PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The regular Session of the 101st General Assembly will please come to order. In place of the invocation today, I ask all Senators watching and those -- proceedings to observe a moment of silence for those who have been lost to this terrible virus in -- on this Memorial Day weekend to remember our fallen heroes who have made our democracy possible. We're in debt to them forever. Let's have a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Senator Bennett, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Bennett)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream.com has asked for permission to videotape the proceedings. Without any objection, leave is granted. Members of the public may view Senate Session through various electronic means, such as video in Room 118 of the State Capitol and on the Illinois General Assembly website. In addition, anyone seeking to file written testimony for the -- the Senate's May Session -- through a process laid out on the General Assembly website under the Senate tab. The Illinois General Assembly website is www.ilga.gov. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of May 22nd, 2020.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter moves…
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Okay. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and the approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1198, offered by Senator McClure and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Resolutions Consent Calendar. The regular Session of the Senate will stand at recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will now come to order. Will the -- Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1199, offered by President Harmon and all Members. Senate Resolution 1200, offered by Senator Rose and all Members. They are both death resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 1201, offered by President Harmon. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Will the Committee on Assignments please come before us in the front of the Well immediately? Committee on Assignments, please meet in the front of the Well immediately. Senator Martinez in the Chair. Leader Martinez in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Members in the Chamber, can we please keep it down a little bit? The Committee on Assignments cannot hear themselves. Thank you. Leader Lightford back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 1187, 1268, 2271, 2280, 2289, 2293, 2300, 2301, 2316, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2360, -- 2534, 2535, 2741, 2742, 2756, 2774, 2945, 3006, 3033, 3087, 3089, 3090, 3093, 3162, 3163, 3164, 3165, 3230, 3242, 3255, 3276, 3277, 3280, 3312, 3330, 3382, 3433, 3434, 3440, 3444, 3445, 3462, 3492, 3538, 3641, 3687, 3695, 3704, 3705, 3706, 3709, 3796, 3797, 3799, 3864, 3866, 3873, 3874, 3893, 3989, and Senate Resolution 1201. Signed, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chairperson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is being distributed. Supplemental Calendar No. 1, Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions, Resolution 1201. Senate President Harmon. Senator -- President Harmon wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1201, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Harmon, on your resolution, please.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. Our last legislative measure of the Session is an amendment to our Senate Rules. It does three things. It creates a permanent standing Committee on Government Accountability and Ethics, which we expect will begin the work recommended by our bipartisan, bicameral Ethics Commission, and leaves behind a standing stand-alone Pension Committee. Second, it confirms that we in the Senate can conduct our committee work remotely, if need be, something that the Senate President, in consultation with the Minority Leader, may establish. And third and finally and perhaps most importantly, one of my principal objectives this shortened Session was to ensure that, with the uncertainty of what's before us, Members of the Senate who cannot join us physically in the Chamber may continue to participate in the legislative process. I'd be happy to answer any questions, but I'd ask you for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I know the hour is late; I'll be very brief. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you. Thank you. Mr. President, I want to explore a little bit your thoughts on public participation and the ability of the public to view the committee hearings that you've referenced in your commentary on the rules. Just -- just your thoughts on the importance of that and how that might be accomplished.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. And, Senator, thank you for the question. It is an important one. I will answer that question and one you didn't ask. I would emphasize that our experience here this week, I believe, has demonstrated how valuable and important it is for us to work together in person to get our work done. I don't think that legislating remotely is an appropriate substitute for the work that we can do, but the circumstances under which we are living call for different measures. I think that public participation and observation by the press are critically important and they -- they will be necessary ingredients to this. In committee work, in particular, the ability to have citizens testify before those committees adds immense value, and we will invest in the technology to make sure that that can happen, that the public can participate and that the public and the press can watch what we do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Righter.
Thank you very much, Madam President. To the resolution, if 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the resolution, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. I stand in support of the resolution. I think that this is something about which we need to be very measured. We take for granted I think, because we get to come to work in the -- has to be one of the most beautiful office buildings in -- in -- in all of the nation and -- that the public -- members of the public routinely sit in the -- in the chairs in the committee rooms or in the galleries here in the Senate. And what we're talking about is on select occasions, on a narrow approach, engaging in a process by which the public would be able to view our work and our discussions in a very, very different manner. So, while I think this is a remarkably new direction which we're going, I think the rules are crafted in a narrow fashion so as to make sure that we do it in a deliberative and measured fashion. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Seeing none, President Harmon, to close.
I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) This is a -- this is an amendment to Senate Rules and requires a roll call vote. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 1201 -- Senate Resolution 1201 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Senator Anderson, Senator Manar, Senator 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 McClure, Senator Oberweis, Senator Van Pelt, please come to the Senate Floor to vote. Senator Anderson. Senator Oberweis. Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Resolution 1201, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
To a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
I'm going to be very brief here, but I'd be remiss if we didn't take time to thank Aaron Holmes and his staff for taking on the time of getting this budget done for us. First time he's stepping into the Appropriation role, doing it during a pandemic time, having to get us all on Zoom, getting documents up on there. I think we were getting stuff from him last night at 2 a.m., too. I know he and his whole team have been working just around the clock for many, many weeks now, and just really want to give him a big round of applause. And thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart, Aaron. You did a phenomenal job.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Brady, for what purpose do you rise? Yes, sir. Please state your point.
I just wanted to say thank you, thank you to the Senate President. You know, you know a way to start. This has been something else, something I hope no other General Assembly nor the people of Illinois have to go through again and we can move beyond 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 that. But I want to thank you for the care your staff took and I think our staff took to work together to provide the safest environment, and I think we've proven we can do that, as you said earlier. But it didn't come without a lot of hard work and a lot of thought and I want to thank those who -- who worked hard at doing that. I also want to thank the staff, all of our staffs, the staffs who are here and those who are not here, who I'm sure stayed up listening to this debate tonight. Want to thank the Members. I -- I think we've -- we've shown that we can share ideas. Whether we agree always or not, we can learn from each other's ideas. And, again, I want to thank you, Mr. President, for taking some of our ideas, particularly full funding for LGDF, and working with us to try to help the people of Illinois help themselves through this very difficult time. I'd also like to say that this is unlike any other Session. Right? Oftentimes we conclude this work and we think we might have a little bit of a respite, but unfortunately our work is just beginning. The people of Illinois are hurting. We are all going to have to rise to the challenge to do what we can to move this State forward as fast and as safely as possible. And I know we're going to work together to do that, but we do have challenges in front of us. And I know we want to do what we can to advance the recovery of this State for its citizens in the safest, fast -- fastest way. We pledge to do that, realizing that our work is not done but just beginning, and we look forward to working with you to make this State a better place, as soon as it can, each and every day from this day forward. Thank you all. Be safe. And God bless you all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Leader Brady. President Harmon, for what purpose 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. In one of the very -- first meetings I had with our senior staff after being elected Senate President, I challenged them. I said I would like to find a way for us to finish our work and pass a budget long before May 31st. This is not what I had in mind. It has been a Session unlike any other and that's because it's been a year unlike any other. Our actions this week help people in need, offer stability in a time of crisis, and bide the State time to get to a better tomorrow, one in which we hope medical science has found a way to fight back against the virus and one in which Washington recognizes its unique ability to help state and local economies recover. Many questions remain unanswered. The budget is not perfect. We know changes will be needed. But the Illinois Senate has done its job to help the people who sent us here. I want to thank the staff, on both sides of the aisle, for the behind-the-scenes effort needed to make this Session possible. And on behalf of the entire Senate, I want to express our appreciation to my Chief of Staff, Kristin Richards. I can't see through the foggy glasses. Is Kristin here somewhere? Kristin ran point on the logistics and worked across numerous agencies, departments, and offices to oversee the safety and security plan for the building for this Session and for us. How seriously did she take her job? Kristian -- Kristin temporarily stopped Dr. Ezike from entering because the State's 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 Public Health Director wasn't on the Capitol security list. I understand the Speaker also had to walk up the drive because his driver didn't have a placard. I hope we never experience another pandemic, but there is no one better than Kristin in taking a crisis and making it seem like just another Session day. So, on behalf of the Senate, the families, and the loved ones we left behind and will now go back to, thank you for your commitment to this institution. I also want to single out a handful of our staff. As -- as Senator Steans mentioned, Aaron Holmes and his Deputy, Miles Sodowski, who drafted the capital bill, worked incredibly well, and your -- your staff was just phenomenal. Put your pencils down and get some rest. Giovanni Randazzo, who was drafting so many bills. Brandy Renfro, who is somewhere with a camera taking our pictures now. John Patterson, who ensured that I have words to read. And especially to Ashley Jenkins and Jake Butcher, who we talked back from the private sector to rejoin our Senate family. All of our staff worked incredibly hard, but these were the people who had to suffer my company through most of it. To all the Senators, thank you for your hard work and sacrifice these last few days and over the last few months. From the beginning to the end, we've managed to cram an entire Session into roughly eighteen days and we'll leave the Capitol more than a week before the May 31st deadline. We've worked together professionally, politely, and with respect to produce results for the people of Illinois. Thank you. I am proud of what we've been able to do. However, I -- I would offer the belief that the true test of success this spring won't be measured by the number of bills sent to the Governor's desk. Rather, it is found in the people you helped and the lives you have touched in communities 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 across this great State during this crisis. If you will indulge me for a few moments, I want to recognize the work Senate Democrats have done during this pandemic. Senator Gillespie provided 3-D printers to local CTE programs so they could make protective face shields. Senator Bennett and Manar partnered with John Deere, the IMA, the UAW, and the Machinists Union to provide thousands of free face shields to health care workers. Senator Villivalam distributed masks made by a sewing studio that's helping refugees resettle in Chicago. Senator Feigenholtz raised money for a food -- local food bank. Senator Koehler provided Peoria-area businesses and organizations with masks and sanitizers. Senator Belt and local labor unions passed out water and essential supplies. Senator McGuire worked with labor and business to give local employees protective equipment. Senators Harris, Van Pelt, and Hunter helped make PPE available in their communities. Senators Sims and Cullerton united to distribute industrial disinfectant. Senator Glowiak Hilton hit them up for more than four hundred gallons and -- to local first responders. And Senator Joyce helped deliver the disinfectant out of his pickup truck and trailer. Senator Cunningham delivered meals to frontline medical staff. Senator Ellman volunteered with Meals on Wheels and delivered meals across DuPage County. Senator Villanueva distributed ten thousand face masks in Little Village. Senator Aquino handed out face masks and hand sanitizers to small businesses. Senator Martinez got the Humboldt Park and Belmont Cragin testing sites open. Senator Collins made the State - made the State - open a testing site in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Senator Crowe provided safety kits for local first responders. Senator Muñoz delivered masks and lunch to officers at Chicago 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 Police Department's 9th District. Senators Fine, Jones, and Martwick kept mental health resources available during the crisis. Senator Morrison pushed for expanded vote by mail program that will make it safer to practice democracy this fall. Senator Stadelman got the Rock Cut State Park reopened. Senator Hastings handled casework for hundreds of jobless workers, helping them navigate the unemployment bureaucracy. Senator Holmes spent hours upon hours on the computer leading the unemployment working groups. Senator Bush put up five hundred "Thank You Essential Worker" yard signs, raising five dollars from each sign for the Lake County COVID Relief Fund. Senator Castro bought over three hundred meals from local restaurants and gave them to health care workers at area hospitals. Senators Peters, Murphy, and Steans hosted webinars and virtual town hall meetings with experts and officials to answer questions and keep local residents informed. Senators Landek and Link kept constitutes informed of testing opportunities and where to get needed resources. Senator Bertino-Tarrant worked with the Will County Public Health Department to ensure safety guidelines and other needs were being met. And as we prepare to adjourn this Session, I want to point out an issue that awaits our action. Our Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford sounded the alarm that nearly one-third of students across this State have fallen through the cracks during this outbreak. That's a tragedy in its own right, and we all need to commit to working on -- with her to remedy it. So thank you again for your efforts, for your cooperative spirit, especially a thank you to you and your Members, Leader Brady. As I said early on, I think in some on odd way this pandemic forced our working relationship in high gear much earlier than it might have otherwise reached there, and I'm grateful for 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 that partnership. I wish you all safe travels home and good health. Remember to self-isolate for the next week. And we'll see you sometime soon on Zoom.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 125. (Secretary reads HJR No. 125) Adopted by the House, May 24th, 2020. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) On the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 125. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 125, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Cunningham moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 125. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Cunningham moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 125. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Communications from the Senate President.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 5/23/2020 Madam President, I have a letter dated May 23, 2020. Dear Mr. Secretary - Enclosed please find the 2020 Senate Veto Session Schedule for the 101st General Assembly. If you have any questions, please contact my Chief of Staff, Kristin Richards. Sincerely, Don Harmon, Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read into today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 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 125, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of noon on the 17th day of November 2020, or until the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 14