Illinois General Assembly Floor TranscriptsBrowseSenate92nd GA

Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 8, 2001

92nd General Assembly (2001-2002) · Legislative day 36 · Regular Session
Chamber
Senate
General Assembly
92nd (2001-2002)
Date
May 8, 2001
Legislative day
36
Session
Regular Session
Speaker turns
162
Original
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PRESIDENT PHILIP

The regular Session of the 92nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Our prayer today will be given by Pastor Rick Wenneborg, Chatham Christian Church, Chatham, Illinois. Pastor Wenneborg.

PASTOR RICK WENNEBORG

(Prayer by Pastor Rick Wenneborg)

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Radogno.

SENATOR RADOGNO

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Radogno)

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Reading of the Journal.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

Senate Journals of Wednesday, May 2nd, and Thursday, May 3rd, 2001.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Jones.

SENATOR W. JONES

Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Jones moves to approve the Journal just read. There being no objections, so ordered. Committee Reports.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

Senator Robert Madigan, Chair of the Committee on Insurance and Pensions, reports House Bills 250, 254, 266, 267, 478, 513, 1465, 1466, 2662 and 2665 Do Pass; and House Bills 2099, 2157, 2367 and 2419 Do Pass, as Amended. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 Senator Syverson, Chair of the Committee on Public Health and Welfare, reports House Bills 447, 638, 1819, 1911, 3002 and 3126 Do Pass; and House Bills 279, 1684, 2276, 2492 and 3003 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Dillard, Chair of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bills 1008, 1810, 1988 and 3576 Do Pass; House Bills 27, 215, 1478, 1973 and 2277 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 1972 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3145, both Be Approved for Consideration.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Messages from the House.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

A Message from the House by Mr. Rossi, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 979, together with House Amendment No. 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 3rd, 2001. A Message from the House by Mr. Rossi, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 10. It's substantive.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Karpiel, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR KARPIEL

For a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

State your point.

SENATOR KARPIEL

2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 I would like to introduce to the Senate a Page for -- a Page for the Day that I have with me today. Her name is Tiffany Bruno, and her grandparents, who are good friends and supporters from my district, Joe and Donna Salerno. Would they please stand and be welcomed?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Resolutions.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

Senate Resolution 134, offered by Senator Link and all Members. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Consent Calendar. All right. If I could have your attention just for one minute. We're going to 2nd Readings. Hopefully we'll get through all the 2nd Readings, then we're going to have a Republican Caucus at approximately 12 or -- 1 o'clock, probably, at the rate we're going. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR SHADID

A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

State your point.

SENATOR SHADID

Mr. President, this is a very important day. One of our esteemed Senators has a birthday, and he celebrated yesterday. So I asked him, how old was he. He said, "Well, you'd never guess." I says, I think maybe I will. How old are you? He says, "Well, I'm sixty." I said, well I wouldn't have guessed. I thought you were about seventy-five. Anyway, it's Senator Demuzio, his birthday, and there's a cake up here at the Democrat side. So how about joining me in welcoming -- giving Senator Demuzio a happy 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 birthday?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Happy birthday! On the top of page 15, House Bill 176. Senator Sieben. Senator Sieben. Take it out of the record. House Bill 280. Senator Jones. Senator Jones. Take it out of the record. Could we have a little order? Could we kind of calm down a little bit? We're on 2nd Readings. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR SHADID

Personal privilege again, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

State your...

SENATOR SHADID

I was so excited the first time, I forgot to say that there is going to be -- there is cake up in front. There's going to be snacks in Senator Jones' Office, and in a bipartisan effort, Republicans are all invited also. Right after the Session.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Thank you very much, Senator Shadid. House Bill 442. Senator Lauzen. Senator Lauzen. Take it out of the record. House Bill 509. Senator Molaro. Senator Molaro. Oh, I'm sorry. Senator Jones. Take it out of the -- read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 509. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 512. Senator Roskam. Senator Roskam. Take it out of the record. House Bill 549. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton. Take it out of the record. House Bill 572. Senator Burzynski. Senator Burzynski. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary. Take it out of the record. House Bill 752. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 Senator Myers. Senator Myers. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 752. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill -- I'm sorry. House Bill 922. Senator Tom Walsh. Senator Tom Walsh. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 922. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. ...Bill 1201. Senator Klemm. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1201. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 1202. Senator Klemm. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1202. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. Top of page 16. House Bill 1277. Senator Peterson. Senator Peterson. Take it out of the record. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 House Bill 1277. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 1630. Senator Walsh. Senator Tom Walsh. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1630. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 1700. Senator Peterson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1700. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 1776. Senator Weaver. Senator Weaver. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1776. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 1805. Senator Klemm. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1805. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 3rd Reading. House Bill 1814. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard. Take it out of the record, Mr. Secretary. House Bill 1900. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard. Take it out of the record. House Bill 1954. Senator Burzynski. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1954. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. Senator Donahue, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR DONAHUE

Mr. -- Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

State your point.

SENATOR DONAHUE

Today I'm very privileged to have in the gallery, above both sides actually, a group of hundred and forty constituents from back home - students. They represent two from each of my high schools and they're our Student Advisory Council. They give me good advice, and I'd just like the Senate to rise and recognize them.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR DEMUZIO

Thank you, Mr. President. Let the record reflect that Senator Jones is absent today, and -- and most likely may be absent the rest of the week. His wife had surgery a couple times over the weekend, and it's necessary for him to remain in -- in Chicago. So I would like the record to reflect that until further notice, Senator Jones would be absent, and I wouldn't have to do this 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 every day.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

The record will so indicate, and our prayers are with he and his wife. House Bill 1972. Senator Sieben. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 1972. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sieben.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Sieben, to explain the amendment.

SENATOR SIEBEN

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Amendment No. 1 would specify that a individual seeking to run for a library district in Illinois would be required to receive two percent of those registered voters in the previous election or fifty, whichever is less. Was approved by the committee, and I would move for its adoption.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Any further discussion? Any further discussion? If not, Senator Sieben moved the adoption of No. 2 to -- excuse me, Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1972. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The amendment is adopted. Any further amendments?

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

No further amendments reported, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 2011. Senator Lightford. Senator 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 Obama, on House Bill 2011. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2011. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR HENDON

House Bill 2247. Senator Dudycz. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2247. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 2259. Senator Parker. Senator Parker. Take it out of the record. House Bill 2282. Senator Walsh. Senator Tom Walsh. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2282. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. Top of page 17. House Bill 2290. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2290. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill... Back to 2290. Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

No further amendments reported, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 2296. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2296. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 2528. Senator Luechtefeld. Senator Luechtefeld. Take it out of the record. House Bill 2539. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2539. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 2566. Senator Noland. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 2566. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3014. Senator Rauschenberger. Senator Rauschenberger. Take it out of the record. House Bill 3015. Senator Donahue. Senator Donahue. Take it out of the record. House Bill 3024. Senator Rauschenberger. Senator Rauschenberger. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3024. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3068. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford. Take it out of the record. House Bill 3188. Senator Klemm. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3188. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted one amendment.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Have there been any other -- Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

No further amendments reported.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. Top of page 18. House Bill 3204. Senator Sieben. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted one amendment.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Have there been any Floor amendments been approved for consideration?

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

No further amendments reported.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3209. Senator Walsh. Senator Tom Walsh. Read the bill. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3209. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3217. Senator Donahue. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3217. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill -- 3491. Senator Weaver. Senator Weaver. Senator Weaver. 3491. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3491. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3492. Senator Weaver. House Bill 3492. Senator Weaver. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3492. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

3rd Reading. House Bill 3493. Senator Weaver. Read the bill.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

House Bill 3493. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 3rd Reading. House Bill 3494. Senator Rauschenberger. Senator Rauschenberger. Take it out of the record. House Bill 3495. Senator Rauschenberger. Senator Rauschenberger. Take it out of the record. ...Watson, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR WATSON

Thank you very much, Mr. President. As you know, Thursday is the softball game. We do have a practice tonight at 5 o'clock, and we're playing an actual game with the lobbyist group. 5 o'clock, at the -- diamond 3 at the Douglass Park, where the game is -- is played. So, 5 o'clock. If you can be there, show up on time, we'll get the game over with and get back to the other activities going on around the Capitol. Thank you.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR HENDON

Thank you, Mr. President. Just in case some of the Members weren't listening, our coach just told us we have a practice game today. You know, we lost to the House last year, and I hope that -- did you cut my mike off? Oh. I hope the Senators will take this seriously, because I have to take crap from my Representatives all year long. We don't want to lose two in a row, Senators. We're not old. We're better than them. Let's get out there and beat these guys today and come out Thursday and win won for "Geo".

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Now, on page 8 of today's Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, it is the intent of the Chair to go to this order for the purpose of considering Senate Bill 1264. Senator Weaver. ...the bill, Mr. Secretary.

Harry (surname or first name uncertain)

Senate Bill 1264. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 The deadline on the bill has been extended. It's the 3rd Reading of the bill.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver, to explain the bill.

SENATOR WEAVER

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1264 would add one teaching hospital to the existing Excellence in Academic Medicine program. Carle Hospital is the teaching hospital for the University of Illinois at Urbana. It's the only teaching hospital in the State that does not participate. I've been working since 1997 to try to include them, and for some reason or another, we've -- negotiations never quite acknowledged that they should be a part of that academic program as a teaching hospital. I would hope that everybody would support this. It's just for fairness.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Any -- any further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator Rauschenberger.

SENATOR RAUSCHENBERGER

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I just rise in support of Senator Weaver's effort to kind of bring this whole question of Carle's participation to a close. I was involved from the very beginning in the whole definition of the Academic Excellence program, and from the beginning, assurances were made to the legislators who worked on it that accommodations would be made for Carle's program. Through some miscommunication and then some, I think, attempts to confuse, this has really never been resolved. Senator Weaver, and I know other Senators here, have worked hard to try to bring the -- the warring parties together on a compromise that didn't require us to do a legislative bill that they would have to oppose. But there's been no progress. I think Senator Weaver is justified in asking for us to endorse this bill so that we demonstrate that we're serious 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 about this. This is an important program, and Carle has played fair, by the rules, for the last five years and been patient. I'd appreciate people supporting the Majority Leader.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Ronen.

SENATOR RONEN

Will the sponsor yield, Mr. President?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Indicates he will.

SENATOR RONEN

Yeah, I just -- Senator Weaver, I -- my review shows, as it did last time we discussed this bill, that there are a lot of hospitals opposed to this: Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Memorial Hospital in Springfield, St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Evanston, the Rockford Swedish Hospital, St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, and the University of Chicago and Loyola Hospitals in Chicago. Are they still opposed to this, sir?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

I can't speak for all of them. I know most of them are for this program. There are some that are still -- through negotiations in the past, kind of have hard feelings. I don't really know the background back in 1997, when it was first started, but, basically, Carle probably handles more teaching students, more students in their teaching program, than any other downstate hospital. So, I think it's just fairness in all respects that everyone be treated equitably in the allocation of these funds.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Ronen. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001

SENATOR RONEN

The hospitals that I mentioned, are those the groups that Senator Rauschenberger said are -- the negotiations are being conducted with?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

I -- I think, at one time or another through the years, all of them have participated. Some agreed. Some disagreed, for whatever reason. As you know, there's two funds. These -- this is just a teaching side of the fund, not the research side. On the research side, those institutions get a great deal more money.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Ronen.

SENATOR RONEN

So, you're saying, then, that -- and I think the Carle Clinic is an excellent program, and I -- I -- Carle Clinic is an excellent program. I -- there's -- there's no doubt about that. But what you're saying, then, is there are no resources. By doing this for Carle Clinic, we'll not be disadvantaging any of those other hospitals that I mentioned. Is that true?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

I think if -- unless more money is added to the total fund, each one would lose maybe a hundred and forty thousand dollars. If there's no more money added to it. And that -- that is an appropriation process.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Ronen.

SENATOR RONEN

Is there a plan to add more money to the fund? Or if we vote 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 for this, then we're -- we're voting to reduce funding to each of those hospitals that I mentioned by a hundred and forty thousand dollars?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

That probably should -- better be posed to -- to the Appropriations Committee. I -- I mean, everything's kind of up in the air now, Senator, and I don't know. I can't promise you there'll be money added to the program, at this point.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Geo-Karis.

SENATOR GEO-KARIS

Would the sponsor yield for a question?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

He indicates he will. Senator Geo-Karis.

SENATOR GEO-KARIS

Senator, what you're asking is that each of these hospitals be treated equally. Is that correct?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

That is true, Senator Geo-Karis.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Geo-Karis.

SENATOR GEO-KARIS

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Carle Hospital is well-known -- Carle Foundation Hospital, which is a not-for-profit hospital, has done a lot of good work in so many fields that are so important to people. And it's down for the Champaign area. There are plenty of hospitals in Chicago, but we don't have that many good teaching hospitals, like we have in Carle, downstate. I 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 certainly urge a favorable vote for this, and I think it's only fair that it be treated right along with the other hospitals -- teaching hospitals and ask for a favorable vote.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Parker.

SENATOR PARKER

Thank you, Mr. President. Would the sponsor yield?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Indicates he will.

SENATOR PARKER

Senator, I just wanted to confirm, because one of those -- those hospitals are in my district are -- that are related in my district that have a concern that...

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Could we have a little peace and quiet so we can listen to the Senator?

SENATOR PARKER

Thank you. I just wanted to confirm that along this process, I understand we can't guarantee about the funding, but it is something that you will and we will all work -- work forward to so that possibly there can be funding there and there isn't any money loss from the other hospitals.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Weaver.

SENATOR WEAVER

Well, Senator Parker, through the years, we have increased the amount. I'm not promising that that is possible, at this point in time. But through the years, we have increased the General Revenue Fund. Some of these, particularly the research hospitals, get two or three times as much as do the teaching hospitals.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Parker. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001

SENATOR PARKER

I am going to support this. And I understand where we don't have the money yet, but on the process -- along that process, we certainly can work towards it. And I know that we have that confirmation. We'll try and do what we can.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Senator Demuzio.

SENATOR DEMUZIO

Well, thank you very much. I rise in support of this. We ought not to be discriminating against any teaching hospital. If they are a teaching institution, they ought to be in. Now, Senator Rauschenberger, I certainly agree with the comments that you have made, and I think we have to work to see whether or not all of these teaching hospitals are treated fairly, which may, in fact, mean that we may have to do something different than we have in the past, which means put some more money in it. So, I rise in support.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Further discussion? Further discussion? If not, Senator Weaver, to close.

SENATOR WEAVER

I would just appreciate a favorable roll call, Mr. President. Thank you.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

The question is, shall Senate Bill 1264 pass. 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 question, there's 41 Ayes, 7 Nays, 5 voting Present. Senate Bill 1264, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. ...Karpiel, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR KARPIEL

19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 For the purpose of an announcement, Mr. President. I would like to announce a Republican Caucus immediately upon adjournment in Senator Philip's Office.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Thank you, Senator Karpiel. Senator Myers, for what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR MYERS

Mr. President, a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

State your point.

SENATOR MYERS

I would like to introduce to the Body, Larisa Alexandrov. She is from - and you will know this name from a certain other Senator here - the Ukraine. She is a doctor of neurology. Her son -- her son, Andrey Alexandrov, is in the audience, as well as Reverend Ted Hartley. And Alexandrov {sic} just graduated from Eastern Illinois University.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Cullerton, what purpose do you rise?

SENATOR CULLERTON

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, we're supposed to have committees starting at -- at 1 o'clock, and I understand you're going to have a caucus. Could you give us a -- a rough idea so that we can be ready to go to the committees?

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Yes. I'm -- the committees will convene as soon as the caucus is over. My guess is that it will be around 1:30. Thank you. House Bills 1st Reading.

ACTING SECRETARY HAWKER

House Bill 325, offered by Senator Myers. (Secretary reads title of bill) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 36th Legislative Day May 8, 2001 House Bill 1820, offered by Senator Petka. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1926, offered by Senator Larry Walsh. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1958, offered by Senators Dillard and Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1982, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2098, offered by Senator Donahue. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2108, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3583, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

Resolutions.

ACTING SECRETARY HAWKER

House {sic} (Senate) Joint Resolution 32, offered by Senators Robert Madigan, Demuzio, Radogno and others. It is substantive.

PRESIDENT PHILIP

If there's no further business to come before the Senate, Senator Weaver moves the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of noon, Wednesday, May 9th, year 2001. 21