The Senate will come to order and the Members will be in their seats. Will the Members and their guests please rise for the Presentation of the Colors and remain standing for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance?
("The Star-Spangled Banner", sung by Sergeant Darren Brood)
The Color Guard that presented the Colors here this morning are the United States Marines Corps Color Guard, Company C of the 6th Engineering Battalion from Peoria, under the direction of Sergeant Michael Berg. And the National Anthem, as so ably sung, was sung by Sergeant Brood, who is a Marine Corps Sergeant from the 2nd Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion. And I want to thank the Sergeant for that. I'd now ask Senator Radogno to lead us with the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Radogno)
Will the Color Guard please post the Colors? Thanks to the Color Guard. Please remain standing for the invocation. It'll be given by Dr. Pat Pajak, who's the Senior Pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur. Dr. Pajak.
(Invocation by Dr. Patrick Pajak)
Thank you, Doctor, very much. We're now going to hear another rendition by Sergeant Brood, who's going to return to sing the national American classic, "God Bless the USA". Sergeant. I think you can be seated, if you'd like.
("God Bless the USA", sung by Sergeant Darren Brood) 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001
Sergeant, thank you very much. Sergeant Brood comes from the Headquarters Battalion, which is in South Carolina, and Pate flew him in because he's a Marine and he sings well. And we want you to know that's in that order, by the way, that you were chosen to be here today, Sergeant. You did a nice job. Thank you very much. We're delighted to have you. Before we start, I'd like to make some introductions and recognize some people. First, the First Lady of the State of Illinois, Lura Lynn. And you're going to hear from these fellows a little later on, but Supreme Court Justice Ben Miller is with us and Supreme Court Justice Bob Thomas is with us. We have a couple former presiding officers here today, and it's kind of -- one thing about having these kind of ceremonies, we get to see some of the fellows we haven't seen for a long time. We have -- oh, I see Judy just came in. The State Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka, is with us. Judy. Former Member of the Senate, I might add. The fellow that's, I think, the -- that -- that goes back the furthest that's with us this morning as a presiding officer, who's joined here today by his wife, and it's former Senate President Bill Harris and his wife, Jean, are with us. Bill, it's nice to have you with us today. Jeanne, too. And of course, we have the last President of the Senate that's here with us today, is Senator Phil Rock. We're glad to have you with us, Phil. The Auditor General is joining us here today. Auditor General Bill Holland's with us. Bill, thank you for being here. I know that Congressman -- we're joined today by Congressman Mark Kirk. I'm not sure where he is. He's over here. Congressman, thanks for being here. I saw Senator Durbin earlier, and said he was going to be here. I don't know that he made it in or not, but I know he was in town. I want to thank all of you folks for being here and taking the time to be a part of this process. Article IV, Section 6 of the United States Constitution -- or, in the 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Constitution of the State of Illinois reads, in part, as follows: On the first day in January -- the first day of the January session of the General Assembly in odd-numbered years ... the Governor shall convene the Senate to elect from its membership a President of the Senate as presiding officer. So the Senate will please come to order and we'll go on with this proceeding as we need to do. The media is granted permission to record these proceedings. And the following Senators are appointed to the Committee to Escort members of the Judiciary into the Chambers: Senator Wendell Jones, Senator Roskam, Senator Sullivan, Senator Clayborne, Senator Halvorson and Senator Viverito. Our -- where is our escort committee? Would you escort 'em in? Or, escort the escort committee in? Open the door and let 'em in. The Chair is honored to recognize, as I did earlier, members of the -- of the Judicial Branch that are in attendance today: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Ben Miller and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Bob Thomas, that are here with us today. I hereby appoint the following persons as temporary State officers of the 92nd General Assembly: Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate; and Tracey Sidles, as Sergeant-at-Arms. The Secretary will now read the Letter of Certification from the State Board of Elections of Senate Members elected in November, 2000, to the 92nd General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, please read the letter.
A Communication from the State Board of Elections, dated November 27th, 2000, to Jim Harry, Secretary of the Senate. Attached is a listing of the individuals elected to serve as members of the Illinois State Senate at the November 7th, 2000 General Election. The Board certified the results of the election at the November 27th, 2000 Board meeting. The newly elected Senators are: 3rd District, Margaret Smith, Chicago; 6th District, John Cullerton, Chicago; 9th District, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Carol Ronen, Chicago; 12th District, Robert S. Molaro, Chicago; 15th District, William "Bill" Shaw, Dolton; 18th District, Patrick J. O'Malley, Palos Park; 20th District, Peter J. Roskam, Wheaton; 21st District, Chris Lauzen, Aurora; 24th District, Christine I. Radogno, LaGrange; 27th District, Wendell E. Jones, Palatine; 28th District, Dave Sullivan, Park Ridge; 30th District, Terry Link, Vernon Hills; 33rd District, Steven J. Rauschenberger, Elgin; 36th District, Denny Jacobs, East Moline; 39th District, Dan Cronin, Elmhurst; 42nd District, Edward Petka, Plainfield; 45th District, Robert A. Madigan, Lincoln; 48th District, Laura Kent Donahue, Quincy; 51st District, N. Duane Noland, Blue Mound; 54th District, William L. O'Daniel, Mount Vernon; 57th District, James F. Clayborne, Jr., of Belleville; and 59th District, Larry D. Woolard, of Carterville. All two-year terms.
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Will Justice Bob Thomas of the Illinois Supreme Court please come to the rostrum to administer the oath of office to Members of the Illinois State Senate? And will the Senators-elect please rise and be sworn into office?
All right. If all the Senators that will be taking the oath raise your right hand and repeat after me: I - state your name - do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of State Senator to the best of my ability. Congratulations.
Thank you, Justice. Well, congratulations to all of you Members that were elected recently and for your swearing in today. Mr. Secretary, will you please call the roll of the Senators of the 92nd General Assembly?
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Bomke, Bowles, Burzynski, Clayborne, Cronin, Cullerton, DeLeo, del Valle, Demuzio, Dillard, Donahue, Dudycz, Geo-Karis, Halvorson, Hawkinson, Hendon, Jacobs, Emil Jones, Wendell Jones, Karpiel, Klemm, Lauzen, Lightford, Link, Luechtefeld, Lisa Madigan, Robert Madigan, Mahar, Maitland, Molaro, Munoz, Myers, Noland, Obama, O'Daniel, O'Malley, Parker, Peterson, Petka, Philip, Radogno, Rauschenberger, Ronen, Roskam, Shadid, Shaw, Sieben, Silverstein, Smith, Sullivan, Syverson, Trotter, Viverito, Lawrence Walsh, Thomas Walsh, Watson, Weaver, Welch and Woolard. There are fifty-eight Members present, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. A quorum is present. The next order of business is the election of the Senate President of the 92nd General Assembly. And in the opinion of the Chair, thirty affirmative votes are required to elect the President. And nominations are now open. Senator Robert Madigan is recognized for the purpose of placing a name in nomination.
Thank you, Governor Ryan. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, our families and guests, I've know Pate Philip for many years. Over the years, he's proven to be an excellent legislator for his district, an incomparable leader of this Body. Pate exemplifies what leadership is all about, Ladies and Gentlemen. A leader must be prepared to walk point ahead of the platoon. He's the one who leads the way through the difficult terrain and, undaunted, stays the right course. Today the people of Illinois have greater access to the legislative process than ever before. Illinois schools have more money than ever before. Since 1993, Illinois taxpayers have had a real friend in their corner who has held the line on taxes. And today, Illinois' business climate is one of job creation, instead of job elimination. Leadership is not an easy responsibility to hold. As President Reagan once said, "It's 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 hard, when you're up to your armpits in alligators, to remember you came here to drain the swamp." Pate Philip has been a leader of uncommon quality. And that is why, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, it is my honor and my pleasure to nominate James "Pate" Philip for President of the Illinois State Senate.
Senator Madigan places the name of Pate Philip into nomination. Senator Donahue is now recognized for the purpose of seconding the nomination. Senator Donahue.
Thank you, Mr. President. Governor, Mrs. Ryan, special guests, Members of the Senate, friends and family, I rise to second the nomination of James "Pate" Philip for the Senate President. This swearing-in ceremony marks the twentieth year that Senator Philip and I have served together in this grand and historic Chamber. Over the past two decades, Pate Philip has not only been my Senate colleague, but he's been a friend. Pate Philip's service as Senate Minority Leader and Senate President makes him the longest-serving leader in the history of the State of Illinois. Illinois' diversity requires steadfast leadership and the ability to find common solutions to uncommon problems. Only a man, or a woman, with the leadership capabilities of Pate Philip could have stayed the course these eight years as leader of this Chamber. I'm proud of the record we've established under Pate Philip's leadership and I look forward to what lies ahead. As we usher in this new General Assembly, we need a leader who will continue to lead this Senate as we face issues that require our undivided attention and our action. Pate Philip is the leader this Body needs. And I enthusiastically second his nomination for Senate President.
Senator Donahue seconds the nomination of Senator Philip for 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Senate President. Senator Roskam is now recognized for the purposes of a seconding nomination.
Thank you, Governor Ryan, fellow Senators, Ladies and Gentlemen who are guests today, and our distinguished guests and family. When I thought back on the privilege of offering this seconding speech today, I took a look at Senator Philip's resume, and I learned that he began his public service career in 1965 as the York Township Auditor. Now, I was four years old in 1965, and I think maybe that was the year that Senator Sullivan was born, if I'm not mistaken. And so, you've got to ask yourself, "What is the quality that lets someone consistently rise to a leadership position among their peers, a highly talented group of people, time and time and time again?" And the quality that I've observed and the quality that I admire most in Pate Philip is his desire to do the right thing. And time again in our caucus, and I know all over the State of Illinois, when push comes to shove, he will sit back in his Chair and he'll say, "Let's do the right thing." Now, some of us love him, some people like him, but everybody respects Senator Pate Philip. And so it's a great honor for me today, as one of the new Members of the Senate, to stand and second the nomination of James "Pate" Philip as the Senate President. Thank you.
Senator Roskam seconds the nomination of Senator Philip for Senate President. For the purpose of a -- placing a name in nomination, the Chair recognizes Senator Demuzio.
Governor Ryan, First Lady Lura Lynn, our Justices, our constitutional officers that are here with us today. Governor, I'd like to start on a personal point this morning, if I might. I'd like to begin by saying that our hearts go out to the Senator 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 John Maitland family, that we miss our friend and our colleague and our prayers are with him, and we wish for him a speedy recovery and a return to us in this -- in this Chamber that he loved. And so, John, we miss you today. We love you. Hurry back to us. Governor, this is another truly historic day for you. Probably don't recognize it or realize it, but it is. As I pointed out last year, in your previous appearance here in the Senate, that you had served, in your past, as the State Representative in the Illinois House, Speaker of the House, presiding officer in that Chamber, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and now Governor. And as you have stated in -- in -- earlier, you are here today because the Illinois Constitution, Article IV, Section 6 states that the Governor shall convene the Senate to elect from its membership a President of the Senate and serve as its presiding officer. So today, I would seek to journalize your participation in this event for future historians of Illinois government, that you are, perhaps, the only Governor and/or the only person who has been both the presiding officer in both the House and the Senate. And we in this Chamber salute you for these accomplishments. Congratulations on that.
Thank you very much, Senator.
And don't forget that ruling that twenty-seven is greater than thirty.
Just remember, you're supposed to be making a nomination.
You know, Governor, as -- as I stand here - and I have been here for a long period of time myself - as I stand here in this truly magnificent, ornate Chamber of the Senate, those of us who are here are able to view our past presiding officers through 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 their portraits that adorn our walls behind you: Senator -- I can't see him, but Senator Russell Arrington, on my far right; Senator Bill Harris; Senator Cecil Partee, whom I also cannot see his portrait; Senator Tom Hynes; and Senator Phil Rock. And it's amazing - but we thank them for being here, at least three of them - it's amazing that their portraits still resemble them, isn't it? And I think also Pate Philip. I think I neglected to mention Pate, but also Pate is -- portrait is in the rear of the Chamber as well. And he looks a -- smiling and so handsome over there; it's hard to believe he's still with us. You know, every Member of this Senate, every Member of this Senate that's in here today, each of us are highly respected, we're knowledgeable, we're experienced, and each of us in this Chamber have the ability and the integrity to lead this Body. Each one of us that are in this Chamber strive to make Illinois government more responsive to our citizens and to implement government policies that are for the public good. And each of us come from diverse districts - rural, cities, suburbs - and we come here with different ideas and concerns from our constituents. So today we need a leader who must respond to all of these different, diverse concerns and give us confidence in our direction. And therefore, in our judgment, we need a person who is tested, committed, a person of vision and integrity and trust, a person with the ability to make government responsive to our needs and our concerns, a person who believes that government exists to inspire and to enhance the quality of life for all of the citizens of Illinois. Each one of us, as Members of this Body, has taken great personal strides to have the honor of being elected as Members of the Illinois Senate, and without a doubt, each of us in this Chamber possess the qualities to lead. However, some are extraordinarily qualified to be President of the Senate, and we believe that the best individual to address the challenges that we face in the 21st century is 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Senator Emil Jones, that during his twenty-nine years in the General Assembly - and, Senator Roskam, I was only three when he first came here - he has distinguished himself from an array of distinguished leaders. Since 1993, Senator Jones has served as the Democratic Leader here in the Senate, and frankly, he has proven himself time and time again to be among the most capable and accomplished lawmakers in Illinois. Senator Jones will support legislation that will increase education funding and ensure funding fairness for all of the children of this State regardless of where they're from -- Chicago or Addison or Carlinville. And he will support legislative initiatives that ensure all the children of Illinois have access to health care. And he will lead the way toward an Illinois program to reduce the prescription drug burden on our State's elderly. And he will work for an expanded earned income tax credit for the working poor and support measures to ensure that working families receive tax credits for child and -- elderly care and concern for the high cost of education. And he will support these efforts that make classrooms safe for learning. For these reasons, I am proud to place in name -- the name in nomination, the name of my dear friend and my seatmate, Senator Emil Jones, to be the President of the Illinois Senate. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Senator. Senator Demuzio nominates Senator Jones for President of the Senate. Senator Obama is recognized for the purpose of seconding the nomination.
Thank you very much. Governor Ryan, First Lady Ryan, Members of this 92nd General Assembly, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great privilege and honor to place into -- to second the nomination for the Office of Senate President, Senator Emil Jones, Jr., of Chicago. You know, we live in a time when I 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 think many of us are cynical about the political process. People read the newspapers and the scandal sheets and they watch television and look at what's going on in Washington. They have a tendency to feel that politics is a business and not a mission, that it's about power and not principle. And yet, every once in awhile I think we're reminded of the reason we're down here, that we're down here, in fact, to try to make the lives of our constituents, our children, our grandchildren, our parents and grandparents a little bit better than it was when we first got here. And I think that Senator Emil Jones has never forgotten that truth. He's always been about principle. He's always been about mission. He's not somebody who's forgotten where he -- he came from. He's somebody who understands that not everybody can make it on their own and that every once in awhile government needs to provide a helping hand to make sure that working families in this country have a fair shot. And so, part of the reason I'm so proud to second his nomination is the fact that, since I've been in service down here in the State Senate, I have never seen Senator Emil Jones waiver from his commitment to working families. On every issue that's been important to them, he's stood out. In 1998, Leader Jones was one of the first to call for a doubling of the personal exemption that was going to ensure tax justice for those people who need it the most. Two years ago, Leader Jones also negotiated thirty million dollars in the Illinois First program for economically depressed communities throughout Illinois. Leader Jones has gone to bat for senior citizens enrolled in circuit breaker programs, and he was one of the people who insisted that we make sure that those persons with limited incomes don't pay too much on the driver's license -- the license plate increases that we voted on. Leader Jones successfully negotiated the earned income tax credit, a seminal program that is going to help working families ensure that they can, in fact, have 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 the money that they need to support their children. Consistently, Leader Jones has been on the side of those people who need it the most. Leader Jones and the Senate Democrats have supported, sponsored, and passed vital legislation to ensure that Illinoisans reach their American dream, that our children and grandchildren have more opportunities than we did. His record is not just one of accomplishment, but more importantly, one of commitment to every family in every corner of the State. And that is why, today, I am proud and honored to second the nomination for the Office of Senate President, a gentleman of accomplishment, commitment, principle and mission, Senator Emil Jones, Jr.
Senator Obama has seconded the nomination of Senator Jones for President of the Senate. The Chair recognizes Senator Lisa Madigan for the purposes of seconding the nomination. Senator.
Thank you, Governor Ryan. I rise today to enthusiastically second the nomination for President of the Illinois State Senate, Senator Emil Jones. One of the main issues that Emil Jones has worked on during his career in the Legislature is education. And in fact, I need to admit that when I first started serving as a Senator, I found myself having to open up the Blue Book occasionally, to make sure that when I said hello to my colleagues, I was actually using the right name. And I found, by reading some of the biographies of my colleagues, specifically that of Senator Jones, it says there that he is a strong advocate for funding public education and for working on social justice issues. And it is true; he has demonstrated that time and time again. In fact, you might be interested to know that one of his proudest legislative achievements occurred when he was a House Member, when he worked on legislation that enabled millions of dollars to go into classrooms - not to go to administrative 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 overhead, but to go into the resources that were needed to make sure that the children of the State of Illinois were getting the education that they deserved. He has continued to lead the Senate Democratic Caucus on issues that are important in the education arena. In 1993, during one of the so-called crises that faced the Chicago public schools, it was Senator Jones who made sure that Chapter 1 funding was still available to the disadvantaged children of Chicago, to make sure that they had an opportunity to achieve what they should be able to achieve through their education, so that they could go on to raise their families, they could go on to have successful jobs, they could go on to ensure the integrity of their community. In 1997, the last time that the Legislature and the administration faced a funding crisis in education and had to come up with decisions and a plan as to what to do, it was Senator Emil Jones who proposed that we move the bottom up, that we create a stable foundation level for all of the students in the State of Illinois. And in addition, Senator Jones made sure that education was treated as importantly as it should be by making it an entitlement, at least through the end of this fiscal year, by working on and prevailing with enacting a continuing appropriation. In addition, Senator Jones has worked hard with the higher education community to make sure that some of the smaller public universities in this State are adequately funded, to make sure that schools such as Chicago State University are getting the funding that they deserve. And in fact, I know that before I became the Spokesperson on the Senate Education Committee, Senator Jones sat down with me and said, "Lisa, I want you to understand that although you are from Chicago, it is very important in this position that we look at not just the needs of the students in the City of Chicago, but that we look at the needs of the students from downstate and we address the needs of the students in the suburban areas, because we, in the Senate, 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 represent all of the people, all of the families, and all of the children of the State of Illinois." He made this very clear. He has demonstrated time and again that he is a strong advocate for education and social justice. He will continue to do so. And it is for that reason that I stand here very proudly today to second the nomination of Senator Jones for Senate President. Thank you.
Senator Madigan has seconded the nomination of Senator Jones for Senate President. Are there any other nominations for President of the Senate? If there are no further nominations, Senator Weaver is recognized for the purpose of making a motion. Senator Weaver.
Mr. Secretary, are we ready for Resolution No. 1 - Senate Resolution No. 1?
No, Senator. We're looking for a motion to close the nominations.
I would move to close the nominations.
Senator Weaver has moved that the nominations for President of the Senate be closed. All in favor, say Aye. All the opposed, say No. The motion carries. The Ayes have it, and the motion is closed. The Secretary will call the roll of the Senators. Each Senator should answer the roll by rising and stating one of the names nominated for Senate President or by voting Present. Please call the roll, Mr. Secretary.
Bomke. Bomke votes Philip. Bowles. Bowles votes Jones. Burzynski. Burzynski votes Philip. Clayborne. Clayborne votes Jones. Cronin. Cronin votes Philip. Cullerton. Cullerton votes 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Jones. DeLeo. DeLeo votes Jones. del Valle. del Valle votes Jones. Demuzio. Demuzio votes Jones. Dillard. Dillard votes Philip. Donahue. Donahue votes Philip. Dudycz. Dudycz votes Philip. Geo-Karis. Geo-Karis votes Philip. Halvorson. Halvorson votes Jones. Hawkinson. Hawkinson votes Philip. Hendon. Hendon votes Jones. Jacobs. Jacobs votes Jones. Emil Jones. Emil Jones votes Jones. Wendell Jones. Wendell Jones votes Philip. Karpiel. Karpiel votes Philip. Klemm. Klemm votes Philip. Lauzen. Lauzen votes Philip. Lightford. Lightford votes Jones. Link. Link votes Jones. Luechtefeld. Luechtefeld votes Philip. Lisa Madigan. Lisa Madigan votes Jones. Robert Madigan. Robert Madigan votes Philip. Mahar. Mahar votes Philip. Molaro. Molaro votes Jones. Munoz. Munoz votes Jones. Myers. Myers votes Philip. Noland. Noland votes Philip. Obama. Obama votes Jones. O'Daniel. O'Daniel votes Jones. O'Malley. O'Malley votes Philip. Parker. Parker votes Philip. Peterson. Peterson votes Philip. Petka. Petka votes Philip. Philip. Philip votes Philip. Radogno. Radogno votes Philip. Rauschenberger. Rauschenberger votes Philip. Ronen. Ronen votes Jones. Roskam. Roskam votes Philip. Shadid. Shadid votes Jones. Shaw. Shaw votes Jones. Sieben. Sieben votes Philip. Silverstein. Silverstein votes Jones. Smith. Smith votes Jones. Sullivan. Sullivan votes Philip. Syverson. Syverson votes Philip. Trotter. Trotter votes Jones. Viverito. Viverito votes Jones. Lawrence Walsh. Lawrence Walsh votes Jones. Thomas Walsh. Thomas Walsh votes Philip. Watson. Watson votes Philip. Weaver. Weaver votes Philip. Welch. Welch votes Jones. And Woolard. Woolard votes Jones.
Well, there's no fear of a recount. We don't have to worry about chads. And so I'm delighted to announce that Senator James "Pate" Philip received thirty-one votes and Senator Emil Jones, 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 Jr., received twenty-seven votes. Senator Pate Philip is the new President of the Senate. Congratulations. (Applause by the Illinois Senate)
I'd like to just take a minute, before we swear Pate in as the President of the Senate, to congratulate Pate. We've been friends and colleagues for a good number of years in the process called government. And Senator Philip has done a great job. Today, Pate begins his fifth term as President of the Illinois State Senate. He's the longest-serving legislative leader from either party in Illinois to serve in that position. And as Senator Roskam pointed out earlier, that's no small accomplishment. Like me, Pate began his career in State government in the Illinois House of Representatives, although I hasten to point out that I came to the House many years after Pate. But after six years in the -- in the Illinois House, Pate was elected to the Senate, where he quickly rose to a position of leadership. And in January of 1993, after twelve years as Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip took control of the gavel and he's been doing a great job ever since. You know, you don't just become the longest-serving legislative leader in State history because you're lucky. You earn that honor by being -- responsive to your constituents and certainly to the Members of this Chamber and on both sides of the aisle, and Pate certainly has done that. He is responsive. We don't always get along, either as Democrats or Republicans or as Governor and Senator, but I can tell you Pate's interests are always in the right place and he always wants to do and does the right thing. And it's a pleasure for me to have had the last two years to work with Pate, although sometimes it's been a little aggravating, but 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 it's still been a pleasure for the most part. So, Pate, let me say, congratulations to you on behalf of my wife and I, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and the other Members of the Illinois Senate and the General Assembly for the citizens of this great State of Illinois. And I'd like to, before I ask you to come up here, Pate -- or, Justice Thomas, just to take a minute to introduce the real leader in the Pate Philip family, Nancy Philip, who's with us today. Well, Pate, I'm going to ask you to come up here to the podium, along with Justice Thomas of the Illinois Supreme Court to administer the oath of office to the Senate President. We get a better photo opportunity if you come up here, Pate.
Senator Philip, will you place your right hand on the Bible and repeat after me? I, James "Pate" Philip,
I, James "Pate" Philip,
do solemnly swear
do solemnly swear
that I will support the Constitution of the United States
that I will support the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of the State of Illinois,
and the Constitution of the State of Illinois,
and that I will faithfully discharge
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 and I will faithfully discharge
the Office of Illinois State Senate President
the Office of Illinois State President
to the best of my ability.
to the best of my ability.
Congratulations.
Congratulations. (Applause by the Illinois Senate)
Once again, Pate, congratulations on a great job. And I now put you back in charge. I -- I just want to say, Pate, that I enjoyed the few minutes that I had the opportunity to control this gavel, and now I'm going to go back and do my job and I know you're going to do yours. Congratulations to you, again. Good job.
Thank -- thank you, Governor. He certainly has done a great job. You know, he used to be the Speaker of the House. So I know how it is about giving up the gavel; they don't want to give it up too easily. Thank you once again for presiding. You always do a good job. And, Judge Thomas, this is the second time -- oh! I'm sorry. You're already down there. You know, he was a -- one of the greatest football players the Chicago Bears ever had, a great 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 placekicker. They need him again, I will tell you that. But he did a great job for the Bears. He does a great job on the Circuit Court and the Appellate Court in our district, and he is going to do a great job as a Supreme Court Justice. And I'm very proud: This is the second time - and I've been here, you know, thirty-four years - that I've had a DuPage County Supreme Court judge swear me in. And I like it. Thank you. And let me just say this: I'm very proud of my wife and my family who -- not everybody's here today, unfortunately, but as you know, everybody knows my wife, Nancy, and I'm so happy that she's here. And we have three boys and one girl. I only have -- have -- two of the boys are here, Randy and Kevin. And, of course, we have two -- we have five grandchildren, but only have two here. And that's little Zachary. And where -- where's Lexi hiding? There's little Lexi. And we're -- we're very proud of our family. And, of course, my brother and my sister-in-law, Joan, and I think that we have -- the Raftises are here, Amy and Jim, up in there, with -- with their three grandchildren. So nice to have them here. And I'm very proud of them, and they're very supportive. And I'll tell you, it's easy to be a Member. When you're the President of the Senate, you get a lot more heat and you put a lot up -- you put up with a lot more. And I'm just very happy that my wife's always there pushing me and advising me. If I have a little blood on my ear once in a while, you know where it comes from. So, thank you very much. Now I will appoint a Committee to Escort the Governor. The Chair appoints Karpiel, Noland, Myers, O'Daniel, Ronen and del Valle. Will they come up here please and escort the Governor? At this point, I would just like to interrupt the program a little bit to introduce the wonderful Lieutenant Governor from the State of Illinois, Corinne Wood. Lieutenant Governor, nice to have you here. I believe she's been over in the -- the House of Representatives and just got here a little late, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 but we're always happy to see her and always happy to have her. First of all, I'd like to thank the people who nominated me: Senator Madigan, Senator Donahue and Peter Roskam. Thank you for those very, very kind words. Sometimes I think they aren't very deserving, but I appreciate them anyway and thank you very, very much. I'm honored to serve as the President of the 92nd General Assembly. In this -- it's a humbling experience to stand under this domed ceiling that takes us back to the 19th century. If you would look up here, we have just redone the ceiling of this. It's been probably twenty years since we have done it. But it takes us back to the 19th century, which would be the 32nd General Assembly, the last time they met in this -- the 32nd General Assembly. We have had some changes. We now have a monster-size electronic scoreboard, has replaced voice voting. We have computers that link us all through the United States, has replaced the inkwells. And believe it or not, spittoons are not in style anymore, so we don't even have any spittoons. Most of us here have served together before. And together I think we've done some great, great, great things. We have enacted good public policy, moving Illinois in the right direction. We have a balanced budget of forty-nine billion dollars. We have provided additional funding for education. And we've increased education, just last year, over a half billion dollars. Last year we did tax relief for the citizens of Illinois, income tax rebate, earned income tax credit, expansion of the circuit breaker, and today we will beginning on some more accomplishments. I'm very proud to announce my leadership team, and when I say team, I mean team: Senate Minority {sic} Leader - Stanley B. Weaver, Champaign, Illinois; Assistant Majority Leader - Senator Laura Kent Donahue, Quincy; Senator Walter Dudycz, Chicago; Adeline Jay Geo-Karis, Zion; Frank Watson, Greenville; and last but not least, John Maitland, Bloomington. My wife and I visited John, here about 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 three weeks ago, at the Rehab Institute in Chicago. He is doing much better. I've talked to his -- Joanne about two or three times a week. He is improving steadily. Our prayers are certainly with him. Hopefully, he will be back during this Session. And finally, the Caucus Chair will be Senator Doris Karpiel, Carol Stream; Majority Whip - Ed Petka, Plainfield, Illinois. And today I'm very honored to accept this great responsibility, and I offer my congratulations to all of my fellow Senators and those Senators that were elected for the -- for the first time this time. Together we will face the challenges of the new millennium, and I think that we will have great cooperation, like we've had in the past on the other side of the aisle. So, thank you very much. Now, the next order of business is the election of the Minority Leader. Senator Viverito requests unanimous consent on behalf of the Democrat Members of the Senate to declare Senator Jones Minority Leader of the 92nd General Assembly. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. Senator Jones is declared the Minority Leader. (Applause by the Illinois Senate)
Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I really wasn't going to call for a recount, even though I thought it was pretty close, Pate. On behalf of the Democratic Members of the Illinois State Senate, I would ask for a unanimous consent to elect Senator Emil Jones, Jr., as the Minority Leader of the 92nd General Assembly, and I am deeply honored to do that. Thank you very much. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001
Now, the Chair would like to recognize Senator Jones for a few short remarks.
You know, I heard my good friend, a long-valued friend, one whom I served with when I was in the Illinois House, and that was Governor Ryan, talk about there should not be a recount, but I'm not certain. Maybe we should do a manual count, maybe the vote totals would change. But I want to thank my colleagues, Senator Madigan, Senator Obama and Senator Vince Demuzio for those very eloquent speeches in placing my name in nomination. I thought, perhaps, some enlightened Members on the other side of the aisle would listen. But we'll keep on trying. But in his absence and her absence, Governor and Mrs. Ryan, again, very long, long, valued friend. We served together in the House and we served at a time when Democrats and Republicans after Session would go out and eat. I had to teach him how to shoot pool. And after I cleaned his pockets, he... But we were -- we've been friends all those years, and that's when Democrats and Republicans socialized together. I'd like to see those days return. To the Lieutenant Governor; to my good friend, Bill Holland, the Auditor General; to the longest-serving President of this Body, Phil Rock; and the State Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka; and President Harris; the Chief Justices with us -- Supreme Court Justices that are with us; and to my colleagues on this side of the aisle and all my colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly, let me, first, thank you for your confidence and your support as we begin the new Session. I know President Philip - I know you're President and presiding officer - you say you want to make it short, but it's difficult to make it short when you've got so many great things to talk about. But I want -- I want to thank them for their confidence and continued support. And best wishes to you, Mr. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 President, as you begin your new term as President of this august Body. We've got a few difficult months ahead of us. We'll have many major issues which we must come together on. Our political beliefs may be different; however, our goal for the future for Illinois should always be the same. And I believe we do share a common goal. We have proven that we can work together to obtain those goals. It is my hope that we will continue to -- that record of accomplishment in this Session of the General Assembly. Last spring has -- as has been pointed out, we did come together on the earned income tax credit to take care of those who are at the bottom rung of our society, but we must begin to work together again to make it like the federal law that Ronald Reagan, former President, make it permanent, make it refundable so it can help those individuals, that will allow more and more persons at the lower rung of our society to participate. Just as we invest in the economy of this State, we must also invest in our future. And as it has been pointed out during the crisis as relate to funding education, and one thing Members on this side of the aisle insisted, that education be made an entitlement, a continuing appropriation. Well, we did that, but that expire at the end of this fiscal year. We should make education a permanent fundable, not a political football. Make it an entitlement like Social Security so the educators and our children will know that the money is there. And it should -- we should continue be about the business of moving Illinois forward, and we can only do this if we invest in the youngest residents, the workforce, the children. That should be our goal, our legacy for them. Just as important as our children's future and our safety, we need to work together to close the loophole in the Safe Neighborhoods Act so individuals cannot walk around this great State thinking that this loophole will allow them to carry concealed weapons. Hope we can work together this past Session to make that crystal clear, crystal 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 clear that Illinois is not a conceal and carry State. And as long as we clarify our intent and work together, we will be able to do great things for the people of Illinois. We must take care of the senior citizens. We must take care of KidCare and expand it to include the uninsured parents so that they can have proper health care. So as we sit at the negotiation table this spring, let our legacy be one that the compromise we come out of that room with be one that we will live with, but our commitment should be for the people of the State of Illinois. So, Mr. President, we are, on this side of the aisle, ready to convene the 92nd Session of the Illinois General Assembly. And I would like to name my leadership team, those individuals who will work to help us accomplish that agenda: Senator Vince Demuzio, Assistant Minority Leader; Senator Miguel del Valle, Assistant Minority Leader; Senator Patrick Welch, Assistant Minority Leader; one who I hold great strings on - he's here now - Senator Rickey Hendon, Assistant Minority Leader; and Senator Lou Viverito, Assistant Minority Leader; Senator Margaret Smith, Minority Caucus Chair; Evelyn Bowles, Deputy Minority Caucus Chair; Debbie Halvorson, Minority Caucus Whip; and Senator William "Bill" Shaw, Deputy Minority Caucus Whip. With that, Mr. President, thank you.
Well done, Senator Jones. I would be remiss in my duty if I didn't acknowledge Senator Bill Harris. When I first came to this Chamber, over twenty years ago, he was the Republican leader, certainly took me under my wing -- under his wing, and I learned a lot. And I -- and I want to just thank him. It is so nice to see him and his lovely bride here today. And Phil Rock - you know I -- I served with Phil for a long time. I was the Minority Leader. He was the President of the Senate. Every day he would call me fifteen, twenty minutes before the Session. We would talk over what was going on, what did I need, what could we do to work out 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 together. And I learned a lot from him and he did a great job and he was a great President of the Senate. So nice to see him here today. And of course, Judy Baar Topinka, was a Senator also - was in this Chamber for a number of years. We're very proud of her. She's doing a great job. And thank you very much for coming. Now, if I could start to conclude the ceremony by asking Sergeant Brood to come up and sing the "Marine Corps Hymn". Sergeant Brood.
(The "Marine Corps Hymn", sung by Sergeant Darren Brood)
Sergeant Brood, extremely well done. Thank you very much. You have a lot of talent - obviously, that's why you're a Marine. And now if we could retire the Colors. The benediction now will be offered by Reverend Joe Eby, the Chatham Presbyterian Church, Chatham, Illinois.
(Benediction by the Reverend Joe Eby)
Will the Committee on Escort for the Judiciary - Senator Hawkinson, Senator Cronin, Senator O'Malley, Senator Clayborne, Senator Halvorson, Senator Viverito - please come forward to escort the members of the Judiciary? You may all be seated. Now, following a brief recess - and I would probably -- I hope we could be back in Session at 1:30, because we have five resolutions that we have to adopt today to continue the business of the new 92nd General Assembly. So without further ado, the Senate will stand in recess till 1:30. And the faster you're back in this Chamber, the faster we'll get out of here for big and better things later on. Thank you. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
The Senate will please come to order. The next order of business will be to complete our organizational resolutions. Mr. Secretary, read Senate Resolution No. 1.
Senate Resolution No. 1, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads SR No. 1)
Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Well, Mr. President, rise to support and congratulate our officers. We think you have selected a great team. You do a great job.
Thank you very much, Senator Demuzio. Senator Weaver, to explain the resolution. Senator Weaver. Could we have some quiet please?
Thank you, Mr. President. This is the resolution that provides for the election of certain officers of the Senate, especially the resolution designates Jim Harry as Secretary, Linda Hawker as Assistant Secretary, and Tracey Sidles as Sergeant-at-Arms, and Anita Robinson as the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Chair recognizes Senator Jones. Take it out of the record. Senator Jones.
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. First, let me just 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 congratulate Jim Harry and Linda Hawker and -- and Tracey and Anita Robinson for the great job they've done for us in the past. I know quite well they'll do a continued good job for us in the future. So, again, congratulations.
All right. Now, on the question, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 1. This will require a roll call. So all those in favor will vote Aye. The opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have you all voted who wish? Have you all voted who wish? Have you all voted who wish? Hurry, hurry, hurry. Take the records. On the question, there are 58 Yeas, no Nays, no voting Present, and 1 not voting. This Resolution No. 1, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The next resolution, Mr. Secretary, Senate Resolution No. 2.
Senate Resolution No. 2, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads SR No. 2 in part)
The Chair recognizes Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is the resolution containing the rules of the Senate for the 92nd General Assembly. They are identical to the rules from the previous General Assembly.
Senator Demuzio.
...like -- ask Senator Weaver if the rules, as I understand, are identical to the rules from the previous Session with no changes, and that's -- that's the question I would pose.
Senator Weaver. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001
That is correct.
Thank you, Senator Demuzio. Now, Senator Weaver has moved the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 2. Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Resolution No. 2 be adopted. All those will vote -- in favor, Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have you all voted who wish? Have you all voted who wish? Take the record. There are 56 Ayes, 0 Nays, none voting Present. The Senate Resolution No. 2, having -- is adopted. Senator Demuzio.
Well, we were just curious. You didn't vote for the rules. I mean, is there something wrong with them? I mean...
I -- I think somebody was asleep at my desk, Senator.
Oh, okay. I just thought maybe there was something wrong with them.
Thank you. The Chair... The next resolution is Senate Resolution No. 3. Read the resolution, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Resolution No. 3, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads SR No. 3)
Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution informs the House that the -- that this Chamber is now organized. And I would move the suspension of the rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 3. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001
Senator Weaver moves the suspension and -- of the rules and the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 3. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The rules are suspended. Now, on the question on the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 3, any questions? If not, all those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have you all voted who wish? Have you all voted who wish? Take the record. On the resolution, there are 57 Yeas, no Nays, no voting Present. The resolution is adopted. Next resolution, Mr. Secretary, Senate Resolution No. 4.
Senate Resolution No. 4, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads SR No. 4)
Senator Weaver.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. This is the standard resolution requiring the Secretary to prepare transcripts of the Journal, and I would move to suspend the rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 4.
Senator Weaver moves the suspension of the rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 4. Is there any discussion? All right. Those in favor will signify by saying Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The rules are suspended. Now on the adoption of Senate resolution, is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 4. All those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have you all voted who wish? All voted who wish? Take the record. 57 {sic} (58) Ayes, no Nays, no voting Present. Senate resolution is adopted. Read the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 next resolution, Mr. Secretary, Senate Resolution No. 5.
Senate Resolution No. 5, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads SR No. 5)
Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 5 appoints the standard -- the Standing Committee of correspondents in accordance with the standard procedures for organization. I would move the suspension of the rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 5.
Senator moves the suspension of the rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 5. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Those opposed, Nay. Ayes have it. The rules are suspended. Senator Weaver now moves the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate resolution. Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the -- those -- all those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have you all voted who wish? All voted who wish? Take the record. There are 58 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Resolution 5 is adopted. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?
Privilege, Mr. President. We have a very distinguished gentleman here, one that I think most of us recognize. I think his picture's hanging up there. The past President of the Senate and the Assessor of Cook County, Tom Hynes.
Would you please stand and be recognized by the Senate? I've known Senator Hynes for a long time. In fact, I believe my 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day January 10, 2001 freshman trip to the Senate, he was President of the Senate, and did a very good, evenhanded, great job. And it's very nice to see you again, Tom. Is there any further business to come before the... I'm sorry. Messages.
A Message from the President, this date. Dear Mr. Secretary - Enclosed please find the Senate Session Schedule for the 92nd General Assembly, which commences on Wednesday, January 10th, 2001. Signed by President Philip.
If there's no further business to come before the Senate, Senator Weaver moves the Senate stand adjourned until the hour of 10 o'clock a.m., Thursday, January 11th. So, if you're here on time, we'll probably get out of here early. Hopefully, we'll get out of here by 11/11:15 at the latest. We stand adjourned. 31