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? In place of our invocation, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in respect for all those lost during this pandemic. (Moment of silence observed) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Murphy's going to lead us in the Pledge this morning.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Murphy)
Quincy Media/WGEM requests permission to videotape and audio tape for -- the proceedings. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of January 12th, 2021.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we do have a couple of Legislative Measures to take up for final action. If you are the sponsor of one of those measures, if you could please be at your desk. We'll be turning shortly to 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 final action. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1610 through 1612, offered by President Harmon. They are substantive.
Blueroomstream -- video -- requests permission to videotape the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
…4-1(e), I move that Senator McGuire be allowed to participate and vote remotely for today's Session.
Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senator McGuire be allowed to participate and vote remotely for the January 13th, 2021 Session Day pursuant to Senate Rule 4-1(e). All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, in the opinion of the Chair. The motion carries, and Senator McGuire is allowed to participate and vote remotely for January 13th, 2021 Session Day. On page 2 of your printed Calendar, in the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, is House Bill 377. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 377. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Bush, on your bill.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Thank you very much. I'm glad you could be -- all be here this morning. This is what eight minutes looks like. Anyway, so House Bill 377 corrects a cross-reference in the Illinois Human Rights Act. It -- changes made by HB 377 are consistent with the intent of the Human Rights Act and are necessary to properly effectuate judicial relief. This is -- proponents are the Illinois Department of Human Rights. I know of no objections, and it passed unanimously in the House. I would ask for an Aye vote.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 377 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Senators Anderson, Aquino, Barickman, Belt, Bennett, Bush, Castro, Collins, Crowe, and Cullerton, please come to the Floor to vote. For those Senators voting remotely pursuant to the motion adopted by the Senate. Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Yes.
Senator McGuire votes Aye. Senators Jones, Villanueva, Cullerton, Aquino, Stadelman, Castro, Belt, Collins, Van Pelt, Bennett, Landek, Loughran Cappel, Ellman, Crowe, Manar, Plummer, Stewart, Wilcox, Rose, please come to the Floor to vote. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 42 voting Aye, none voting No, no -- none voting Present. House Bill 377, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, perhaps the last bill of the 101st General Assembly, on the Calendar -- on page 4 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 54. Senator Feigenholtz, you have a motion to concur. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 54. Signed by Senator Feigenholtz.
Senator Feigenholtz, on the motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would request adoption of Amendment No. 4 and 5.
Senator Feigenholtz, I apologize. A -- a motion to concur rather than the adoption of the amendment. So if you could explain the amendments.
This is a -- Senate Bill 54 is a bill that this Chamber has seen before. It was an initiative of the Retail Merchants, the Food Retailers, various retailers, and a long list of supporters - the State Chamber, ILBA. It is a agreement that allows convenient, limited delivery of alcohol to consumers from in-state licensed retailers due to the fact that COVID has, of course, forced us to change our habits and retail liquor licensees are entering the home delivery market in order to survive. It is -- it preserves the three-tier system, allowing retail liquor licensees to deliver with groceries. And I'm happy to answer any questions and would appreciate your support.
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Senator DeWitte, for 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 what purpose do you rise? SENATOR DeWITTE: To the bill, Mr. President.
To the bill, Senator. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you, Mr. President. For the folks on our side of the aisle, I just want to add my support to this legislation. As many of you already know, many municipalities have already passed local liquor ordinance legislation that allows home delivery of alcohol. This codifies that process in State statute. And I would urge an Aye vote. I'd like to thank Senator Feigenholtz for her work on this bill.
Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Sims, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
Sponsor indicates that she'll yield. Senator Sims.
Thank you, Mr. President. For -- Senator Feigenholtz, for legislative intent, is it your legislative intent as sponsor that nothing in the -- this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly authorizes any holder of a local retailer's license which simultaneously holds any license or privilege to manufacture alcoholic liquors within or outside of the State of Illinois to ship alcoholic liquors to a consumer via a common carrier or deliver alcoholic liquors to a consumer? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
Senator Feigenholtz.
Why, yes, Senator Sims, that is my intent as a sponsor of this bill and of my colleagues sponsoring the legislation in the House. The goal of this legislation is to allow the delivery of alcoholic liquors within the State of Illinois to provide economic support to holders of local retailer's licenses, but not to local retailer's licenses which simultaneously hold any license or privilege to manufacture alcoholic liquors.
Senator Sims.
Thank you, Mr. President. And, Senator Feigenholtz, thank you for that -- that -- that answer. Also, is this legislation also intended to preserve the three-tier -- the three-tier system in Illinois in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State of Illinois and to promote temperance?
Senator Feigenholtz.
It is my intent as this bill's sponsor and my colleagues who are sponsoring this legislation in the House. Yes, the additional goal of the legislation is to preserve the three-tier system in Illinois in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State of Illinois.
Is there further discussion? Senator Feigenholtz, to close. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 54. All in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Senators Anderson, Aquino, Barickman, Belt, Bennett, Bush, Castro, Collins, Crowe, and Cullerton, please come to the Floor to vote. For those Senators voting remotely pursuant to the motion adopted by the Senate. Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Yes.
Senator McGuire votes Yes. Senators Jones, Lightford, Cullerton, Stadelman, Belt, Landek, Ellman, Harris, Manar, please come to the Floor to vote. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Aye votes, none voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 54, and the bill is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1613 through 1615, offered by Senator McGuire and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. I know that we're going to be memorializing Senator Righter in a moment, but in the meantime, I've dug through, in the two hours we had to go home, scrapbook pictures. And so I would invite all of you to come over and take a look at Dale Righter at a golf outing circa 2004. Dale Righter with Congressman Shimkus and Congressman Johnson - couple other good ones. Dale and I's first Fourth of July parade together, right here, 2002. But this is the best one, Mr. President. Some of you might remember Dale Righter was the Republican Floor spokesman impeaching Governor Rod Blagojevich, right here in this room, in the Chamber. Here's a picture of Dale Righter and Rod Blagojevich signing the FutureGen bill. And for those of you on your side of the aisle, I'd invite you to come over and see Senator Forby and Senator Demuzio and a bunch of other friends from -- from way back. So, these will be sitting out here if anybody wants to come make fun of Dale in the process. I have one more good picture for tomorrow, but I'm going to save that till after he doesn't have a microphone to respond with. So, thank you.
Everyone has a closet, Senator Rose. Thank you. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Can I make a request that Senator Rose be allowed to set up his photo display on the fifth floor of Stratton Building? Thank you.
Permission granted. We'll now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 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?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
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. Senator Cunningham in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Senate Resolution 1610.
Senate Resolution 1610, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon, on your resolution. Senator Harmon moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate adoption of Senate Resolution 1610. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. President Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1610, offered by President Harmon. (Secretary reads SR No. 1610)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. Senator McGuire, my favorite correspondent, I am so sorry that we are 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 sending you off in such an unconventional fashion, with you attached to us by a telephone wire and a video link and all of us here trying to say goodbye to a man who so loves the power and beauty of words and all of your friends are in this room on two hours of sleep with no time to prepare anything remarkable to say. The good thing is, in the lack of our remarkable words, you are still a remarkable person. You are one of a kind in the Senate. Your seat has produced consistently good and interesting people, but of all the folks I've served with in the Senate, you are just the embodiment of honesty and decency and being here for all of the right reasons. I will miss your letters, though I know they will still come. And I also want to take this moment to thank you for your continued public service as our first now public member of the Legislative Ethics Commission. You are indeed the embodiment of a public servant and also, despite your mild-mannered demeanor, perhaps the most interesting man in the world. There is always another Pat McGuire story. My favorite rumor is that you are in fact the inspiration for that immortal line from the movies: There are two kinds of music - country and western. So, please, call Senator McGuire and ask him if that is true. Pat, I look forward to wishing you all the best in person when we see each other again, my friend, but until, now Zoom away.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Ellman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 I rise to honor -- honor Senator McGuire, who, in my view, has met challenges with humility, curiosity, and joy; has led with a generosity of spirit; and has informed us and educated us all with -- by shining a light on heart, humanity, and dignity. And I will miss him in this Chamber. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, and most importantly to my colleague and more importantly my friend, Pat McGuire. Senator McGuire, this Chamber already feels differently for your absence. There are people in this business who exert influence in different ways. Some do it by getting up and speaking loudly. Some do it by mastering the political side and using that to come to bear on the forces of the public policy side. And then there are a select few who, through their sheer genuineness and kindness, move people, move votes, and move issues. Senator McGuire is just one of those types of public servants. Because he is such a gentleman, because he is such a class act, because he is the kind of legislator that everyone back home would like all legislators to be, for those reasons, he will be sorely missed in this Senate Chamber. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Well, how do we best honor our colleague and our friend, Senator McGuire? I think by modeling our legislative service after what I have seen him do. I don't think Senator McGuire came specifically to the Senate to excavate some of the problems that I worked on him with {sic}, which was DCFS. But he identified a problem, he did the fieldwork, he did the reading, he became invested and committed, and has begun to move mountains in that area. We should all use our office for the same thing. Don't come to the Senate Floor thinking you have only one niche to fill. Look for the gap, look for the problem, and build yourself around it. Senator McGuire is a man of words. He sent me in a letter that - and I reserved these words because I knew the day would come when we would say goodbye - from Saint Cyprian of Carthage: reserve in words, justice in deeds, mercy in works, discipline in behavior. Words I think we should remember and that I try to model here. And I thank Senator McGuire for being my colleague and for continuing to be my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Pat McGuire, there are so many words to describe you. I -- 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 I -- I'm going to miss you dearly. You have been such a strong supporter of me as well as my initiatives, and particularly your genuine concern for the Black community - in general, but in your -- in your community and in your district as well. Whenever DCFS had some issues and it affected Black children, I saw you moved emotionally, and I knew you were a genuine person because of your concern and the way you spoke up and you felt for the rights of those families. And I really, really appreciate it, Senator McGuire, and I'm truly, truly going to miss you. I certainly hope that we can stay in touch with one another. And enjoy your retirement. I know you're not going to retire, because you're -- you're not the kind of person that's going to go home and sit in a rocking chair. But I know you'll be involved in other activities, because I know your wife will not have you running around all over the place and not do nothing. She's probably going to have you fixing the roof and all that other stuff. But, anyway, thank you. God bless you and good luck in whatever you do. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Pat, I -- I am absolutely proud to call you one of my best friends down here. I'm going to miss you dearly. I'm going to miss your -- well, you don't have to stop calling, but… I'd get these random phone calls from McGuire and he's like, you know, 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 "Did you read this report?" I'm like, "No, no, Pat, I didn't read it." He's like, "Well, you got to read the footnote." And he would've read the actual footnote to the report and then pulled up ten other reports based on the footnote. You are absolutely one of the finest legislators who's taken the time necessary to study your craft, understand your craft, study your subjects in front of you. Leading the Higher Education working group as -- as our leader, you were absolutely phenomenal. And we've had disagreements, we've had anger, but mainly we've had success for the -- the college kids of Illinois. And the -- the year and a half or two years that I spent with you in all those hearings all over the State - all over the State, every financial aid director, every president, every college recruiting office - it was a great, great time to spend with you. I know you're making the right decision for -- for your wife and for your family. I know that's been on your heart for some time now, so I -- I -- I bless you to go in -- in peace and prosperity, and -- and enjoy these years with your wife. But, man, I'll -- I'll miss you down here, I really will, and feel free to call me anytime you want, buddy. And Godspeed, Pat. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Gillespie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? To the resolution.
Senator McGuire, my -- my first major encounter with you was when you took a group of freshmen to -- to a Joliet prison about a month after we were elected. And I remember that was my first encounter with you as a mentor, with you as someone who took up the causes of people in this State that most would forget about. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Your focus on prisons wasn't just about what they cost the State or about the facilities. It was about the men and women in the prisons, making sure they got good health care, working to have career and technical education so they had something to come out to prison for -- come out of prison for. You have served as a -- a mentor and a role model for the kind of legislator that I think we all aspire to be. Thank you so much. I've appreciated knowing you. I'm -- I'm looking forward to working with you on ethics going forward. And I wish you the best. Thank you again.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. -- Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Pat, you know, it's -- this is -- this is one of those moments where you're -- it's -- it's bittersweet, because, for -- for -- for me, for the last two years, I've had the honor and privilege of serving as your suitemate. So I got a chance to see a little peek behind the curtain, to see how you go about your -- your business as a legislator and legislating and the -- the -- the -- the deep care and empathy that you have for people, the people that you serve and the people that you represent. I -- I'm going to miss our -- our -- our conversations about issues of import in your district and my district, but also about issues of import across this State, watching you do the work that you do and go about serving the people that you do. It has been an honor and privilege and a joy to serve with you. I'm certainly going to 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 miss you, but I'm -- again, I'm also going to miss those -- those -- those calls on the phone where we -- we would just have a -- those -- those moments to share a quick story, a -- a poignant quote, just a moment of friends. So, enjoy your retirement, my friend. You have -- you have certainly earned it. And it is something that -- you will -- this -- this Body, this institution, is lesser for you having left it. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCLURE: To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. SENATOR McCLURE: I've got to say, Pat, one of the great things that I've been able to do in the last two years is -- is to be the Minority Spokesperson on the Higher Education Committee. And we have had multiple instances where there were bills that were going to pass, no problem, but because myself or a member of our caucus raised an issue, you held the bill and the bill was corrected. And because of that, people of all parties in this State owe you a debt of gratitude, because you -- you focused on making good legislation, and it didn't matter where it came from and it didn't matter what power you had, you -- you did what was right. And we agreed -- we disagreed a few times, but those were very rare instances. And - - and it's been an honor to call you my friend. I'm going to -- hopefully, you'll still send some of those very lengthy handwritten letters. Senator Rose talked about you reading the footnotes. I think you've got the greatest attention span of any human being 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 I've ever met in my life. And like Senator Gillespie, I enjoyed our trip to Stateville. And if you ever want to just call, please do, to talk about turnarounds. I know that's not been solved yet, but I'm happy to do whatever I can to get that issue solved and I thank you for bringing that to my attention. And I look forward to seeing you sometime soon, hopefully. And just thanks for all your service. The people of Illinois owe you a debt of gratitude.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The resolution.
Senator McGuire, I -- I wish we could do this in person and -- and you would feel all of the emotion and love and support that you have here in this room - or, as some might say, there's a lot of cars, and I know you'll know what that means. But I can tell you what a pleasure it was to get to know you, to walk into this Chamber, which can be an intimidating Chamber, but to find a friendly face in the back of the room, to realize that I went to high school with one of your sisters, and -- and that created a bond. You served as a mentor, as a friend. There was nothing better than at the end of a hard day to have one of those long handwritten notes that you send or you mailed them even to the district office. I mean, that is an art that we will miss here that few people do anymore. And, Senator, you often used to say, "I'm not on the varsity", but little did you know, you were really the captain. Godspeed, my friend. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Belt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Senator McGuire, thank you for the talks, the telephone calls. Thank you for the guidance on issues that I didn't see. Thank you for the nudging in the right direction. Thank you for coming into this Chamber always with a warm and inviting smile. We understand that on the other side of being elected officials, we are human. And -- and when -- we have our own lives, but whenever we came -- whenever I came in here, you were the same. You never changed. And I -- I -- I really appreciate you. Thank you for the book. I am halfway through it. I'm halfway through it. I think it's about a thousand pages, but I'm halfway through it. And once I finish, I will reach out to you and -- and -- and tell you -- share what I thought of the book. Enjoy your retirement. Enjoy your retirement and just continue to be you. God bless you and have a good one.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
…resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To -- to the resolution.
Pat, I just wanted to just stand up and just thank you for 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 your leadership in this Chamber. You step into spaces that many of us are too wounded to step in. I remember when you were trying to get me to come and see the prisons. You said, "You got to see this." And I just couldn't go, because I -- the pain that I carry in my heart from day to day seeing it on the street, the last thing I wanted to do was go and see it collectively in one place. So I didn't go. But, you know what, that didn't stop you from going. You -- you still went. You still carried the torch. And, you know, even when it came to the Malcolm X College not being able to get their nursing students into a four-year program, they could not get a connection with another university to get a four-year program working, and even though President Sanders -- he worked hard for years trying to get that done, and some of us also worked with him, but it was -- but it was when you stepped in as the -- as the Chairperson over the -- the Higher Education Committee that things started rolling. And now, for the first time in history, Malcolm X College nursing students are now on -- at the very brink of signing the last documents to be connected with Rush University, University of Illinois, all these different universities in order to be able to walk into a four-year program when they finish the first two years at Malcolm X. That's because of you. And I know that what -- me by myself could've never done it. Sometimes it takes somebody else to step in and begin to say, "What they're saying is true. And we have to make it work." So, you know what, there's a scripture in the Bible that says, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples", and that is that you show love one to the other. So I want to thank you for the love you've shown throughout your tenure here in this Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Pat McGuire, you're busted. I remember -- this is -- in a movie, this would be where two pair paramours would find out that they're both receiving correspondence from the same -- the same friend. I remember when -- the first time I would -- started getting handwritten letters, your distinctive blue handwriting, and -- at my home and thinking, wow, he's taking the time to write to me. And that's not frivolous gossip or any -- it was usually articles, things I should read for committee as just a -- a regular member of your Higher Education Committee. And I remember thinking how -- how special that made me feel, until I was sitting in committee and looked over at another one of my colleagues and saw a very familiar-looking envelope with your handwriting as well. Now, of course, we hear how many letters you've been sending throughout the -- the -- the building. And I won't say I don't feel as special, but instead I marvel at your energy to keep this many people in mind, to think about which articles or which thoughts or bill ideas you want to send. It's really, truly impressive. And just for a little bit I thought, well, that's okay, I'm probably the only one he sent a book to, but then I just heard from Chris Belt. So I know that -- that isn't an exclusive list either. Look, here's the truth, there was a time in this building when I worried very much about the future of higher education. We were in our second year of our budget impasse. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Quite frankly, it was clear there was no plan to get us out of it. And, you know, as a non-elected citizen, I remember all these -- reading things in the paper and going, well, I don't quite understand what's happening, but it's -- you know, there's clearly a plan here. Those of you that were here during those years know that wasn't really the case. We had a Governor and Legislative Leaders that were not willing to sit down and try to figure this out. Enter Pat McGuire. Pat McGuire puts together the Higher Education working group. It's bipartisan. It's bicameral. He sits these people in the room, people from Chapin Rose to the far left, Members of -- of both -- of both houses, and says, "We can agree on certain points here." We created the AIM HIGH scholarships to keep some of our highest-achieving students here in the State of Illinois. And while we couldn't change the entire situation of the budget, we could make sure that things like MAP grants and other -- other important elements of that budget were preserved going forward. We also brought in experts from around the country, and I'll never forget a day when we had, through I'm sure it was a teleconference, one of the experts on higher education. We basically said, "Hey, who do we need to steal from?" "Who is the gold standard of higher education in this country?" And the expert said, without a -- "Without a doubt, it's the State of Illinois in the 1990s." So that gave us a -- a starting point to try to figure out, "Okay, well, we had that. We've lost some of our momentum. How do we get it back?" But those conversations wouldn't have been had if you didn't have someone who was respected on both sides of the aisle, who was thoughtful enough to say, "Let's put the politics aside. It's not about who wins the next election. It's about the next generation of this State and how 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 we're going to make sure we invest in them." And that's Pat McGuire. So, Pat, I've said it to you before, in a building lousy with politicians, you are a statesman, and you remain a statesman. And I appreciate everything you've done for the communities of Will County, for higher education, and the people of the State of Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCONCHIE: To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Pat, I am so sorry to not be able to tell you this in person. You know, you I count as a friend. Of all the Members of -- of the Legislature that I've served with over the last few years, I have not learned more from any individual Member than you. You have -- you brought me so much up to speed so quickly, both on higher ed and on situations that went -- go on in our prisons. I look forward to being able, after this pandemic, to connect with you directly and bring you a large container of feta cheese that I know that you love and we'll share it. Love you, brother.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. To the -- to the motion, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Thank you. Again, Senator McGuire, you and I share a district in the Will County area and we've -- often are at events together. I can tell everybody in the Senate that there is no one more well respected as an elected official than Senator Pat McGuire in Will County. Even though he is my friend across the aisle, as I like to say, he does not let politics get in the way of his decisions. He is a policy wonk - and that's what I love about him. He's thoughtful and he is smart. And I often talk about his success with my colleagues Senator Rose, Senator Bennett, who worked on the higher ed reform bill several years ago, as probably one of the most substantial pieces of reform legislation that has passed in the Senate, and that's because of Senator McGuire's leadership. You will be missed as a Senator. You will be missed as a friend. And we wish you well, and we hope that we can use your expertise in many of the areas, especially higher ed. We hope that you come back and -- and help us with many of the challenges that we do have. And, again, we wish you well. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Our final speaker is Senator Anderson. For what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Senator McGuire, just to echo some of the sentiments that have been said. You, sir, are a true statesman. You are a true friend. And as my colleague just mentioned, when there was - especially coming in as a new Member - when there was something 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 that needed to be understood in a committee we shared or here on the Floor, you were always willing to explain it the way that -- that you knew how, that -- that nobody else could, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your friendship. And I cannot tell you how much I appreciated, no matter what the situation was, you always had a smile on your face. And thank you for your service here and thank you for being a good friend, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon now moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 1610. All those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The gentleman from Joliet, Senator Pat McGuire, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McGUIRE: To give thanks. It's been a privilege to represent the residents of the 43rd District for almost nine years, and that's been due -- my opportunity to serve has been due to the love and support of the most important voter in the 43rd District, my wife Lora. And in a few months we will celebrate being married for forty -- forty-four. Thank you for all those kind words spoken by my friends and colleagues today. Thank you for the kindnesses that -- that each of you -- all of you have bestowed on me over the last eight and eleven, twelve -- years. I want to say to you simply, but fullheartedly - not foolheartedly - thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Next, we will move to Senate Resolution 1603. Leader McConchie seeks leave of the Body to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate adoption of Senate Resolution 1603. All those 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 in favor will say Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Leader McConchie, on your resolution. I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1603, offered by Senator McConchie. (Secretary reads SR No. 1603)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Leader McConchie, on your resolution. He's going -- Leader McConchie is going to pass to now. Senator -- for now. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Wow, this is -- so I've known Dale since 2001 - actually before that, since you ran for the House in 1997, representing what was then my hometown of Charleston. And -- yeah, so for those of you who don't know, Dale actually, in his first campaign, had his car firebombed. And I'll never forget coming home and watching WCIA News and -- and there's a picture of this minivan that had been completely blown up. And here's a disheveled Dale Righter saying, "I can't believe they'd do this. This is my wife's car." Yeah, Dale, you have been an amazing individual, an amazing leader for Central Illinois, for all of Illinois. I got to say this, folks, if you don't know -- if you don't know Dale's dad Ken and his stepmom Rita, then you don't know Dale. Ken Righter is quite possibly one of the finest human beings I've ever met in my life. And after Dale's mom passed away, I don't know how he got so lucky to -- to meet Rita, but she is an amazing pair and complement in the second part of Dale's life to both Ken and -- and to Dale. And I know, Dale, I never got to meet your mom, but I know your mom would be looking today at you 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 proud as heck. I know your dad looks at you proud as heck. But here's the best part, Dale's taken those same values, those same principles that Ken and Rita and his mom instilled in him, and he put 'em in his voice. And, I mean, the boys were -- jeez, when I first met you, they were probably one or two, maybe not even born at that point. When I got into politics, they were junior high - - elementary school and junior high. Dale Righter taught me the best lesson that anyone can teach anybody. For a long time, I was a whirling dervish around here. I was rushing off to this and that, always going to this meeting, always going to that county, and then I watched Dale Righter, who would leave here every day and go home and coach his kids' cross-country team. That's what's important. That's what's important. What we do here matters and what we do here is important, but the most important thing we do is teach our kids to be better people. And I've watched Dale lead our caucus. I've watched Dale lead this State for two decades. But the most important thing I've ever done is watched Dale lead his kids into the fine young men they are today. So, Dale, I know -- I'm not -- this seems silly that I'm tearing up here, but -- I mean, you're going to be here tomorrow and I'm going to be your boss - that's going to be hilarious. But, again, to all, if you haven't seen these pictures I brought here today, come by. There's some on your side of the aisle too from the old days. It's been a -- a fun walk down memory lane. But, Dale, I -- I -- I can't tell you how much I've learned from you, how much I respect you. Heck, even last night, here you were fighting for my hometown of Charleston, Illinois, to pass one last bill on behalf of your constituents. So you've always looked out for the people you represent. There's no doubt about that. But, man, you have always 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 looked out for your boys. And Ken, Rita, your mom, they'd be enormously proud of you. And I'm enormously proud of you too. Thank you, Dale. Thanks, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) …resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Where do I start? I've known Dale since I first decided to start running for office. Dale has been a true friend, a true ally. And one way you can measure success -- although every one of us in this room, whether you're on that side of the aisle or this side of the aisle, everybody has a story about how they can appreciate Dale Righter, but I think one way you can measure success, Senator Righter, is how excited that side of the aisle is that you're leaving - not on a personal level, but from a policy level. Senator Righter has an ability that you can't learn; you're just -- you're born with. And a lot of people can learn to be good debaters. Senator Righter has an uncanny ability to debate, in my opinion, the proper way, and that is using the Socratic method of logic and reason and not pulling in too much emotion, but just enough emotion to where you can understand where he's coming from, followed with that logic and reason. And it is something that we lack, I think, in government as a whole. It's something that -- that I hope someday that I can pick up just a little bit of how he has been able to do that, be so succinct in his arguments and rock solid on -- on the logical aspect of it. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Senator Righter, I cannot thank you enough for your guidance that you've given me since I came into this Body. I cannot thank you for the multiple times that, whether it was personal or policy or whatever else it was, any time of day I could call you and you would answer, and you're that friend that would -- that would have that conversation no matter what. You're going to sorely be missed from our caucus for not only your -- your abilities, but as a friend. So, thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Brian Cassella from the Chicago Tribune seeks leave to take photographs. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
So, soon after I got to the Senate, I was thrown into the task of negotiating a Medicaid reform bill, and I had to do so, I was told, with Senator Righter on the other side. I just didn't know at the time just how foundational that was going to be for me and my experience here in the Senate. I learned a ton from Senator Righter on how to really listen and understand the issues from every perspective, on how to negotiate openly and in really good faith to try to get to a better outcome and how that really does lead to better outcomes. And, you know, while our districts could not possibly more -- be more different and on our personal views could not possibly be more different on so many issues, he's on the top of my list of people here that I -- of my colleagues that 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 I just respect and trust and consider a true friend in my time here in the Senate. And I'm truly going to miss you and think that it's really a statement to your love of the institution -- and I think Leader McConchie must have some very good skills in his own negotiating -- negotiations to get you back here. Glad you're still going to be here and that I can continue to work with you in a different way. And really, truly, thank you for your friendship, Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. To the resolution, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Thank you. I -- I, too, stand, you know, and we're going to be sorry to see Senator Righter go. Honestly, I think this was a first on the Senate Floor that I've ever seen Chapin Rose cry and Dale Righter speechless. I think that's a first. But we do thank you for what you've given all of us on the Floor. As many of my colleagues have already said, you are available when we -- you know, when we come in and we're new and we have questions. Your knowledge for policy and the understanding is unparalleled with anyone else here. I do have to say, even though we battle on many topics here on the Senate Floor, what may be missed is this team that Senator Steans alluded to, of Senator Steans and the group that negotiate Medicaid and the -- and health care, the health care issues and the nursing home issues. Most people don't understand that they have worked together for years and really 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 have worked together for the betterment of the programs and got us as much funding as possible and coverage as possible. So that's because of your leadership, Dale. You're incredibly articulate. Your debates are fun to watch, I have to say. They're lengthy. We know on this side, when Senator Righter stands up to debate my friend on the other side, that sometimes we can go back to our office, do a little work, maybe eat dinner, come back, take a break, and they're still at it. Right? We know that the debate goes on for quite a while. But any bill that comes before us, Senator Righter can dive down to the issues as quick as anyone and formulate an argument at the drop of a hat. That's not easy, and he makes it look easy - that's not easy to do. We all struggle up here, as you know, when we're trying to talk about bills, especially when we have them coming at us so quickly. He can dive deep into those issues, and that's a true talent. But like my colleagues did say as well, and if you've had the chance to talk to Senator Righter, I mean, his heart's with his kids. Right? Growing up, we've all heard the stories. We've watched 'em through the Air Force Academy. We've watched them on their journey and where they're at now. And Dale would always go home and coach his kids. That's what it's about. And, again, you're going to be missed. I know you're still going to be here in a different capacity, but we -- we certainly are going to miss the lively debates that we see on the -- have seen on the Floor for all of these years. So, thank you for your service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Manar, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
I would have a request of you, Mr. President, if I didn't knew -- know right away that it was out of order before I asked it. But I would, in true fashion of Senator Righter, ask for a fiscal note for what it cost to produce that resolution, because it was so lengthy. But, in all seriousness, Dale, I appreciate what you have brought to this institution that I have seen over the years, even before I was a Member of this Body and when I was on the staff. You know, I don't think there was -- I don't think there was a single bill I brought to the Floor that you didn't ask me a question on, and I'm serious. I -- maybe the exception was -- was one, but -- I say that half-joking, but on a more serious nature, it trained me to think about preparing for you, which, by extension, made legislation that came before the Body for a final vote better in so many circumstances. And when you brush away the partisan politics that undoubtedly shows its face on this Senate Floor because that's the nature of what we do, when you brush away all those things, what -- what I just described, your presence here, your ability to get into granular detail and weave in broad sweeping arguments at the same time, is as much about making a point as it is about making what we're doing better. And you have left your fingerprints on so many things. I have a lot of respect for you. I respect your intellect. I respect your ability to talk to Members on this side of the aisle, both publicly and privately, which doesn't happen enough. And I appreciate so much the chance that I have had to serve with you as a Member. So I wish you very much luck and thank you for your service. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) …resolution.
And I'll be -- I'll be brief. Since President Cullerton is not here today -- we always remember every time -- oh, there he is, President Cullerton, you know, you used to always talk about there's different ways to leave the Senate. You can retire, or you can die, or you can be defeated. I guess, these days you can also be indicted. But a -- a fifth option -- a fifth option is you can leave the Senate without leaving the Senate. And, obviously, that's what is happening here today with -- with Senator Righter. Right now, he sits next to me and -- but tomorrow he'll just be standing behind us. So, as -- as was said earlier, you know, we're losing a Floor leader, someone that's really impacted this -- our -- our caucus, and as Senator Manar said so well, I think that through the discussions and through the debates, he has really forced us to do a better job of doing our homework. And so, for that, we are certainly grateful for. So, Dale, it's not so much as saying goodbye as it is we'll see you tomorrow.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
Dale Righter, you and I have fought in the Human Services Committee as well as Public Health for eighteen years, and I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I -- I'm just so torn. I am really going to miss you, Dale Righter. But I -- I just hope that you learned a lot from me, as I've learned from you. And there was nothing personal between the two of us, and matter of fact, after you told me off so many times and I told you off so many times, we were able to shake hands and move on. Sometimes you supported my bills and -- but I believe I supported your bills more than you supported my bills. Okay? But, rest assured that I'm sure that Senator Syverson is going to step in your place, and I look forward to working with you. I'm going to miss you, Dale, but I know that you're -- you're still going to be around. And I look forward to working with you so we can get the job done. Okay? Thank you very much. Godspeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the -- to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, this morning, as I was getting ready for bed around 7 a.m., I was, as we do, gathering our thoughts for what we might be doing two hours from then, including honoring a few of our Members this morning or afternoon. What a week. I think it's Wednesday. I -- I was thinking about -- I was trying to recall the first time I met Dale Righter and I 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 -- I think it was in the mid-2000s over in Champaign. Dale was a younger legislator at the time - no offense, Dale. But over the years, you know, I -- I think what's -- what's clear is that Dale's developed a -- a reputation that's well known not only in this institution, but around the -- around the State or -- you know, and certainly in kind of the East Central Illinois area. He's a hardworking man. He's very policy driven. He's a quick study on legislation. He's a dedicated father. All of us who know Dale know about his two boys for whom he's so very proud and talks about constantly. The recent addition to his family of a granddaughter certainly seems to have brought some new joy to Dale's life, and it's been a pleasure to see that. But I think the thing that strikes me most about Dale and about his retirement from the Senate is that he has been -- I think in my entire duration as a Member of the Illinois Senate, Dale has really been our caucus's voice, and that is true both on the Floor here -- here and inside our caucus. He is a -- he is clearly a leader and a communicator who could influence the -- our caucus decisions and discussions and he could come to the Floor and communicate on our behalf in a way that put me at awe. He became our voice, and for that, I think Dale will be most missed as a Member of this Body. I think what's always struck me as -- the thing that's most impressive about Dale is not only that he could take these incredibly difficult issues and long and complex pieces of legislation and break them down into ways that made sense and oftentimes made you think twice about the perspective that you might bring to the -- to the bill. And he would communicate his -- his voice would be articulated in a way -- and this is what's incredibly important given the -- the state of the world that we live in today - Dale could take a 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 message and deliver it with poise and grace and the balance that is necessary to oftentimes strike contrast with a proposal but do it in a way that was not personal or argumentative and was focused on the distinct policy differences and choices that might be before the Body. That is an art, and it is an art that I think Dale has simply perfected. So, Dale, I -- you know, we've all joked about Dale continuing to stick around, and that's incredibly important for the Body, I think for our caucus, and for me personally. Dale you have been a friend and a mentor to me, and for that, I am -- I am greatly appreciative. And I think for your career here in public service and for your service on behalf of your constituents, they can be proud. You have been -- you have been an independent voice. You have been a statesman. And for the people of Mattoon and the many communities for which you have represented, they should be proud of the service of my friend Senator Dale Righter. Congratulations, Dale.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
…resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
So the comment's already been made by Senator Anderson and Senator Manar that you changed the game a little bit in terms of Floor debate, Senator Righter, and that is absolutely true. I will tell you, the image of you -- the mental image of you questioning the next day has taken me back to the office some nights to think about what I would be asked during the debates. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Made you study a little more, made you understand your bill a little bit more and try to anticipate the questions. But I will tell you, I don't think I ever anticipate every question you would ask. What I did learn - and I can say it now because it's your last day - is your tell. So what I finally learned toward the end is, if you can make him laugh, he'll reward you by turning off his light. That was usually what I found out. So he may raise the level of debate; there were times, just to get away, I -- I lowered it, to be fair. But I got a cheap laugh in that and we all survived another day. But the fact is this: We talked a little bit earlier about the impasse when I was talking about a previous Senator's resignation, but when I first came in, I represented, and I continue to represent, the University of Illinois and Senator Righter has a near neighboring district, representing Eastern Illinois University. Now I came in the same day that Governor Rauner came in and, of course, the troubles that followed in the next couple years, and I didn't come up in politics like some of you. I came right from the State's Attorney's Office into the Senate. And I saw things, perhaps naively, in black and white, and I thought, well, he represents a university, I represent a university, we're going to be on the same page on all these things - and we weren't. And I didn't react well to that. I didn't understand and -- and -- and tried to find ways to -- to change his mind on those things, because obviously I must be right, which means anybody that disagrees must be wrong. But, as I got to know Dale Righter, I -- I learned some things. And, in part, I learned that you don't always have to agree with someone, that there's not always one way to do something good, and that everybody has something in this building that they can teach you. I learned a 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 lot from Senator Righter. I have tremendous respect for Senator Righter. And, look, we all talk about tough votes, perhaps we've all taken tough votes - some in the last twelve hours - but -- but there's a special kind of toughness when you can be the lone person in your caucus to stand up on a tough vote. I saw Senator Righter do that. I saw Senator Righter help end the impasse, save the universities of this State, not just his own. But I came away with a respect, frankly, I think that's been unmatched -- or that -- or of anyone in the building. I've met some impressive people. So I have tremendous respect for you, Senator Righter. I'm so happy you are going to remain, in your new position. I look forward to you teaching - we got a lot of new faces - teaching a lot of new people some -- some things about policy and about being a statesman. Look forward to you mentoring some of the new people on your side of the aisle. And I also look forward to you punishing Senator Rose for his comment about being your boss in the days to come. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCLURE: To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. SENATOR McCLURE: So when I first got into this office in early 2019, when pretty much everybody in this building thought that I was a lost high school intern - still do, yeah, I know - I have to say that early on Senator Righter encouraged me to speak on a couple of bills - at the very last minute, I have to say - and just with 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 body language. That's how convincing he can be. He doesn't need -- need to say anything. Just looked at me like this. And, you know, that's important to do obviously, but, you know, as we're now at the end of Senator Righter's term in the Senate -- I mean, you're totally irreplaceable. No one is ever going to be able to speak on this Floor, from either side in my view -- that I've ever seen. I've seen a lot of lawyers in my life. I've seen a lot of people in politics. I have never seen the abilities that you have, with very little information to go full blast and discover small things in bills that no one else had -- had even thought about. I mean, you've changed votes just with a few words, which is incredible. And -- and, again, the State of Illinois owes you a debt of gratitude. I thank you for the tips that you've given me. I hope that we can -- I can receive a lot more tips from you. But, you know, you do everyone a great service and -- and I just thank you. And I'm -- I'm proud to call you my friend, Dale. And, you know, it's -- it's a tremendous loss for this Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McGUIRE: To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. SENATOR McGUIRE: Senator Righter, as has been noted by many of the previous speakers, you have made us work harder, prepare better, think deeper. You've become part of our conscience. That's a rare and profound gift that you -- you have given to our State government, and you've done that by utilizing your God-given gifts every day, 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 every moment you have been on the Floor. In hockey terms, Dale, you never take a shift off. Again, I believe you've entered the conscience of everyone with whom, I'm proud to say, we have served. And I -- you will continue to have that effect, to use the opportunity to serve the people of Illinois to maximum positive effect. I'm proud to call you my friend. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Peters, for what purpose do you seek recognition? To the resolution.
Senator, walk me down this path. I -- I understand that you might be leaving that chair, but you're not necessarily leaving the Body. Is that correct? I -- I just want to say, in the short time I've been here, I remember when I first got on this mic, I was scared as hell, and then you got up there and you made me even more scared. And so I just want to say thank you for being an amazing debater. I'm going to miss, you know, having you grill me on every little detail and little line in whatever bill I do, but I know that you'll be here for you to grill me somewhere else on the Floor. So congratulations on retiring. And even though you might be walking down a different path now, I'm going to be -- I clearly did not know what I was going to say after that. But, congratulations and -- I'm done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Leader Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To speak to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise to not only congratulate Senator Righter for having a successful career here and leaving in the style that he is, but I wanted to share a little story with you. So, Dale Righter, I had no idea that we would become colleagues and friends. Dale and I ended up on the Assignments Committee together, I don't know, some years ago. And he walked into Assignments, and Senate Majority Leader Clayborne's assistant, her name was Sunshine. So Dale walks in and Clayborne says, "Dale, Sunshine", and Dale says, "Sunshine?" Clayborne says, "Yeah, this is Sunshine". He said, "Okay, like that's her name? Sunshine?" And then, she says, "Yes. Nice to meet you." He said, "But her -- her name is Sunshine?" You know how he does that. "Her name is Sunshine?" So I referred him to the movie Harlem Nights and I told him of the story of Sunshine. So if you haven't seen the movie, you should. And so we got the best laugh out of that and we'd be able to call each other "sunshine". That's our new -- new nickname for one another and we developed a friendship around that. Dale, I have to tell you, because of you, I gave some of the best Floor speeches of my life, because you always said something that would boil my pressure. Even when I wasn't looking to speak, I wasn't prepared to speak, but it's always something that you would say that allowed me to feel like I needed to challenge the ultimate Dale Righter. So I want to thank you for allowing me to grow in my Floor debates. And then, finally, I'm looking forward to you remaining in this Body in the way that you would be. The Chief of Staff is a critical position that always supports and helps his caucus, and I'm looking forward to all of the intuitional knowledge that you have that you cannot 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 only share with your caucus, but also with ours. So it's good that you'll still be around, but I'm happy that you made it out of here all in one piece. And I wish you a happy retirement and I'll see you behind in another position. God bless you, Dale.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Senator Peters stole my joke. Senator Righter, you and I came into the Senate together after the 2002 election. And I can say, there is no one in this Body I have more enjoyed debating on the Floor than you. And some folks who watched us joust over the years might doubt that enjoyment, but I -- I enjoyed it and I believed that you enjoyed it. For me, it was the ability -- or the -- the opportunity to debate the best, someone who is smart and intellectually honest and who is going to put me through my paces but to do so in a collegial manner with the integrity of the institution at heart. I will also say, I don't think there's anyone on that side of the aisle with whom I have been able to more productively and quietly help the wheels of this place turn to make sure that our business gets done, while at the same time, everyone has a chance to raise their voice on behalf of their constituents and to do so in a way that is good for the Senate. So, Senator Righter, I, too, am thrilled that you are sticking around as Chief of Staff, and I do not for a moment discount the new tactical advantage I will have, since I will have a microphone 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 and you will not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Leader McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCONCHIE: To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Senator Righter, there's been a lot of really nice things said about you today, though I'm not sure you should believe quite all of those that have been stated. Now, for those of you that -- that may not be aware, you know, Senator Righter started off in the House and -- and wisely realized the error of his ways and -- and came and joined us over here in the Senate. But he has always been committed to his home district. You know, one of the ways that he has always sought to give back has been by being a high school cross-country coach. And for those of you that don't know, he doesn't just coach from the sidelines; he also actually is out there in those practices running with those kids, which is probably why he is so unhealthily skinny. You know, Senator Righter's brought that hands-on coaching really here to the Senate, helps -- helped many of us become better elected officials. I am one of those. I've asked staff for, you know, some kind of anecdotal kind of comments about kind of their observations of Senator Righter over the years, and probably the one that stood out to me most was comparing him to an air traffic controller doing the -- the voluminous use of his hands during debate while on the Floor. But I look forward to you continuing to work with us, sir, and I have it on good authority from folks 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 back in your neck of the woods that upon inauguration today, as you retire, you will definitely be the second most popular Senator from the 55th District, so…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Leader McConchie now moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 1603. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. For the last time at the mic, the gentleman from Mattoon, Senator Dale Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the resolution, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. My thanks to Leader McConchie for his sponsorship of the resolution and to my friends and colleagues for their many kind words. Many of you don't know Leader McConchie that well yet. As time goes on, you'll come to know him better and one of the things that you will come to learn about him is he is a detail man. Word has it that he carefully reviewed my resolution before it was allowed to be filed. Fortunately for me, he found most of what was in it to be true and allowed it to proceed. So, Leader, thank you very much for that. I have a confession to make - boy, there's nothing that quiets the Chamber than when you use that phrase - I -- over the eighteen years that I have been on the Senate Floor, I've risen to speak to the Members of this Chamber hundreds maybe over a thousand times - I don't know how many times - and I cannot remember the last time I felt any measure of anxiety until today and it was 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 because I was going to say goodbye. That is an enormous compliment to you and to the institution of the State Senate. It -- it is a uniquely special thing, it is a compelling blessing, to be selected to represent those around whom you were born and raised and have spent your adult life. For me, that is absolutely true and -- and not because in the -- in the elections that I've been fortunate enough to win, people have supported me - although that's been wonderful; and not because you get a title that, when you come to this building, people open doors for you and their super nice for you and they bring you coffee or food or whatever - although that's pretty nice too, right? It's not because we -- we work in what might be the most beautiful office building on the planet, although we do. It's been a compelling blessing because of my opportunity to serve for my people back home and with you all, each and every one of you, and the people who preceded you in these chairs. The opportunity to do so has taken a -- what used to be a pretty young guy from a small town in East Central Illinois, who really didn't know much, to a place now where, because of you, I'm able to see things differently from different points of view, from your points of view. That has broadened my mind and I hope made me a better person. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) For our final bit of business, Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you so much, Mr. President. I move that the Senate of the 101st General Assembly adjourn sine die.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 99th Legislative Day 1/13/2021 Senator Holmes moves that the Senate adjourn sine die. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the Senate of the 101st General Assembly stands adjourned sine die. 45