PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 100th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Tim Kruzan from Jacksonville Assembly (of God) in Jacksonville, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Tim Kruzan)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham, would you please lead us?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journals.
Senate Journal of Friday, May 5th, 2017.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
Senate Resolution 490, offered by Senator Bennett and all Members. And Senate Resolutions 491 and 494, offered by Senator Barickman and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 492, offered by Senator Harmon. Senate Resolution 493, offered by Senator Biss. Senate Joint Resolution 38, offered by Senator Clayborne. And Senator -- Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14, offered by Senator McCann. They are all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1000174 Governor's salaried appointment To be the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Timothy Sickmeyer Appointment Message 1000175 Governor's salaried appointment To be a Member of the Civil Service Commission, Casey Urlacher Appointment Message 1000176 Governor's salaried appointment To be a Member of the Human Rights Commission, Charlene Foss-Eggemann 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Appointment Message 1000177 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Jerry Mitchell Appointment Message 1000178 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Workforce Investment Board, Manuel Rodriguez And Appointment Message 1000179 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Workforce Investment Board, Manuel Rodriguez
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 512, offered by Senator Nybo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1853, offered by Senator McConnaughay. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2404, offered by Senator Rose. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2762, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3371, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3785, offered by Senator Rose. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3817, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to begin on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading on page 36 of your printed Calendar. Near the bottom of the page is House Bill 1811. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1811. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be turning shortly to final action, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. If all Members within the sound of my voice could be at their desks, we'll be turning to final action, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, sir. I have the distinct honor and privilege to introduce constituents from the south suburbs. They're actually my neighbors, very special people, that are here today. We have -- Jordan is here with her badge. Let's see your badge, Jordan, real quick. Gotcha. And then, Julliana, let's see your badge. They are official members of the Senate today. They're here presenting for TECH 2017, highlighting the technology projects 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 that they're doing at their schools. Also, accompanying them are their parents, Scott Paddock and Marcy Paddock. They're from Orland Park. Scott also is the CEO of the Chicagoland Speedway. Marcy is the brains of the operation. Thank God. We have a lot in common - we all married up and out of our league. I was hoping that we can give 'em a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Today I'm honored to have I guess a Page or a guest. It is Tom Bickel, a 216 -- a 2016 graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka and he's the son of Roger Bickel. And he's also a -- led New Trier High School to the State -- Tennis Championship in 2016, and he's the twin brother of Scott Bickel, who is going to be with Senator Connelly. He will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the fall and I hope the Presiding Officer could talk to him. He's considering possibly going into law and I'm trying to talk him out of it right now. So could we welcome our -- our -- my guest here today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Bickel, welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you very much. Tomorrow is our annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Suit and Sneakers Day at the Capitol. It's to promote awareness of the fight against cancer. Cancer is something that touches us all. This is why I would encourage everyone in the Chamber to join me in wearing your sneakers or, as I call them, gym shoes tomorrow, as part of the -- that awareness day. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteers, along with volunteers from the Susan G. Komen Chicago and Metro Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, will be in town wearing their sneakers and talking to us about making the fight against cancer a top priority. Last year, approximately sixty-seven thousand Illinois residents heard the words, "you have cancer", and over twenty-five thousand of them lost their lives to the disease. Cancer is a disease that touches families across the State of Illinois and it's our responsibility to show them they're not alone in the fight. So please join me in wearing your sneakers or gym shoes tomorrow. There will also be a rally and opportunity to get a group photo in the Rotunda at around 2:30 p.m. if you care to join us. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Mulroe. Senator Connelly, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For purposes of an introduction. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'd like to introduce my Page for the Day, Scott Bickel, a graduate of New Trier, first team all-state in tennis, a State champion in tennis. He will be attending Colgate next year and will be studying political science. He tells me - now I -- we can confirm that at Washington Park - but he tells me when he plays his twin brother Tom, he routinely defeats him in singles. So I'll -- I'll -- I'll have to take Scott's word for it. But please give my Page, Scott Bickel, a warm, warm welcome to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Bickel, welcome to the Illinois Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 3 of your printed Calendar on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 518. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 518. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on your amendment.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Thank you, Mr. President. I would just ask for the adoption of it and I will discuss it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 518. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 19 of your printed Calendar, close to the bottom of the page, is Senate Bill 910. Senator Bush, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 910. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bush, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 910 amends the Counties Code. It provides that when a county board creates or modifies the apportionment plan of elected members, each of the new or modified districts will provide, one, racial and language minorities an opportunity to -- an equal opportunity to participate in the political process; two, provide racial and language minorities that constitute less than a voting majority an opportunity to substantially influence the outcome; and, three, 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 not discriminate against or in favor of any political party. I know of now -- no opposition and I would recommend an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates she'll yield. If the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate could give their attention to the sponsor and her questioner. Shh. Senator Righter.
Well done, Mr. President. Thank you. Senator Bush, first of all, I want to thank you for holding this bill so that you could consider a proposal I have that's filed that would add banning political discrimination based on political parties to the redistricting reform that you are bringing to counties. And I would like to ask you now on the record, why -- why - you seemed interested in that - why do you believe that that's not appropriate to add to Senate Bill 910?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bush.
Well, first, I would like to say that I absolutely agree that it's something that we need to do. Secondly, the reason why we're not able to do it, we believe at this point, is we believe that the General Assembly should be addressed constitutionally.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Senator Righter.
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is a good one to start the day off with, because I'm not sure that there is any more important single reform that this government could bring to Illinois than redistricting reform, not just at the county level, but the State level as well. Now, the -- I -- I appreciate the sponsor's response and her courtesy again for considering the proposal that I put on the table. My proposal's not a new proposal. There have been efforts made for years to try to ban political discrimination based on your party from the redistricting process. Those have failed. I completely agree with Senator Bush that the best way to do this is in the Constitution. That doesn't mean you can't do it by statute. We could still do it by statute, but the best way is to do it through the Constitution and, actually, the voters of this State tried that. If you'll not recall, not that long ago the voters of this State tried to change -- put a ballot -- put -- I'm sorry, put a ballot question on for November, asking whether or not we would change the way we redistrict here in Illinois. And the four Democrat justices on the Illinois Supreme Court said, "No, you can't do that." So with one hand we give and the other hand we taketh away. That's not Senator Bush's responsibility. I know full well she's trying to get the right thing done and I know full well she supports removing the State political party 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 discrimination out of the State statute as well. But if we're going to do this, let's do it for everyone and, most importantly, let's do it for the people who work in this building. With all due respect and politely, I would urge a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Bush, to close.
I -- I'd like to thank Senator Righter for his comments. I'd like to also point out to everyone the -- the genesis of this legislation. As we were going through in my office in district, going through County {sic} (Counties) Code of local government, we found an area where we felt this just -- just wasn't addressed in the Code. So this is under local government and we really couldn't even include it in this bill. So I would certainly say that one doesn't preclude the other. Just because you believe that should happen at a State level, does not mean you vote against it if we're trying to do it at a county municipal level. So I would urge an Aye vote and it does not preclude your desire to see something done at a State level. So I would ask for an Aye vote. I hope this isn't a partisan vote. This is -- this is something we should all be able to agree on. Thank you for your consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 910 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 30 voting Aye, 20 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 910, having received the required constitutional majority, is 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 declared passed. On the top of the page, 19, where we are, we're at Senate Bill 669. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 669. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a bill for Lake County only. It provides that in the 2018 election that the voters of Lake County will vote by referendum whether they want the Chair of the Lake County Board to be elected. If the referendum is approved, the Chair of the Lake County will -- Board will be elected starting in 2020 election. We are the only collar county that does not elect at large its chairman. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rooney, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Mr. President, we heard this bill in Local Government Committee and I just have to say that I believe the State of Illinois needs to get out of the business of passing laws for one 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 situation. I don't have any heartache with the situation that Senator Link is coming forward for, but this is actually going to be a State law that mandates one referendum in one county. The State of Illinois needs to stop passing laws for single situations. That's just a blanket rule I have down here. This is on the other side of that rule.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Senator Link, you're shaking your head no, but I know in your heart you're saying yes. Senator Link, is -- is this something that the voters of Lake County could do on their own?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
I presume that they could have a referendum and do it. What we're doing is just allowing them to do this. It's -- like I say, we're the only collar county. There's -- there's the five collar counties and Cook and everyone has an elected chairman of the county board. We're just coming in to compliance with everybody else and we're just setting up the referendum.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Okay. Senator Link, I want to be clear. You said it allows them to do it. My understanding of the bill is it mandates that they put the referendum on the ballot. Is that accurate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
So I'll go back to my original inquiry, is -- I mean, this is Lake County. It's their county board. Why would we not let the county board decide whether or not they want to put that question on the ballot?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Senator Righter, you know, this is like any…(microphone cutoff)…you could question why or who or what is going to do it, but when this was -- when this was proposed by me, and I've done -- proposed this in previous years, it was a mandate that they had to have an election. I talked to the county board chairman, county board members, and I amended this to allow it to be a referendum. You know, I -- I -- I just get a little upset about this type of thing when it's affecting my county, and when other people have things in their county, they would like me to vote for that. This is affecting my county. I've been a lifelong resident there. I would like to see it passed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Senator Righter.
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Well, I think that this is less about a particular county than it is about what State government ought to be doing and what State government has left, statutorily, powers to the local counties to do. And I would assume, Senator, and I might be wrong, that if a majority of the county board wanted to put this on the ballot and ask the voters, they would do just that. Lake County does other things. And I -- and honestly, whether this was Coles County, my home county, or anywhere else, this isn't about parochial, well, this is my county. This, to me, is about whether or not State government should be dictating to locals. Okay, your voters are going to be asked this or your voters are going to be asked that. That -- that, to me, is it. I mean, we got plenty of issues to deal with here in Springfield, issues that only Springfield can deal with. This isn't one of those. This is not our call. With all due respect to the sponsor, I would urge a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCONCHIE: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he'll yield. Senator. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Senator Link. As a -- a fellow Senator from Lake County, I want to ask a couple of questions in regards to this. And, I apologize, I may have come in -- I came in as this had already been called and so you might have addressed something already, and if so, I apologize. Initially, is there a particular problem in regards to the way Lake County is currently being managed or any sort of problem that this legislation is intending to solve?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
I would hope we both recognize that we think Lake County is the finest county in the State of Illinois, bar none. But I -- I always think that, you know, through the years, we have improved things, and I think this is an improvement. When we listen to wanting local control, this is local control. It's allowing the voters of the county. And I have been involved up there my whole life, my whole career, and have watched some very contentious chairmen's election {sic} where, you know, people were promised things, they were getting this to make a person the chairman of the board. This would eliminate this because it would be in the voters' hands of Lake County to make that decision, not ten or eleven people making the decision.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Senator Link, is there going to be an increased cost associated with this that you're aware of? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
I would see none, in my opinion, but, you know, if somebody wants to raise the chairman's pay to three hundred thousand dollars, that would be up to the county board to make that decision prior to the election. But I don't foresee any cost other than the cost of a name on a ballot in the next election.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. So according to the information I've received from the county -- sorry, having a hard time seeing you…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link. Senator Link.
Mr. President, if you could ask Senator Koehler and a former Senator if they would move out of the line of sight so that Senator McConchie and I could have a intelligent conversation without the glare.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) I think you've just told 'em yourself. Thank you, Senator. So, who's up? Senator Link or Senator -- Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Senator Link, the information that I received from the county was that the expected cost to our taxpayers, who are funded primarily through property taxes, is that this will be an extra two hundred and eighty-three thousand dollars per year. Now, does -- the county board has already passed a resolution 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 indicating that they think that this is a good idea to do this and they have a timetable established for that, that would be cost neutral, where it would actually reduce the overall size of the board, change some of the other costs and things associated with this. This is -- are you -- are you willing to then consider that as a part of the process to be able to do this in the cost-neutral way that the county has identified to be able to get to your goal?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Senator McConchie, I -- I -- I think the question that you ask is very important. The point is, I don't see where the cost is right now other than the fact is, is a name being put on the ballot -- or a referendum being put on the ballot authorize the - - as we hear on many of types of changes that we make in this Chamber, different groups, different departments, different everything come up with a cost without verifying that cost in writing. The point is, is I look at this as a cost-neutral. If there -- has to be amended after the referendum is okayed, I'll be more than happy to work with you to make sure it's cost-neutral.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: …the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Senator Link, you know - and -- and to the Members of this Chamber, if I can have your attention for a second - as a 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 member of Lake County, we have some of the highest property taxes in the State, as well as in the nation. The number one thing that I get complaints about from constituents has to do with cost, has to do with how high their taxes are. The property tax bill from -- for Lake County averages seven percent of the average person's property tax bill. According to the documentation I have from Lake County is that this would increase our taxpayers' costs by two hundred and eighty-three thousand five hundred and twenty-five dollars per year. So, this is something that the county has identified a way to do this in a cost-neutral fashion, in a way that is from their own incentive, rather than the State dictating it. I would encourage a No vote, because this is essentially an unfunded mandate on our local unit of government that we would not be requiring of any other county in the State. And so I'd ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we could keep down the conversations during debate. Thank you very much. Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …the bill, Senator.
I'd like to thank Senator Link for filing this bill, continuing to work on it, and I rise in strong support of the bill. I served on the Lake County Board. I, too, am a resident of Lake County. I, too, pay those incredible property taxes. This is not about property taxes. This is about the right way to run a county 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 government. No county, in particular a large population collar county, should have a county board member who is elected to chair the county board and I think - if you would give me the courtesy you also gave Senator McConchie and -- and listen to the argument - when you have that kind of population and you have twenty-one board members and a board member is elected in a small twenty-one -- out of the twenty-one, a small percentage of the county, it is incumbent on them to represent that area, rather than represent the entirety of the area. I think that we need to look no further than the second-biggest problem in Lake County, which is our traffic congestion. To look at what happened -- and I'll say it - Senator, you're a kind man - that's what happened to Route 53. That's why we are spending billions of dollars as a State continuing on a study that maybe is going nowhere, because we have a county board chair - whether he's a good guy, bad guy, doesn't matter - we have a county board chairman - the only collar county - that has to make decisions to get reelected that are based on a -- a tenth of the population of the county. We need a chairman that represents the better than seven hundred thousand people that live in Lake County. And, frankly, I haven't seen the numbers you have, Senator McConchie, as far as the cost. I really question them. The county board is in favor of this. As soon as Senator filed this bill, Chairman Lawlor came out in favor of it. The only argument here is when to implement. Senator -- Senator Link changed this to a referendum, as requested by the County of Lake. This is good policy. We deserve in Lake County to have our construction projects, our major transportation projects decided on what is best for the county, not what is best for a twentieth or a tenth of the population. So thank you for the bill and I 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Bush. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
On behalf of the over one hundred thousand residents that I represent in my district, I ask you to allow Lake County to go into the twenty-first century. Please vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for all the debate on both sides. And I -- I just want to make this very clear. I'm a lifelong resident of Lake County. I've been very active in Lake County my whole life, but I said, I've seen some very contentious elections for chair -- chairman of the board, that there was wheeling and dealing going on to the last minute. And to echo Senator Bush's comment, it's time that when a countywide project is going, you should not be worried about the district you were elected in; you should be worrying about what's the good of the county. This is important to Lake County. And, you know, when they talk about reducing the size of the board, the county board already has that authority to where they can reduce the size of the board. And the point is, this is vitally important. It brings us into today's standards, as Senator Morrison said. This is 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 extremely important to the people of Lake County and you will really know the truth of how many feel this way when we have a referendum by the voters of Lake County in the 2018 election. They will make the decision if we're going to have a countywide elected chairman. Let's put it in the people's hands. Let's pass this. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 669 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 33 voting Aye, 18 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 669, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report immediately to the President's Anteroom? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today I've got a Page for a Day and an intern with me. To my left is Morgan Doggett. She's a senior at the University of Illinois. She's completing her internship in my office. She's from Mill Shoals, Illinois, which is Senator Righter's district. She's an Ag -- agriculture -- Ag econ major, hoping to go to D.C. and get involved in agriculture policy. To 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 my right is Veronica Hoffman from my hometown of Mahomet and she's a seventh grader. She is interested in science and - get this, everybody - she wants to be an astronomer or an astrophysicist. When she's not doing equations, she enjoys soccer and the Scholastic Bowl, and she's joined by her mother, Katherine, up in the gallery. If we could welcome them to Springfield, please. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Glad to have you here with us. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I would like to introduce a special guest we have today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Introduce your very special guest.
I would like to introduce and welcome back to the Floor, Congressman Michael Bost. And the good news is, when he's not in Washington, that means good things are happening, because he's here. So -- so I'd like to have everyone -- a warm welcome to our former colleague in the House, Congressman Michael Bost.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome back home. Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 480 can be heard Wednesday 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Special Committee on Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sandoval moves to waive all notices and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 480 can be heard Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Senate Special Committee on Oversight of Medicaid and -- Managed Care. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notices and posting requirements are waived. Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of a motion, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your motion.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 305 can be heard in Local Government Committee at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 10th, in Room 409. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Barickman moves to waive all notices and posting requirements so that House Bill 305 can be heard Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Senate Local Government Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notices and posting requirements are waived. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Joint Resolution 3; refer to Criminal Law 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Committee - Senate Bill 50; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 442, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2545, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3215; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1417; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 322, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 441, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1424, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 496, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2477; refer to Government Reform Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2538; refer to Human Services Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2812; refer to Insurance Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 311 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1954; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 568, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 569, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 534, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 2537, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3092; refer to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1039, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2699, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2771; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 323, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1821, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3462, and Senate Bill 1310; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1415; re-refer from Transportation Committee to the Criminal Law Subcommittee on CLEAR Compliance - House Bill 625; refer to the Criminal Law Subcommittee on CLEAR Compliance - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 625; and Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 325. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 474. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Can I have everyone's attention, please? Today on the Senate Floor, we want to welcome back a former Senator, someone that I'm very confident now that he is here, we're going to have a budget, and that is our good friend and former Senator Dan Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome back. Senator Harmon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to turn to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. On the Order, Senate Bill 101. President Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 101. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 102. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 102. (Secretary reads title of bill) 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 2nd -- 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 103.
Senate Bill 103. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 104.
Senate Bill 104. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 105.
Senate Bill 105. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 106.
Senate Bill 106. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 107.
Senate Bill 107. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 108.
Senate Bill 108. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 109.
Senate Bill 109. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 110.
Senate Bill 110. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 111.
Senate Bill 111. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 112.
Senate Bill 112. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 113.
Senate Bill 113. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 114.
Senate Bill 114. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 115.
Senate Bill 115. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 116.
Senate Bill 116. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 117.
Senate Bill 117. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 118.
Senate Bill 118. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 119. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
Senate Bill 119. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 120.
Senate Bill 120. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 121.
Senate Bill 121. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your announcement, Senator.
There will be a Democratic Caucus upon recess for approximately one hour. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
In my never ending quest to be like Senator Silverstein, Mr. President, Senate Republicans would request a caucus upon recess for one hour. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Before acting on the motion to recess for the purpose of caucuses, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be returning to the Floor after committee meetings this afternoon. We expect to take up House Bills on 2nd Reading at that point in time. We do not expect final action, but we do expect House Bills 2nd Reading. If you want to move your House Bills from 2nd to 3rd after committee, we will be back after committees. Senators Silverstein and Righter move that the Senate recess for the purpose of Senate Democratic and Republican Caucuses. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Van Pelt, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Resolutions 414 and 470 Be Adopted; House Bills 223, 369, 2506, 2800, 3060, 3063, 3684, and 3741 Do Pass; and House Bill 763 Do Pass, as Amended. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Senator Bertino-Tarrant, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports House Bills 826, 1254, 2369, 2377, 2378, 2540, 2612, 2794, 2993, 3059, 3215, 3507, 3601, and 3869 Do Pass; and House Joint Resolution 11 Be Adopted. Senator Morrison, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Resolution 400 Be Adopted; and House Bills 40, 742, 2708, 2814, 3131, 3167, 3213, 3394 Do Pass; and House Bills 2812 and 3161 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 569 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 703, 2401, 2963, and 3054 Do Pass; and House Bills 2537 and 2713 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 534 and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2516 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator McGuire, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 518 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 2740, 3255, and 3490 Do Pass. Senator Hastings, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports House Bills 786, 1804, 2738, 3084, 3711, 3910 Do Pass. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 396 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Joint Resolutions 6 and 22 Be Adopted; and House Bills 733, 6 -- 764, 799, 1677, 2361, 2363, 2492, 2581, 3172, 3469 Do Pass; and House Joint Resolution 1 Be Adopted. Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 1811. 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 495, offered by Senator Harmon and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
And Senate Joint Resolution 39, offered by Senator Mulroe. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 5. Offered by Senator Rose and adopted by the House, May 9th, 2017. We have received like Messages on House Joint Resolution 21, offered by Senator Barickman and adopted by the House, May 9th, 2017; and House Joint Resolutions 22 and 37, offered by Senator Harris and adopted by the House, May 9th, 2017. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. They are all substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) On page 40 of the regular Calendar is the Order of House Bills 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 2nd Reading. We have House Bill 3012. Senator Link. Senator Link wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3012. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been posted and -- and distributed. House Bill 40. Senator Steans. Senator Steans signals that she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 40. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, House Bill 2369. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. On House Bill 1254, Senator Schimpf. Senator Schimpf wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017 House Bill 1254. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2738. Senator Collins. Senator Collins wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2738. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3054. Senator Collins. Do you wish to proceed? She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 3054.
House Bill 3054. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3167. Senator Collins. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3167. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/9/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. On House Bill 3215, Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3215. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. On House Bill 3869, Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3869. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. Being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 10th day of May 2017. The Senate stands adjourned. 37