PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The regular Session of the 101st General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, Muslim Community Center and GainPeace, Morton Grove, Illinois. Dr. Ahmed.
(Prayer by Dr. Sabeel Ahmed)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Lisa Yuscius, Blueroomstream.com, requests permission to videotape. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 7th, 2019.
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) 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, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 400, offered by Senator Fowler and all Members. It is a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 401, offered by Senator Fine. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Bertino-Tarrant, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports House Bills 247, 355, 424, 822, 921, 2087, 2263, 2265, 2982, 3086, 3237, 3462, 3550, 3652, 3659, and 3687 Do Pass. Senator Van Pelt, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports House Bills 2433, 2488, 2665, 2767, 2897, 3018, 3427, and 3711 Do Pass; House Bills 823, 3440, and 3511 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2146 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator McGuire, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Joint Resolution 41 Be Adopted, as Amended; House Bill 35 Do Pass; and House Bill 3628 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Morrison, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports House Bills 831, 2247, 2304, 2656, 3065, 3097, 3129, and 3343 Do Pass; and House Bills 1551, 2154, and 3101 Do Pass, as Amended. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Senator Mulroe, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports House Bills 269, 836, 1438, 1553, 2256, 2766, 2860, 3222, 3358, 3426, 3663 Do Pass; House Bill 2176, 2818, 2975, and 3677 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Sims, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports House Bills 51, 900, 1613, 1690, 2045, 2121, 2134, 2444, 2541, 2763, 3396, 3701, and 3704 Do Pass; House Bills 92, 94, 1579, 1583, and 3584 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 386 and Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 2987 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Resolution 208 Be Adopted; House Bills 2182 and 2492 Do Pass; and House Bill 2383 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Holmes, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bill 3776 Do Pass -- excuse me, 3676 Do Pass; House Bills 2124, 2708, and 2862 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports House Bill 2837 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2685 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Aquino, Chairperson of the Committee on Government Accountability and Pensions, reports House Bills 2628, 2700, and 3263 Do Pass. And Senator Cullerton -- Senator Tom Cullerton, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports House Bill 253 Do Pass; and House Bill 834 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 House Bill 2562, offered by Senator Curran. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
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, will you please come to the President's Anteroom immediately? The Senate will stand at ease. Senator Koehler in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chairperson, Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 9; (refer to Labor Committee - House Bill 2301;) refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Resolution 372; refer to State Government Committee - Senate Resolution 386; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolutions {sic} 384 and S -- Senate Joint Resolution 40. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (d), the following bill will be re-referred from the Education Committee - - Education Subcommittee on Special Issues to the Committee on Assignments: House Bill 3053. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b- 1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2541, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3222, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3394. (Committee and Bill within parentheses submitted in writing, but inadvertently not read into the record.) Signed, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chairperson. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Senator Lightford… Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Government Accountability and Pensions Committee - House Bill 3053. Signed, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chairperson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) We'll ask for order in the Senate, please. Order in the Senate. Leader Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please make your announcement.
Actually, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, today is the West Central Municipal Conference Day here in Springfield. There's a number of mayors from the west suburban area of my district and so many other Members' here. I have with me Mayor Andre Harvey of the Village of Bellwood. He's here to observe the process. He just found it to be very interesting, actually. He's the first African American mayor of the Village of Bellwood and I would love it if you could give him a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
Thank you, Mr. President. If I may, a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'm honored today to have the Mayor of Tuscola, Mayor Kleiss, with me today - Tuscola, Illinois - and also Brian Moody, who is from the Tuscola Economic Development Corporation. If we could, Mayor -- welcome Mayor Kleiss and Tuscola Development Director Moody to Springfield. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Yes, welcome, to our guests, to the Illinois Senate. President Cullerton, to the dais.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, can I have your attention? We have an honored guest. I would ask every Member to be in their seat. Staff to retire to the rear of the Chamber. Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have the honor of welcoming David Bushby, the Consul General of Australia in Chicago. The Senate is a familiar place for Mr. Bushby. He served twelve years in the Australian Parliament, representing Tasmania in the Senate. He was party Whip for ten years and Chief Government Whip in the Senate for four years. During his time in Parliament, Mr. Bushby focused particularly on economic and security matters and chaired several committees. Mr. Bushby was appointed Consul General in February of this year. In this position, he covers nine states in the Midwest and works to -- to promote mutual cooperation and develop 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 positive relations between the U.S. and Australia. So, would you please join me in welcoming David Bushby to the Illinois Senate? CONSUL GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA IN CHICAGO, MR. DAVID BUSHBY: (Remarks by Consul General David Bushby)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader Lightford in the Chair.
Senator Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Crowe, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you. I'd like the Senate to join me today in recognizing my Page, Miss Annie Handshy. Annie is ten years old and a fourth grader at St. Mary's School in Edwardsville in my district. Annie's favorite subject in school is social studies…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Shh…
…and she loves to study about words and legislation. One of her favorite things to do is to go with her mother to vote. Her mother's here in the gallery today. And she's very interested in politics and the process of making the laws. Annie's been playing violin since the age of three. She also plays clarinet in her school band and she's an active member of the Girl Scouts. Please join me in welcoming Annie today to the Senate. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, Annie, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could have everyone's attention for one second, please, I'd really appreciate it. I have a couple very special guests with me today. I'd like to introduce to you Mia Koth. Mia was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and a half and had few verbal skills. Mia received early intervention, speech, developmental and ABA therapy. She is now in general education with an assistant. She is very verbal and loves her peers. Mia needs support for social and behavioral skills. Mia is an amazing artist who loves swimming, camping, and four-wheeling. And also with me today, I have Mason Brown, who is also eight years old. Mason is in the second grade General Education setting at Unity Point School. Mason loves animals, especially dinosaurs. He also enjoys fishing and hunting. Mason is an -- a great example of how inclusion classrooms benefit all students. Mason has friends and they love Mason for who he is and accept him for the way he is. Mason's family was told early and -- with his diagnosis that he would -- he would be non-verbal and at the severe -- severe end of autism spectrum. Because of early intervention and inclusive classroom settings, Mason is not only at the appropriate grade 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 level, but above the grade level in spelling and reading. He recently received the young author award in his class. Mason is just one in every fifty-nine children living with autism. We want all children to have the same access to therapy. That is why funding is so important. Early intervention saves money across the life span of services required. If you will, I would enjoy it if everyone would welcome Mia and Mason to the Illinois State Senate, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Good job. Good job, young people. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, there's a lot of voices. They're really loud when we're all talking at the same time - and it's kind of rude when there is introductions taking place. Can you please lower your voices? Second thing: An introduction is not a long speech, just an introduction, please. Thank you. Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. Continuing with the theme of impressive young people in the State of Illinois, I want to direct your attention to the President's Gallery, all our young men and women that are in their green shirts - if you'll kindly stand. As -- as hopefully many of you know, these are students in the 4-H programs that are funded through Extension and they don't just do agriculture; they're from all over the State and they're all -- they have a lot of different interests. I hope you'll take the 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 time to talk to them, and I will be impressed with anyone that can tell me what any of the four H's stand for, after we go offline. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, 4-H, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as Senator Bennett said, we have incredible people, young people in the State of Illinois, and today I am thrilled to introduce the Senate to Erin Compton. Erin is a seventh grader at Westmont Junior High. She is a Special Olympics Messenger. She has thousands, she told me, of medals that she has won because she participates in dance. She's on the dance team, the unifying dance team in her school. She plays percussion instruments in the marching band. She has won her medal for Regionals in Rhythmic Gymnastics and she will go on to State in June. So please join me in welcoming Erin to the Senate - her parents are up in the gallery - and wish her the best in State in June.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, Erin, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purposes of an introduction, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Please state your introduction, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I, too, have an honored guest with me today, Laura Brewer- Davis. She is eleven years old and in the fifth grade at Longfellow Elementary School in Oak Park. She likes to read and draw, and has been great company here today. She's joined in the gallery by her grandmother, Betsy Davis, a great Oak Parker and a supporter of the Unity Temple in Oak Park. So please join me in giving them both a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Nice to have you. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your announcement, Senator.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber, tonight is the annual Sportsmen's Caucus Dinner. I would urge everyone to come out. It is at the Wyndham at 5:30. As Legislative Co-Chair, I am honored to be part of the largest bipartisan caucus in the United States. It's for a great cause. Our focus is getting youth involved in - - in outdoor activities. So I would ask everyone to stop by, buy some raffle tickets, see some of the auction items, have a bite to eat, before you head over to the Cinco de Mayo party. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise? 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator. SENATOR HUTCHINSON: Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a -- I have the wonderful honor of introducing you all to some amazing women who are here in the Capitol today for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day at the Capitol. We have nearly two hundred incredible women from across this State, who are all in pink and green, who are lobbying for the things that we care about most in our communities. I am joined today, with me, by our Regional Director, Soror Sonya L. Bowden {sic} (Bowen). I am also joined by our Cook County Board President, Miss Toni Preckwinkle, who is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and here for AKA Day in the Capitol as well. Our illustrious sorority has been in existence since 1908, founded at Howard University when twenty incredible women decided there needed to be an outlet for women of -- Black women on college campuses. And I have loved this membership since I was nineteen years old, for twenty-seven years now. My sorors are all in this building, and the people that are here in the -- that work with me here, so Senator Mattie Hunter, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Representative LaToya Greenwood in the House, and myself, we could not be prouder of what has shown up today in this Capitol to show you exactly what women who wear pink and green believe in. So when you see them in the hallway, when you see them in your offices, please give them a warm welcome. And thank you so much for welcoming them to the Capitol today. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies, welcome, of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Belt, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, I am honored to have Central -- former Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Peggy Lewis LeCompte, here up with us. She is a -- a stalworth in the Metro East, in my area. She's an advisor to State Representative Greenwood. And as you guys can see, I also don pink and green. My wife and daughter are also chapter mates with AKA. So thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. A pleasure to have you. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an introduction, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your introduction, Senator.
Thank you very much, Madam President. On Thursday, May 2nd, we adopted Senate Resolution -- actually, it was -- yeah, May 2nd, we adopted Senate Resolution 351, which is the annual resolution recognizing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day here in the Capitol. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Although this is the tenth year that we have come down here under the guidance of our International Connection Committee, AKAs in Illinois -- here in Illinois started advocating in Springfield more than three decades ago, being the first in the -- in the nation to do such thing. Today our program and legislative agenda focus on criminal justice reform. And, also, I have some wonderful guests here with me today as well. And I have Mrs. Kimberly Egonmwan. Now, Kimberly was a former staffer. I believe you staffed the -- the Revenue Committee. And Kimberly is here and she is the Central Regional Representative to the International Connection and Social Action Committee and she's the Grammateus of Theta Omega, which is my Chapter in Chicago. And she's also now host -- you know, you all -- all heard about WVON in Chicago. She's now one of the bigtime hosts on -- on -- as a cohost and she has her own show on WVON and iHeart.com and them are regular contributors to Chicago Tonight: In -- Week in Review, NPR/WBEZ Morning Shift and Keepin' It Real with Reverend Al Sharpton. And last, but not least, I have a young lady who's here. Her mom is in the sorority, and I'm sure she will later when she goes to college. I would like to introduce to you my Page for the Day, Inaya Gray. She is an eighth grade student at Brooks Middle School in -- in Bolingbrook, Illinois. And she is a third-year Cadette of the the Girl Scout Troop 71 -- 75142 and is a member of the Academy Bullets Swim Club as a competitive swimmer. She is also a member of her school's track and field team. Inaya volunteers at the Greater (Chicago) Food Depository for Kids' Day, Ronald McDonald (House), and she serves as a -- a personal shopper at Dreams Delivered Prom Boutique. And - girl, how do you have time for all of this? - and she's a volunteer for Alpha Kappa Alpha 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Sorority, Inc. and -- Martin Luther King Day of Service at Captain James A. Lovell -- Lovell Federal Health Care Center to honor female service members and Pink Goes Red events for heart health awareness. So let's please welcome all of these wonderful guests -- guests, as well as Inaya, to the Capitol…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Kimberly, nice to have you back. And welcome, young lady, to the Illinois General Assembly. I hope your day is as -- fruitful and beneficial, and thank you, ladies, for gracing us and please educate our population on what's important to our communities. Senator Sims, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
Madam President, it just got a little colder in this Chamber, because the -- the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have shown up. So in the gallery on the -- on the Republican side of -- of the aisle, we've been joined by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha, who are here celebrating Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the Capitol. This is a day that is important for us, because we are here to advocate on behalf of the communities that we serve, developing leaders, and promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. So if you're a little chilly, it's okay. We -- that -- that -- that cold that you feel is the warm part of your heart, Madam President, so… I am also joined by some very special guests here on the Floor with me. To my left, we have the Illinois District Director, Brother Frank Stacey. We 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 have Brother Mike Gaines, who's the Chairman of the Illinois Political Action Committee. We have Brother Quincy Banks, who is the Executive Director of the -- of Illinois District. We have Pastor T. Ray McJunkins and Pastor L. Bernard Jakes. But in true form in our commitment to college -- college life and -- and our commitment to young men, the development of young men, we have two college men who are joining me on the Floor here today, Brother Jalen Williams, from Millikin University, and also Brother Navi's Fields, from the University of Illinois Springfield. But we also have a young man who is -- who is going to be shadowing me today, Brother Amir Upshaw, a young man -- Amir Upshaw, who is not yet a brother, but we certainly intend for him to see the light at some point. So, Madam President, again, our brothers have been meeting with legislators throughout the day and will continue to do so. So when you see them, they're going to be advocating on behalf of the communities that they serve, not just urban areas, but we have Brothers who are here from -- from Lake County and -- and from southern Illinois and from central Illinois and from Chicago area. So they will be coming to visit legislators throughout the day, so please share your experiences with them, but hear them, because they will be advocating on issues that are important to the communities that we serve. So, with that, thank you, Madam President. I want to thank my Brothers for being here and sharing in this day and advocating on behalf of the communities that we serve. So let's give them a warm round of applause. And welcome to the Illinois Capitol.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, men of Alpha Phi Alpha, to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you rise? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
So I want to -- I want to -- to welcome all our guests here, but I want to inform everyone that today is Latino Unity Day. It's our eighth annual Latino Unity Day and there's a lot of different events in the Capitol happening at the moment, but there is a famed culminating event in the evening. It is our celebration of Cinco de Mayo that the Latino -- Illinois -- Legislative Latino Caucus puts together in -- in association with many of the Hispanic employee associations, including ILACHE, IAHSE, HISLEA, LULAC, and others. And so, for all the house heads out there, we have a special guest, Julian "Jumpin" Perez, who's going to be -- who's going to be a part of the entertainment this evening. So I would -- I would invite everyone in the Capitol today to join the Latino Caucus this evening from 7 to midnight, or until they throw us out of the -- at the Abraham Lincoln, or the Double Tree - again, it's from 7 p.m. to -- to midnight - to have a fun time. And, please, all are welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator, for your announcement. I am a house head. I'll -- I will be there. Senator Crowe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Please state your privilege point, Senator.
If I could draw your attention to the President's Gallery, please, we have with us today the State's Attorney of Madison County. Tom Gibbons, I would like to thank you for joining me in partnership to advocate for our constituents. Welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President and house head. I have no idea what that means, but I'm going to find out. Yeah, I figure it's in the house, right? I mean, I figured that. I think I remember house music, so I'm thinking that might be it. Anyway, on a point of personal privilege. I just wanted the rest of us to join me in wishing Senator Heather Steans a happy birthday. Yeah. So, anyway, happy birthday to Heather Steans.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Happy birthday, Senator Steans. Happy birthday. The start of the May babies. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Koehler in the Chair for an introduction. Ladies and Gentlemen, can you lower your voices? Senator Koehler in the Chair for an introduction.
Thank you, Leader. Senator Weaver and I have a special group of individuals to introduce to you today. And I am especially grateful that Senators Belt and Van Pelt are in the audience, because, you know, Peoria took some abuse when you recognized some 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 -- some basketball teams this year. Behind me is the Speech Team from Bradley University. Let me tell you about this Speech Team. Bradley University is home to the most successful speech team in the nation. It's the only team to win a national championship every decade since 1980. Bradley boasts more than forty national speech championships since 1978 - that's nearly sixty percent of all its -- sixty percent over all its competitors - more than twenty American Forensic Association national titles since 1980, more than a hundred and fifty national championships, and in the spring of 2018, the team captured its eighteenth consecutive State championship. Bradley's team is the most successful collegiate team of any kind, according to the Associated Press. Put this into perspective, Bradley has more speech team titles than Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky combined in basketball. The program at Bradley has been one of the most respected in the country for decades. I'm very proud to represent this group. About half of the students here - I've talked to 'em before - are from Illinois. Let's hope they stay in Illinois. The rest of you, you can become residents of Illinois. But let's give a big hand -- I want to introduce Tony Adams, who is the Chair of the Communications Department at Bradley, and Megan Magee, who is the President of the BU Speech Team. Megan's right here. Let's give 'em a big rousing applause for being the number one team in the country. Leader Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal -- personal privilege, Madam President. I was… I neglected -- when I was introducing all of the AKAs, I got so 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 caught up in everything that I forgot to introduce one of our own, Nia Hassan, who is a former staffer, and she's the one that coordinates AKA Day in Springfield every single year. So I would like to recognize Nia. She's hopping a little because she's having problems with her knee. But let's welcome and -- and -- and recognize our friend, Nia Hassan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome, Nia. It's a pleasure to see you. Nice to have you back. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bills 3rd Reading. Please turn your Calendars to page 5 for House Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 2472. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed, Mr. Secretary. Please read the bill.
House Bill 2472. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill amends the Consumer Fraud and Deception Business Practice Act {sic} (Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act) to clarify provisions -- actions or transactions specifically authorized by the State or federal agencies or officers from suits. I will be more than happy to answer any questions. At the end, I have some legislative intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Schimpf, for what purpose 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Yes, thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This -- this bill came through the Judiciary Committee a few days ago. This is something where we had a good discussion, but ultimately the Republican Members felt that this was going to just expand the liability of -- of businesses in the State of Illinois. This would be something that would make us less competitive rather than more competitive. And I would urge a -- a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chair. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Mulroe.
Senator Link, for purposes of legislative intent, I'd -- I'd like to ask you a question. Specifically, does the new language include medical and health care services provided by health care professionals and health care providers?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link.
No, it does not. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Seeing -- Senator Link, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. For legislative intent, to follow up on what -- Senator Mulroe. For purposes of legislative intent, manufacture, distribution, and sale of products or services that cause or contribute to cause bodily injury, death, or property damage should not be interpreted to apply to the provision of the health care services by physicians, hospitals, hospital affiliates, or any other health care professional. Also for the purpose of legislative intent, this bill is intended to clarify the Act as originally adopted was intended, as some courts have held, and -- to provide additional remedy to -- in cases involving bodily injury, death, or property damage. Likewise, the bill clarifies the language "action and transaction {sic} (actions or transactions) specifically authorized" never contemplated that a regulatory body or officer would authorize or -- any action of {sic} (or) transaction that cause or contributes to cause bodily injury, death, or property damage. These clarifications are not intended to circumvent the federal preempt law and should not {sic} be interpreted to consist {sic} with the Buckman County versus Plaintiff Legal Committee {sic} (Buckman Company versus Plaintiffs' Legal Committee). I would ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2472 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 40 voting Yea, 14 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 2472, having received 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will continue on page 5 with House Bill 2233. House Bill 2233. Senator Mulroe. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed, Mr. Secretary. Please read the bill.
House Bill 2233. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate {sic} Bill 2233 is a bill designed to reduce confusion and chaos that occurs when a general verdict is inconsistent with a special interrogatory. Just to put that in a -- a little context or framework, this only applies to civil cases. Civil cases are when -- when there's a jury, jury gets picked; both sides present evidence; at the end of the evidence, both sides get to do a closing argument; then the judge actually reads the pattern instructions. They're general pattern instructions that allege what certain elements of the -- of the case have to be proven in order to find for the -- the plaintiff or, if not, to find for the defendant. Then there's this other thing that's called a special interrogatory, or a special question, that can be asked or requested by either side. Over the course of time, the special interrogatory has caused a lot of confusion and it's inconsistent with the general verdict from the pattern instructions. And under the current system, the trial court and the appellate courts are basically ruling if a special interrogatory's inconsistent with the general verdict, the case 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 has to be -- or the -- the verdict rendered by the -- the jury gets negated. There's been a boatload of cases over time that state that this is -- it provides inconsistencies, confusion, and chaos a lot more -- inefficient system. So what we're doing today is trying to give more discretion to the -- the trial court and give more information to the juries so they can resolve those inconsistencies and -- and any disputes with them so that they can resolve the facts at the trial level so that they don't have to go up and take time in the appellate court or further. So I'm happy to answer any questions and I'd ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
This bill was heard in Judiciary Committee and the reason special interrogatories have a place in law is because juries are the trier of fact and often cases involve very technical legal issues and a special interrogatory goes to the heart of some intricate, complex legal issue that may affect a case, and if a jury's findings of fact are inconsistent with the law according to those jury instructions, then the verdict is overturned. So it's been tradition for a very long time, and in a few very high complex cases, special interrogatories have a place. I see no reason for a change. They've served their purpose. Even if a jury is surprised, it just reinforces the fact that they didn't understand 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 the law, that they found -- they were the trier of fact and found the facts. So when the facts do not mesh with the law, then these special interrogatories overturn a case. So I would urge a No vote. There is no reason that this would be overturned. It's only used in specific cases and I see no reason that we would change that at this point. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
I just wanted to give a thank you to Senator Mulroe for putting that in the simplest terms for us non-legal minds in the Senate. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the General Assembly. Obviously, this had a lot of debate in the Judiciary Committee. I'm in support of this bill. Special interrogatories sometimes are used as a tool to confuse jurors on specific juror instructions. If you look at the elements of special 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 interrogatories and -- and what -- they're supposed to be clear, unambiguous, address single issues. Sometimes attorneys use them as a weapon to confuse juries. And if you go back - and to channel my inner Bill Haine - to the inner -- Anglo-Saxon/Norman Law, judges have always had judicial discretion when it was first established. I don't think this is a far reach to have judicial discretion on whether or not to admit special interrogatories to jury questions. And for that, Madam President, and the discussion we had in the committee, I'd urge an Aye vote. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Mulroe, to close.
I just want to make this clear. It -- this does -- bill does not eliminate special interrogatories; it gives more discretion to the trial court to resolve differences or inconsistencies between a general verdict and a -- a special interrogatory. So this does not eliminate them. And I will give you one example why this is necessary, this change is necessary. The trial courts right now don't think they have -- if a jury is asking a question about a special interrogatory and -- and how it affects a general verdict, the trial court can't instruct them. They can't inform them or say anything about it. So it leaves the jury not knowing what their answer to the special interrogatory is going to be in relation to the general verdict. It also does not allow the -- the attorneys to argue to the jury -- or tell them, inform them, what the inconsistencies could do to the -- the general verdict. And I just want to -- there's a -- a specific case why we need this. It's a -- a case in -- involves a shooting. An Officer 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Proano shot a young man. The jury rendered a general verdict in favor of the plaintiff, the decedent's estate, and had no problem with the -- entering the verdict, that it was willful/wanton and that the officer was not justified in shooting, but in the special interrogatory, it was asked whether the officer reasonably believed he was in -- I think it was fear for his life or that -- that his life was in danger. They answered yes, but before they answered yes, they asked the -- the judge, can you explain to us how this special interrogatory answer is going to affect the general verdict that we -- we just entered in favor of the plaintiff, and the judge said, I can't do that, keep deliberating. So they were confused. After the -- the verdict, where they entered in favor of the plaintiff but answered the special interrogatory in the affirmative, the -- the trial judge negated the general verdict. This is what the jury foreman said afterwards, he -- he said he was stunned by the sudden reversal, especially after jurors had inquired by written note if their answer to that question would affect the outcome of the verdict. The judge didn't answer 'em -- them because he couldn't do it under the law -- or she couldn't do it under the law. Another -- noteworthy statement by the -- the foreman of the jury said they got tripped up with the wording of the second question. So this is just designed to have the juries to be more informed to make better decision. I'd ask for your favorable votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2233 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 37 voting Yea, 17 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2233, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Aquino, on House Bill 2691. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed, Mr. Secretary. Please read the bill.
House Bill 2691. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2691 creates the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act, also known as the RISE Act. This bill will address equity and access for the following students who are -- who are currently shut out of receiving State-funded scholarships. Number one, the -- the General Assembly sets a limit at a hundred and thirty-five hours for funding under MAP, the Monetary Assistance {sic} (Award) Program. This bill would not change that. However, in 2018, approximately seventeen hundred students who applied for MAP grants who were in good academic standing did not receive them because they exceeded a seventy-five-hour -- and had been -- not been classified as juniors. This bill will eliminate the seventy- five-hour cap and allow students to access the MAP hours authorized by law. Disproportionately affects African American students and other students of color under -- that predominately go to under- resourced high schools. Secondly, students who do not qualify for federal aid because they are undocumented. The State of Illinois recognizes undocumented students as Illinois students. Currently, 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 the states of California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Washington all allow for undocumented students to - - to receive financial aid. And then lastly, transgender students are disqualified for federal financial aid for not registering for Selective Service due to a narrow and restricted definition of gender at the federal level. I want to mention that the House sponsor has committed with ISAC to have a trailer bill specifically on the students that -- with the cap, a seventy-five-hour cap issue. There is going to be -- we're working out language in -- within that trailer bill, at around sixty-five hours, that students that reach that point and have not got into the junior level will get notification that -- where they're at, so reinsure that they are -- are -- are setting themselves up to make sure that they have the -- taking the correct courses and getting the aid that - - necessary to graduate from -- from college. And so I'll take any questions, but I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. It's always nice to see you. To the bill, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. It's always a pleasure. To the bill.
Ladies and Gentlemen, there's a couple concerning things in this bill, but I want to make a few points. First and foremost, there's a seventy-five-hour cap that's in place on junior college credits for MAP for a very good reason. This was done about ten 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 years ago, after much discussion between the universities and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and ISAC to develop this number. And it was done because we don't want students using a MAP grant on community college when the four-year college costs more. And what you had going on before the seventy-five-hour cap was college kids who would expend all of their eligibility or the majority of their eligibility on a cheaper form of tuition at community college and then they'd run out of money when they got to the more expensive form of tuition at the four-year institution. So the entire higher education community came together specifically and backed this seventy-five-hour cap. Now maybe that was the wrong decision ten years ago, but there ought to be at least some study done before we undo that, because what is being done here is you're essentially telling a college kid, you could run out of your MAP grant eligibility at the community college level that's cheaper and then have no grant ability at the four-year level. And I want to say this, we have several weeks left in this Session. The sponsor talks about a trailer bill. Well, let's have the trailer bill now. We don't need a trailer bill. We've got plenty of time left to just add amendments now and vote on it now. There's really no reason to do this today. The second thing that everyone in this -- in this -- in this Chamber needs to know is, every single one of you, I venture to guess, has had a student, a constituent that was denied MAP funding because the State of Illinois ran out of money. Every year the MAP grant applications have been cut off earlier and earlier and earlier, leaving students out in a lurch. Well, now we just added to that and compounded that problem and made it worse. This bill needs a lot more thought before any of us should 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 support it. And if any of you go home to constituents and tell you expanded MAP grant funding, you didn't, because you're actually voting to take it away because you're expanding the pool of people that are eligible, and we're already denying people. How many more people are we going to turn away? How many more people are we going to say no to? How much earlier are we going to shut off the system? But on the seventy-five hours, I appreciate the sponsor's willing to say he'll talk about a trailer bill; we got plenty of time, let's do it now. We get an amendment -- we get amendment next week and do it next week on the seventy-five hours. But that was an agreed thing from the higher education community and it shouldn't be undone willy-nilly like this. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chairman {sic}. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Oberweis.
Senator, I just would like to understand the -- what's happening here. I think Senator Rose started down the path of the MAP grant funding. Are you suggesting that we will be increasing funds for the MAP grant program to cover new people? Or are you suggesting that the -- the total funds would remain as is, no change?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 This bill addresses the eligibility for three different type of student bodies to make them eligible. It doesn't guarantee them MAP. We are -- this bill does not -- does not address any fiscal portion of MAP, of increasing or whatnot. I personally would love to see MAP fully funded, but that isn't being addressed in this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
Thank you for that. So this bill is not going to increase MAP funding - then we go back to Senator Rose's other point I believe - that means that if we're going to add new people who are not citizens and give them some of the MAP funding, that means we're taking away that funding from other legal citizens. So, does that seem fair that we divert funds from citizens to give it to non-citizens?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) I almost said Citizen Aquino. Senator Aquino.
Madam President, it is citizen Aquino as well. But we -- we as a State -- these students are Illinois students. They're not undocumented students or whatever sort of definition or how you want to define 'em. They are Illinois students. We already put in an investment and a commitment to them at the K through 12 system. We are saying that they, along with others, transgender and also this group of the seventy-five-hour cap students as well, are going to be eligible to be part of the pool of students that would be able to receive MAP. The current amount of applicants for MAP is somewhere around three hundred thousand applicants a 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 year apply for MAP. Not all, unfortunately, get that, as we know, because we don't fully fund MAP as it should be. The number of students that we're adding to the pool is between three thousand to thirty-five hundred. The breakdown is about seventeen hundred for the students that -- that are at the seventy-five-hour cap limit, about twelve hundred students that are currently undocumented, or Dreamers, DACA students, and about three hundred students that are considered transgender, a year. That is one percent. Opening up the opportunity for our bright students that we have already committed to and have -- have -- have helped them get through the K through 12 system and provide them the opportunity to receive financial aid to receive a -- a -- a -- a college diploma. And so it's one percent that we're opening -- again, this is not guaranteeing that they're going to get it. It doesn't change how ISAC makes the determination of MAP. MAP is first come, first served, and -- and they deplete -- they -- once they run out of that, then they run out. We need to do -- and I'd love to work together to address that, that we're -- I'd love to leave here at the end of this Session and say that we fully funded MAP. I would love that, but that's not this bill. This bill just opens up opportunity for students to have the -- the option to be a college student and hopefully get a degree.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
To the bill, please. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the math is simple. Each and every one of us have students in our districts who are relying on MAP funding. If we're going to take some of that funding away from our citizens and give it to non- 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 citizens, that means we're depriving some of our citizens, some of our students from being able to have that funding to help with their education. This is just absolutely fundamentally wrong. I strongly encourage a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Well, I had a question of the sponsor, so question of the sponsor, Madam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Tracy.
Will the -- the student in your -- under your bill, would they have to fill out one of the FAFSA, the federal financial aid applications?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Are you -- Senator Aquino.
Senator Tracy, thank you for that question. They -- they would fill out a FAFSA that is going to be created, a -- a State sort of FAFSA. In the State of Texas and the State of California, they have their own versions. And so - pass it back -- back here - so ISAC will be preparing sort of its own FAFSA that they would be filling out, similar to those other two states.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Thank you for that. I -- I was so used to you being over 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 here, I couldn't find you. So anyway, so you do have an application form?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino.
Currently, at the moment, there's not an Illinois one. It would -- it would require for that to be created by ISAC, which they -- they understand that. There's other states that do this and they have their versions of FAFSA. It's a state FAFSA essentially that they fill out. And so that would be a creation of ISAC. ISAC had no issue with that. Their -- their initial issue in the House was of notification to -- for the students at that seventy-five-hour cap and that's what that trailer bill is going to address, amongst other things if there's other issues that people, you know, want to address in -- in the trailer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Further discussion, Senator Tracy?
No, Madam President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator -- did I just see a light? Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this legislation and I'll tell you why. One of the great things about 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 being a parent, at least for me, was to coach my daughters' teams in sports, soccer in -- specifically. In each of the last couple years -- I didn't do it last year, but previous years to that, I had the opportunity to coach a high school winter in-door soccer team and I got to know my daughters' teammates. A handful of them were immigrant children that were literally carried to this country in their parents' arms as two-, three-year-old kids. They grew up here. They grew up with my daughter, went to school with her, played the same sports, work with her. Now, today, they're looking at going to the same colleges. Those girls are every bit as American as my daughters and I think they should have the same opportunities as my daughters. That's what this bill will do. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you very much. Members of the Senate, I think I support this bill one hundred percent and I'll tell you why. As you know, these students are already enrolled in college. They are looking at professional, you know, careers. These are the future doctors, our future nurses, our future professors. These are individuals that right now are getting a profession, and will someday be serving us, you know, let it be in the health field, let it be in education. The -- the -- the bill that Senator Aquino bring forward is just opening an opportunity for them to be able to 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 apply, which they don't have right now. And I think it's a great bill. I urge all my colleagues to please vote. This is the future of our nation. It's the future of our students and I really think that this is a good bill and I think we can continue to work in making sure that we can address any other issues. But for now, this is a great bill. We have to keep that investment going in our young men and women. This -- these are our future and I really will hope that everybody votes Aye on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Aquino, to close.
I want to thank my colleagues from both sides for the -- the questions, but my colleagues on this side for the comments. Just because someone might be undocumented doesn't mean that they aren't members of our society, that doesn't mean that they don't contribute to our society. Undocumented families in Illinois are Illinois families. They're Illinois residents that pay taxes, taxes that, actually, because they are undocumented, they are not able to receive the return on those taxes back to them. This is -- bill addresses to provide Dreamers, many of which -- that didn't have the choice to come to this country, that all, because of a document, are actual Americans. They are our neighbors for some of us, they are our friends, and to others, they are family. This just simply says that they, amongst others, will have the opportunity to apply for MAP. Doesn't guarantee them MAP. Doesn't put them at the head of the -- the -- the -- the pool. It says it -- MAP is going to continue as it goes - first come, first served - and those that are in need will get it. Now, to comments earlier about -- in terms of the amount that we give to MAP, I fully 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 support fully funding MAP. Absolutely every child and every student that wants to get a better education for themselves get a degree and -- and -- and -- and give back to their community and give back to our economy; then, absolutely, we should be doing that. That's not this bill though. I would -- I would -- I would urge you all to -- to put a bill out there. I will be a co-chief. We'll work together towards that. And we can work on that. We do have time, enough time to send a message to the rest of this State to say, hey, we're fully funding MAP grants and that those that are in need get that service. So, I digressed. I would say thank you for the debate. I -- I -- I -- I wish and I hope for an Aye vote and I ask for that. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2691 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 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2691, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please state your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 please have your attention, I have a special introduction. I introduced a previous Mayor, indicating they were here for the West Central Municipal Conference, but I have the pleasure of introducing Mayor Anthony Calderone of Forest Park. Anthony Calderone has served - come over here, Mayor - has served Forest Park as its Mayor since 1999. He is -- he was the -- first elected as Forest Park Commissioner in 1991. He's a lifelong resident of Forest Park and has a long track record of public service and a commitment to the Village of Forest Park, its residents, the businesses, and organizations. Among the many organizations to which he has given services is St. Bernardine's Parish, Forest Park Little League, West Suburban Senior Services - formerly Proviso Council on Aging, Proviso Municipal League, the West Central Municipal Conference as past President, Oak-Leyden Development {sic} (Developmental) Services, Kiwanis International, Columbian and the Lions Club. As the Mayor, I oversaw -- I saw the Mayor -- I came in in '98, he came in in '99, and he has really rebuilt Forest Park. He's the man who has created the renaissance for a newly vibrant downtown corridor along Madison Street to a major redevelopment of the Roosevelt Road commercial corridor. Forest Park's economic development prospects have been greatly enhanced. The residential market is strong with increasing home values and major new and thoughtful designed developed {sic} in the -- in the Village. Mayor Calderone's public service achievements have been recognized by such organizations as the Department of the Army, the United Way, Misericordia, Save a Life Foundation, the Illinois Order Sons of Italy, Illinois Main Street, Governor's Home Town Awards, the Illinois Crime Commission, and the Triton College Foundation. He is also a graduate of the FBI's 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Citizen Police Academy. Mayor Calderone is married to Lois; they have two adult children, Augustino and Anthony Jr., who's married to Sarah Beth. I'm honored to be able to just acknowledge the Mayor in his retirement. He's been a huge supporter of me and Proviso. I can't thank him enough for supporting me as his Senator for the past twenty years. Please give a warm welcome and send him off with a huge retirement. Thank you, guys, so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Purpose of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please make your introduction.
Thank you. Members of the Senate, as we are celebrating Latino Unity Day today, I want to recognize a group that actually rode from Chicago's Little Village all the way down to Springfield, raising funds for Dreamers, but also to show some Latino unity. One of those that is here is my -- one of my constituents, Elisa Lara, but there is a whole bunch of folks that are here that came down, so I would like them to rise and be recognized. And give 'em a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Will our guests please rise? Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Sims, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Please make your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have been joined today by an outstanding student from my district. His name is Da'Meche Taylor. Da'Meche, you want to rise? He's a senior at Butler College Prep. He'll be attending Miami University of Ohio on a full scholarship, an academic scholarship, mind you, in the fall. We are -- we're still working on that, Mr. President. We -- we -- we've not given up on him being an Illinois student in -- a university -- a university student. He'd like to eventually play in the -- the NBA, but he'd also like to become a chief of a fire station. So we have one of our outstanding young people here. Please join me in welcoming Da'Meche Taylor to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. With leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 10, House Bills 2nd Reading. Senate {sic} Bill 2173. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2173. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Leave of the Body, we'll go to page 20, Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. Senate Resolution 217. Senator Schimpf. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 2-1-7, offered by Senator Schimpf. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Schimpf, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'm honored today to ask for the Body's attention as we take a moment to recognize the sesquicentennial, that's one fiftieth, anniversary of Southern Illinois University with SR 217. The University opened in 1874, with fifty-four students. And the first graduating class had a hundred and forty-three students, including two African American students. Today, a hundred and fifty years later, as this resolution declares, Southern Illinois University is a strong, diverse, student-centered, research-intensive, comprehensive university that embraces a unique tradition of inclusive excellence, innovation, and outstanding teaching to -- to transform the lives of its students, many of whom have gone on to serve in this General Assembly. That includes me. I am a -- I am a proud Saluki as well. We should all be proud of the great reputation of this institution and wish for it another one hundred and fifty years of success. As we adopt this resolution, I'm pleased to welcome -- in the President's Gallery, we have Dr. Kevin Dorsey, who is the -- who is the President of the SIU system. And tonight, there's going to be a -- a signing at the Sangamo Club for the SIU one hundred and fifty anniversary book. That's going to be from -- from 5 until 7 p.m. tonight at the Sangamo Club. So, Mr. President, I would ask -- with that in mind, I would ask for an Aye vote on Senate Resolution 217. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall Senate Resolution 217 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 40th Legislative Day 5/8/2019 Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Hello? Thank you, Mr. President. Members of the Illinois Senate, I'd like to welcome some of my members that are here visiting -- some of my Mayors that are visiting here from the West Central Municipal Conference of Mayors, some of the best leaders we have on the -- West Cook are here to join me today. We have Mayor Hugh Hermanek from North Riverside, Mayor Jeff Tobolski from McCook, and Mayor Chris Getty from Lyons. Let's give them all a welcome to Springfield today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Two o'clock committees will be starting next. So there being no further business to be -- come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 9th day of May 2019. The Senate stands adjourned. 43