise the
state income tax and use the newly generated revenue for school
funding. That plan failed in a Senate Committee thus not giving
Senator Obama the opportunity to vote on that plan. In response to
the Governors plan, the Senate Republicans introduced their plan,
which was embodied in HB 449. While this bill passed the Senate, it
failed in the House. Finally, in the fall of 1997, school funding
legislation passed on HB 452.
School Funding:

In 1997, Senator Obama voted no on legislation to raise $455

million for schools (telecommunication excise tax increase and
cigarette tax increase) which would bring all schools up to a
minimum foundation level without raising state income taxes. (HB
449: Third Reading, May 30, 1997, passed the Senate 30-28-00 but later failed in a House
committee.)

In the fall of 1997, Senator Obama did not vote on critical

school funding reform legislation that increase funding for Illinois
schools without raising the state income taxes. (HB 452: Third Reading,
November 14, 1997, passed the Senate 43-15-00. Public Act 90-0548.)

School Safety:

In 2001, Obama voted no on legislation that would give

schools the ability to make students finish a suspension before
starting school in a new district. (SB 376, Third reading, March 29, 2001, passed
the Senate 42-12-00. Public Act 92-0064.)

In 2001, Obama voted no on legislation that allows a school

district to adopt a policy that states if a student is suspended or
expelled, that the student must complete the suspension before
being admitted to new district. (SB 376: Third reading, March 29, 2001, passed
the Senate 42-12-00. Public Act 92-0064.)

Sex Education:

In 2003, Obama supported legislation backed by the ACLU and

planned parenthood. He voted yes on controversial legislation
that would allow sex education to be taught in grade school. The
materials are required to be age appropriate. (SB 99: Health and
Human Services Committee, do pass motion, March 6, 2003, Passed the Committee 7-4-0 and was
held on Third Reading in the Senate.)

ELECTIONS

AND

ETHICS REFORM:

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In 1997, Obama did not vote on campaign reform legislation

that would prohibit a person or campaign from distributing or
publishing campaign materials that contain an altered or
fraudulent picture. (SB 129: Third Reading, March 19, 1997, passed Senate 46-03-06.
Held in the House on Third Reading.)

In 1997, Obama did not vote on legislation that provides that

a person convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other
infamous crime may not be elected to, hold, or be appointed to
elective office.. In 1998 he also did not vote on similar
legislation that disqualifies a public official from holding office on
the date they are found guilty of committing a crime that would
disqualify them from holding that office. (HB 3139: Third Reading, May 13,
1998, passed Senate 52-02-02. Public Act 90-0707.) (SB 460: CCR, May 29, 1997, passed Senate
48-06-00 but the House did not adopt the report).

GAMBLING:

In 1997, Obama voted yes on controversial legislation to

authorize dockside gambling. Permits riverboats to conduct
unrestricted dockside gambling if approved by referendum of
voters in the community where riverboat is located. Permits
gambling board to approve relocation of a riverboat to another
docking municipality. (SB 493: Conference Committee Report # 1, November 11,
1997, passed the Senate 32-25-00. The report did not pass the House.)

In 2002, Obama voted no on legislation to permit dockside

gaming and increase horseracing purse distribution. (SB 1017:
Concurrence with House Amendments # 3 and # 5, May 25, 1999, passed the Senate 31-27-00.
Public Act 91-0040.)

In 2002 Obama voted present on another revenue bill to

increase the riverboat gambling privilege tax and admission tax.
(HB 2381: Third Reading, May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 30-07-21. Public Act 92-0595).
(Previously listed under Budget section).

After opposing that legislation, in 2003, Obama voted yes on

controversial legislation to create a new gaming license as a
replacement for the current 10th license, to allow for the Rock
Island boat to move inland, and to allow the State to own a
riverboat license. (SB 1607: Concurrence with House Amendments # 3 and # 5, May
31, 2003, passed the Senate 30-24-03. Public Act 93-0028). (Previously listed under Budget
Section)

In 2003, after opposing similar legislation in 2002, Obama voted

yes on legislation to increase the admission tax (entry fee) and
other taxes paid by the riverboat owners. (SB 1606: Concurrence with
House Amendment # 2, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 33-24-01. Public Act 93-0027).
(Previously listed in the Budget section.)

13

GAY RIGHTS:

In 1997, Obama voted no on legislation that gave heterosexual

couples the same guaranteed employment benefits offered to
same sex couples. (SB 228: Third Reading, March 18, 1997, passed the Senate 40-1002. Failed in House Committee.)

In 2003, Obama did not vote on legislation to allow domestic

partners to be allowed to assume the rights of a spouse or
survivor with regards to pension benefits under the Chicago
Teachers pension system. (HB 581: Third Reading, May 30, 2003, passed the
Senate 31-21-04. The bill was held in the House on Concurrence.)

GUNS:

In 1999, Obama voted yes on legislation to require trigger

locks on guns. Specifically, the bill provides that it is unlawful to
store or leave a firearm if person knows or has reason to know
that a minor under age 14 without a FOID card is likely to gain
access to the gun without the lawful permission of the minors
parents and the minor causes death or great bodily injury with
the firearm. The bill provides for exceptions to the trigger lock
provisions. (SB 177: Third Reading, March 23, 1999, passed the Senate 37-14-04. Public
Act 91-0018).

In 2001, Obama voted no on a bill designed to protect women

by allowing them to carry a concealed weapon when they have a
valid order of protection out against another person. This bill
failed by one vote and Obama cast a deciding vote. (SB 604: Third
Reading, April 4, 2001, failed in the Senate 29-27-00).

In 2003, Obama voted yes on Mayor Daleys highly

controversial proposal to limit the rights of citizens to purchase
one gun a month. (HB 2579: Third reading, May 16, 2003, failed in the Senate 23-3600).

In 2003, Obama did not vote on two separate occasions for

two bills that would have allowed the use of handguns to hunt
deer during the deer hunting shotgun season. (HB 1096: Third reading,
May 7, 2003, passed the Senate 46-05-02. Public Act 93-0554 and SB 257: Third Reading, March
24, 2003, passed Senate 47-05-02 and was vetoed by the Governor.)

Safe Neighborhoods:

14

In December 1999, the Illinois Supreme Court struck down Public

Act 88-0680 as violative of the Single Subject Rule of the Illinois
Constitution (People v. Cervantes). This Public Act, which passed
in 1994, contained what has been referred to as the Safe
Neighborhoods bill. It created only one new criminal offense,
but it contained many important criminal-sentencing
enhancements.
One particular sentencing enhancement that created controversy
was the Penalty upgrades from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class
4 felony for certain violations of the Unlawful Use of a Weapon
(UUW) offense. Many lawmakers felt that the 1994 penalty
upgrade unjustly made felons out of otherwise law abiding
citizens who simply transported or carried firearms in technical
violation of the law.
What followed was a lengthy special session throughout the
month of December. During that time, three different bills (HB
1285, HB 2610 and SB 224) were called for a vote on the Senate
floor all three failed. All of these bills contained a reenactment
of most of the safe neighborhood bill, but each contained a
different provision in terms of the controversial UUW penalty.
(Source: 2000 Senate GOP End of Session Report.)

The City of Chicago, the Cook County States Attorney, and other
law enforcement organizations supported the reenactment. The
Illinois Rifle Association opposed the reenactment of the felony
UUW penalty.

On December 16, 1999, during the Special Session, Senator

Obama voted no on legislation to reenact most of the Safe
Neighborhoods legislation with the exception of giving
prosecutors the discretion to charge UUW as either a felony or a
misdemeanor. (HB 1285: Third Reading, December 16, 1999, failed in the Senate 31-215).

On December 17, 1999, during the Special Session, Senator

Obama voted yes on legislation to reenact most of the Safe
Neighborhoods legislation with the exception of making the UUW
offense a felony, but creating a special probation penalty for
certain offenders. (SB 224: Concurrence on House Amendment # 2, December 17,
1999, failed in the Senate 29-18-00).

On December 21, 1999, during the Special Session, Senator

voted present with most of his Democrat colleagues on
legislation that contained the reenactment of the Safe

15

Neighborhoods legislation minus the UUW upgrade.

(HB 2610: Third

Reading, December 21, 1999, failed in the Senate 33-3-21).

On December 29, 1999, during the Special Session, the Senate

again considered the concurrence on SB 224 that was previously
considered on December 17. This time, Senator Obama did not
vote on this legislation. It is believed that Senator Obama was
absent this day from the chamber because he was visiting his
family in Hawaii. Check his attendance record to see if he was in
fact absent this day. (SB 224: Concurrence on House Amendment # 2, December 29,
1999, failed in the Senate 31-17-02).

Finally, during the Spring Session of 2000, a compromise was

reached on the controversial UUW provision. Senator Obama
voted yes on this bill. The language was embodied in Senate
Amendments # 2 and # 3 to HB 739. This bill provides that a
first time violation of the transportation or carrying subsections
of the UUW offense is a class A misdemeanor for otherwise law
abiding citizens. This bill also increases the penalty for
possessing a firearm in a bar. It creates a new offense called
Aggravated UUW, which provides that a first time violation of
illegal transportation or carrying of a firearm is a Class 4 felony if
certain factors are present. The legislation further provides that
a second or subsequent offense of Aggravated UUW is a Class 2
felony. (HB 739: Third Reading, April 7, 2000, passed the Senate 58-00-00. Public Act 910690).

NOTE: Senator Obama supported the rest of the series of bills that
reenacted the non-controversial portions of the Safe
Neighborhoods law.
HEALTH CARE:

In 2003, Obama voted yes on a controversial bill supported by

Planned Parenthood to require insurance companies to provide
coverage for birth control. While the bill may be a good womens
issue, it is another mandate that further serves to drive up the
cost of health insurance which is particularly problematic for
small businesses. (HB 211: Third reading, May 16, 2003, passed the Senate 34-23-01.
Public Act 93-102).

HUMAN SERVICES:
During the fiscal crisis of 2003, Senator Obama showed little, if any,
fiscal restraint. He supported several spending bills in spite of the
states financial condition. The following are just a few examples.

16

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation to expand the

government funded (state and federal match) KidCare Program
to add 22,000 children and to expand the Family Care Program
by 477% (62,000 adults). This bill cost the state $26 million and
will cost the federal government an additional $48 million. (SB
130, Third Reading, March 26, 2003, passed the Senate 42-13-02, Concurrence with House
Amendment # 1, May 30, 2003, passed the Senate 44-14-00. Public Act 93-0063.)

In 2003, Obama also voted yes on legislation which expands

eligibility for the Community Care Program and the Home
Services Program by doubling the asset limits for the programs.
(HB 1254: Health and Human Services Committee, May 1, 2003, do pass motion passed 6-00-4
but the bill was held on Third Reading in the Senate.) (HB 3455: Health and Human Services
Committee, May 1, 2003, do pass motion passed 6-0-3, but the bill was held on Third Reading in
the Senate.)

PAY RAISES

AND

PERKS:

During his tenure in office, Obama supported the following pay raises
for state and local officials.
Self:

In 1997, Obama also voted yes on another measure which

would increase his district office allotment by $10,000 per year
to $67,000/year . The District office allotment is use to pay for
district office operations. (HB 229: Conference Committee Report # 1, November 14,
1997, passed the Senate 40-14-00. Public Act 90-0569.)

In 1998, Obama voted for a two-year pay raise for himself and
other elected state officials regardless of the fact that these
officials were scheduled to receive a COLA increase irrespective
of this particular pay raise. (HJR 66: Final Adoption, May 22, 1998, resolution failed
by a vote of 25-31-02.)

Pay raises and salaries for the General Assembly, the Executive
Branch (departments, agencies, etc.), Constitutional Officers, the
judicial branch and States attorneys are determined by the
Compensation Review Board. The Comp Review Board issues a
report with its recommendations every two years. The 1998
Compensation Review Board Report recommends a two-tiered
salary increase for the aforementioned elected officials as
follows:
The judicial branch is given a 3% increase plus the 2.9 % COLA
for FY 99 and a 3% increase for FY 00 plus a 2.9% COLA.

17

 The Executive Branch, Constitutional Officers, and the General

Assembly are given a 2% increase plus the 2.9% COLA for FY 99
and another 2% increase plus a 2.9% COLA for FY 00.
Specifically increases the salary of the Lt. Governor from
$89,357 to $96,804 and then applies the increases plus COLA.
Increases for states attorneys range from $8,000 to $15,000
based on county population. (Source: Senate Republican End of
Session Report 1998)
According to Glenn Hodas, irrespective of this particular pay
raise, the General Assembly was schedule to receive an
automatic COLA anyway based upon the adoption of an earlier
Compensation Review Board Report from the early 1990s. So
regardless of this pay raise, members were going to receive a
COLA anyway.
In order for the recommendations to be stopped, both chambers
of the General Assembly must pass a resolution to prohibit the
increases. The House passed a resolution to prohibit the
increases, but the resolution failed in the Senate by a vote of
25-31-2 and thus the report became law. A no vote is a vote
to approve the report. Thus, a no vote equates a vote for the
pay raise. Senator Obama voted no on the resolution.
Obama did not support pay increases in 2000 or 2002. These
pay raises were not supposed to take effect. There is no
reason for Obama to vote for a pay raise that was not going to
take effect. (SJR 70: Adoption, April 5, 2000. Passed the Senate 54-00-00. Adopted by
both Houses.) (SJR 63: Adoption, 2002. April 11, 2002, Passed the Senate 55-00-00. Adopted by
both Houses.)

18

Other Elected Officials:

In 1997, Obama voted yes for a state funded pay increase for
circuit clerks. (HB 1500, third reading, May 7, 1997, passed the Senate 54-03-00. Public
Act 90-0095).

In 1998, Obama did not vote on legislation to increases

stipends for following county officials: treasurers, county clerks,
recorders, sheriffs, and the chief clerk for a county board of
election commissioners. (HB 3626: Third reading, May 13, 1998, passed the Senate
36-13-01. Public Act 90-0713.)

In 1999, Obama voted yes on legislation to provide a salary

increase for certain states attorneys. (HB 1966: Third Reading, May 13,
1999, passed the Senate 44-13-01, Public Act 91-0440).

In 1999, Obama again voted yes for a pay raise for certain
water district trustees. (HB 2281: Third reading, May 6, 1999, passed the Senate 4807-01. Public Act 91-0333).

In 1999, Obama voted yes on another bill, which gave

downstate airport officials a pay raise. (SB 286: Third reading, May 27, 1999,
passed the Senate 54-03-01. This language was later removed from the bill in conference
committee).

In 1999, Obama voted present on legislation to set the salary

for regional school superintendents and to provide for an annual
cost of living adjustment. (SB 995: Third Reading, March 18, 1999, passed the
Senate 41-10-03. Public Act 91-0276)

In 2000, Obama voted yes on a bill that would provide for an

annual state stipend of $6,500 for each coroner in the state. (HB
3114: Third reading, April 14, 2000, passed the Senate 31-21-02, Public Act 91-0908).

Legislative Scholarships:
Legislation regarding General Assembly scholarships is rare. Seldom
are members in the Senate given the opportunity to vote on this
legislation.

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation that expands the use

of the Legislative Scholarships to all state universities. (Currently
one scholarship must be for the University of Illinois and one can
be used for any other state university). (HB 3274: Third Reading, March 13,
2003, passed the Senate 56-02-00. Public Act 93-0349.)

In 1999, Obama was one of only 5 members to vote against a

bill that would have eliminated the General Assembly
scholarships for the House of Representatives. (HB 7: April 27, 1999.
Third reading, passed the Senate 46-05-00. The bill ultimately failed in the House.)

19

UNIONS:
After 10 years of Republican control, the Democrats were anxious to
push their pro-union agenda. Senator Obama voted yes on all of the
following pro-union bills:

In 2002, Obama supported legislation that attempts to stop the

Governor from proceeding with the privatization of prison food
service. The bill prohibits the Dept. of Corrections from entering
into a contract with a private vendor to provide food or
commissary services for institutions or facilities of the
Department. This bill was an attempt by the Governor to reduce
state spending. (HB 3714: Third Reading, May 7, 2002, passed the Senate 47-07-01.
Vetoed by the Governor. Veto override in Senate, June 11, 2002, failed in the Senate by a vote of
33-19-03.)

In 2003, Obama supported legislation which protects smaller

local government unions. This bill prevents a unit of local
government from petitioning to have collective bargaining unit
decertified once the employment level of that unit falls below 35
employees. (HB 336, third reading, May 15, 2003, passed Senate 52-05-00. Public Act 930442.)

In 2003, Obama also supported legislation which prevents the

closure of certain state facilities, and thus protecting those union
jobs, without the approval of the General Assembly. The bill
prohibits closing a DHS, Veterans, or DOC facility unless the
legislature has first approved the closure. (HB 992, Third reading, May 16,
2003, passed Senate 59-00-00. Held in the House on Concurrence.)

In 2003, Obama also supported legislation to allow more parttime college faculty to unionize. Specifically, the bill allows
community college instructors that provide three or more
(currently six or more) hours of instruction per semester to join
the union. (HB 1457: Third Reading, May 9, 2003, Passed the Senate 41-13-02. Public Act
93-0314.)

In 2003, Obama also supported a controversial bill that makes it

easier to unionize workers. This legislation allows employees
eligible to unionize to do so without requiring the IL Labor
Relations Board to run a secret ballot election if 50% of the
eligible employees sign a card stating their agreement to
unionize. (HB 3396: Third reading, May 21, 2003, passed the Senate 31-26-01. Public Act
93-0444).

20

In 2003, Obama supported legislation narrowly targeted to

allow the employees of Hazel Crest School Finance Oversight
Authority to unionize and collectively bargain. (HB 3405, Third Reading,
May 13, 2003, passed the Senate 54-00-03. Public Act 93-0501.)

In 2003, Obama also supported legislation that guarantees that

if a teacher is elected to serve as an officer of a state or national
teacher union, he or she must be granted a leave of absence for
up to six years or the period of time the teacher serves as officer.
(SB 230, Third Reading, March 19, 2003, passed the Senate 37-15-01, Public Act 93-0377.)

In 2003, Obama also supported controversial legislation that

provides that no state money shall be used to promote or deter
unionization. (SB 461: Postponed Consideration, April 9, 2003, passed the Senate 33-2401, held in the House on second reading.)

In 2003, Obama also supported legislation that supports

unionization of graduate assistants. The bill allows graduate
assistants that teach college courses to be eligible to join the
union. ( SB 1070: Third Reading, April 8, 2003, passed the Senate 39-16-01. Held in the
house on second reading.)

In 2003, Obama also supported an expansion of the prevailing

wage. This bill adds projects funded through IL FIRST to the
prevailing wage act. Provides that the wages earned by
tradesmen performing maintenance on a project that qualifies for
the prevailing wage act be the same as those tradesmen that
performed the construction of the project. (SB 1212: Third reading,
passed the Senate 43-07-02, Public Act 93-0016.)

TAXES/FEE INCREASES:

In 1998, Obama voted no with his Democrat colleagues on a

provision that would have asked the voters if they wanted to
change the Illinois Constitution to require a super-majority vote in
the Legislature to pass a sales or income tax increase. (A
constitutional amendment takes effect when the constitutional
amendment passes the General Assembly and is approved by
the voters.) (SJRCA 57: Third reading, April 2, 1998, failed in the Senate by one vote - 3524-00).

In 1999, Senator Obama supported Governors Ryans Illinois

First Program by voting yes for an $80 Million liquor tax
increase. (SB 1066: CCR # 1, May 21, 1999, passed the Senate 42-17-00. Public Act 910038).

21

In 1999, Obama voted no on legislation to create a sales tax

exemption for wholesale generators of electricity. (HB 1268: Third
Reading, May 13, 1999, passed the Senate 45-10-01, but did not pass the House.)

In 1999, Obama also voted no on another utility tax break

which would have provided a municipal electric tax decrease for
the utility industry. (SB 6: Third Reading, March 25, 1999, passed the Senate 40-17-00,
but did not pass the House.)

In 1999, Obama voted no on another bill that was good for

Illinois based corporations. Specifically, this legislation
eliminates throwback sales from inclusion in Illinois income
taxes. (SB 893: Third reading, March 18, 1999, passed the Senate 42-10-06, but did not pass
the House.)

In 2000, Obama did not vote on important tax legislation. The

bill creates the Qualified Technological Equipment Leasing
Occupation Tax. It exempts eligible technological equipment
from the sales tax and imposes a new tax of 6.25% on leasing
receipts. (SB 1929: Third Reading, February 24, 2000, passed the Senate 57-00-00. The bill
was held in the House on 2nd reading.)

In 2001, Obama voted yes in committee on controversial

legislation to allow Cook County to increase property tax
assessments without mailed notice. (HB 2378: Revenue committee, do pass
motion, May 9, 2001, failed in Committee 5-3-0.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes for legislation that allows home rule
municipalities to charge a 1% sales tax in declared business
districts. (SB 594: Third Reading, April 3, 2003, passed the Senate 52-05-00. House
Amendment# 1 stripped the bill. House Amendment # 2 reinserted the language of the bill as it
passed the Senate. Senate concurrence with House Amendments # 1 and 2, May 31, 2003.
Passed the Senate 30-27-00. Governor vetoed the bill. Motion to override the Governors veto,
November 6, 2003, passed the Senate 39-19-00. A motion to override the Governors veto failed
in the House.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on controversial legislation to

remove residential parcels in Cook County with more than six
units, commercial and industrial parcels from the State Property
Tax Assessment Board appeal process thereby forcing these
appeals into circuit court. The business industry was opposed to
this bill. (SB 620: Third reading, March 20, 2003, passed the Senate 33-20-01. This bill
failed in the House.)

(See the budget section for additional tax votes.)

A: Fee Increases:

22

Obama voted for numerous state and local fee increases during his
tenure as State Senator. This section only highlights two of the
worst votes. See the full chart for a complete listing.

In 1997, Senator Obama supported Governor Ryans Illinois First

Plan by voting yes on legislation that provided for a 63%
increase in automobile registration fees and a 400% increase in
vehicle title fees. (SB 1028: CCR # 1, May 21, 1999, passed the Senate 42-17-00. Public
Act 91-0037.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation that provided for a

50% increase in the fee that consumers pay for tires. The tire
tax as it is commonly called, was increased from $1 to
$1.50/new or used tire sold or delivered in the state. (SB 361: Third
Reading, March 26, 2003, passed the Senate 30-22-02. Concurrence with House Amendment #
1, May 29, 2003, passed the Senate 32-25-00. Public Act 93-0052.)

In 2003, Obama voted against the biggest fee bill considered

during his tenure in office. He voted no on a fee bill that
generated over $ 1 billion in new fees on businesses and
consumers. (SB 1903: Concurrence with House Amendment #
1, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 30-28-00. Public Act 930032).

B: Property Tax Caps:

The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, commonly known as
property tax caps has been in effect for over a decade in Illinois.
Under the cap, local governments can increase their property tax
collections by no more than the rate of inflation in the national
Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is less. New or newly
annexed property is exempt from the cap in the first year and there
are special rules for bonds. The Illinois Property Tax Extension
Limitation Law allows local government officials to ask voters to
approve an override of the cap at referendum. (Source, Are Illinois Tax Caps
Still A Good Fit After 10 Years?, by Richard F. Dye and Therese J. McGuire, for Taxpayers Federation of
Illinois.)

In 2001, Obama voted yes on controversial legislation that

would weaken the property tax cap law by exempting certain
park district levies from the caps. (SB 1171: Third Reading, March 29, 2001,
passed the Senate 37-12-06. Held in the senate on concurrence.)

In 2003, Obama also voted yes on controversial legislation to

weaken property tax caps. This legislation creates exceptions for
bonds issued by school boards for fire prevention and safety
purposes from the definition of debt service extension base and
the exclusion of certain extensions for fire prevention and safety

23

purposes from the aggregate extension for a school district.

Makes other numerous changes. (SB 22: Third Reading, March 26, 2003,
passed the Senate 37-19-00. The bill was held in the House on 2nd reading.)

In 2003, Obama also voted yes on controversial legislation

that provided two exceptions to property tax caps. The first
authorizes $100 million in non-referendum bonding authority to
the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The property tax to
satisfy the debt service is in addition to any rate limit. (1) $50 M
for land acquisition and capital improvements, (2) $25 M for the
Brookfield Zoo (increases the bond issue limit from $27,640,000
to $52,640,000) and (3) $24 M for the Chicago botanical gardens
(increases the bond issue limit from $ 7 M to $32 M). The second
provision adds a new definition for the non-referendum debt base
to allow 16 park districts to access the dollar amount for the
1991 levy year instead of the 1994 year, if the 1997 amount was
less than 51% of the 1991 amount. (SB 83: Third Reading, March 6, 2003,
passed the Senate 33-20-02. The Governor total vetoed this bill. On November 11, 2003 Senator
Obama voted yes to override the Governors veto. That motion to override the veto passed the
Senate by a vote of 36-20-01. A veto motion needs 36 votes to override the veto and Obama cast
a deciding vote on this issue. Public Act 93-0601.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes for another controversial measure

to create an exception to the tax cap. This bill allows the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to impose a new
property tax at a rate not to exceed 0.0025%. The district is
given the authority to levy the tax for 4 years. Proceeds from the
tax must be used for staffing, services, materials, and equipment
to secure and safeguard sewers, sewage treatment plants, and
appurtenances thereto. The proposed rate would yield about
$2.5 M each year. (SB 315: Third Reading, passed the Senate 33-23-00. The bill was
held in the House on 2nd Reading.)

In 2003, Obama voted yes for another controversial tax cap

exception that is limited to school districts, for pensions.
Specifically, for contributions to the IMRF fund, for coverage for
Medicare Part A and B and coverage under the Federal Insurance
Contributions. (SB 1049: Third Reading, April 4, 2003, passed the Senate 31-26-01. Held
in the Senate on Concurrence.)

C: Gas Taxes:

In 1998, Obama voted present on a bill that removes 5% of

the State sales tax on motor fuels and gasohol for a six month
period. (SB 1458: Third reading, April 2, 1998, passed the Senate 46-08-04. The bill did not
pass the House.)

In 2000, Obama developed a position and voted yes on a bill

that removes 5% of the State sales tax on motor fuel and

24

gasohol for a six-month period.

(HB 3873: Third reading, April 15, 2000, Passed

the Senate 55-02-00. The bill did not pass the House.)

In June of 2000, Governor Ryan called a Special Session to

address the public outcry over skyrocketing gas prices
throughout Illinois. . Senator Obama voted yes on legislation
that removed 5% of the State sales tax on motor fuel and
gasohol for a six-month period from July 1 through December 31,
2000. (SB 1310: Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, June 29, 2000, passed the Senate,
55-01-00. Public Act 91-0872.)

In 2001, Obama voted no on legislation to permanently lower

the state sales tax rate on motor fuel to 1.25%. (SB 209: Third Reading,
April 4, 2001, passed the Senate 45-04-02. The bill was held in a House committee.)

D: Education tax credit:

In 1997, Senator Obama voted no on legislation, which creates
an education income tax credit. The bill creates an income tax
credit for all full-time K- 12 pupils in an amount equal to 25% of
qualified education expenses up to a maximum of $500 per
family. Education expenses are defined as those in excess of
$250 incurred for tuition, book fees, and lab fees. (HB 999: Third

Reading, November 11, 1997, passed the Senate 38-14-06. The bill was vetoed by the Governor.)

In 1999, Senator Obama voted with the ACLU and the Illinois
Education Association (IEA) and voted no on important
legislation, which creates an education income tax credit. The
bill creates an income tax credit for all full-time K- 12 pupils in an
amount equal to 25% of qualified education expenses up to a
maximum of $500 per family. Education expenses are defined as
those in excess of $250 incurred for tuition, book fees, and lab
fees. (SB 1075: Third Reading, March 25, 1999, passed the Senate 35-21-01. Public Act 910009.)

E. Car Leases:

In 1997, Senator Obama voted yes on two bills that changed

the way that leased cars are taxed. This was a big issue for the
Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. (HB 601: Third Reading, May 13,
1997, passed the Senate 55-00-03. The bill was vetoed by the Governor.) (HB 1121: Conference
Committee Report # 1, May 29, 1997, passed the Senate 57-00-00. The bill was vetoed by the
Governor.)

In 1998, Senator Obama voted yes on legislation that changed

the way that leased cars are taxed. This was a big issue for the
Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. (HB 2333: Third Reading, April 28,
1998, passed the Senate 56-00-00, but did not pass the House.)

25

After previously supporting three bills on this issue, in 1999,

Senator Obama changed his position and was the only member
to vote no on legislation that changed the way that leased
cars are taxed. (HB 402: Third Reading, May 12, 1999, passed the Senate 57-01-00, but
did not pass the House.)

26

FLIP FLOPS:
A: Cloning:

In 2000, Obama was the only member to vote against a bill to

prohibit human cloning in certain circumstances. (SB 649, Third
Reading, February 24, 2000, passed the Senate 57-01-00. The bill was held in the House on 3 rd
reading.)

In 2001, Obama voted yes on the human cloning bill. That bill
would prohibit human cloning as well as purchasing or selling an
ovum, zygote, or embryo or fetus for the purpose of cloning a
human. (SB 493: Third reading, March 29, 2001, passed the Senate 56-00-00. Held in the
House on 2nd Reading.)

B: Gambling:
1. Dockside:

In 1997, Obama voted yes on controversial legislation to

authorize dockside gambling. Permits riverboats to conduct
unrestricted dockside gambling if approved by referendum of
voters in the community where riverboat is located. Permits
gambling board to approve relocation of a riverboat to another
docking municipality. (SB 493: Conference Committee Report # 1, November 11,
1997, passed the Senate 32-25-00. The report did not pass the House.)

In 2002, Obama voted no on legislation to permit dockside

gaming and increase horseracing purse distribution. (SB 1017:
Concurrence with House Amendments # 3 and # 5, May 25, 1999, passed the Senate 31-27-00.
Public Act 91-0040.)

2. Riverboat taxes:

In 2002 Obama voted present on another revenue bill to

increase the riverboat gambling privilege tax and admission tax.
(HB 2381: Third Reading, May 31, 2002, passed the Senate 30-07-21. Public Act 92-0595).
(Previously listed under Budget section).

In 2003, after opposing similar legislation in 2002, Obama voted

yes on legislation to increase the admission tax (entry fee) and
other taxes paid by the riverboat owners. (SB 1606: Concurrence with
House Amendment # 2, May 31, 2003, passed the Senate 33-24-01. Public Act 93-0027).
(Previously listed in the Budget section.)

C: Drug Testing for DOC workers

27

In 2000, Obama also voted present on legislation to institute a

zero tolerance drug policy for all Department of Corrections
employees. (HB 4659: Third reading, January 9, 2001, passed
the Senate 35-10-13. The bill was held on Concurrence in the
House.)

In 2000, Obama voted yes on legislation to institute a zero

tolerance drug policy for all Department of Corrections
employees. (HB 2855: Third reading, April 11, 2000, passed the
Senate, 45-03-10. The bill did not pass the House.)

In 2001, Obama voted yes on the final version of legislation to

institute a zero tolerance drug policy for all Department of
Corrections employees. (SB 1032: Third Reading, April 26, 2001,
passed the Senate 53-00-00, Public Act 92-0080).

D: Death Penalty

In 1999, Obama indicated that he backed death penalty

moratoriums and opposed the death penalty in general.
(Chicago Weekend, 9/23/99).

In 2001, in response to a brutal gang murder in Chicago, Obama

voted no on legislation to toughen penalties for gangbangers
that commit crimes in the furtherance of gang activities. The bill
included a death penalty provision for certain gang crime
offenses. (HB 1812: Third Reading, May 12, 2001, passed the Senate 44-09-05. This bill
was vetoed by the Governor.)

In 2001, Obama voted for a terrorism package that included a

death penalty provision for terrorists. (HB 2299: Third Reading,
November 28, 2001, passed the Senate 55-00-01. This bill was
vetoed by the Governor.)

E: Gas Taxes:

In 1998, Obama voted present on a bill that removes 5% of

the State sales tax on motor fuels and gasohol for a six month
period. (SB 1458: Third reading, April 2, 1998, passed the Senate 46-08-04. The bill did not
pass the House.)

In 2000, Obama developed a position and voted yes on a bill

that removes 5% of the State sales tax on motor fuel and
gasohol for a six-month period. (HB 3873: Third reading, April 15, 2000, Passed
the Senate 55-02-00. The bill did not pass the House.)

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In June of 2000, Governor Ryan called a Special Session to

address the public outcry over skyrocketing gas prices
throughout Illinois. . Senator Obama voted yes on legislation
that removed 5% of the State sales tax on motor fuel and
gasohol for a six-month period from July 1 through December 31,
2000. (SB 1310: Concurrence with House Amendment # 2, June 29, 2000, passed the Senate,
55-01-00. Public Act 91-0872.)

F: Car Lease Tax

In 1997, Senator Obama voted yes on two bills that changed

the way that leased cars are taxed. This was a big issue for the
Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. (HB 601: Third Reading, May 13,
1997, passed the Senate 55-00-03. The bill was vetoed by the Governor.) (HB 1121: Conference
Committee Report # 1, May 29, 1997, passed the Senate 57-00-00. The bill was vetoed by the
Governor.)

In 1998, Senator Obama voted yes on legislation that changed

the way that leased cars are taxed. This was a big issue for the
Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. (HB 2333: Third Reading, April 28,
1998, passed the Senate 56-00-00, but did not pass the House.)

After previously supporting three bills on this issue, in 1999,

Senator Obama changed his position and was the only member
to vote no on legislation that changed the way that leased
cars are taxed. (HB 402: Third Reading, May 12, 1999, passed the Senate 57-01-00, but
did not pass the House.)

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