PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The regular Session of the 100th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Rabbi Mendy Turen, Chabad Jewish Center of Springfield, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Rabbi Mendy Turen)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Emilee Fannon, WCIA, requests permission to video/audio. Leave is granted. Michon Undstrom {sic} (Lindstrom) - please forgive me - from WAND, requests permission to videotape. Leave is granted. And Lisa Yuscius, Blueroomstream.com, requests permission to videotape. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 9th, 2017.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam 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 LIGHTFORD) 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Journals. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 496, offered by Senator Barickman and all Members. Senate Resolutions 497 through 501, offered by Senator Anderson and all -- and all Members. And Senate Resolution 502, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Resolution Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator -- Senator Stadelman, Chairperson of the Committee on Gaming, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 620 Recommend Do Adopt; and Senate Joint Resolution 26 Be Adopted. Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 321 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1415 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Resolution 412 Be Adopted; House Bills 169, 305, 547, 619, 771, 1895, 2407, 3010, and 3325 Do Pass; Senate Amendment 1 and 2 to House Bill 1811 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Bush, Chairperson of the Committee on Government Reform, reports House Bill 2538 Do Pass, as Amended; House Joint 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Resolution 2 Be Adopted; and House Joint Resolution 25 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports House Bills 823, 1783, 1792, 1809, 2514, 2965, 3282, and 3791 Do Pass. Senator Biss, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports House Bill 2462 Do Pass; and House Bill 2699 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 2028, offered by Senator Fowler. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3907, offered by Senator Anderson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments, please come to the President's Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Ladies -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I would like to introduce a -- a young man, who is 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 down with me here today - he started off as an intern back when he was a senior in high school; he is now in his first year of college - Michael Bailey. I have known his mother for many years. She is part of our Chamber of Commerce in the Village of Villa Park. And he is down joining us for today and he's been a tremendous asset for us within our district office. So, if you could all please welcome him to the Floor, I would appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: On a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR McCANN: I would like to introduce a group, a very special group, that we have visiting today. If you'll call your attention just above me here on the Republican side of the gallery, you'll see that we have the Illinois Association of Air and Critical Care Transport committee here. These are the folks - just like a lot of folks in our society who we take for granted - these are the folks that show up when we've had a terrible accident and fly us to the hospital. These are the folks you want to stay on their good side. And I'm so thankful that they do what they do. And I'm thankful that they're here with us today. And I hope you will join me in welcoming -- we have three different organizations here, three different companies: Air Evac, Air Methods, and Superior. And if you'll join me in welcoming them to the Capitol today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Welcome to Springfield and thank you for what you do. Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm happy today to be joined by a Page, Bianca Sanders. Bianca is part of the Foster Care Alumni Program that's in town today. She's following me around the Capitol, hopefully -- hopefully learning a thing or two about government in Illinois. Bianca works at UPS. She goes -- goes to school part-time. She's pursuing a degree in early childhood education, and she is the mother of two. She's a very busy person. And I would ask the Senate to welcome her to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For the purpose of two introductions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introductions.
Very pleased this morning to also have with me a guest who was part of the DCFS Foster Care Alumni Organization, Chanel Wiley from Chicago. Chanel is studying at George Washington -- excuse me, at Harold Washington and is studying media, so we've been discussing her future role covering State politics. While she's 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 not in school, she is working at Winston and Strawn. I would also like to introduce to you a constituent who is with us today, Alice Clements, who is the Chairman of the Governor's Credit Union Advisory Board. Hopefully, we'll have a lot for them to watch as we do our magic in Springfield. Please help me in welcoming my two guests.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you rise?
For -- for an introduction, please, sir. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's an honor today to have with us James McIntyre from the Foster Youth Alumni. James' life was -- was like none -- none other than most children growing up in Illinois. When he was just four years old, he was removed from his biological family and put -- and put in foster care system. From that day on, James' life was one State-funded program after another. James has been the Foster Care Alumni of America Chapter {sic} for the last five years. He has brought awareness to the issues that face current youth in care. Will you please join me in welcoming James to Springfield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?
For the -- the purpose of an introduction. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also would like to introduce a special guest today. This is my -- my Page for the Day, Donnii. She is also with the annual Foster Youth and Alumni Legislative Shadow Day. She is from my district. She serves on the Statewide Youth Advisory Board for DCFS. She's an avid painter. She's passionate about preserving arts and culture, particularly Asian culture. She speaks fluid Korean and is on pace to graduate this May with her high school diploma. If you'd all give her a -- a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of personal privilege to make two introductions, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your points. SENATOR McCANN: First, I would like to call the Chamber's attention to the President's Gallery on the Republican side. We are joined with the residents, medical residents, from the -- from SIU School of Medicine here in Springfield. They're with the Academy of Family Physicians. And then I would also like to introduce this young lady to my left. This is Tyshiana Jackson. Tyshiana is also here with the Illinois Youth in Care and Alumni Legislative Shadow Day. She lives here in Springfield and she's enrolled at Lincoln Land 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Community College, where she's pursuing a degree and a career in social work. She enjoys going to church, and she is the immediate past president of the DCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board. And most importantly, Mr. President and Members of the Chamber - if I could have your attention - today is Tyshiana's twenty-first birthday. So let's say happy birthday and welcome our group in the gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Happy birthday. Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal privilege, Mr. President, for a purpose of an introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
I have some great people here today. I'd like to start by asking Jason Burkiewicz to stand up, up here behind you, Mr. President. Jason has been the Coach of the Year for District 11 for Illinois Basketball Coaches for seven straight years. And I'm not going to give you the credits, 'cause you got amazing young women you're coaching, but you stay standing. I'd like the rest of the team to stand up, the other two coaches. These kids have won the State Championship their second time in a row, along with all kinds of other things, but I'm not going to read those, 'cause I want to make a different point. How many of you are seniors? Raise your hand if you're a senior. How many of you are juniors? How many of you are sophomores? How many of you are freshmen? And two of those kids were on the starting team. Fifteen and a half years is their average age. They just won the State 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Championship and there's another one to come, but this is an amazing group of kids. I'd like you to give 'em a round of applause and thank 'em -- oh, Annawan - I'm sorry, from Annawan. But give them a round of applause. And welcome to Springfield. Thank you, all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Lightford back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
Today, I'm -- I'm welcoming Kristen Joseph, who is an honor student at the University of Illinois -- or U -- oh, I meant University of Alabama, studying political science, and she lives in Algonquin, Illinois. And she's visiting us to learn a little bit about what we do here and I told her it'd be a great lesson today. Would you welcome my guest today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois Senate. Thank you for being here. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Today, I have the great honor of also having a young lady here shadowing me. Her name is Mari Rivera. She is currently living in Chicago. This summer she will be attending Kennedy-King College for her associate's degree in automotive technology. She loves to write poetry. She's twenty-one years old. And she plans one day to own her own female automotive shop. Let's give her a nice welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your point, Senator.
Yes, I, too, have the great honor of having a shadow for the day from DCFS. I have Ikisha Brewster with me. She is going to be a sophomore at Malcolm X College. She lives on the west side of Chicago and she is hoping -- she's majoring in criminal justice and is hoping to become an FBI agent one day, I have just learned. So, please welcome Ikisha to the Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an introduction, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your introduction, Senator.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you. I'd like to introduce Tatiana Garcia. As my colleague had said, she's also an alumni of the DCFS program. She is a senior at Lake Zurich High School, who plans to go to Augustana to become an immigration attorney. She also plays three instruments: guitar, ukulele and piano. So, like to give her a warm welcome to the Senate Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Schimpf, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
I also, Madam President and Members of the Senate, have a -- have a guest with me today. My -- my foster shadow is Jarvell Williams. Jarvell is a junior at SIU Carbondale, which is where I went to law school. Carbondale is the largest school in my district. Jarvell is majoring in psychology and he wants to be an attorney as well. I hope I don't scare him away from that. But I would ask that we all -- I would ask that we all -- that you join me in welcoming Jarvell to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, would like to introduce my shadow for the day, who's up in the gallery, Brent Walters. Brent, would you stand? Brent has been with the DCFS program since 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 he was three years old. He's graduated from high school. He's now working, employed, and he's here advocating for the services that DCFS so sorely needs. So please give him a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCONCHIE: Purpose of an introduction, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your introduction, Senator. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Here on my left is Joy Frazier. She is my shadow for today from the Foster Care Alumni organization. She is nineteen years old, lives on the east side of Chicago. She has recently graduated high school and works in security, has gotten her security certification, is very interested in the next step, in becoming a locksmith and then going on to college. I have no doubt that she'll be completing those goals. And so I would encourage a warm welcome for Joy today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of a introduction, Madam Chair {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your introduction, Senator.
I have two wonderful young ladies here with me today. One of the Pages is Robenique Collins, who is a part of the DCFS Foster 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Care Youth and Alumni Legislative Day -- Shadow Day today. And Robenique is -- she lives on the west side of Chicago. She's twenty years old. And she's the middle child of thirty-six children. She is from -- she -- she just graduated from Youth Connection Leadership Academy with honors and plans to start NIU in the fall, majoring in accounting. She is a lover of art and is also an inspired cosmetologist. She plans on owning her own business in investment and cosmetology. And we'd like to welcome this wonderful young lady to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your announcement, Senator.
My -- my Page today -- my other Page today is Miss Inaya Gray. She is sixth grade student from Brooks Middle School in -- in Bolingbrook. She is an avid competitive swimmer and is a member of the Academy Bullets Swim Club. She is also a first-year Cadette of her Girl Scout Troop. She recently received the Silver Award, which is the highest award in the Girl Scout Academy. The troop partnered with the Will County State's Attorney's Office to provide a workshop about cyberbullying to the -- the Bolingbrook community. Inaya loves helping others and she volunteers at the Chicago Greater Food Depository for Kids' Day, soup kitchens. She prepares and serves meals at Ronald McDonald. And I can just go on and on because this young lady has such a wonderful, I would say résumé, 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 and she definitely believes in giving back to the community. So I am so proud of you and I'd like to welcome you to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 312; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 370; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1417 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1597; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1092 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1093; refer to Gaming Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 620, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1894; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 888; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 399; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 634; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 233; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 323, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 642, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1094; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1337; refer to Transportation Committee - House Bill 2567; re-refer from State Government Committee to Assignments Committee - Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 262; and Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 367 through Senate Bill 369, Floor Amendment 3 and 4 to Senate Bill 12, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 41, and Floor 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 366. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b- 1), the following amendment will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 16. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 4 and 6 to Senate Bill 262. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 262. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please lower your voices. Please lower your voices for Senate Resolution 352. Senator Hunter, do you wish to proceed? She indicates that she does. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 352, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Resolution 352 basically designates today, May 10th, 2017, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day. You may have seen all these beautiful women in the building who has on their pink and green. And maybe, in a very few minutes, you'll see a sea of pink and green in the balcony, but I don't know where they are right now. But in the meantime, I'd like to share with you that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the nation's oldest African-American sorority and it was founded 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 in 1908 at Howard University, located in Washington, D.C. The Sorority has a mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement and ethics standards and promote unity and friendship amongst college women. Many prominent women, along with other Members of the General -- Illinois General Assembly and legislative staff, are members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Excuse -- excuse me, Senator. Please lower your voices. Be respectful of the resolution that's being read. If you're in the galleries, please lower your voices. Please just stop talking! Thank you. Senator Hunter.
Thank you very much for that, Madam -- Madam President. So the prominent Members of staff -- and staff are, of course, myself; Senator Toi Hutchinson; India Hammon {sic} (Hammons), who is Leader Lightford's legislative aide; and our long, outstanding -- the longest, outstanding staffer of the Public Health Committee, Nia Hassan. And this year has made it the twenty-fifth year that we've celebrated AKA Day in Illinois and the Sorority has chapters in over fifty states around the country and the world, including Dubai. And I was in Dubai in December and I had the opportunity to sit down and have lunch with many of those women over in Dubai. And so I'd like to welcome my sisters to the Capitol today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois General Assembly. Congratulations on your twenty-fifth Alpha Kappa Alpha Day. Thank you for your advocacy. I wish you much success. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you rise? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 SENATOR McGUIRE: Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) On the resolution, Senator? SENATOR McGUIRE: No, I'm sorry, not on the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Resolution 352 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McGUIRE: Madam President, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator. SENATOR McGUIRE: All right, first, thank you for your forgiveness. I have behind me four members of AKA Chapter Chi Sigma Omega, from my district. I have Soror Wendy Swims, Soror Sherri Hale, Soror Megan Graves, and Soror Alyssia Benford, who is also a DuPage Township Trustee. So please give my friends a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, ladies, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your introduction, Senator.
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 I'm delighted to have with me, seated behind me, a couple residents from my district, who made the drive down, who are representing the Susan G. Komen Chicago organization. They're here advocating some -- for some very, very important funding for women. I'd like to acknowledge Bonnie Gordon and Randi Mayer and ask them to please stand and be recognized.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, ladies, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. The Senate Republicans would like to caucus immediately for about thirty minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Althoff moves that the Senate recess for the purpose of a Senate Republican Caucus lasting thirty minutes. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Senate is in recess until the hour of 1:15 p.m. Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STAND IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will be in order. We see that the Republicans have rejoined us from caucus. We will be turning… We will be turning shortly to final action. In the meantime, we'll take care of a little bit of paperwork. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 503 and 504, offered by Senator McGuire and all Members. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 They are both death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. We're going to turn quickly to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. We have Senate Bill 309, sponsored by Senator Haine. There's a letter on file authorizing Senator Mulroe as the chief cosponsor to advance the bill to 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 309. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) And have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if all Members within the sound of my voice could be at their desks, we will be turning shortly to final action. We'll begin with House Bills on 3rd Reading. We'll then turn to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. I'd ask all Members within the sound of my voice to be at their desks. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Illinois Public Radio requests permission to photograph and video-record the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCARTER: Personal point of privilege. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, today, as I have for the last eight years, I have with us today a -- a group of beautiful young ladies to my left here from Mercy -- what used to be Mercy Ministries, now is Mercy Multiplied. Mercy is a organization that reaches out to young girls, thirteen to twenty-eight, with life-controlling issues of all types. This is a very successful organization. Vanderbilt -- University did a study showing that ninety-three percent of these young ladies succeed. And let me tell you why they're -- I don't normally say this, but let me -- since this will be maybe one of the last times I introduce them, let me tell you why they're important to me. My daughter, who passed away about eleven years ago, was on -- in the application process to attend this place. And so my wife, Victoria - stand up, Victoria, please - Victoria and I decided that we were going to do everything we could to save as many young ladies as we could that were like our daughter. And with those kind of results, we thought "if she had just made it there". Right? Now I got two boys and I'm missing out on all those opportunities of a girl. Now, God's blessed me, I'm going to have a grandbaby on the 31st of July, a girl. Happy about that. And -- but, you know, this -- these young girls have a tremendous amount of courage to overcome. And I would hope that we would have just about that much courage to do what we know is right for the people we serve in our position. And let me just say that -- that these young ladies are not mistakes, they are not mistakes whatsoever, that they were born with a purpose and God has a great purpose for their life and I am going to enjoy 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 watching what God does with them. Welcome the young ladies from Mercy Ministries.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? We are delighted to have you here with us today in the Illinois State Senate. The Illinois Times requests permission to take photographs of the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could have your attention, please. Senator Hutchinson has some honored guests to introduce. If you could please give the lady your attention. Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Mr. President, on this point of personal privilege. I am absolutely honored to introduce some amazing women that are here in this building today, who've done this for twenty-six years. There's been an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Capitol for twenty-six years. This is the twenty-sixth year that they've been -- they've come down to show our voice. I am a member of this esteemed organization, for twenty-five years, so this has been -- this is a wonderful, wonderful day. So I have with me -- because -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was incorporated in 1908. It was the very first organization founded for college- educated women. I pledged at Gamma Chapter, single letter Chapter, at the University of Illinois, which was incorporated in 1914. So our history is a history that matches this State. I have with me the Regional Director, Kathy Walker Steele, who's down from Senator Clayborne's district. This is -- Soror Kathy Walker Steele. I have our former regional director, who was the regional director when I was made in 1992, and that is Peggy Lewis LeCompte. We 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 were so proud to see her here today too. We also have with us Gloria Pittman, who works on protocol for the regional director and is a part of the State-National Connections Chair. And Robina Linear King, who's also a Connections Chair that's here. We have more sorors who have signed up for this day than we have ever had. There are over one hundred and fifty women who are in this building talking to legislators about the things that matter to African American families most. Please join me in welcoming these esteemed women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to the Senate Chambers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please welcome our guests from Alpha Kappa Alpha to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Hutchinson.
Would those members in the gallery also stand?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Glad to have you here today. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I also have two outstanding, amazing young women with me today who represent AKA. First is Dr. Latrice Eggleston Williams. She is the Central Regional Representative for the International Program and she also has a doctorate in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. And she also serves as the interim vice-president for enrollment management at Chicago 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 State University. Want to give her a warm welcome to the Chamber today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Collins.
And my second introduction is for Jolynn Caroline - is that correct? - and she is the President of the Graduate Chapter at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was initiated in the same Chapter, the Gamma Chapter, with our Senator Toi Hutchinson and she is also the law school classmate of Senator Bennett. Please welcome her also to the General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. If we have no further introductions, we'll turn to some Senate business. We'll turn to the Order of House Bills on 3rd Reading. House Bill 40. Senator Steans, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 40. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans, on the bill. If I could ask our guests to resume -- return to their seats and Members be at their desks. Senator Steans, on your bill.
Hi. Yes, I -- this is a -- obviously a very sensitive topic and I'm really looking forward to a respectful debate on the Floor. I always have great confidence in the Senate. This bill does three 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 primary things. First, House Bill 40 removes the trigger language that states Illinois would revert back to law criminalizing abortion if Roe v. Wade were overturned. It removes that language to ensure that we will maintain safe legal access to abortion in Illinois. Second, it removes a restriction in State law on Medicaid coverage for abortion. Good policy around -- for health care programs states that we really should be providing full coverage for a low-income woman to cover birth control, childbirth, as well as abortion care. This would ensure that we are able to cover Medicaid -- have Medicaid cover abortion, like all other medical procedures. Finally, the bill removes the restrictions in State law on State employee health insurance. Currently, in -- State -- State employees, there's only a narrow life exception for abortion coverage. So, we -- there's not even an exemption right now in current law for rape or incest. Thus, voting on this bill means that we will ensure that a State employee who is raped can have access to health care coverage for abortion care should it be needed. I look forward to answering any questions you may -- have on this bill. I think it's incredibly important that we do not revert to a situation where abortion could ever become illegal and lead to many horrors of outcomes that we had prior to Roe v. Wade and certainly believe that we should be maintaining equal equitable access to health care coverage and abortion coverage for all women. I really look forward to your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Steans, would you -- oop! Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, I -- I think it's interestingly ironic that we have this bill today when many of you have with you, shadowing you, those from the foster care system. Ironic today that I introduce a group of young ladies who no one thought was worth anything. They weren't good enough to be treated well at home. They weren't -- they weren't good enough to be respected. They didn't have purpose. Yet, in front of us today is purpose and the future. Just a couple people -- I'm going to read just from a couple people that you may think are of influence. Norma McCorvey, better known as Jane Roe, "My lawyers didn't tell me that abortion would be used for sex selection, but later when I was a pro-choice advocate and worked in the {sic} abortion clinics, I found women who were using abortion as (a) means of gender selection. My lawyers didn't tell me that future children would be getting abortions and losing their innocence. Yet I saw young girls getting abortions who were never the same." She goes on to say, "in the 1980's, in order to justify my own conduct, with" my own -- "many conflicting emotions, I did come forward publicly to support Roe versus Wade. Keep in mind that I had not had" -- "I had not had an abortion and did not know much about it at the time. Then…1992, I began to work in the {sic} abortion clinics. Like most Americans, including many of you," - she addresses Senators - "I had no actual experience with abortion until that point." She says, "If abortion is so right, why were the women crying? Even Senator Hillary Clinton on January 29th {sic} (25), 2005 was 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 reported by the New York Times to finally admit 'that abortion is a sad, even tragic choice for many, many women.' Actually it is a tragic choice for every child that is killed and every woman and man who participates in killing their own child, whether they know it at the time or not. Many women will be in denial and even pro- choice for years like I was. But in {sic} participating in the murder of your own child" would you -- "will eat away at your conscience forever if you do not take steps to cleanse your conscience, which I will later discuss {sic} (discuss later). I saw the baby parts, which are the {sic} (a) horrible sight to see, but I urge everyone who supports abortion to look at the bodies to face the truth of what they support. I saw filthy conditions in abortion {sic} (abortions) clinics even when 'Roe' was supposed to" be -- "clean up 'back alley' abortions. I saw the…regard for women from abortion doctors." And finally in closing, Jesse Jackson, 1977, says, "There are those who argue that the right to privacy is a {sic} (of) higher order than the" -- "the right to life. I do not share that view. I believe that life is not private, but rather it is public and universal. If one accepts the position that life is private, and therefore you have the right to do with it as you please, one must also accept the conclusion of that logic. That was the premise of slavery." Ladies and Gentlemen, I -- I urge you to vote No on this bill. This is a statement about the kind of people that we are, about what we -- that purpose that we see in our youth. You know, we had our -- our first child early, right -- you know, a honeymoon baby. And I remember going back to college and somebody said, "So what do you think? Are you -- are you ready?" And, you know, I thought "I will be." I wasn't, but I determined that I would be. And, 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 you know, not just here, but I've got forty kids in Africa that are all products of rape. Every one of 'em is a product of rape, but I see the purpose in them and I know that they were created with a purpose and I am not going to be responsible in any way at all for taking that life away. And I urge you to vote No on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield.
Senator, you brought up in your opening statements that current law does not -- does not allow abortions for people on State aid in cases of rape and incest. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
No, that's not; that is the case in Medicaid. I didn't say it for State aid. I said for State employee insurance. There's just a narrow exception for life in the State employee insurance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Anderson.
Understood. Thank you for that clarification. So, why don't -- if that's an issue, why don't -- why -- why not bring a bill forward that just addresses just that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Senator Steans.
We're -- we're accomplishing a number of items here to ensure that all women in Illinois have access to safe, legal abortions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Anderson.
And that's kind of my point, is, in the -- the pro-life/pro- choice argument, we always hear, "Well, what about in cases of rape and incest?" I wish we would -- we would stop using that, because everybody that's in favor of abortion in cases of rape and incest, when asked if that were taken off the table, would they - - would they be in favor of outlawing abortions that are elective, and they immediately say, "Well, no." The other question I had was, Senator, can you -- can you tell me any other procedures, elective procedures, that people can get on State aid?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Well, that's not exactly the bill, but I can certainly be clear that when using the term "elective" in -- in medical terminology, it does not imply that a procedure's not medically necessary or medically indicated. The term "elective" refers to something that is chosen to be done by an individual and his or her doctor that can improve their health. You can have an injured disk, for example, and not necessarily have to have a -- a surgery to address it, but you may elect to do so because that's what's determined to be the most medically astute thing to do. There's many elective procedures that are covered in Medicaid law. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Vasectomy would be another one, as would C-sections that are not emergency. We are thinking that this is a -- complete care for a woman who is pregnant should be provided and covered in Medicaid.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Anderson, do you have more questions?
I do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Anderson.
Can you -- on State aid, can you have -- can you have plastic surgery?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
I'm not sure. I'd have to go back and look at the Medicaid -- I'm not -- and I'm not here to tell you what all is and is not covered on Medicaid. I don't have all that with me right now, so I couldn't tell you when or when not plastic surgery is enabled. I'm sure it is at times. If you're a fire victim, I imagine. There may be lots of cases where it is. I don't have that information with me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Anderson.
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you for answering those questions, Senator. So, here's my point. There are not really any other elective procedures that you can have done. Yes, you can -- you can have a -- a -- a disk replacement. Yes, you can have a vasectomy. But in all those cases, nobody is dying, and that's what it -- it -- it boils down to. This is a case that, abortion aside, we're going to be one of only other -- only two other states that we are going to use my tax dollars to abort children. I don't know about anybody else, but abortion in itself is repulsive, especially in the elective sense. But to use taxpayers' dollars is an absolute travesty. I would ask every one of you in this Chamber - Democrat, Republican, Independent, however you identify yourself - think long and hard before hitting your switch about using taxpayer dollars to do something that takes a life. Thank you, Mr. President. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I have long been an advocate for life. And as an attorney, I place many children that were born under difficult circumstances and, yes, one was a case of incest. And I've watched those children grow and become productive, wonderful citizens, welcomed into families, and that child of incest was the greatest thing that ever happened to the family that we were able to place her with. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 And I find it ironic, as we have foster children on the Floor, children that have grown into productive adults, that we are discussing House Bill 40. And yes, my fourth child, my daughter, our daughter, is adopted. And I cannot imagine -- anybody that has met my daughter, Kelsey, will tell you they can't imagine the world without her. So, yes, I'm a strong advocate for life. But now, even if you are pro-choice, let's talk about the funding, the public funding aspect of this, and the cost to taxpayers. At a time when we cannot find money to fund our schools, why would we use taxpayer money to fund abortions of children? On a divisive issue like that, how much better it would be used -- to use that millions of dollars to educate all of our children? Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Rooney, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Mr. President, I understand that this is a highly charged issue and I'm going to try to stay away from that as best I can, because everybody in here knows I come from a -- a different perspective on most issues. And what I can't abide is the sleight of hand used with the English language, where we talk about giving everyone equal access to something. In economics, actually, access has a meaning. And when we pass laws that say people under a certain age don't have access to alcohol because you're not allowed 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 to buy it legally, that's restricting access. There are a number of ways to restrict people's access to something. But to say, if you would like to do this, you must use your own funds and not the funds of other people is not a restriction on access. For people who end up in some situations that are so unfortunate that most of us can't even imagine and feel the need to make a particular choice, we are not restricting their access. It simply says your action must be done with your own funds, not the funds of other people through a mechanism that comes through the government. So, I'm happy to have a discussion back and forth about this topic the livelong day, but where I come from, access actually means something, and to use this little bait and switch and talk about we want to grant everyone equal access, everyone currently has equal access. And the argument that says, well, without the funds to make a choice, it's not really a choice at all, that's one of the most uneconomic statements out there, because when people are going to go through something and are willing to pay the cost themselves, they are allowed to do that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you. What we're talking about in this bill is covering elected abortions. Currently, as it was stated earlier, Medicaid program covers abortions in cases of rape, incest, and when the 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 mother's life or health is threatened. And State employees' insurance does not cover abortion unless necessary for the preservation of the life of the mother. So we're talking about things that are elective. Normally, things that are elective are by choice; they have nothing to do with health. Now the one thing I find interesting, whether you're pro-life or whether you're pro- choice, and it was mentioned earlier by the sponsor, about the medical issue, medical procedure. It indeed is a medical procedure. But what I usually find when I have this conversation with people, on either side of the issue, is no one has actually viewed what that medical procedure is. Now, before we started, I looked up on -- a video on my phone, and you can do it too, animated abortion video - "animated" abortion video. And there's a doctor explaining exactly what happens during this procedure, this medical procedure. And he demonstrates holding up a, I think it's called a Sopher clasp or -- it's a big long forceps is what it is. I shut it off about halfway through. I found it so repulsive and that's coming from someone, Ladies and Gentlemen, that has viewed death in any way you can describe it: planes, trains, boats, electrocutions, decapitations, murders, natural causes, hangings. This is one of the most barbaric procedures I have witnessed and it was only animated. Now, the question comes from a lot of folks, well -- and it was -- it was mentioned in -- in committee that it's -- it's when the -- the baby is viable, it becomes a person. Now I dealt with evidence for three decades and facts, and the fact is that's not true. Upon conception, the fertilized egg has its own DNA. Now if you take that DNA and send it off to a lab, that technician's going to tell you that that -- yeah, that indeed is a person; it is a male or a female. Within three weeks that 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 growing fertilized egg has a heartbeat - three weeks, twenty-one days. So, hopefully, we can get -- we can -- by science, we can prove that this is indeed a life. Now, finally, I wonder -- you know, there's -- I looked it up and there's -- we're -- we're nearing, since Roe v. Wade, almost sixty million aborted babies in the United States. The highest percentage of those were not for the life of the mother or the health. And, you know, a lot of times -- we've all gone to fundraisers for various diseases, trying to find a cure, and we always talk about praying for that cure. And I wonder, in that sixty million people, which one of them may had a cure for cancer, which one of them may had a cure for MS, which one of them could have been the President that we all wanted. And I read an article in a magazine I happened to find in my garage, it was laying there, and it talked about two individuals who - separate mothers - and one was given up for adoption, the other one decided not to have the abortion - they're both U.S. Congressmen today. So, I -- I would encourage you, based on evidence, scientific evidence, that you consider this vote very, very carefully and that you take the time to see what a -- a -- an abortion actually is, the medical procedure, look at that and see if you can then vote Yes on that. I would very strongly encourage a No vote. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. The sponsor has outlined the three portions of the bill and I -- I don't want to go through those. There has been some commentary already about the taxpayer-funded implications of this bill. As everyone in this - everyone - in this Chamber knows, we are engaged in budget meetings, scraping and clawing for which tax to raise or which program to cut, how we're going to explain some of these things back home. And this bill, at least one part of it, contemplates that we are going to spend more. But the issue I want to raise, Mr. President, is -- is that if you read through the bill, what you'll find is -- is that language from Illinois statute is being stricken that says something that I think that we all know and is a recognized medical fact, and that is, is that a human life begins at conception. That is a medically accurate fact. A lot of us talk about the importance of -- of being willing to talk about medically accurate facts and yet this bill strikes the language so it'll no longer be the policy of the State that a human life begins at conception, a medically accurate fact. And I'm -- I am at a loss and -- been here for a while and seen a lot of things and -- which make you scratch your head, but I am at a loss to understand why anyone, whether you are pro-choice or pro- life, even whether you -- whether you support the public funding abortions or not, would stand up and say "I don't think that we should say that human life begins at conception", when we know it is -- we know it is true. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have provisions in Illinois law that protect unborn children. If a -- if a pregnant woman is the victim of a battery or some other offense and the -- unborn child dies, the perpetrator can be charged for that, and yet, if you vote for this bill, while I assume that we support 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 that, we're going to stand up and say "but we don't believe that human life begins at conception". That is a remarkable and tragic contradiction in our public statements. We can do better than that. Even if you think you need the trigger, even if you think you need the public funding, do we really want to stand up and so adamantly deny the gift of life at conception as this bill does? I would urge a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCONCHIE: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Senator Steans, I want to talk about the different parts of the bill, if I might. First, in regards to the removal of this language that Senator Righter just referred to. My understanding from your opening comments and such is that this is in order to help ensure that abortion does not become illegal in the future. Am I correct with that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Correct. It removes the trigger law {sic} that says if Roe v. over -- Roe v. Wade is overturned, that -- that it becomes illegal here as well. Correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 SENATOR McCONCHIE: Okay, thank you. Since this was -- has been longstanding in the Code - I think maybe back since 1975 - I'm looking at an LRU piece here that talks about the way in which this language would work and it starts off by saying that under no legal theory could a U.S. Supreme Court decision, for example, overturning Roe versus Wade or something, result in the reimposition of abortion restrictions without a -- an affirmative act by the General Assembly. So isn't this really unnecessary at the end of the day?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
I think there's no reason for us not to make sure and prevent any risk at all. I think there's some lack of clarity. We heard from the ACLU that they believe that there are concerns around this. Obviously, they would be arguing against it should something like that happen. But there's no reason to take the concerns {sic}. We can take the action here in this Legislature to remove any doubt and there's just too much risk with the Trump administration now, who has vowed to place justices on the Supreme Court who are anti-Roe v. Wade.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Okay, thank you. Then, given the fact I've seen some recent polling data that indicates that the taxpayer funding portion of this legislation actually is opposed by over sixty, perhaps as -- even as close as seventy, percent of the public, why would we not then divide this out? Why does it have to be put together in a 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 package? If -- if this trigger, if the removal of it is -- is so necessary, then -- then why is it necessary for people, in order to -- to vote to support that, also necessary for them to vote in favor of taxpayer funding of elective abortions, as has been mentioned earlier?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Well, as I think probably most of us remember from our civics classes in school, in a democracy, we, as taxpayers, pay for government services. And there are all sorts of things that any individual may not want to support with his or her taxpayer dollars. I certainly don't support incarcerating youth in detention facilities. I certainly don't support torture of prisoners. My taxpayer dollars are going to support those things. This is what democracy is. Abortion is legal and our taxpayer dollars are appropriately spent to make it -- sure all women have access to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Okay, so if we're going to require taxpayers then to pay for one side - in this case, for abortion - can we expand this to also cover those pregnancy centers that provide alternatives to abortion as well, that are at this point completely privately funded?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 I -- you know, I believe there's access to those other kinds of -- you know, certainly you can go into family planning centers and have access to full counseling and all sorts of other things. And I'm -- certainly would be happy to look at that. If there's more work we could or should be doing there, I'd be happy to look at a -- a bill, if needed, with you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: So -- so you're -- what you're saying here is that we, as a Legislature, need to force, simply because we think we have enough votes to do so, all taxpayers of the State to fund a -- a process -- a -- a procedure here that many of them, while they may say they want it to be legal, do not want to have any sort of participation in that. You know, I -- I think that that's problematic. So I -- I want to comment then and -- and so we can just be clear in regards to exactly what it is that taxpayers are funding. Are there any limits on what type of abortion can be -- will be paid for with taxpayers dollars if a -- if a woman goes in -- if there -- are there any limits at all? And if so, what are those?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
This bill makes no changes to our statutes, and we had an amendment to make sure of that, that that's clear on what is a legal abortion. It makes no changes to that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 SENATOR McCONCHIE: So, given the fact that you're indicating that -- that essentially any legal abortion, if I'm understanding correctly, would be covered, let me just run through a couple of -- of -- some of -- I think are -- are more problematic types of abortions that sounds like would be covered under this. So, under this, if a -- if a woman goes in, who's pregnant, and she gets a ultrasound and finds out that she's having a girl and she really wanted to have a boy, if she's under Medicaid, would that be paid for under -- by taxpayer dollars under this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Yeah, there -- we already have a law in place that restricts abortions based on sex selection, so that would not be covered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Well, that's news to me. I didn't -- I -- that -- I don't believe that that's accurate. So what about any sort of disability or Down syndrome?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
I -- I can read you the statute, 720 ILCS 510-6 {sic} (510/6), paragraph (8).
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Which says what?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
It says that you can't restrict abortions based on sex selection.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: You can't restrict abortions for the reasons of sex selection? That means that you can't stop them?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
It -- it -- yes, you cannot conduct abortions based on sex selection is what that statute says.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: That -- well, that's not what it is that -- that you read. So, again, I'll go back to my other question, issues of -- that identify some sort of disability, Down's Syndrome. Are -- are -- are we going to be paying for abortions in those circumstances?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
These are decisions that are made. We have not -- we are not doing anything in this bill that changes the definition of what a legal abortion is - period. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. So I'll take that as a yes. And in -- so -- to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCONCHIE: You know, this is -- you know, we've just gone through a -- a number of things. First of all, for those of you that have been told that this bill is necessary to -- to prevent the possibility that abortion will become illegal in this State, I -- I have documentation right here. I actually have a statement from the ACLU from some years ago that actually stated the fact that the trigger -- the so -- the so-called trigger language in this bill is unnecessary. But let's assume for a second that it is necessary in order to protect the right to abortion here in Illinois. You know, this is something that -- I think this debate should be separate from a debate in regards to taxpayer funding of elective abortions in all nine months of pregnancy for any reason. Essentially, what we're -- what we'd be doing through this legislation is providing taxpayer support for abortion as birth control. That's something I think that we find fundamentally abhorrent; that the vast majority of people through -- we've seen through polling, not only across the country, but here in Illinois, find abhorrent. They do not want their tax dollars used in those circumstances. I would encourage a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Senator. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I find the irony of some of this conversation stunning, unbelievably stunning. I've been here in this Body now for ten years. In that ten years, we have passed numerous pieces of legislation that deal with age-appropriate sex education. It is amazing the number of people that are speaking out on this who spoke out against comprehensive age-appropriate sex education. I find it very ironic. So, we don't want to educate people on how not to get pregnant, but we want to make sure that should they get pregnant, we're going to limit options. Why don't we have everybody educated as to how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy? Which, by the way, I will say, as a State, we've done a really good job, because if you start looking at the number of abortions that are done in Illinois, you will see that it has declined. So that education has been very, very productive. Now we are in a situation where we could, with the current administration, run into a risk of overturning Roe versus Wade, something that has been law of the land for decades now, but we're going to stand up there and we are going to be judgmental and say that a woman shouldn't have that choice - and, by the way, it is a choice. If you find it a disgraceful and -- practice that you don't believe in, guess what, you have the choice not to do it. But don't take that choice away from somebody who may find themselves in a 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 situation where it is an appropriate choice and one they need to make. I am not going to stand here and say that I know every possible situation, but I am going to play God, judge, and jury and decide what a woman should do with her own body. And I find it appalling that that's what is -- part of this discussion is about. Also, I want to make one point. There is no absolute philosophical or medically proven definition of when life begins, so we are not altering that with this piece of legislation, and it's a little disingenuous to say that we are. What I am standing here to say is, let us do what is right by women, regardless of their economic status, and make sure that this choice, which has been the law of the land for decades, stays on the books as that choice for women. I ask all of you to vote Yes, because we are not going to decide what's right for every single person. You, in this Chamber, are not going to decide what is my correct choice for my body. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Holmes. Senator Rezin, are you seeking recognition?
I am, Mr. President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in opposition to House Bill 40 for two reasons. As a mother of four, I am pro-life. I stand against taxpayers' dollars being used for an elective abortion. This legislation is a significant change from national policy that taxpayers' dollars do not fund elective abortions. I believe with 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Illinois' tremendous financial crisis, this State cannot afford any expansion of Medicaid or State employee health insurance plans paying for elective abortions. Estimates put this legislation at millions of dollars in added costs. In closing, I would like to say, a baby inside a mother's womb, if he or she could speak, would say "I am a child not a choice." Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Our final speaker is Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, 'cause my uterus has a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Hutchinson.
Right now, the -- the -- the point of this bill as it relates to insurance is the kind of insurance that poor women have access to. So I wanted to see if you could help me understand exactly what group of people we're talking about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Yes. You mean the Medicaid coverage portion of it? I know too that -- that the -- it's obviously means tested. It's a program that is for folks who are poor to be eligible for the Medicaid program - if that's what you're asking.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson.
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you for that. I wanted to at least start my -- my remarks on an economic argument. At a time when the wage gap disparity between women and men is still significant and it gets worse for women of color, and at a time when - you know, we -- we say this every year on the Floor - that you have to work so many days to get to the same amount of days -- or the same pay that a man makes in that certain amount of time, and it's just been really interesting listening to so many people who will never -- who will -- who will never have to -- would never be in a situation to go through this procedure talk about what they think we should do in the -- in the face of that. And I -- and I take exception when people refer to themselves as parents proving their pro-lifeness, and I am, too, the mother of three and I've dedicated my life to making sure that those children have every single thing they need and it's hard and it's expensive. Right now, from the time a child is born, absent college expenses, it's upwards of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to raise a kid now, just one. We find that many people who are in this situation cite as their example the need to do this financial ones, and many of them already have children. So, in your pro-life argument, I would ask you to consider that there's not just one life there. We have all kinds of hypothetical conversations about babies without dealing with the real bodies that would be carrying them. I heard it tap- danced that there were some reasons to stand for that position and used slavery as an example, and I would suggest that as a descendant of such, that there is nothing more intrinsic to freedom than bodily autonomy. I know my history; I know what happened to black women who labored in the fields and in the houses and what they endured, and what they endured for decades and decades and 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 decades and decades and decades after that, when it was very recent that even marital rape was legal in this country until about thirty years ago. Oh, I'm sorry, not thirty years ago, less than that. There is nothing more intrinsic to freedom than bodily autonomy, my ability to say what I will do, where I will go, how I will live, what kind of job I'm eligible for, or how I finish school, when, if or how many children I decide to bring into this world that impacts how long I live, the amount of money I can make…(inaudible)…, the kind -- the kind of way I can protect and raise my family. And to be forced, in 2017, to justify the fact that I am intelligent enough to run for office - I am intelligent enough to run my own business, I am intelligent enough to raise my family, I am intelligent enough to stand here and make articulate arguments - but I need you to explain to me what this procedure is? That when a woman goes into a doctor's office, we need to be explained to, as if we don't understand what's happening to ourselves or the decisions that we make? News flash, we have every bit the ability to make our own health care decisions as you do. As it relates to elective procedures and taxpayer dollars, vasectomies are elective procedures that are paid for by taxpayer dollars. And considering I can't hear anything more important than the thing that creates life since -- that -- you know, that create -- that is serious. And I don't think that there's anything more anti-life you can do than to stop doing that. So, vasectomies, you can make the choice - say I don't want to have any more children, go in there and take care of that. I mean, I -- I wonder whether we should just regulate, you know, those things, since it's so important. And that we want to explain to people what happens and the link between prostate cancer and 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 vasectomies and we want to explain to you -- we think maybe we should make you wait three days so that you can understand a medical procedure, make sure that you're clear about the information you get and your ability to understand and disseminate information, because of course we don't mean that to say that we're coddling or being patronizing or being disrespectful to women at all, because, as I know, it's for our own good. Well, for decades and decades and decades, it was for our own good - just be quiet and take it, just deal with it. You have no choice in the matter, you have no ability to say no, you have no ability to decide what happens afterwards, just, just, be quiet and take it. It's 2017 and I hear people stand up all the time and talk about how important it is to be free and free from government intervention and freedom from government tyranny and freedom from anybody imposing things that they don't want to impose on them by the government, except for when it happens in my doctor's office and in my bedroom - that, come on in. We're tired. We are tired. This decision is between me, my God, representatives and healthcare professionals that I choose, advisors that I choose. And I said this before on the Floor, that when I go meet Him, you won't be there either. As it relates to the things that we can do to make sure that these procedures go down, that they continue to decline, I would have more understanding if I saw a whole lot more green lights on sexual education bills, if I saw a whole more green lights on living wage bills, if I saw a whole more green lights on free, high quality childcare. Right now, those children we're so worried about, there's forty-seven thousand of 'em that lost their childcare, but we're still sitting here spending a eleven million dollars a day to do nothing about that. We're tired. If you want to make an 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 economic argument, the single best thing we can do for our economy is to have fully fifty-two percent of its members able to fully participate in the economic stream, free and unfettered. That means access to higher quality education, that means parental leave policies, paid sick leave policies that support parents who work, since today it takes two incomes to raise a kid. So if you really believe in protecting the sanctity of every life, then vote for things that support these lives once they're born. That matters just as much. So in your pro-life arguments, remember that there's more than one life you're talking about. It's 2017 and we are tired. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Steans {sic}. Senator Steans, to close.
Yes, thank you. You know, I'm going to speak to a few points that have been made on the Floor and then I'll -- I'll wrap it up. I'll -- I'll try to be brief here. Senator Hutchinson was referring to the fact that there is much to be said about economic and health empowerment for women who get to make choices to have planned, wanted pregnancies. All the data says that it leads to better health outcomes for both the baby and the mother, higher educational levels for both the baby and the mother, higher income levels for both the baby and the mother. Planned, wanted pregnancies are what we should be striving for. And over the course of years, we've been making enormous strides in them. In fact, the number of abortions that have been taking place in Illinois have been going way down. And it's certainly my hope and expectation that we'll continue good policies that will help us achieve that. Some folks here talked about the fact that no other 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 states are -- are -- are -- we should not be funding -- paying for abortions in Medicaid. Fifteen states do that right now, just to -- want to set the record straight on that. We've had the exact same language that is in this bill in previous years. There was a zero cost estimate on the bill. This time HFS did put a 1.8- million-dollar cost estimate on the bill. I could not get them to explain to me why that changed over a course of a very short period of time, nor did they decide to weigh in on the bill in any way, shape, or form. You know, human -- there's a lot of discussion as well about human life, when is it -- begin. And it's just fundamentally not for us here in this room to decide when life begins. That's for every single individual to decide, based on their own religious, moral, and philosophical beliefs. It's not our right -- or our place here in this Chamber to decide when it's appropriate for a woman to decide whether or not she should get an abortion. It's far better that she is making that decision for herself, with her family, her doctor, and based on her faith. That's her decision to make. I understand we can all have various views about that. It's not for us to make that decision for others. It's for those individual women to make those choices for themselves. Fundamentally, what this bill is doing is ensuring every woman's going to continue to have that. Pre-Roe v. Wade, in Illinois, in Cook County alone, there was a septic abortion ward in Cook County Hospital that stayed filled, seventeen beds filled constantly because of what was happening due to illegal abortions to women. It was about five thousand women a year who died from illegal or self-inflicted abortions. It is time, with what is being risked at the federal level, for us to ensure that we keep it safe here. I'm very pleased and honored to be able to bring 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 this legislation forward to this Body on something that I think is just such a fundamental, critical access to care and protection for women across the State of Illinois. I look forward to your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall House Bill 40 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, 22 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 40, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we'll be moving around the Calendar somewhat today to pick up bills that are ready to proceed. Next on our Calendar is House Bill 3-0-1-2. Senator Link, are you ready to proceed? 3-0-1-2. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3012. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill would allow Waukegan Consolidated School District 60 to make a one-time transfer of 3.9 million in funds, the remaining excess bond funds accumulated prior to July 1st, 2000, in the District's Operations and Maintenance Fund. I know of no opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the question is, shall House Bill 3012 pass. All 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 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 3-0-1-2, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Point -- point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your point, Senator.
Thank you, very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. We've been treated throughout the day to meet some of the most dynamic, talented women of color, Black women, here in our State and from around this country, the women of AKA. I am happy to have with me today also one of those members of that very distinguished sorority. Her name is Alleson Whitley Knox. She's the -- the current Illinois State titleholder of the Miss Black USA pageant system. She's a graduate of Howard University, got a degree in broadcast. She has honed her skills behind the camera, working in several capacities. It is her intent to go forward and she will be attending the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and the -- and a dual degree program at the Harris School of Public Policy, where she will bring this corporate background in communications and -- and also help us benefit in our communities. Please join with me in -- in welcoming Alleson Knox, a friend of my family's for over fifty years. Her mother is here with her, one of my grammar school friends, and I -- I'm as 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 proud of her as she is and -- and hopefully you are as well. So please welcome Alleson Knox.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Miss Knox, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to introduce to the Body a -- my Page for the Day, a friend of mine for many years now. With me is Anna Hagan. Anna is a seventh grader at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Woodworth, Illinois. She's accompanied by her parents, Mick and Mindy Hagan, who are on the Republican side of the aisle. Wave for everyone. I just ask that everyone join me in welcoming them to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Miss Hagan, welcome to the Illinois Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to turn now to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Again, we're going to be moving about between bills that are poised to go here before the deadline. We're going to start with Senate Bill 262. Senator Clayborne, are you ready to proceed? Senator Clayborne seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 262 to the Order of 2nd Reading. So -- seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 262. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Floor Amendment No. 4, offered Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, do you wish to adopt No. 4 or are we tabling No. 4 in lieu of No. 6?
I want to adopt No. 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 262. 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?
Floor Amendment No. 6, offered by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, on Amendment No. 6.
I move to adopt Floor Amendment No. 6 as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 6 to House -- Senate Bill 262. 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. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 262. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 262. 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. We passed a bill a couple years ago, and the Governor signed it into law, trying to create more accountability and make sure that all race and genders are participating in State work. And basically, as a result of passing that, there's certain things that we need to continue to improve on. One requirement is that we require a utilization plan to be submitted during the RFP process. And basically, we're just going to hold that vendor responsible for complying with their utilization plan if they're awarded a contract. Two, we are requiring -- we -- we also put an appeals process in there, because if they're not -- if they don't comply, then they're subject to liquidated damages, and multiple non- compliance, they can be barred from our program. The other thing we're putting in this bill is a further extension of these companies reporting their diversity spend by April 15th of each year. And basically, I negotiated with CMS, as well as one of the private companies, and we came up with this language in this entire bill. And basically, it is -- it's -- the reporting is voluntary, but if you don't report, there are provisions that would prevent you probably from -- well, prevent you from doing work with the State, but there is an appeal process in there as well. This is, again, to -- designed to make sure that our business enterprise program, that the State of Illinois is making sure that all of its citizens, whether women, minorities, or majority, are given a fair 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 opportunity to participate in the State's procurement process. I know of no opposition. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, are you seeking recognition? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 262 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 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 262, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We'll turn now to Senate Bill 325. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison. With leave of the Body, we'll come back to that bill. Senate Bill 518. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 518 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 518. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? Bear with us. We're just catching up on the paperwork here, Senator Link. …Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on Floor Amendment 2.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just would ask for its adoption and I will talk about it on the 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 518. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 518. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 518. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. As amended, it would say that -- the amendment allows the Department of Revenue to deposit two million dollars in Renewable Energy Resource {sic} (Resources) Trust Fund. And we -- on the amendment, we changed it from "shall" to "may" and that -- the Governor's Office is okay with this. I see no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield. Senator McCarter. 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, can the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund be swept?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
I'm not sure.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: I -- I -- I think it can. So I'm just -- just -- just to make that clear. This is just more money that could fit into a - - a very desperate budget. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link, do you wish to close? The question is, shall Senate Bill 518 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 51 voting Aye, no -- 1 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 518, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 955. Senator Steans. With leave of the Body, we'll return to that. We're going to move on to Senate Bill 1351. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 1532. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Collins seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 1532 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1532. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment basically -- identical -- it makes the bill identical to the bill, as amended. The amendment corrects a drafting error.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1532. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 1532. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1532. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President. Basically, the bill, as amended, requires the State Board of Education to include on the Illinois school report card data regarding average daily attendance for each school in each district. This is an initiative that came out 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 of the Attendance Commission and it addresses and -- to -- hope to address and prevent chronic absenteeism. I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. I have a question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that she'll yield. Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Collins, we -- I had a question during Education regarding is the -- is your language consistent with what the State Board of Elections {sic} language, as discussed, would be?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
Yes, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin.
So does the amendment that you added, did it fix that definition? And -- and correct me if I'm wrong. I believe we had a discussion in Education. We weren't quite sure if they matched up. That's -- that's the only reason for this question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 No. I just got information. It is not the same. No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin.
Thank you. Could you explain the difference between the definition by the State Board of Education and your bill, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
For the purposes of this bill, "average daily attendance" means the average of the actual number of attendance days during the previous school year for any enrolled student who is subject to compulsory attendance by Section 26-1 of this Code of {sic} (at) each school and charter school.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Senator Collins, for that explanation and I urge my colleagues to support your bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any other discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1532 pass. All those in favor, 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 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting -- I'm sorry, 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1532, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll turn back to Senate Bill 325. Senator Morrison, are 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 you ready to proceed? Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 325 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 325. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 325. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 325. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 325. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Mr. President. This bill extends the sunset for the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 from January 1, 2018 to 2001 -- to January 1, 2028.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 325 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 325, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We'll turn now to Senate Bill 955. Senator Steans, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 955. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 955 amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Illinois Public (Aid) Code to require the Department of Human Service {sic} (Services) to increase rates and reimbursements so that direct support personnel earn a base wage of at least fifteen dollars per hour and so the other frontline personnel earn a corresponding wage. You know, the -- this is a critical bill in that we have, as I think many people in the room know, a consent decree that we are out of compliance with 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 because we have such a hard time filling DSP positions because of their incredibly low wage rates. I very much urge an Aye vote to -- on this to start addressing this urgent need.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I think most of us agree that these frontline workers do an incredible job and it's a difficult job and they do it -- they do it well. The problem, as we've been -- we've been struggling down here for two years now to work on a budget, the -- the cost for this is going to be a hundred and sixty-five million dollars. That's the State cost. The overall cost is -- obviously is over three hundred million. But hundred and sixty-five million dollars at a time when we can't pay our schools, we can't pay our human service providers, and to -- to make a promise like this that the State can't possibly fulfill, I think is a mistake. So while we need to look for ways to help these frontline workers in the future, until we can take care of the current problems, I think it's irresponsible for us to promise this kind of additional spending. So I would urge a -- a No vote until we get -- until we get a budget resolved. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 SENATOR McCANN: To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, sir. I rise in support of the lady's bill. I rise in hearty support, as a Republican, of this bill, because I believe that, as Republicans, we should be there for working people. I believe one of the founding Members of our party and our very first Republican President and a great son of this great city said it very well. He said that Republicans are for both the man and the dollar, but in case of conflict, the man must come first. And so here's an example of working people who are looking for an increase in -- in their -- in their wages and they have to come to us. I've had some of my colleagues come to me and say, why are you supporting that? Why don't they go here or why don't they go there? Well, they have to come here. This -- this is capitalism at work. This is -- these are market forces. We're losing these people to the marketplace. They're going to fast food jobs, they're going to other jobs, because they pay better. And these are skilled people. These are people who work very hard. They give us their everything. They actually go and take care of many -- many of our family members so that others can go to work and contribute to the economy. These are working people. They deserve a raise. They haven't had a raise in an awfully long time. This is the right thing to do and I rise in hearty support and urge an Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator McCann. Senator Anderson, for what purpose 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I rise in opposition to this bill. And this is a tough one for me, because as a -- as a fireman and paramedic going to some of these facilities when I'm on duty, I see what these folks do. And they do deserve better pay, absolutely. They have a lot of responsibility and they work long hours and they take care of -- of -- of -- of people in -- in great need and are under a lot of stress. I can't vote for this bill right now, because a vote for this bill is a lie. We don't have a budget. We don't have the money to give these people. Now, if we were voting on this bill and we had a budget, I would vote twice for it if I could. But until we have a budget, this is nothing more than -- than telling these people that we're going to pay 'em more for political gain, and that's unfortunate. So with -- with that, I -- I urge a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McGUIRE: To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McGUIRE: I rise in support of this bill. I and the providers - those 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 who operate CILAs and provide similar services in my district - have been in the vanguard of trying to raise the wages of DSPs to nine thirty-five an hour. Here's one reason why: In Will County, we now have three Amazon fulfillment centers, all in my district - two in Joliet and one in Romeoville. These Amazon fulfillment centers pay a starting wage of fifteen dollars an hour. Predictably and understandably, scores of DSPs have left group homes, and other sources of aid to our most vulnerable fellow Illinoisans, to take jobs at Amazon. The result is that providers, such as Cornerstone, Trinity, Easterseals, have lost some of their most dedicated, compassionate, skilled personnel. Those who remain are working seventy hours a week. These are dangerous situations. There is a real risk of death in these CILAs because of the dearth of experienced DSPs to care for people with developmental disabilities. The Governor, of course, vetoed the precursor to this bill last August. In the intervening eight months, the providers I've named and others have reached out to the administration to try and find a solution. The administration, to the best of my knowledge, has been silent on this. In the last month, in committee, I asked DHS Secretary Jamie Dimas, what is the administration's solution? No answer. What hourly starting wage would the administration find feasible? No answer. Two weeks ago, I asked the Governor's Chief of Staff, Rich Goldberg, the same questions. What is the Governor's solution to this genuinely life-and-death problem? No answer. Inaction increases risk. Please vote Yes on Senate Bill 955.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to thank the sponsor. I appreciate you bringing this bill back again. I supported it in the last General Assembly. I look forward to supporting it today. On our Easter break, when we had two weeks off, I probably had twelve different groups come and see me and bring actual residents who are under the care. All the residents were asking to make sure that the people caring for them receive this raise as well. So I appreciate you bringing it back again and I look forward to voting Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
You know, Mr. President, I -- I actually was going to take a break on this bill. But I keep listening to Member after Member after Member on that side get up and say, we've got to do it! You don't have the money. You keep complaining about a balanced budget and then every time you do that, you put another bill on the board that costs more money. The running total right now from just your bills - just your bills - is 1.8 billion dollars, and you keep ringing 'em up. You can keep saying this all you want, send out all the tweets and all the Facebook posts, and all the press releases you want about how you're taking care of the people - you are making empty promises, and you are making what is such a difficult problem to solve even more difficult. Get ahold of 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 yourselves. Get ahold of yourselves. Stop doing this. Stop adding to the backlog, please. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Righter. Senator Steans, would you like to close?
Well, that was an impassioned one. I appreciate it. You know, listen, we passed this bill last year, both Chambers did, and it was vetoed by the Governor. It is my hope -- this is the first Chamber; it's a Senate bill. I think we need to pass it to keep it moving over to the House. It is fully my goal and expectation and I -- my high, high hope that by the time the House can take it up, we will have in fact passed a budget and can take a look at this in the context of having a complete budget that's supported with revenue. But I -- I want to keep moving it. And it's not something we -- we didn't -- the Governor vetoed it last year. It's not happened yet again. Workers have not gotten -- the -- the agencies have not gotten a rate increase. Workers have not gotten pay raise. As a result, it's been ten years since we've invested in the -- in these rate increases for these agencies. And it's created staff vacancies rate -- rates as high as forty percent. This is a crisis. It's not something we can continue to ignore. I'm just moving the marker here to try to ensure that when we do get a budget, we do in fact solve this problem. It has to be done. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 955 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 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 voting Aye, 20 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 955, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. WGN Radio seeks permission to take photographs of the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your point.
So I've been very neglectful of being the self-appointed Chair of the May Babies Caucus, because I really love those people who have birthdays in May. And today is May 10th and it is the birthday of one of my dearest, dearest friends on this Floor, who I think when we're eighty, we'll be talking about our days in the Senate. Today is State Senator Kimberly Ann Lightford's twenty-first birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Happy birthday, Senator Lightford. Senator Manar, for what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I would like to direct my colleagues to the gallery behind the Democratic side of the aisle to introduce two constituents who reside in the 48th Senate District, Sara and Michael Randazzo. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Michael, Mr. President, just graduated from preschool. And I would note that his father, Giovanni Randazzo, missed the preschool graduation. So I thought it would be appropriate for us to welcome both Sara and Michael and congratulate Michael on a successful preschool graduation this week.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Michael, congratulations on your graduation. I'm sure your résumé is out on the street. Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Well, I would also like to celebrate some -- help celebrate someone's birthday here. Sometimes when birthdays happen over the weekend, we miss them, and I noted that Senator Heather Steans had a birthday this last weekend. And I'd just like to wish her a very happy birthday and many, many more, and thanks for all the work you do on behalf of all of us.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Happy birthday, Senator Steans. There any other birthdays? Senator Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you rise?
Yeah, point of personal privilege, Madam President, just for two announcements today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Senator. Please state your point.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to welcome once again my -- my significant, significant better half, Mrs. Marina Sandoval, who's joined by my daughter, Jenni Sandoval, a junior at UIC in Chicago. I'd like to give them a warm welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Hi! Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you rise?
…President, just the -- my second announcement is just, once again, a reminder that the -- the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on behalf of the Legislative Latino Caucus is being held tonight from six to unknown hour. So, after you get done with COWL and perhaps the beer trove, come on over and join the Cinco de Mayo Latino Unity Day celebration at the Abraham Lincoln. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Please turn your attention to Senate Bill 1351. Senate Bill 1351. Senator Biss. Senator Biss seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1351 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1351. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss, on your Floor amendment.
72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 I move for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed - thank you, Oberweis - Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss, on Amendment 4.
I move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1351. Senator -- Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 1351. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Madam President, and happy birthday to you. Thank you, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1351, as amended, creates the Student Loan Bill of Rights. This is a project I've been working on for some time with our Attorney General to create a set of rights for student loan borrowers in Illinois, specifically in their interaction with loan servicers. So there's a huge student loan debt crisis and there's a lot of components to it. This deals with the -- with the servicers, which are private companies that interact with the borrowers during the course of the repayment. The bill does three things. Number one, it creates a whole list of rights for the borrowers to make sure they're given full information so they know about all the options and so they're not directed unfairly into a unnecessarily expensive option. Number two, it creates a license for student loan borrowers {sic} so that the State has the ability to pull that license from servicers that aren't fulfilling their responsibilities under part one of the bill. And number three, it creates the Office of Student Loan Ombudsman inside the Attorney General's Office so that she can -- the Attorney General can essentially expand the function that the Office already is participating in, of being a clearinghouse for complaints and a -- a bit of an investigatory arm, so that student loan borrowers, who don't really know where to turn, have an advocate inside the Attorney General's Office. I'd be happy to take any questions and I'd appreciate your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 questions?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Nybo.
Senator, I really appreciate what you're trying to do with this bill. No doubt, there's a problem that can be corrected. But there -- there's some concern with your bill. There's some opponents to -- to what you're attempting to -- to enact into law, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Yes. The for-profit corporations that have been involved in these activities don't want to be regulated. I understand they don't want that. I think we ought to stand with Illinois student loan borrowers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Thank you, Senator. The -- the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations {sic} (Regulation) also strongly opposed your bill, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
They are opposed to the bill. They've had a series of recommendations. You'll see that we just adopted Amendments 3 and 4. We've taken many of their suggestions to make sure that this would be implemented as seamlessly as possible. But, yes, they 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 remain opposed to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Senator, that's a good point. We -- we just adopted amendments to -- to this bill this afternoon, moments ago in fact. In light of the opposition that was expressed when we considered your amendments at a hearing one week ago, you -- you made a commitment to some of the opponents that you would try to work with them on addressing their concerns, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
I sure did.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Senator, what -- what efforts have you undertaken to try to live up to that commitment and work with the opponents who've expressed concerns on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo. Senator Biss.
We get mixed up all the time. Thank you. Well, right after that committee hearing, like immediately, I met with the opponents in question and offered them the opportunity to replace what had been in committee, I'm going to be honest with you, a pretty general set of concerns, a pretty abstract high level set of concerns with specific recommendations. And they asked how soon, 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 and that was on a Wednesday, I said, by Friday, which I thought was totally fair, given that the bill was introduced and put in the public record on March 14th, almost two months ago. And they said that wasn't enough time. They asked for a week. It's now a week later; I've seen nothing from them. I'm happy to continue talking with them when the bill is in the House. I would happy - - be happy to work with the House sponsor and the opponents and the proponents and see if we can work this out. But they've had a very long time. They've had a full week since they showed up in committee to explicitly make those concerns and since the day that I asked them to come back with specific recommendations. And we're getting close to the end of May; I think it's time to move forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Senator, you're -- you're -- you're trying to address a -- a -- in your words, a significant problem with nationwide repercussions. And -- and the industry has come to you and said, we have concerns and we want to work with you. And -- and am I led to believe that -- that your giving them forty-eight hours to come back with some proposal to -- to satisfy your concerns is -- is a sufficient amount of time, a reasonable amount of time to try to work with the industry to get their concerns addressed in any manner?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Well, as a matter of fact, I think the answer is yes, that I gave them forty-eight hours after they showed up prepared for a 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 committee hearing and to give testimony, which was itself, I think, seven weeks after the bill was first introduced. I will add, that during the course of those seven weeks, lots of other opponents appeared, made their comments, had their opinion heard, saw the bill amendment and removed their opposition. But this one industry group took until last week to show up and then I gave them forty- eight hours. But, by the way, it's a whole week later. And so the fact that I suggested it should be forty-eight hours is I think fair but irrelevant to the fact that it's now a full week later and we've still heard nothing. The clock is ticking. This is an important issue. I think it's time to pass this bill, move it to the House, see if we can resolve the issues there. If not, see if they -- if they want to pass this bill as is, but not continue to drag our feet and force the student loan borrowers of Illinois to wait another year before they got this much-needed relief.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Senator, you said that part of the -- the way that this bill is going to help students is that it's -- it's going to make it less likely that they're going to be forced into expensive borrowing options. Did I hear you correctly?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
I don't have the transcript of what I said during my introduction, but that's basically right, that the -- this regulates the conversations between the borrowers and the servicers. And here's why: There's been a major investigation 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 done by the Attorney General of Illinois, among others, that shows that because the profitability of these servicers goes up when their calls happen more quickly, some of these servicers have tended to just quickly push people calling into a particular option - for instance, forbearance - rather than explaining to them other options - for -- for instance, income-based repayment - and that just defaults people into an option which is often not the right option for a borrower. So, yes, that's what's happening and that's what this bill is designed to avoid.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
And just to be clear, your -- your bill addresses the -- the servicers, not -- not the lenders, not the people who are lending money. We're talking about the servicers of those loans, correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
Senator, can you help me understand? It's my -- it's my understanding that most of the material terms on the loans are -- are set by the lenders and not by the servicers who are -- are administering the loans. So can you help me understand how a bill that addresses servicers, rather than lenders, will help students avoid entering expensive borrowing options or -- or otherwise onerous or -- or -- or dangerous loans to -- to fund their 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 education?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Well, perhaps, the -- the -- the way to clarify is, it's not necessarily expensive borrowing options so much as expensive repayment options. So, you've got your student loan, you're right, not --- not granted by a servicer, granted by a lender, very often the federal government, by the way, and then the servicing is handled by the servicer, and let's say you reach a point where you can't make your payment and so you call the servicer. That's who you call to figure out what to do next, and then there's a series of options: One is an income-based repayment plan; one is forbearance; one is just skip your payment. The responsibility of the servicer should be to explain all of the options to properly educate you on what those choices would mean and help direct you to the choice that's best for your personal financial situation. What the investigation that the Attorney General has done has indicated is that in order to turn through calls as fast as possible, some of these servicers simply quickly shunt people into, for instance, the forbearance option, which may not be best for them. That's what this bill is trying to avoid and that's exactly the servicer's job, not the lender's job.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
I'm going to speak right through Senator Brady here. Nah, that's okay. Those repayment terms and obligations you were just talking about, those are all set by the Department of Education, 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the federal Department of Education. They're not set by the servicers themselves. They're -- they're set by the -- the federal Department of Education and then these servicers are vendors under the Department of Education, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Yeah.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo.
So why isn't your bill going after the Department of Education that's setting these terms and conditions that you think are so dangerous or harmful to students, instead of the servicers, who are merely implementing the terms of their contracts with the federal government?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
The -- there's a lot to say about the terms and we can talk about that another day. This bill is about the problem which arises when the borrower is trying to figure out what to do. What are the options? What's the best option for them? Who are they supposed to call? The servicer. Who's supposed to walk them through their options? The servicer. Who's responsible for directing them to the best option among those that, as you say, are set forth either in federal law or by the lender? The servicer. Who, right now, according to this investigation, has been quickly trying to get people off the phone and therefore direct them to a 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 default option, which may not be best for them? The servicer. That's what this bill is trying to solve.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Nybo, to close?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you.
And I do appreciate your patience.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill.
Senator, I'm going to agree with you in this. You -- you just said that maybe we can talk about something at a later date. And actually I think that's exactly what this bill needs, is I think this bill needs to be discussed at a later day. I think this issue needs more time and I think that you should think seriously about whether you've actually lived up to your commitment that you made one week ago to work with industry officials that came to you with concerns on this bill. It's my understanding that they actually do have a proposal that they would like you to consider. And I just think it's some -- somewhat disingenuous to -- to come before this Body - no, Senator, I'm serious - and to say that you're going to work with somebody and -- and -- and to give them forty-eight hours to get back to you with -- with what they can live with. I -- I think that -- that there should have been more time that you would -- should have extended to them. I think you should sit down with them and consider their concerns. 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Yet, again, I think you've got another bill here with very serious implications and that also raises the question of whether a nationwide industry could even comply with what you're attempting to impose on them. So, I'd ask you to consider taking this bill out of the record and continuing to work with them, and if not, I'd ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you and happy birthday. I want to start off by just saying something. This may not come as a news flash to many people. College is expensive. College has become very difficult for families to afford. College is also something that we've spent the past two and a half years not passing a budget and disseminating higher ed here in this State. These are all very serious issues. What is still a serious issue as it has been, oh my gosh, when I was starting to pay off my college loans thirty- plus years ago and those were difficult and you spent a number of years trying to make those payments. However, where it has gotten now is it has gotten so expensive that what happens to these kids, who are going to school to get an education, to get a good job, so they can live the American dream, find a good job, what -- what there saddled with is a level of debt when they get out of college that prohibits them from doing the things that people are supposed 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 to be doing at that stage in their lives. You're supposed to be getting out of school, getting a job, buying a house, buying yourself transportation, starting a family. All of that has become nearly impossible because you are saddled with so much debt. I don't think it's too much to ask that when you are trying to figure out a way to do this that your servicer is providing you the best options. It's a very simple procedure and something that can help these students, who have worked so hard to obtain that college degree in order to have a successful career. I think it is our obligation to make sure that they have the best options when it comes to paying for that education. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Senator Holmes had spoke about the American dream and I'll be the first one to say that student loans have killed the American dream, because kids these days live in servitude to their college loans and college debt. I don't think this bill goes far enough, quite personally. I think that Senator Biss has done a fine job of identifying the primary problem right now and I think he should expand this bill to start looking at the lenders and the Department of Education. For the group of young men and young women who've visited my office over the last six months and who have complained to me about the service not only of their servicers, but of the - 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 - the amount of debt that they have to incur so they can graduate from college is absolutely absurd - absurd. And for all those students that visited me - I know some of you are listening right now - this bill I'm proud to sponsor along with Senator Biss and I look forward to the next few years of my service and his service to this State to start making sure that the choices you make are well-informed decisions and that you're protected in the future, so you can live out the American dream. I urge an Aye vote. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I just have a couple of questions and I probably am not as up on this issue as those of you that heard it in committee. But the industry group was in my office and I just want to make sure I understand what they told me. Number one, that there's nine companies that service the entire country and that they are actually regulated by the U.S. Department of Education?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Biss.
I believe there are twenty, actually, but it's a pretty small number, which is, by the way, why we think this is a reasonable thing for the Department to implement. And, yes, they are regulated by the Department of Education, though I will say that Secretary DeVos has already gone very far in rolling back consumer protections that the Department of Education used to apply to the -- to student loan borrowers in their relationship with servicers. 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno.
Point I -- I -- that I want to make that has been spoken to is, yes, college is expensive. This really has nothing to do with the amount of the loan or if people were counseled poorly when they took out the loans, they have too much. It has nothing to do with that whatsoever. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
That's correct, which is why I think the previous speaker said the bill doesn't go far enough. And I agree there's a lot more that we ought to do to protect student loan borrowers and tuition payers and I would love to work with you on those issues. But this does protect them in a very crucial situation where, right now, there's significant evidence that there's an awful lot of abuse.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno.
The other thing I was told, and I just wanted to get your take on this, is that there are built-in incentives in the system for these servicers to get people to pay the loans back. So they actually lose points if they push people into forbearance and, consequently, they lose money. So there's built-in incentives currently in place to have them do a good job. Is that your understanding?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Senator Biss.
Well, it's complicated. My understanding is that there are, under certain circumstances, some incentives like that; that it's a -- to be honest, a complicated system, that I don't think is fully transparent. But also, on the flip side, it's in their financial interest to turn through as many consumers as possible as fast as possible, and that's precisely what the Attorney General's investigation uncovered was going on; that there was an effort to just get people off the phone quick, so as to cycle through more and more consumers at lower and lower costs, and that's why so many consumers were pushed into forbearance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno.
Yeah, given the complicated nature and the fact that it's so easily intertwined with this -- you know, the fact that people are suffering under the amount of loans they took out, I really think that -- that - I agree with Senator Nybo - that we should sit down with the industry again, because from what you're telling me, you agree with some of what they -- they said. I'm not sure that the problem isn't more that people are upset about the amount of the loan than the actually servicing of it. So, again, I think since we do have -- it's only May 10th and there clearly is not agreement on this - I think it -- it goes at the problem at the wrong level - that we ought to take this out of the record and see if we can't come up with something that actually addresses the issue that is troublesome to people. So I would urge a No vote. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Further discussion? Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
I just want to thank the Attorney General and the sponsor of the bill, because I think this is very necessary. We see student debt as being one of the major issues. In fact, almost ten years ago, we went into the mortgage crisis. This kind of is our -- or ten years later, the same kind of crisis, maybe not the same kind of scale or ramifications, but for families that are going through this, this is very real and very, very painful. Right now, in -- in our communities, we're seeing that more and more college degrees are required for jobs. I know there are police departments, I know there are just -- you look at the want ads in your Sunday paper, you'll see that a lot of jobs now require a college degree. That means that families have to have their children get that college degree. And I think the expectation is -- because a lot of banks, a lot of credit unions, make loans like this all the time, there's an expectation that their interests are protected. And, certainly - I -- I can speak for credit unions, 'cause I'm on the board of a credit union - we protect those interests; those are members. But that may not extend to all the types of organizations that are making loans. And so I think that it's proper and it's the right thing to do for us to protect Illinois citizens that we put further guidelines into place. And I urge an Aye vote and I thank the sponsor. 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
As the previous speaker just indicated, I'd like to applaud both the sponsor and the Attorney General's Office to -- for turning their eye to this. I -- my son, who just completed his first year of college just yesterday, and I had a conversation this morning. And I think of myself, and I -- I have an earning capacity far above the vast majority of most of the citizens -- the vast majority of citizens in the State of Illinois. And I -- I can tell you, I lose a lot of sleep for both my son and my daughter, who will follow just a couple of years behind. This is an important bill, because we have to turn an eye to this. And to the notion -- we -- we ought not -- we have to be very careful and -- and -- and I -- I -- admittedly, sometimes I lose my composure during debate on the Floor, and so, for all the past times I've done so, I apologize. And I believe the gentleman who spoke earlier - I -- I -- I do consider him a gentleman - but I think there was a little bit of -- of an attack on the integrity of the sponsor, which I -- I certainly didn't take well. As the sponsor indicated, this bill was introduced weeks ago, weeks ago, allowing for plenty of time for interaction with the sponsor. And sometimes - and -- and we -- we ought not to be naïve about this - sometimes it takes a little advancement to spur industry into having real conversations and to -- then to making real compromise. Sometimes 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 it's moving a bill out of committee and sometimes it's moving a bill from one Chamber to the other. And Members on both sides of the aisle have done so. And I take the sponsor at his word that he's willing to have continued conversation. And there's nothing in the history of my dealing with the sponsor to indicate to me that he wouldn't be a man of his word. And so to the extent that we're going to continue, 'cause it happens on both sides of the aisle - we say we're going to move the bill out of committee, I'm going to hold it on 2nd, we're going to say -- we say, well, we're going to move the bill to the other Chamber - it happens, we all do it, and we ought not pretend like we don't do it, and we ought not attack the integrity of a sponsor who says he's willing to continue to have conversations. So I urge an Aye vote on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor, indicates he will yield. Senator Althoff.
Thank you. Thank you. Senator Biss - and I apologize because I wasn't in committee and didn't hear all of the specifics with regard to this legislation, so I just really have the analysis in front of me, and I'm not an attorney and I thank God for that every day - how does -- how does this work when it's a bill of rights for student loans? Are those for loans that cover students who are attending Illinois colleges? Are those loans that Illinois residents have? I mean, how does -- make that breakdown for me. 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Because my concern is, I'm an individual who lives in Illinois, but I go to university in California - does this apply to me? Can I use these bill of rights? How does that work?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
I'll -- I'll check on some details, but the basic principle of the law is that we have the right to protect Illinois consumers. And so it's a Illinois resident who's a student loan borrower and their interaction with servicers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Althoff.
…you -- thank you, Madam President. And -- and, Senator Biss, that is my concern. Because I don't know how you're going to make, you know, that applicable if the loan is really done outside the State for another purpose and that's why I'm asking, 'cause I'm not an attorney and I don't know how that applies. So tell me who -- tell me who gives the loan to the student and how we enforce that outside of our State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Well, just to back up for a second in one direction, then I'm going to turn the wheel ninety degrees and back up in a slightly different direction. But to back up a bit, we have the right as a State to protect consumers who are residents of our State. That's something we do all the time, every day, and that's something we do in a variety of different contexts, including in 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 a variety of federally regulated contexts. That's our sovereign right, and I think it's our responsibility to our constituents. Now, to back up in a different way, we're not regulating the loan; we're not regulating the lender. In fact, several speakers, some on each side of the aisle, have said we should do more to do that, and that's a great conversation for us to have another time. This is specifically to the servicer, the entity that the borrower is in contact with during the course of the repayment, the entity to whom the borrower is sending the checks. And that's a financial entity that's interacting with an Illinois resident and thus we are utterly within our rights to regulate that relationship. Now, by the way, there -- in committee, there was some suggestion of oh, no, this is going to be hard for us to implement without actually extending these rights to people from other states, 'cause it will be complicated to keep track of who's in Illinois -- who's in Illinois and who's not. And to that I would say, great, great. If by passing this law we can also by accident additionally protect consumers in other states, so much the better.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Althoff.
Thank -- thank you. And then, in -- in closing, Senator Biss - and thank you, that was actually a fine explanation - are we -- Illinois then would be required to ensure that all of these regulations actually go into effect. Do we have an idea of who does that and how much that's going to cost the State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 So the -- the bill sets up an ombudsman's office in the Attorney General's Office and then has the licensing function fall on the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. As the Minority Leader pointed out, there's a really small number of these servicers, period. My -- my information shows twenty. The Majority Leader thought nine. Either way, it's a handful of entities, and therefore it's a -- it's a small additional requirement for the Department.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Althoff.
Thank you. And -- and I won't belabor the point. My analysis indicates that it's going to cost over three hundred thousand dollars on an annual basis to ensure that we can implement this program. Again, I agree with what you're trying to do. I think it's extraordinarily important to protect our consumers. I -- I'm just asking, I think, following the Leader's request, is that we sit down and kind of work this out a little bit better so those things are really looked at and we can see if it can be enforced, as opposed to costing a huge amount of money - if there isn't a better way to go about it. So I support the concept, but I would ask the Body to vote No until we have further time to make it a really good piece of legislation. Thank you very much for your courtesy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss, to close.
Thank you, Members, for the robust debate and the great discussion on both sides. I -- I just want to briefly address a 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 couple crucial things that were raised in -- in debate. First of all, to the gentleman from Elmhurst, I have more than made good on my commitment made in committee, more than made good on it. And I will continue, if we are so fortunate as to pass this bill out the Senate this afternoon, to have good faith discussions with the opponents as the bill goes through the process in the House. But I introduced the first -- Amendment 1, I guess it was, which was the first language with real substance on this topic, which is not that different, by the way, from what we're voting on today, on March 14th - March 14th - almost two months ago. The opponents, who are a sophisticated industry group and were surely aware of that, if not on March 14th, then by the end of March, chose to appear last week in committee and chose to make fairly vague high- level complaints. And instead of saying I'm going to jam this through, I said, okay, we'll talk. And then we had a meeting and now another week has passed and they've declined to provide me with any specific recommendations. So I -- I just want to be very clear, because our integrity is all we have in this place, that I have more than met the promise that I made in committee last week and I think if you were to ask anybody else who serves on the committee, for -- for instance, the -- the Chair of that committee, they would agree with that characterization. Now, there -- there was some suggestion from the Minority Leader that -- that maybe this bill isn't really taking on the right part of the student loan problem. And guess what, there's a lot of really important parts of the student loan problem that we ought to be taking on over time. I'd love to work with all of you on all of those things, from the lenders themselves, to the terms of the loans, to the tuition itself. We should do all that. But I have been clear 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 throughout this process, in committee and in -- the Floor today in my introduction that we are dealing here with a specific problem, which is the servicers, the servicers that are under investigation, one of which is right now being sued, because of conduct that has directed borrowers into more expensive repayment options, options that are less good for them. And at the end of the day, this is a dispute between many, many, many, many thousand student loan borrowers in Illinois and a few out-of-state corporations, some of which have been taking advantage of those borrowers. And so what I would simply close by saying is, let's stand with Illinois borrowers, let's not vote for a couple out-of-state corporations, please vote Aye and please support Illinois student loan borrowers, who are really in need of some relief.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1351 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 34 voting Yea, 15 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1351, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill -- oh, excuse me for one second. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your point, Senator.
Today I would like to welcome my alma mater, Northeastern University, headed by our President, President Helldobler; our 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 wonderful Chairman of the Board, Carlos Azcoitia; my good friend, Dr. Suleyma Perez; and all the Board of Directors {sic} (Trustees) here visiting and putting pressure on us to get this budget passed so we can take care of our universities. Please give 'em a welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Thank you for your presence. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Harmon indicates he wish to proceed. He seeks leave of the Body -- no? Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1774. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1774 reinvigorates and makes permanent the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction, and Window Replacement Program, known as -- known -- known as CLEAR-WIN, a successful pilot program for the elimination of lead in residential environments. We have at long last reached an agreement with the Department. There is an -- amendment pending here in the Senate, but given the scheduling, we have an agreement, I believe, on both sides to advance the bill over to the House, where it will receive its final amendment and come back to us in due course. So with - - with leave of the -- the Minority Spokesman on the committee that heard the bill, I'd ask the Senate to help me send it over to the House. 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, a question, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I thought that this was the amendment we were to be hearing tomorrow in the committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Speak -- or Senator. There's another amendment that has not yet been filed. They've been negotiating and fine-tuning. Instead of filing yet another amendment and getting in the queue here in the Senate, the agreement we reached with the Department was to send it over to the -- the House, where the final amendment would be adopted. This is the bill you and I spoke about a little earlier today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I -- I just -- doesn't seem that much of a hurry that we can't wait till tomorrow to hear it in committee. I just wondered if you'd be willing to do that. And I'm not even -- I'm not even speaking to the bill as to what -- we -- we talked about this a little bit and you -- and you asked me whether I had seen what the proposal was. And to be honest, I haven't still seen it 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 yet. So -- and that's not to say I wouldn't agree with it, but I was wondering if we could just do this tomorrow.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. I -- I'd have no objection doing that, except that's not the right amendment and that's -- that's my point. We have another amendment that's been drafted that supersedes that amendment, that has not yet been filed. And given the hour and the deadlines in the House, all of the advocates and stakeholders agreed to move it to the House, amend it there, and send it back to us later in the Session on Concurrence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1774 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 53 voting Yea, 0 -- 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1774, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Aquino, on Senate Bill 1869. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read -- Senator Aquino seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1869 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1869. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Aquino.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino, on your amendment. 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
Madam President, thank you. Happy birthday. I'd like to ask for it to be moved to 3rd and then I'll explain the amendment on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) You -- would you like to adopt your first amendment to your first bill? Would you like to adopt it?
Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1869. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1869. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino, it is now a bill.
Madam President, thank you. Quite simply, this bill moves and requires LIS to use a free translating tool in order to translate the ilga.gov website. I ask for -- for an Aye vote. 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Althoff.
You know, Senator Aquino, there was lots of noise, background noise, and I couldn't hear. Did you say "free"?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Gratis, free, yes, sí.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. {sic} President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The -- the sponsor indicates he will.
So, I was running off the Floor to have a whole bunch of conversations with people about other bills and so I missed the initial thing that you were talking about. What exactly -- this bill, what exactly does this do again?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Quite simply, this -- this bill would require LIS to use a 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 free translating tool, so that when someone goes to the website, they can -- they can try to have the website translated into the language of their choosing, so that they can maneuver through the website a little bit more easily.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Okay, so the General -- the General Assembly website, where all of our names are -- our names are on there. So when the translation comes -- because isn't it true that the -- sometimes like the Google translator thing isn't always a hundred percent accurate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
That's correct and we actually put some language in the amendment to address that. As -- as someone who has used a translating tool before, and also a -- a bilingual and native speaker in Spanish, I wanted to make sure that anyone that would use this translating tool was notified and had a -- it had a disclaimer saying that -- indicated that the -- the website was not going to be translated by the General Assembly, but rather by a -- third-party translating tool and it may not be a hundred percent accurate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Gracias. Senator Hutchinson.
What -- so if it comes to -- if someone's trying to translate, then it comes to your name, what does your name mean? 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
So there are certain things that would not be translated. I can read off the list, but to -- to be efficient in -- in -- in answering this question, there's not really a translation I know of in Spanish of Omar. I believe it's an Arabic name and I do not know the exact translation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Señorita? Senator Hutchinson.
Sí. I -- I just -- when I -- 'cause when I was going through the translation thing, I thought your name means, "not here".
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
That is very accurate. My last name, Aquino, also means "not here" if you separate the words in -- in Spanish. It actually -- so LIS, when I went to go talk to them to make this amendment, they showed me two versions of -- using two different translating tools. They translated the portion where it has our names, our party affiliation, for instance. There was two different Spanish translations. One was "partido", which is party affiliation, so Democrat or Republican. The other one was "fiesta", which is what we're hopefully going to all be doing a little later tonight for Cinco de Mayo, to celebrate that. So it -- it's just another point that these -- utilizing these translating tools may not be a hundred percent accurate. That's why, within the legislation, it was very important to me to add the amendment -- in the amendment 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 that it have a disclaimer, just indicating that to the user.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Then I'm confused. Because if someone comes up on the -- I mean, if someone comes up on the site and they come to you and they want -- they have a question or they need something to be answered about you and what they get is Aqui no, you -- not -- you're not here, and I know we know you're here, but it's going to be translated that you're not here -- any -- and then people who don't get that that translation cannot be…(inaudible)…, I get that, because I took a lot of years of Spanish, but I know for people who don't really get -- they say this person right here is just not here, so I just -- you know what, forget it, to the bill. I think -- I think that this is early to be doing this and since the Senator has just admitted that he's not here, he should pull it from the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Further discussions? Quite a bit. Further discussion? Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
A question to the sponsor. A quick question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He's not here.
Oh. Is there an alternative person that I can speak to since he's not here, Aquino?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Senator Not Here? Senator Aquino. Senator Aquino.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Van Pelt.
The -- the sponsor has admitted that he's here so I'm going to go forward with my questioning. First of all, if we are translating this site into different languages, I know you understand that we are in a budget crisis and that we can't afford a lot of -- adding a lot of new things to our -- our -- our bill right now. So what happens when half of this site is translated, as you said, and some words are not translated and people are calling in to -- to the operators asking them what this means - who pays for that? I just want to know who pays for that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
So, a few things: Number one, there was a fiscal note in the House that said that this was going to cost 1.5 million dollars. That was never the intent of this bill. The bill gave broad discretion to LIS to translate in the way they can. We created an amendment that would require them to use a free translating tool. And again, with the disclaimer, though, onto that, it -- it -- it will indicate to all users before they are able to translate to whatever -- to whatever language that they -- they choose - originally, it was supposed to be Spanish; now it, depending on the translating tool, can be hundreds of languages - it would indicate to them, though, that because it wasn't staff or whatnot 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 from the General Assembly that actually translated the website, that it was a third party that will be translating, it may not be a hundred percent accurate. So I -- I do not anticipate, though, that a lot of calls will be coming in to -- to our offices for help with translation of the website.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Van Pelt.
Well, I was just wondering that if there are calls, then are you willing to help take some of those calls, if you're here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Although my last name says that I'm not here, I certainly would -- would help in any way that I can.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Van Pelt.
These are trying times for us as a State and I believe that Senator Aquino, even though he's not here, would be willing to be here if there are questions. I support the man's bill. Because anybody who will roll up their sleeves when they're not here and work from home even, if he has to, I think we should support him. So kudos to you, my brother.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the -- the speaker {sic} yield? I -- I have a question. 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He -- he's -- yes, please.
Because I know he's not here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He's not here. Senator Tracy.
Senator Aquino, can you translate for me LIS?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Because I'm not sure I know what it means.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I can translate in Spanish what -- LIS, but Legislative Information Systems is Sistemas de Información Legislativa in Spanish. But the beauty of it is that with this translating tool not only would it now translate in Spanish, but can possibly be translated in many different languages.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
That's a good point. Can you give us an example of some of those other languages?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I personally cannot, but, certainly, I believe there's 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 applications on the -- on our phones and our -- in -- in our computers that can certainly do that. That's why I wanted to make sure that our -- our website -- our Illinois General Assembly website was moving to the twenty-first century to utilize free tools that we can find online.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
So should we anticipate that Russian might be one?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
It's quite possible that -- that Russian would be a -- a language that would be translated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Would pig -- pig Latin be among those?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Depending on the translation tool that LIS would have the discretion of -- of choosing, it's -- it's possible. I -- I -- I do not know.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Does it not concern you that maybe when it translates those names, if it were in pig Latin, you might be Aquinoa, or I might 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 be Ilja, or Senator Hutchinson would be Oit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
The -- the intent of this bill is that those that -- that speak and choose to operate in pig Latin would be able to go through the -- the website and read in -- in that language.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Well, to the bill. I -- I applaud you on this first bill that you have really worked hard with and came up with some innovative solutions. I -- I am also a sponsor, because I do believe that it will serve, and most of all, as you mentioned, it will not cost anything, and you assured me if it did cost anything, you will pay it out of your pay and not hinder the State of Illinois with any of -- further dollars that they don't have. But it is a good solution that you've brought forward and I applaud your efforts on this first bill and for the way you've worked this legislation to make it work for all of us. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Oberweis.
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Oberweis.
Senator Aquino, I believe, based on the fiscal notes from the House, the original bill was estimated -- it might have cost a 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 million and a half; now, the current bill would cost nothing. So we've got a possibility of about a million and a half savings. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
That's correct, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
Senator, I think that's -- that's wonderful and I would encourage you to speak with our Senate President Cullerton to see if there's a possibility that that bill might be held now and included as a part of the grand bargain, because that would give us another million and a half savings that we could put in there. And if we could just do that with four thousand more similar bills at a million and a half each, we would be at approximately six billion in savings and I think we could put together the grand bargain. Would you consider pulling the bill to put it in as part of the -- the grand bargain?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Senator Oberweis, with all due respect, I believe that the General Assembly website should be translated into different languages as soon as possible, so I'd rather run it still as a separate bill to the grand bargain.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis. 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017
Well, Senator, in that case, I'm afraid I have to urge a No vote on this bill, because even -- the State of Illinois is in such horrendous financial condition that even if it costs nothing, we can't afford it. So please pull that bill. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino, who's not here. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
First, I want to thank the Senator for being here. Because you are here, we've been able to shorten our Senate schedule by eight days, because our committees aren't running near as long as they did when Willie was here. So -- so, on behalf of the entire Senate, we want to say thank you. But, Senator, I guess my question to you is, do you really want your - in this august Body - your first bill really to just tell the Department at LIS that they can download a free app from Google? That's what you want your legacy to be as your first bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Senator, I -- I would hope that my legacy is -- with this bill would be opening up the democratic process to all people in the State of Illinois. Despite what their -- their first language may be, we want to make this an open and -- transparent process. So, if -- if you speak English, Spanish, or any other language, you can go onto our General Assembly website and see the -- the - - hopefully, the great work that we're all doing here in this Chamber and also in the next and what we're -- what bills we're 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 sending to the -- to the Governor to hopefully sign.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Question -- thank you, Madam President. Question to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Murphy.
Senator Aquino, I heard you say on this bill that you weren't sure that the legislation would translate accurately?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
That -- that may be so, depending on the translation tool. Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
…translation tool is going to be one that they select from a drop-down menu, that may or may not be there?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
So, the translation tool itself would be -- so there's a few different translation tools out there. Many of us know about Google. Bing also provides the same service, and other companies as well. The legislation just allows for LIS to choose one of 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 those free translation tools and embed it in part of the website, so that when someone goes to utilize that tool, it -- it'll be a -- sort of a checkbox on the top. Number one, the -- the -- the disclaimer -- the disclaimer pops out. And then, number two, all the different languages that are -- that are provided or options would -- would show up on your screen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
…languages are going to be eligible on this? I'm concerned that you might be restricting people in certain languages.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
So it depends on the translation tool that LIS has the discretion to -- to pick from. What we require is that whatever translation tool that they do pick is -- is free, number one. And then they have the discretion to utilize which one they feel best, be it if it's Google, Bing, or whichever one. It can be a -- a - - a -- a different number of languages that are translated, dependent on each tool that -- that's selected.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
…Aquino, do you think Gaelic might be one of those languages that we'll be able to translate? 'Cause I just wanted to say to you céad míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes, to my new seatmate. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Ooh! Further discussion? Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam Prezidan, jis kesyon pou patwone.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Gracias. Senator -- Senator Aquino. He's here. He's here.
Monsieur Aquino, do you know where my parents were born?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I believe in the island of Haiti -- or the country of Haiti.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul.
You got that right. So, do you know what languages they speak on the island of Haiti?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I believe one of the main languages is French.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul.
That's correct. You're two for two, doing well. They also speak Haitian Creole. Do you -- are you familiar with that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 I -- I am not, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul.
(Remarks in Haitian Creole) Go into translator and figure what I just said out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
And for purposes of efficiency, I'm just going to assume, no, I -- I doubt -- yeah.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul.
Who's Chicago's first settler?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
…be -- yeah, du -- yeah, du Sable -- Point du Sable.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator… Come on, get it out.
…Haitian, as well, I believe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Raoul.
So you got three questions right, so you're doing well. But I'm a little bit concerned, like a couple of the other previous speakers were, about -- because, particularly, I -- I -- I read 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the title {sic} of the bill and it says Spanish language. It doesn't say Gaelic. It doesn't say French. And it sure the heck does not say Haitian Creole, the language of Chicago's first settler, the gentleman who also settled in Peoria - and I'm sure Senator Koehler shares my sentiments here. I do know that your predecessor, who worked as a DCFS worker, a probation worker, worked on the airlines, worked a few other places, had a sensitivity, would have been able to answer the questions more quickly. I think it's a little bit disingenuous that you try to move this bill to the other Chamber this soon. I think you need to pull it out of the record to allow more time for you to make sure that -- that there's a translation app to make sure we can translate Haitian Creole. I'll be personally offended if you do not pull this out of the record and if you move this over to the other Chamber without assuring me that we have that in the app. And so, until that time, I have to urge a No vote on your bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He indicates he will. Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator, I wasn't going to ask any questions but just during the debate I got an email on my phone entitled, Updates from the 2nd District from Omar Aquino. And I'm looking for the Haitian Creole button that I can press here and translate it for Senator Raoul. Would you come back here after the debate and show me where that button is, please? Thank you, 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
Happy birthday, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Senator Omar - I believe you were called in committee yesterday - Senator Omar, I agreed to be the chief cosponsor on this bill, but I'm hearing some things I'd really like for you to explain. Did you say this was third-party outsourcing?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) So, she said to the bill because you're not here, but would you like to yield if you were? Senator Aquino.
I -- I did say that. It's -- it -- it would be -- it's a free tool, again, that would be selected by -- LIS has the discretion to utilize a free tool to get the translation done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush.
So, Senator Aquino, what do you suppose -- what kind of wages are these people making if we're getting free tools?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Wages from -- in LIS or wages from the companies? I -- I…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Senator Bush.
So -- so my concern is, Senator Aquino, many times, when you outsource, you're outsourcing to people that are maybe not making a living wage. So my concern is, have we really looked into -- I mean, if we're getting this tool for free, how much could they possibly be paying the people that are creating these tools? I mean, I guess I thought I knew who you were and -- and I'm really concerned about this being a slippery slope.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I -- I certainly stand for -- for labor concerns and for all working families within Illinois. I believe, though, web developers on average, especially for working for a company like Google, certainly make -- possibly even a little bit more than we do in the General Assembly. So I think they're doing all right.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush.
So it's your understanding that they are currently getting paid?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Yes, that is my understanding.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush.
117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 I just have one -- one more question. So, in all of the talk of the languages that are being included, depending on which drop- down translation tool you are choosing, is there a translation tool for maybe residents of southern Illinois that might speak Forby?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
I -- I would encourage the third-party vendors to reach out to former Senator Forby to help with translations, absolutely.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush, to close.
That's great, Senator. And I'd just like to say welcome to the Senate. I'm thrilled that you are in my old office with my fireplace, and I'm so happy to have you here. Congratulations on your first bill and I'm glad to hear that you're standing with labor. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino, to close.
Well, I want to thank everyone for the -- the questions and -- but on a very serious note, this bill died in the House. There was great debate on how much it would cost to translate the website. And instead of sort of taking a look at the bill and understanding that the intent was not to make a cost to this State, but was to make information more accessible to people -- instead, here in the Senate, I'm -- I'm proud to say that we were able to work together in a bipartisan way. I -- I took it to the -- to 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the committee and listened, truly listened, to the concerns that my -- my Republican colleagues had and I -- and I respected those concerns and tried to make the bill even better. And so I -- I think that's the end product that we have here today, which -- it -- it is -- it was originally to -- to -- to translate the website to Spanish. Now it's many -- many -- many different languages and it won't cost 1.5 million dollars. It'll be free. So -- and I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Well, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1869 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Aye {sic}. 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 57 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1869, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to the order of Senate Bill 10. Senate Bill 10. The sponsor indicates he's willing -- ready to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 10. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton, on Senate Bill 10, please.
Yes, thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. We had called this bill three months ago -- two months ago, on March 1st {sic} (February 28), and there was some questions posed by a Member of the -- on the other side of the aisle and so we took it 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 out of the record then. So this bill is part of the -- what's become to known -- be known as the "grand bargain" and we started working on this on -- I believe it was January 11th. I've been very proud of the work the Senate has done, both Republicans and Democrats. I believe the people in this Chamber stood up to the challenges that our State faces and are serious. So, we -- and we have produced results. We have already passed bills dealing with government purchasing reforms, local government consolidation, and a fair pension funding plan for the Chicago schools. But we hit an impasse on March 1st, which was a long time ago. It was seventy- one days ago. And the whole idea of the "grand bargain" was to adopt these reforms early on in the Session and then move it over to the House and then focus on the budget. And, now, we have made progress in working on a bipartisan budget. And I want to thank, specifically, Senator Brady and Senators McCarter and McConchie for putting their names on bills and filing them so that we can be part of the debate and that's worked well. But, as I said, we last called these bills on March 1st. Every day we go without a budget, the State spends another eleven million dollars, and that was seventy-one days ago. It's May 10th. After today, there's twenty days left before our scheduled adjournment on May 31st. So I don't think we can wait any longer. I believe the patience of the public is wearing and so today I'd like to start calling these bills again. It's kind of like what happened in my family when I grew up as the oldest of nine kids. We had one bathroom. And at some point, you got to do your business or you don't and then there's time to move on, 'cause somebody else needs the room. So we have to move on. To the Members of this Chamber, this project has been very rewarding. It's been an opportunity to work across 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the aisle and do what's right. Now this particular bill, I believe, is not controversial. I presented it before and I'll be happy to -- to do so again and answer any questions. It creates a mechanism that will allow home rule municipalities to dedicate tax revenues for bonds in order to secure a lower interest rate for borrowing. And it is meant to allow the home rule units to get lower interest rates, save money. Revenues that municipalities would tap for a bond sale of this nature could include money that comes from the State, money from the personal property replacement (tax) fund, or gaming revenue, or sales tax revenues, or the Local Government Distributive Fund. The idea is that the home rule municipality and an issuing lender would accept an assignment agreement of the sale tax revenues. The home rule municipality would approve an agreement by an ordinance. They would then have a bond sale and revenue from the sales tax for -- in our example would go directly to the trust-like fund that was set up. And so we save money and it doesn't cost any money for the State. In fact, we even put an amendment on, at the suggestion of the Republicans, to make it clear that in no way shall the pledge and agreements of the State be interpreted to construe the State as a guarantor of any debt or obligation subject to an assignment agreement. So, if for some reason, if the State didn't send any money to the local governments, the State's not obligated to do - - pay any damages, because they're not party to that contract. So with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote so we can proceed to pass this bill and the rest of the bills. And I would point out that these bills are tied together, and as I said, we've already passed a number of them that are being held until we pass all of them so we can send it over to the -- over to 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 the House. Be happy to answer any questions on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Leader Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
Well, first a statement and then a question on -- on what we're doing. I, too, think this has been certainly a rewarding experience here in this Chamber; however, I am -- I understand the frustration and the sense of urgency that we all feel on May 10th to get this done and I think I've been one talking a lot about that. This particular bill is not controversial, that's true, but I think that the intent was to move everything as a package at once. It is true we hit a road bump on May 1st, but we are - or March 1st - but we are still working on this stuff. There's, in fact, a budget meeting scheduled tomorrow. We've been working on exchanging language on a couple of sticking points we still have. I don't believe any of them are insurmountable and I would ask for people's patience. It -- we are so close and have made so much progress that if there is a political will to get this done, we can get this done. So my concern is that in proceeding without full agreement that it takes the pressure off to get a full agreement. And so my question, first question to you, Mr. President, is, are you still interested in engaging in a good faith discussion to try to get the agreements that we -- that we don't have agreement on yet?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Well, of course I am, and open to continuing to have good 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 faith attempt to get to an agreement. But these are in the nature of reforms and revenue. We don't even have a budget in this package. The whole goal, ultimately, is to have a budget. As an accommodation to the Governor, who said he wanted reforms, we offered reforms. Nothing like this was offered in the House. So, it's -- we introduced the bills on January 11th. And we've made numerous changes, all at the request of -- of your party, and we've accommodated them. But it's -- we have twenty days left and we have to turn to start working and continuing to work on the budget, which we will have meetings on tomorrow. But we have to bring this to a head. We have to bring this to a head. It's time to call these bills. We have -- some of these bills are bills that you introduced. We're ready to vote on 'em and let's do it. And if we -- let's --- if we find out that we can't pass 'em, then we go back to the drawing board. That's fine. But let's have a vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno.
Well, two of the bills that we don't have agreement on yet are my bills, in fact, and I don't intend to call them because we don't have agreement on them; yet, as late as yesterday, we're still working on refining language, and I think in principle, at least on one of them, we do agree. It's just a matter of getting that down on paper. The property tax issue is still a sticky point. I -- I agree with that. But property taxes are extraordinarily important to every single one of our constituents and getting a property tax freeze that works and is meaningful to them is a critical part of that and it's very, very hard to do. And that's why I'm not going to be calling the two bills that I 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 have. I don't want them to fail. I want us to come to an agreement. And I guess what I want, again, is a commitment that we will continue to try to get this passed as a package over to the House so that they can take a look at it. I'm sure they will have things to add to it as well. And then it does still need to go to the Governor's Office. So while I appreciate the fact that -- that you want to move on things, I wish we could do it all at once. I won't call my bills until we do have some agreement on them. And I wish that we would -- we would be able to do that on all of the bills in the "grand bargain". So this bill in particular is not controversial. I recognize that. And I ask, are -- do you intend to call the revenue bill today as well? Because that one is also in -- controversial, as are mine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Well, I'm the sponsor of this bill and I'd like to call it. I have called it. I'd like to vote on it. I'd be happy to go to any meeting that we can go to to try to pass your bills that you introduced on January 11th.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Radogno. Further discussion? Mr. President, to close.
Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 10 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 35 voting Yea, 15 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. Senate Bill -- 10, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order, Senate Bill 12. Leader Radogno. Out of the record. Senate Bill 13. Leader Radogno. Out of the record. Senate Bill 41. President Cullerton. President Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 41 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 41. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by -- offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President. This is identical to the bill we just passed, Senate Bill 10, but it's not tied to the "grand bargain". Again, I think it's a worthy bill that will help local governments save money, so I would like to ask that we pass this as a stand-alone bill and send it to the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 41. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 41. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Yes, I would ask for an Aye vote on the bill that we just passed. This one is not tied to the "grand bargain". Like to pass the bill and send it to the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 41 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 38 voting Yea, 12 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 41, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1882. Senator Hastings. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1882. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Figure we'd lighten the mood and talk about our furry friends. 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 This bill, Senate Bill 1882, restricts a pet shop, dog dealer, cattery operator from obtaining animals from a person licensed by the USDA if that person commits a non -- a critical non-compliant issue or a direct non-compliant issue on the last -- inspection report obtained either through a breeder or posted on the Animal Care Information System. If the System is unavailable, which is currently the case, the pet shop, dog dealer, and cattery operator is exempt from this requirement. Just some -- for purpose of legislative intent, Madam President, the primary components of this regulation state what I stated before. It requires pet stores to microchip dogs and cats prior to sale. It allows pet stores to be an option for re-homing animals it may have sold and it retains the ability of pet stores to purchase pets from all sources. In addition to this new standard, pet stores remain subject to the puppy "lemon law" that requires pet stores to offer, at a minimum, a twelve-month congenital health guarantee and a twenty-one-day viral guarantee. Combined, these two sets of protections provides that the Safe Pets bill, which this is, is the strongest State standard for pet sourcing to the entire -- or to ensure that pets provided to Illinois citizens, whether they choose to purchase from an animal -- from a pet store, rescue shelter, or directly from a breeder, are the highest quality and come from trusted and reputable sources. And furthermore - I want to be very clear on this point - with the adoption of the Senate amendments that we adopted before of this bill, does not preempt home rule authority. Therefore, it'll allow for a baseline standard throughout the State, while not infringing on local control, nor will it impact local ordinances already in effect. When this bill was originally introduced, Madam President, this was a highly controversial bill 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 that a lot of people across the State of Illinois who own animals had a very hard time dealing with. This bill brought dog lovers, cat lovers, the Humane Society all together in harmony. We have an agreed bill and I'll answer any questions. Thank you very much, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Rooney, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, please, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Madam President, Senator Hastings is exactly accurate when he describes how that committee meeting went way back then. I was the only person who voted No on this bill back in that committee and I am willing to vote Yes today because of the work that Senator Hastings has done. I think it's important to recognize when people go out of their way to follow through on what they say they will do and continue to work with a group that was adamant about their issue. I was adamant about the local preemption. He stayed true to his word, he worked with everybody, he did bring everybody together, and so I am willing to vote for this bill today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. A -- a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Oberweis.
Senator Hastings, I'm a little confused. In our analysis here, under a section, it says denies home rule powers. It says provides that a pet shop operator, dog dealer, or cattery may/must purchase animals from those in good standing with the USDA. Is it may or must?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Senator Oberweis, do you have a line and page in which you're referencing so I can be clear on the text that you're referencing towards?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
No, I don't, Senator. It's -- it's on our analysis, which I'd be happy to share with your staff if you want to take a look at it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Senator, I believe the merits of the bill and the text actually in the bill accurately reflect that it prohibits them from purchasing animals from large commercial breeders, unless the breeder is USDA licensed and has no direct or critical non- compliant citations over a two-year period. I believe you may be reading your -- your staff's -- it's not an updated analysis in probably what you're reading right now. Like I said, we've -- 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 we've worked for the last three months with the -- the Humane Society and anti-pet-puppy-mill lobbyists and this bill is an agreement and provides the utmost protections for our furry friends.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
Thank you. Your staff has indicated that this may not be correct here any longer, because of an amendment. The only other question I have, it also says that this bill was opposed by the Humane Society. Is that no longer accurate also?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Will say the pet -- the Humane Society is no longer in opposition to this bill and they actually issued a statement commending all -- the professionalism of all parties in this bill in terms of being able to come to an agreement. There's some very polarizing views when it comes to our animals at home. It's very hard to get people to agree to anything down here in Springfield. But when cat lovers, and dog lovers, and the Humane Society can get along with the pet shop owners, it's a good day in Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings, to close.
I just wanted to say, because of this bill, cats will love dogs, dogs will love cats. It's going to be mass hysteria in the pet industry. I urge an Aye vote. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1882 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 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1882, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
For a correction to the record, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your correction, Senator.
A couple -- I think it was either yesterday or the day before yesterday, we heard Senate Bill 910, which was sponsored by Senator Melinda Bush, and in a little bit of the confusion, I inadvertently hit a No button. That was a mistake. I've gone on and signed on as a chief-co. I'd like the record to reflect my true intention, which was to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have announcements. Announcements, please. Licensed Activities and Pensions will meet as soon as we convene {sic} on today in Room 400. Insurance Committee will follow Licensed Activities and Pensions. And the Executive Committee is rescheduled for tomorrow, 2:30, in Room 212. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 505, offered by Senator Link and all Members. 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 42nd Legislative Day 5/10/2017 It is a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, another announcement to make a correction on my previous announcement. The Insurance Committee will meet in Room 212 at 5:10 - in Room 212 at 5:10. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 11th day of May 2017. The Senate stands adjourned. 132