Illinois Senate Floor Debate — January 19, 2020

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 Curt Fleck, Civil Servant Ministries. Mr. Fleck.

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham, to lead us in the Pledge.

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)

The following media entities are seeking permission to film or record: WCIA-TV, WMAQ-TV, Only -- Quincy Media, WLS-TV, WGN- TV, WICS, Sun-Times, Daily Line, WTTW, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, WTAX, NPR Illinois, Blueroomstream, IC {sic} (IL) Times, State Journal-Register, and Blueroomstream, and NPR Illinois to photograph, Chicago Tribune to take photos, WTTW-TV - video/photos, Politico - photograph, and Wednesday Journal Newspaper. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Secretary Anderson, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

Senator Hunter.

Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.

Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journals, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Resolutions Consent Calendar.

Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.

Mr. Secretary, Communications from the Secretary of State.

I would like to welcome to the upper Chamber, State Senator Villanueva. Welcome. 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 come to the President's Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

To fill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth in Appointment Messages 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 of the 101st General Assembly.

Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor will say Aye. All opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Senators, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed. Mr. Secretary, on Supplemental Calendar No. 1 appears the Order of Executive Appointments, please read Appointment Message 1010104.

Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed, vote Nay. Voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 none Nay, none voting Present. And the majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, read Appointment Message 1010105.

Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote 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 50 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, read Appointment Message 1010106.

Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote 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 50 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, read Appointment Message 1010107.

Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor, vote Aye. All opposed, vote Nay. The voting 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 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 49 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1010108.

Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote 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 49 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you…(microphone cutoff)…Gentlemen. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.

8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Hastings on a point of personal privilege.

Thank you, Mr. President. This last month has been a -- a difficult month for the State of Illinois and our nation. We lost three soldiers in combat operations -- or in operations in support of the War on Terror: Private First Class Miguel Villalon, from Aurora; Army Specialist Henry "Mitch" Mayfield, my constituent from Hazel Crest who had passed in insurgent attacks in Africa; and then we lost one of our National Guardsmen this month - Master Sergeant Nathan Goodman, from Lansing, Special Forces Noncommissioned Officer, a stand-up soldier. And I ask, Mr. President, that the Senate stands in a moment of silence for these three young soldiers. God bless them and God bless their families.

So please rise for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Ladies and Gentlemen, eleven years ago, I was elected Senate President and my first priority was getting the gavel away from the Governor as fast as possible. And I admit that today that it's with mixed emotions that I'm giving it up. It's been my honor to be elected six times to serve as your Senate President. And to the next Senate President, I wish you the best. If there's anything I can do to help in the days, weeks, and months ahead, you know how to reach me. I have enjoyed working with all of you — Republicans and Democrats alike. We have accomplished a great deal together. And now it's time for me to move on. My 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 grandchildren await. And I look forward to seeing what all of you will do next.

Thank you, Mr. Governor, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. There's generally a lot of flowers on the Floor, many decorations, galleries full of families and friends. Today, Senator, I'm sorry we've fallen short of that call. But what we have come to is a place where I'd like to place in nomination for President of the Senate to finish the 101st General Assembly vacancy that Senator- President John Cullerton has just retired from. I'd like to place in nomination Senator Don Harmon. Don and I have neighboring districts and we have since 2002. So we've been neighbors in the western suburbs and on the west side of Chicago, we've been neighbors in our district offices, we've been -- Senate offices, we've been neighbors here on the Senate Floor. I can't think of anyone else who would do a wonderful job leading our caucus and I look forward to working with him in unity. And for all of these reasons and more -- he's got a beautiful family. I've watched him raise all his children. And I know that he will look out for the children of the State. And for these reasons, I rise to place his name in nomination. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Governor, and happy birthday. I rise to second the nomination of Don Harmon for President of the Senate. Just want to take a moment to say, I wish Don the best of luck. I want to thank Senator -- President, excuse me, Cullerton for his service to this esteemed Body. And I -- I wish luck to our -- our next leader, next Senate President, Don Harmon.

…Members of the General Assembly. I, too, want to extend most happiest birthday wishes to you, but I rise to second the nomination of Senator Don Harmon to be the next President of the Senate. We've known -- I've known Don for a number of years and we've all known him to be a man of character, integrity and, most importantly, patience. I've always admired his ability to listen to all sides of an issue and to include all personalities and perspectives and then bring people together on the decision. So I think it's these critical skills that will be needed to unite this caucus and to lead the Senate through the rest of the 101st General Assembly and on. So I appreciate that. Mr. John Cullerton, thank you too for all the years and your commitment to the Senate.

13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 Governor and Members of the Senate, I move that nominations for the Office of President of the Illinois State Senate for the 101st General Assembly be closed.

I, Don Harmon,

Do solemnly swear

That I will support the Constitution of the United States

And the Constitution of the State of Illinois

And that I will faithfully discharge the duties

Of the Office of President of the Senate

To the best of my ability.

Thank you, Governor Pritzker. Thank you for -- particularly for spending your fifty-fifth birthday with us. Nothing says "party" like waiting for Senate Democrats to vote! Thank you, Governor Pritzker, President Cullerton, Leader Brady, Treasurer Frerichs, Lieutenant Governor Stratton. I also want to recognize my family watching at home, my remarkable wife, Teri, who has been incredibly supportive through this entire journey, particularly over the last eight weeks, and our three amazing children, Don, Frances, and Maggie. I used to speak on the Floor late in the night on those long days in May just so I could say good night and tell them to go to bed. It is wonderful to have young adults who are engaged in -- in our conversation and committed to social justice. I'd first like to ask all of you to join me in thanking President John Cullerton. John, it is clear to me from my travels how highly all of our colleagues think of you and how much we all appreciate how you served and how you led. From the beginning, your guiding principle was to govern in the spirit of cooperation and collegiality. I fully intend to do the same. You have been a friend and a mentor and we will all miss you. Thank you so very 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 much. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to my longtime friend and neighbor, on the Floor, in the Capitol, and back home in our districts, Senator Kimberly Lightford. I could not be more pleased that you have agreed to continue your outstanding service as Majority Leader, the lead partner in governing. Everyone who has seen your work in passing minimum wage, education reform, and equal pay knows how effective you are at getting things done. Thank you, Leader Lightford. And I would like to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtfulness, the thoughtfulness you brought to this decision. As well as I knew you before, it has been a pleasure visiting with you in your districts and listening to the creative and well-informed ideas that so many of you have for how to make the Illinois Senate even more effective. Choosing a new leader, especially among your peers, is a leap of faith. I stand before you humbled by your confidence. At times, the contest was vigorous and sometimes contentious, so as Martin Luther King said, "Unity is the great need of the hour." I want to assure my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that my door will always be open and I want to express my gratitude to Senator Lightford for her commitment to partner with me to heal whatever rough edges may have emerged during the contest. While we build on the success of the past, let us also use this occasion to think about who we are, what the people need us to be, and how we can reset the tone of the culture here in Springfield. Sixty years ago, John F. Kennedy said, "No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of ethical behavior for those who conduct the public business." The Senate is a collection of diverse views and diverse experiences but consistent purpose - to best represent the citizens who send us to 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 the Capitol, to collaborate, to compromise, and to create better opportunities, better outcomes, and greater faith in the honor and integrity of our State. And now the work begins in earnest. I look forward to joining together with Governor Pritzker and the Leaders in both Chambers as we work to change the trajectory of our State and to set a better course for our future. I ask for your continued confidence and for your patience, as we strive to maximize what we get right and minimize what we get wrong. Honest. Collaborative. Representative. These are the principles that will guide me as we start our journey together. And now, let us begin. Please be well, be safe, get home to your districts and come back here to start our work at the end of the month. God bless you all and thank you so very much. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Senator Jones moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 948, which informs the House of the Senate's election. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Jones moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 948. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We will now proceed to 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 69th Legislative Day 1/19/2020 the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?

Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, pursuant to House Joint Resolution 94, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on Tuesday, January 28th. The Senate stands adjourned. 19