Illinois Senate Floor Debate — January 30, 2018

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The regular Session of the 100th General Assembly will please come to order. Will our Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Curt Fleck, Civil Servant Ministries, Springfield, Illinois.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Blueroomstream.com seeks permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.

Mr. -- Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.

Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless there are any -- any additions or corrections to offer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves the approval of the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Communications from the Secretary of State.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills. Will all committee members on Assignment please meet in the President's 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 Anteroom immediately? Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Raquel Martin, of WCIA Channel 3, seeks permission to video-record. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Rae Hodge, Daily Line, seeks permission to -- for photos. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Can we keep the noise down and the conversations, please? Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) President Cullerton moves to suspend the rules for the purposes of immediate consideration of Senate -- 1344 Resolution. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. Can we keep the noise down in the Chamber, please?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Could I ask the indulgence of all Members of this august Body of the Senate - this is not the House - if you could please sit in your chairs as we review the career of Donne Trotter? And I think there might be some interesting comments made. President Cullerton.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I would like at this time to move for the adoption of the Senate resolution, but I would like to ask leave to have you come back to me after others have spoken for purposes of rebuttal. 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) President Cullerton has moved the adoption of Resolution 1344. Is there any discussion? Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

I just want to wish a fond farewell to my friend, Senator Trotter, who I'm so unhappy is leaving this Body. And it makes you kind of question all of us when I say what I'm really going to miss in caucus is, believe it or not, he was a calm voice of reason in a somewhat chaotic environment at times. And I'm really going to miss that, also as the lead budgeteer, who could always explain everything that was going on at that very difficult time. But as a new legislator coming in, I have to comment, there was a couple pieces of legislation that stand out in my mind that Senator Trotter introduced. The highlights: One was always my favorite and, to all of my A.B.A.T.E. friends out there, I want to say it was always very entertaining when Senator Trotter would come on the Floor to introduce another helmet law bill. I do remember a time him coming on with a helmet. It was probably for safety reasons and I would have encouraged that. That was one of my favorites. The other - does everybody remember the stunning results of the vote on the trans fat bill, known as the Oreo cookie bill? That was certainly a stunning accomplishment in a long and very successful career. We'll have to have him tell us the exact number of Aye votes that little measure passed with -- or did not 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 pass with. But, anyway, I just want to say, my friend, you have been a mentor. You have been somebody I have looked up to and admired and we are really going to miss you here. Good luck with all your future endeavors.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Leader Brady, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Well, I don't quite know where to start. It's -- it's been such a pleasure to be able to sit here in the front row with -- with Donne and Mattie. My office director this Christmas gave me a book called Rising Star. It's about this thick. It's about the history of Barack Obama. It really ought to be subtitled, "And the History of Donne Trotter", because I think a lot of that is about the story of Senator Trotter and -- and his involvement at that time. But, you know, before I was even elected to the Senate, even though I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the Senate, I knew the name, Senator Donne Trotter, because I was involved in health care and one of the people that has been the true experts of health care in this Chamber has been Senator Trotter. And he's been a mentor to I think all of us in some regard, whether it's budgeteerian, 'cause he's the master. All the issues that he gets involved in, he becomes the expert. But I -- I don't know if -- if everybody knows it, but today is Donne's sixty-eighth birthday, so I think we need to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. ("Happy 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 Birthday" sung) And he -- I said, "What are you doing retiring? You're a year younger than I am and you're retiring." And he said, "I'm not retiring." So I -- I don't know what you're going on to next, but I know it's going to be successful. My friend, I wish you the best. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 To the resolution.

I'm not good at humor, so I'll just -- these are words from my heart to you. I have had the honor and privilege of serving with Senator Trotter over the last thirteen years. He's a true gentleman, a gem in the Illinois General Assembly. Donne is well- read, knowledgeable and a powerful advocate and voice for the children and families of this State. No one ever has to wonder what he's thinking, because his remarks can be both brilliant and biting. Sometimes a jester, but always a drum major for justice, a masterful composer of wit and wisdom, intellect and insight, and perhaps, more importantly, his heart. He's a public servant with a heart that beats with a deep and abiding love for his family, his constituents, and his community. Donne is a dapper man of distinction, dignity and decency, who embodies character, courage and compassion. And I will truly miss my colleague, my mentor, and my friend. God bless you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon in the Chair.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the resolution, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the resolution, Senator.

I just want to notice, anybody really know Donne Trotter? I mean, I've been up there listening to this and I swear to God we're talking about somebody else that I don't know. You know, the first time I met Donne Trotter, I was not in the Senate. He came up to Lake County and I had just become a new chairman of the party up there. Now at that time, it was a real red county and Donne comes up there to speak on behalf of a candidate that I had, a young African American, who was running for State Rep. And Donne came 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 up and made one of his eloquent speeches and it resonated so well that the candidate got beat so bad, I think by 7:01 we knew he got beat, but worse than that, he switched parties afterwards. So when I got elected a few years later, I met Donne and I reminded him about that story and I said, "Just do me one favor." And he said, "What's that?" I said, "Don't ever endorse me or come up into Lake County, please." I got to know Donne quite well. We - - we traveled together in -- in different conferences and we got to know one another. And we got to know one another's life, and I think that if you really knew the Donne Trotter like I knew and his total background, you would be amazed that this man became the head of Appropriations - no, I'm just kidding - that he -- he really -- he really was a stellar individual that exemplified everything that you want to talk about, somebody coming from one end to another. Donne became, as time came on, a real resource for me, not in politics, but resource in -- in the Senate, because he taught me a few things about how to get things done that I didn't know and -- and I got to say they -- they helped me a long ways, because at that time I was never expected to be here and God knows never expected to be re-elected, but I've been here for all this time and, Donne, it's been a pleasure working with you, but it's been bigger pleasure getting to know you and to know who you are and what you stand for. And if the rumor is true that you're going into the evil stuff, I just want to tell you my door is not open. God bless you and good luck on everything.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the resolution, Senator.

So Senator Trotter may not remember this, but when I first got here, my very first year, I -- he -- he asked me if there was something I was hoping to be able to accomplish through the budget process. He was the Appropriation Chair and -- and there was a program that I thought was incredibly effective, that I thought should be able to get some -- sort of more footing and getting it squared away, and he just made it happen. And I remember being awed by how he did that and by how he was asking a novice for opinion, first of all, and a -- a -- a brand newbie, and then I really decided I needed to just sort of follow him around after that. And when he became in Leadership, I got to take over the Appropriation Chair and thankfully he stayed very involved in the Appropriation process and really is the one who, I think, made sure that myself and others who have followed in that footstep are -- are staying true to task and really trying to make sure that the way we do the budgeting is really putting the interests of people of Illinois first and foremost. I've learned so much from him and he's also just a gentle soul. My -- my kids, out of, you know, everyone here, he's the one they remember. They fondly refer to him as "bowtie guy" and now, when I told my daughter when I was coming down here that he was leaving, she really -- she practically burst into tears. She was like, "Bowtie guy is leaving." They really do and you probably don't even understand just how much they really appreciate all the kindness you've shown them when they were down here as well. Nobody I'd rather have gone through 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 the trenches with of developing budgets in these last couple of years than you, Senator Trotter. And I'm really going to miss you here. Thank you so much for all your service.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Before I became a Senator, I -- I knew Donne from working -- when I worked at a not-for-profit for a long time, and my job was to come down here and I had to register as a lobbyist and advocate for more moneys for behavioral health care organizations. And so the president of the organization always said, "Go see Donne and go see Lou Jones." And so they were the go-to people and they were the ones who assisted the entire behavioral health care organizations in the entire State on making sure that we got money so that we could provide the appropriate levels of services to the people. And so when I became a Senator, Donne taught me a whole lot of bad things to do and what to say and how to say it and -- and, you know, I -- I already knew how to cuss when I got here, but, you know, Donne helped to perfect that quite a bit, because he used it towards me and so I had to pass it on to somebody else. However, over the years, I learned how much of a statesman he really, really was and that he was involved in not only NCSL, but Donne also -- I think it was -- you'd become the President of CSG, the Council on State Government {sic} (Council of State Governments), right? And so Donne is the one that talked me into 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 getting involved in that organization as well. And I just learned a lot from you, Donne, and you know, and I just appreciate everything that you have taught me, whether it was positive or negative, but it all worked out. It all worked out towards getting me to where I am today in this particular position and I really appreciate you. I wish you the best of luck in your -- in the second phase of your life. This is just the beginning and I know you're going to do some great things once -- you've -- you've gone already, so you will -- and -- and I'm prophesizing here. You are going to do a -- a lot of great things in your second life, so good luck and God bless.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Well, Donne, time has come. A -- a little while ago, while I was standing outside the Chamber, I saw your wife, Rose, and I said, "What are you going to do with Donne now that he's going to be full-time at home?" She said, "I don't know what the hell I'm going to do." So… And then it's funny, Rose, because I -- he's -- he just told me a little while ago that he doesn't know what he's going to do with a Puerto Rican woman at home all day. I said, "Well, be ready." So all the things that you did not -- weren't able to do because you were here, that'd be excused, the Puerto Rican wife is going to have it all. She's got that agenda 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 for you on a day-to-day basis, so get ready. Thank you -- thank you so much, Donne, for your institutional knowledge. I don't think there'll ever be a budget, you know, here on the Senate Floor that will ever be so debated with you at the forefront. I mean, there is -- I -- I don't -- I -- I see the work that you have done all these years, you know, and we've learned so much from you, but more important is now we are able to continue the work that you've done, but I don't think there'll ever be a budget process without you, Donne, 'cause you were the man. You're the man. So I thank you on behalf of the State of Illinois, on -- on behalf of your constituents. I know that you and Rose are going to just, you know, just drive away and -- into the sunset and really enjoy retirement, because you deserve it and it's about time. Thank you very much, Donne.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Senator Trotter, I just first want to say thanks. Some people don't know, but Senator Trotter comes to the 19th District a lot to help out a lot of our youth. Over three summers, I think between the both of us, we've given away over ten thousand backpacks, over a couple thousand haircuts, vaccinations, so on and so forth. You've always had such kind words for me in my district. I just wish the same would transfer to the Senate. When I first got here, Don told me a few things. He said, "Number one, read your bills, know what's in your bills." I read Don's bill when I became the -- the Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee and then I remembered point number two that he taught me, never send a Leader's bill to subcommittee. So what did I do? I sent his bill to subcommittee after I read his bill. That's when I learned that respect is earned in the Senate and not just given away. Don and I had a lot of conversations in the office with a guy named Hollywood and a guy named Willie. And they were awesome conversations. I want to say thanks, not only what you've done for me in the district, but I want to say thanks to you what you've done for me in the Senate. You've taught me to respect the law. You've taught me to respect the process and you've taught me to respect my elders. Donne, I wish you well and I look forward to 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 seeing you in the future. Thank you, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

This is just going to be really brief. But there are Members that - now, this is my fifth year - and there are Members that you're not sure when you first meet them. You know, I'd read about Donne in -- in the newspaper before and I just really didn't know, but you are someone - I truly mean this - you know, I sent you a text when I read, of course in Cap Fax, which is where I get most of my news, that you were retiring and I sent you a text that said, …really, really, really miss you, and I am. I think most of us are going to miss you. And you're a statesman, you are someone I have come to so respect, and I just wish you the best. And, you know, the Flying Nun couldn't have said it better. I really, really, really am going to miss you, really. Thank you so much for everything you've done.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Manar, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

I have to admit, Donne, I wasn't -- I wasn't prepared for 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 this moment, but it -- it hit me -- I wasn't out on the Floor when remarks to the resolution began, but it hit me when I walked out, when I saw Senator Sims sitting in your chair, that the time had come for you to leave this Body, as the Dean of the Senate. And it also hit me that the two people that I've known the longest in this room are you and Elgie, and that means something to me. So I want to tell everybody about the time that we met the first time. I think it was in 1998 and I was hired by the Senate as a young staffer out of college, and I was -- by the way, it was a forced hire. I don't know if anybody knows that, but I was a forced hire. I think it's turned out okay so far. But I was assigned to Senator George Shadid on the Transportation Committee and I was assigned to Senator Donne Trotter on the Appropriations Committee, and my director at the time, the Appropriations staff director, Elgie Sims, told me to go meet with both of those Members of the Senate. So wide-eyed and ready to go, I brought my -- my notebook and my pen and I'd done a little bit of research on both of you. I had known Senator Shadid a little bit because of his relationship with Senator Demuzio, so I went to Senator Shadid first thing and that would get my confidence up, being brand new in the building, and Senator Shadid's message was, "Hey, kid, it doesn't matter, because we're in the Minority, so on the Transportation Committee you just need to take some good notes and make sure I know what I'm doing as the spokesperson." After that, I went to your office and you were on the sixth floor, and it was an eye-opening experience. You were smoking a cigar - at the time, it was allowed in the Capitol - and the first question you asked me was, "Where are you from?" And I said, "I'm from Bunker Hill." And you said, "Bunker where?" Was the question you asked and then we talked -- I think 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 we talked for about a good hour that -- that afternoon. And I left the room knowing that you were the type of person that I wanted to get to know and that -- that we did. And I want to tell you, I appreciate deeply what you've done for me over the years. And when we first met, I had no children. I wasn't married. I - - I was going to only be on the staff for a year and was going to go teach, but you've been with me personally every step of the way over many, many number of years. And to be a staffer for Donne Trotter on the Appropriations Committee is a big deal. It means a lot to the staff and I think I should say this today that over the course of many, many years, you have mentored and helped direct staff in meaningful ways. And I know there's people watching that -- that you haven't seen in a long time, but they wanted to know when this was going to happen today, because they owe a debt of gratitude for you for what you've done for young staffers over the years and that should not go unsaid today, because that tradition I know will continue with Senator Sims when he takes your place in so many ways here. And finally, it wasn't just a -- a privilege to serve you as a staffer, it was even more of a privilege to serve as a -- as a Member with you. And I don't know if you remember this, but when I was tasked with chairing the Appropriations Committee, you were there at my first meeting. And I know you were there for a reason, because you knew it was a big deal to me, and those little things like that that you did over the years weren't unnoticed, not by myself or so many others on the staff level, and that's why I think you're going to be missed so much. My favorite picture, by the way -- Heather mentioned her children. My -- my son, Will, who you know, had the same reaction. He's ten years old. And my favorite picture, and I keep it on my phone, is 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 a couple years ago, I had Will with me and you asked if you could introduce him on the Senate Floor and he's standing in your chair with his bowtie on, because he told me that if I'm going to go to the Senate Floor, I want to -- I want to wear a bowtie like Senator Trotter, and that is -- that is my -- my favorite picture of this place to date. So I simply rise, Donne, to tell you thank you. I've known you for -- for almost twenty years in different capacities and to see you leave is -- is bittersweet, because you deserve everything -- whatever comes after this place, you deserve it, and I wish you nothing but success and I hope to see you after this day.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Jones, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Senator Trotter, it truly has been a honor to serve with you. Feel like I've known you my entire life. Just to let you in on a little secret, I remember when you was over in the House and you came over to the Senate, and I was a Page at the time. And me and the Pages, every time we saw your light go off, we used to pause and fight, because you would never tip us. At that time, we had to go make copies. Pages don't have to do that anymore, but a lot of times we had to go make photocopies, go get coffee, and you would never tip, but you was always funny. Yeah, it did bother me. But you was always funny and you was always welcoming. And then growing up and watching you take over and know where all the 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 money is at in this building, my dad always told me when I came down here, get to know Donne Trotter, because he could tell you where every penny is at. And throughout my Senate career, you have always had a open-door policy and allowed me to come in and talk to you, pick up the phone and give you a call just to get advice on how things need to be done. So it's bittersweet with you leaving. You're leaving at a trying time right now and I told you, you made me think of a song by Kenny Rogers. "You picked a fine time to leave" during this fight that we have right now. But please don't change your number, 'cause I definitely will be giving you a call. Enjoy your retirement.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harris, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Well, today I wasn't exactly prepared to eulogize Senator Trotter from the Senate. It's bittersweet. It's bittersweet because he's ultimately made the decision that his time is now done and he wants the next generation of leaders to come along and serve. And I think any time you make a decision like this, you always ask yourself, or at least for me, I wish I had more time. I wish I had more time to serve with Senator Trotter because I've learned so much in this short period of time. I remember the first time we actually met officially was at a -- a meeting out in South Holland and I spoke and then after the -- after I finished, I just remember somebody coming behind me and saying, "Well?" And during 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 that time -- I wasn't elected at the time, I was trying to be elected, and once I became elected, I'm telling him of all the things I want to do and do this and do that about my district and he said, "Just remember one thing, you are a State Senator, not a Senator for the town that you live in." And that resonated with me, because as I got to know Senator Trotter and go through the process of budgeting and -- and sit on different committees, I've learned a tremendous -- a lot -- a lot about the process, about respecting your colleague, about learning the job and taking it seriously and this is just not a title to be worn loosely. And then I learned that Senator Trotter is actually my wife's cousin. We -- we talked about a -- a -- a time when -- when my father-in- law and Donne were younger kids and they -- he was telling me this, I was like, yeah, right. That's not your cousin. Then I actually mentioned it to him and he remembered the instance. It was way before I was born, but, you know, he remembered it. I just want to say, Senator Trotter, it's been a honor serving with you. Your mentorship, your guidance, your leadership has been tremendous, and I just wanted to let you know that you have tremendously served with distinction. Thank you for all that you've done to -- to this Body and for this Body and wish you best of luck in all that you do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McGUIRE: …resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution. SENATOR McGUIRE: 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 Leader Trotter, I'm sure I'm not the only one in this room who has marveled at your cool, at your knowledge, at your effectiveness, wondered how you came to possess those qualities, and I've learned in our conversations that you and I have had similar backgrounds in the Old Left, the New Left. We've worked with some of the same people: Charlie Hayes, Ed Sadlowski, Quentin Young, Harold Washington. And I'm convinced that it's because you took part in struggles with those people, because you know the neighborhoods, because you know the emergency rooms, because you know the union halls, that you have been so productive here for the people of all the State of Illinois. So I want to thank you, and as you can tell from the tributes you're receiving, your kindness has been contagious.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

Well, Donne's everybody's cousin, so he's not just your wife's cousin, Napoleon. He's got cousins from Cairo to Maywood. He never gives good advice, never. So I feel like anything I do wrong, I'm okay, 'cause I got somebody that's going to do even worse than me. So now that he's leaving, I'm the bad apple by myself. So it's not just bittersweet for me, I'm a little bit upset with you for leaving me here to figure all this out for the Black Caucus when I always had somebody to call, always, Curly. He gets the nickname Curly and it's not because of his hair, it's 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 not because he's cute, you guys remember Larry, Curly and Moe on the Three -- Three Stooges, that's Curly. I happen to love Curly. Over the years, when I first started out in 1998, he was one of my least favorite people. He was so mean all the time. I see Rose laughing. I don't know how you've put up with this guy for all these years, Rose. But it's something about him that just draws you to him no matter what, and for me, it's your -- your intelligence, it's your -- your knowledge and your understanding of the institution, and I became a student of yours in so many ways. You make me sick, Curly. I'm really going to miss you and I hope that we've come to a place of family. And I hope that we remain family. My son calls him Uncle Donne and he's been a part of my son's life for all of his life. In fact, when I was carrying my son, this guy made sure every morning, he'd come knocking on the door, did I need anything, 'cause we lived right across from one another. I think that's when I fell in love with him as a man, Rose, as a -- as a -- as a big brother, because this place is hard enough and when you're carrying a child, you kind of wonder what you're doing. And so every morning he made sure - every morning - he made sure that I was good. And I appreciate that. I still didn't like him, though, but he began to grow on me. My son will be seventeen and Uncle Donne is one of his favorites. He wears bowties, too, because of Uncle Donne and he taught -- Uncle Donne taught my son his first five-letter word when he was two years old, five-letter word, which I will not say at your resolution. But, Donne, you've been a blessing. I'm sincerely going to miss you. I know you'll do wonderful. Your -- your reach has exceeded Illinois and the General Assembly. Your reach is on a national level. You have always represented Illinois at the 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 National Black Caucus, you've -- at State Government Councils, at NBCSL. I mean, you just have helped us put a face on the trueness of the State of Illinois, the statesmanship of the State of Illinois, and I thank you for that as well. You leave some hard shoes to fill, but I think you've taught me enough and so many others enough that we will continue your legacy. Thank you. Thank you for your service. I love you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

We all are aware of Chancellor -- nineteenth century German Chancellor Bismarck's famous line about those who enjoy good government and good sausage should observe neither being made. Senator Trotter was in charge of the essential sausage that is produced every Session, which is the budget - a complicated, controversial piece of legislation. Any budget - any budget - of any state is subject to attack. Any budget, whether produced by President Pate Philip's Caucus or ours, is subject to attack. The process that the people see is that it is openly arrived at, that the people see those who are in charge of it rise above the arguments that are made for political reasons or to show deficiencies or whatever it is in a human enterprise called a budget. Senator Trotter, you were absolutely, in my opinion, superb. You presented -- I served one Session on your Approp Committee and I must say it was equivalent to going to a root canal 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 every Session -- every meeting. And you handled the people coming before that committee with courtesy, civility, no matter what their criticisms of the State were, their attitudes, the fact that we were spending too much or not spending enough. On the Floor of the Senate, I don't think I observed you ever become testy, unnecessarily argumentative, or even angry. You were the consummate patient presenter of what was a human enterprise that is essential for the State - the budget, and you did it as a Senator. And those who observed it, whatever they thought about the budget or the deficits, saw it as a dignified presentation of what was essentially part of the State's duty to pass a budget. If we were going to go to Hollywood and they were producing a movie about a Senator and they would have central casting to find them a Senator who epitomizes that role, they would look to Senator Donne Trotter as the one who would act that part. Senator Trotter, thank you very much for your service with distinction, as was noted by a colleague, as a Member of the Senate. Thank you, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) I got to clear my throat on this. Senator Sims, for what purpose do you rise? And remember this is the Senate.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the resolution.

I've -- I've sat here and I've listened to the words that have been spoken about Senator Trotter and it's been -- it's been difficult, because for ten years, I stood here at his side as he debated budgets. And I stood here as a staff person and I watched 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 him do just what Senator Haine talked about, which is explain the budget to the people of the State of Illinois. But even beyond that, and Senator Manar mentioned it, as being a staff person under him, he gives you the ability -- he gave us the ability to grow. He gave us the ability to spread our wings and to -- he challenged us to be better. This is an emotional day for me. As Mr. President mentioned, I -- as I came over -- I came over from the House. When Senator Trotter mentioned that he was going to leave, make no mistake about it, I yelled louder than anyone. I protested louder than anyone that he stay. I begged him. I'm not ashamed to say that. I begged him to stay. I said, "Senator, it's not time for you to go." He looked at me and he said, "It is time. You are prepared. I have prepared others to do the work to continue to move Illinois forward." Now, I think about the word "mentor". It's a trusted counselor or guide. That word simply does not do justice to what Senator Trotter means and what he has meant to so many. As I -- as I thought about, and I sat here and I thought about, how being able to study at his foot -- study at his feet and just to learn and to listen to -- listen to the -- the stories that he's -- that he's told and the places that he's been, I -- I cannot tell you how much you have meant to me, how much you have meant to so many. To sit here and -- and -- so, earlier this week after I was sworn in, we had a meeting in the office and my office is down the hall from Don's. My new office I -- I've now moved into. And I was -- I would go and sit in the usual place in the office and Don said, "No, that's no longer your seat. You move here, because this is now your chair." Earlier today, I said, "Senator, here, sit in the seat." Again, he said to me, "No, it is now your seat." As a mentor, as a friend, as a guide, that is 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 what he's constantly doing. He's constantly investing in the young people around him. To my daughters, he's simply Uncle Don. When I got married, he sat on the front row with my parents, because he is just that important to me. It's difficult, as excited as I am today to be a Member of this august Body, it is difficult to stand here in this -- and sit in this chair as we wish you Godspeed, but I'm excited because I know that this is not the end. I'm glad we are doing this so that we can give you your flowers, so you can - - while you can smell them, but I know that he's not going away, mainly because he told me he's -- he's going nowhere, but I know he's going -- he's never any -- any more than a phone call away. And I know, I've -- and I -- let me thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for welcoming me to the Chamber, reminding me that I've got big stylish shoes to fill. But let me say, I've got big stylish feet, so I -- I think I'll be okay. Senator, you -- I've never called you Don. I don't call you Don. To me, you'll always be Senator. You'll always be the Leader. You'll always be the person that we turn to. You are -- you are like my second father and I'm -- I am very comfortable saying that, because a father is someone who invests in his children. A father is someone who lifts them up. A father is someone who in -- invites them to attain their fullest potential and that's what you have always done. You have always said, "Be who I have trained you to be." As I've stood here, I've -- as I've sat here, I've listened to the accolades over and over and I -- if -- if I had all day, Mr. President, I could tell a million stories, but I -- I won't, some I could not tell in public -- in polite company anyway, but I could tell you millions of stories about Don. But what -- I will leave you with this, is the challenge that you gave me so many years 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 ago, and when I became an elected official, you reminded me of a couple of things: One, always respect the institution, understand who you are and what you are, respect the institution; and two, and most importantly, never forget that you are here to be a voice for your constituents. Make sure that you are living up to their expectations of what you want -- what -- what they want from you. Those are the things I will always take from the lessons that I have -- I've -- I've -- I've learned sitting there with you for countless hours. Some -- sometimes I didn't want to get the lesson, but I got it anyway, but you have always meant so much and your presence, while you will not be here physically, your presence will not -- your presence will never go away, because your legacy has been invested in so many of us. Your -- your -- your -- your -- your dedication to a -- a -- and a commitment to excellence has been invested in so many of us. I -- I am so proud and humble to be able to stand here. And folks say -- folks have said to me back home, "You're replacing Senator Trotter." I said, "Let me make -- let me -- let me stop you right there. There is never a replacement for Senator Trotter. I'm his successor, never a replacement." Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) President Cullerton, to close and to rebut anything that was said previously.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senator -- former Senator Trotter, when -- when I first came to the General Assembly, I met one of my seatmates for the first time that day, just introduced myself over in the House, Carol Moseley Braun, was a State Representative that day, first day I was too. She later 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 -- later on went on to become, of course, a U.S. Senator, but you replaced her over in the House. And then you came over here to the Senate. I had preceded you by a couple of years. So we both have that in common, having served in the House first, come to the Senate, and those of -- in the Senate who've done that, we like to say we were potty-trained over in the House. Senator Sims, something to think about. But, Donne, I want to tell you, when - a little bit of a confession - you know when -- when I first became the Senate President, I had never served on the Appropriations Committee. And as I had found over the years, a lot of times legislators from Chicago are not as familiar with the State budget as those outside of Chicago, because it's a -- the State budget is a bigger part of their -- their economics and -- and so a lot of folks from Chicago just really didn't follow the budget, but you did and you were the man on Appropriations and I -- I can't thank you enough for the help that you gave me, because obviously I had to start learning about the budget as best I could and you still know a lot more about it than I do in -- in -- in your service. I read in the resolution that -- and I -- you were involved maybe before I was the Senate President, especially playing a major role in health care. I know you were a hospital administrator to Cook County Hospital. I don't think that the anti-tobacco part was a big part of your health care part, though, as I recall. I don't remember that being a big -- big part. I know Senator Manar talked about seeing you smoking a cigar when you could smoke a cigar under our rules. I think you might have been smoking those cigars after you could smoke those -- smoke those cigars. I'm not sure. You know, I didn't go up there, but it's possible. You've been a great Leader, a big help to me in -- in -- in the last nine years in -- 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 in being a Leader and bringing around recalcitrant Senators to understand the big picture, because you understood the big picture. And there's been a couple of references to you having a -- a reputation in other states. That's really important and I want to reiterate it. For those of us who get to go to conferences, where we meet other legislators, everybody -- you'd say Illinois, Donne Trotter, and all very, very positive, and it's a great reflection on -- on you and -- and what you've done for our State. And you know what? It -- it's also pretty cool to see that you get to have your successor be somebody who you work with and trust and know and have that confidence in. That -- that's -- that's really a nice way to doing it. One other thing I noticed in your resolution - I just joined this club a couple years ago - you've got six grandchildren. I don't think you're in the Bill Haine class yet, but… Senator Haine, I believe it's thirty -- thirty- two grandchildren and an unmarried son. That's the kicker. That's the -- that's the punchline. So, there could be at least seven more. But -- but having six -- but having six grandchildren for -- as -- as you -- as you, at least, you retire from this part of your life is fantastic. And then -- and I notice, in -- in closing, that when you did retire, you put a statement out and you talked about the ways to leave this place, and rather than going through all of those different ways to leave this place, you're leaving the right way. You're alive, you got a pension, and you've got a great reputation and that's the only thing that is really important as you go on. And I'm sure that all of us will be looking forward to dealing with you in your next career real soon. Congratulations.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 We haven't adopted the resolution yet, so I -- I just want to make it formally for sure. The question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution 1344. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?

Purpose of a -- of an introduction. Normally, a new Senator doesn't get to speak before he's been introduced on the Senate Floor, so I thought I'd just let all our Senators know that we have a brand-new Senator, Senator Elgie Sims. He already has given a speech. He's talked to us about how much he enjoys the seat that he found in this office that he thinks he's going to be staying in. We'll have to go over the seniority system here, Senator, in the next few -- few hours, but I want to welcome you to the Senate.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?

For a purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.

The Senate Dems will caucus for exactly one hour immediately upon adjournment in the -- upon recess in the President's Office. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Before we address that, I just want to make announcements of committees. Please listen. Executive will meet at 2:45 in Room 212. State Government will meet at 2:45 in Room 409. Education will meet at 3:45 in Room 212. Veterans Affairs will meet at 3:45, Room 409. Higher Education will meet at 4:30 in Room 212. Revenue will meet at 5:15 in Room 212. Senator Sims, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. In celebration of Senator Trotter's retirement, we have refreshments right off the Floor if anybody would like to step -- stop in and take -- take part in those refreshments. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter and Senator Althoff move to -- the Senate to recess for the purposes of a Democratic and Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The Senate will -- will come to order now. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Supplemental Calendar No. 1, House Bills -- or Senate Bills 2nd Reading, Senate Bill 2273. Senator Cunningham has leave, as the chief cosponsor, to carry the bill. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) There any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2260. Senator Tracy. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10:30 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 1/30/2018 a.m. on the 31st day of January 2018. The Senate stands adjourned. 45