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.
(Prayer by Pastor Rick Wenneborg)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Radogno.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Radogno)
Illinois Information Service has asked permission to film. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm delighted that we have the opportunity to greet the seventh grade from Pleasant Hill, Illinois, in Pike County. Senator Donahue, this group is from Pleasant Hill. I'd like for our guests in the gallery, seated behind me, to please rise and be recognized by the Senate.
Please rise and be recognized by the Senate. Welcome. Reading of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Wednesday, May 8th, and Thursday, May 9th, 2002.
Senator Wendell Jones.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Wendell Jones moves to approve the Journal just read. There being no objections, so ordered. Wendell Jones.
Mr. President, I move that reading and approval of the Journal of Monday, May 13th, in the year 2002, be postponed, pending arrival of the printed Journal.
Senator Wendell Jones moves to postpone the reading and the approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
On a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
In the gallery behind me are a group of students from St. Joseph, Illinois, here. I'd like the Senate to welcome them.
Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Myers, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, for a point of personal privilege.
State your point.
I have three visitors from my hometown, Danville. Two fine young gentlemen, Scott Showers and Tommy Jarka, and -- and Scott's 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 mother, Carrie Showers, who's in the gallery to my right.
Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
If the Senate could please welcome my Pages today, Carolyn Schweinfurth and Andrea Crawford, and Andrea's mother and grandmother are in the President's Gallery.
Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Stone, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
Just coming -- just having come in, in the gallery, are a bunch of students from the Christian School, in Lincoln, Illinois. Like you to welcome them.
Will they -- will they please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Roskam, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Mr. President, I have guests today, Andrew Mateki, from Lisle, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Illinois, on my left; Aimee Tyler, from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, on my right; and on my far right, appropriately, by Senator Lauzen, is John Schultz, of Naperville. And also like you to greet Mary Ann and Greg -- Mateki, from Lisle, Illinois, in the gallery. Thank you.
Will they please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Committee Reports.
Senator Parker, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports House Joint Resolution 71 Be Adopted. Senator Cronin, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Joint Resolution 75 Be Adopted, as Amended. And Senator Petka, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Senate Joint Resolution 76 Be Adopted.
Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 432, offered by Senator Shadid. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.
Consent Calendar. If I could have your attention just for a few minutes, it would seem to me we don't have that much work to do today and tomorrow. So if we're lucky, we can probably get out of here Wednesday afternoon, perhaps in midafternoon, and come back on the 21st of May at 3 p.m. Unless we can -- they come to some kind of conclusion on the budget, I don't see any reason why we ought to be here. So if we would get our work done today, get our work done tomorrow, everybody can go home a little early.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Will the Senators take their seats, please? Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will now proceed to Executive Session 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 for the purpose of advice and consent. Senator DeLeo, the Co-Chairman of the Executive Appointments Committee. Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you, Madam President. I'd move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Governor's appointments set forth in the Message of January 29th, 2002; the Message of February 21st, 2002; March 20th, 2002; April 2nd, 2002; May 8th, 2002; and, Madam President, the Secretary of State's appointments set forth in the Messages of January 8th of 2002 and February 14th of 2002.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) You've heard the motion. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The motion carries, and we are in Executive Session. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor's Message of January 29th, 2002, reported the same back with the recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you, Madam President. With respect to the Messages of January 29th, 2002, I would like to read the nonsalaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment recommends that the Senate do advise and consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? SENATOR DeLEO: Starting with Guardianship and Advocacy Commission. To be a Member of the Guardian and Advocacy Commission for a 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 term ending June 6th, 2002, Susan Alvarez of Chicago. The Public -- to be Public Guardian of DuPage County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Robert Mork of Wheaton. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Franklin County for a term ending December 5th, (2005,) Nancy Cockrum of Benton. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Knox County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Donald -- David McDonald of Galesburg. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Madison County for a term ending December 5, 2005, Lynda Sue Evers of Collinsville. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Pulaski County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Carol George of Grand Chain. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Will County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Richard Kavanagh of Bolingbrook. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Winnebago County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Mary Gaziano of Rockford. Mr. {sic} President, having read the nonsalaried appointments from the Governor's Message of January 29, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointments of January 29th, 2002, on a roll call. Madam President, would you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The -- the voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? On that -- take the record. On that 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And this -- this question, having received the -- a majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor's Message of February 21st, 2002, reported the same back with the recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank -- thank you very much, Madam President. With respect to the Message of February 21st, 2002, I will read the nonsalaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. To be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission for a term ending June 30th, 2002, Kenneth {sic} (Kenley) Wade, Sr., of Springfield. To be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission for the term ending June 30th, 2005, Kenneth {sic} (Kenley) R. Wade, Sr., of Springfield. To be members of the Illinois Committee on Agricultural Education for a term ending March 13th, 2004, they'd be James Guilinger of Roseville, Heather Hampton-Knodle of Fillmore, Theodore Mottaz of Oneida. To be a member of the Illinois Committee on Agricultural Education for a term ending March 13th, 2005, Colleen Marie Dickinson of Amboy. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of DeKalb 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, John Corneille of DeKalb. To be Public Administrator for DuPage County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Peter {sic} (Paul) Didzerekis of Wheaton. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Kane County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Denise Harding-Hopkins of Elgin. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Lake County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Joseph Vogler of Gurnee. Madam President, having read the nonsalaried appointments from the Governor's Message of February 1st -- February 21st, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointments of February 21st, 2002, on a roll call. Mr. -- Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Thank you, Senator DeLeo. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there -- there are 52 Ayes, none voting Nay, and 1 voting Present. The majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor's Message of March 20, 2002, reported the same back with the recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President. With respect to the Message of March 20th, 2002, I will read the nonsalaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment recommends that the -- Senate does advise and consent. Madam President, to be a member of the Historical Preservation Agency Board of Trustees for a term ending January 9th {sic} (19th), 2004, Edward M. Genson of Deerfield, Illinois. To be a member of the Capital Development Board, for a term ending January 16th, 2006, Mark Ladd of Chicago. To be a member and chairman of the Education Funding Advisory Board for a term ending January 16th, 2006, Robert Leininger of Springfield. To be a member of the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education for a term ending March 13th, 2003, Melinda Elvidge of Cisco. To be a member of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinarian {sic} (Disciplinary) Board for a term ending January 1st, 2006, Linda Zange of Chicago. To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of St. Clair County for a term ending December 5th, 2005, Craig Hubbard of O'Fallon. To be a member of the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council for a term ending July 1st, 2002, Christopher Ware of Clinton. To be a member of the Rehabilitation Advisory Council for a term ending July 1st, 2005, Christopher Ware of Clinton. Madam President, having read the nonsalaried appointments from the Governor's Message of March 20th, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointments of March 20th on a roll call -- March 20th, 2002. Madam President, would you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And a majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor's Message of April 2nd, 2002, reported the same back with the recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President. With respect to the Message of April 2nd, 2002, I'd like to read the nonsalaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment -- Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. Starting with -- Madam President, with, to be a member of the State Bank -- Banking Board of Illinois for a term ending December 31st, 2005, Lee Plummer of Dow, Illinois. Madam President, having read the nonsalaried appointment from the Governor's Message of April 2nd, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointment of April 2nd, 2002, on a roll call. Madam President, would you put the -- question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, the majority of Senators -- there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor's Message of May 8th, 2002, reported the same back with the recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Once again, thank you very much, Madam President. With respect to the Message of May 8th, 2002, I'd like to read the salaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. Madam President, to be a member of the Department of Employment Security Review Board for a term ending January 20th, 2002, Bennett Krause of Sherman, Illinois -- 2003. Excuse me. January 20th, 2003. Department of Labor, to be Director of Department of Labor for a term ending January 20th, 2003, William Rolando of Jerseyville. To be a member and chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission for a term commencing September 1st, 2002, and ending January 15th, 2007, Kevin Wright of Springfield, Illinois. To be a member and chairman of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board for a term commencing January 1st, 2003, and ending February 1st, 2006, Bridget Lamont of Springfield, 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Illinois. To be a member of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board for a term ending February 1st, 2008, Michael J. Gavin of Joliet. To be a member and chairman of the Illinois Labor Relations Board, Local Panel, for a term ending January 24th, 2005, Robert M. Healey of Chicago. To be a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority for a term ending May 1st, 2005, Thomas P. Hardy of Chicago. Madam President, also, to be a member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board for a term commencing July 1st, 2002, and ending July 1st, 2005, William A. Marovitz of Chicago. Madam President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor's Message of May 8th, 2002, I now seek leave to consider the salaried appointments of May 8th, 2002, on a roll call. Madam President, would you put the request -- question as required by our Senate rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made? Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 7 voting Present. And the majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President. With respect to the Messages of May 8th, 2002, I'd like to read the nonsalaried appointments of which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Madam President, to be a member of the Board of Aeronautical Advisors for a term ending January 20th, 2003, Steven G. Whitney of Chicago. To be a member of the Illinois State (University) Board of Trustees for a term commencing -- June 1st, 2002, and ending January 15th, 2007, Joanne E. Maitland of Bloomington. To be members of the Illinois Community College Board for a term commencing June 1st, 2002, and ending on June 30th, 2007, Judith Rake of Glen Carbon and Edward Welk of Rochester. Madam President, also to be members of the Illinois Development Finance Authority for a term commencing June 1st, 2002, and ending January 17th, the year 2005, will be Ted Beattie of Chicago; John B. Filan of Chicago; Sherwin Geitner of Glenview, Illinois; Peter Gidwitz of Chicago; Howard G. Kaplan of Highland Park; Laurence Msall of Oak Park; and Hedy Ratner of Chicago. Also, Madam President, to be a member of the Illinois Farm Development Authority for a term ending January 17th, the year 2005, Carolyn Stone of Springfield. Also to be a member of the Illinois Farm Development Authority for a term ending January 6th {sic} (16th), 2006, Garry Niemeyer of Glenarm. Continuing on, Madam President, to be a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority for a term commencing June 1st, 2002, and ending on January 13th, 2003, Almon Manson, Jr., of Springfield. To be a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority for a term commencing June 1st, 2002, and ending January 10th, 2005, Judith Ann DeAngelo of Oak Brook, Richard Kordesh of Oak Park, A. D. Van Meter of Springfield. To be a member of the Illinois Racing Board for a term ending July 1st, the year 2004, Fredric Novy of Glenview. To be a member of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Board for a term ending January 1st, 2006, Georgia Lubben of Chicago. To be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for a term ending June 30th, 2007, Hugh Van Voorst of Union Hill. To be members of the Medical Licensing Board for a term ending January 1st, the year 2006, Ronald Johnson of Pittsfield, Janis Orlowski of River Forest. Madam President, to be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Williamson County for a term ending December 5th, the year 2005, Robert Connell of Marion. And last on this Message, Madam President, to be a member of the State Banking Board of Illinois for a term ending December 31st, the year 2004, Merlin Karlock of Bourbonnais. Madam President, having read the nonsalaried appointments from the Governor's Message of May 8th, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the nonsalaried appointments on May 8th, 2002, on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Thank you, Senator DeLeo. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nominations just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And the majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nominations just made. Mr. Secretary.
Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Secretary of State's Message of January 8th, 2002, reported the same back with the 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. Just a moment, Senator DeLeo. Could we have it a little more quiet back there? I can hear you all the way, and I -- I would appreciate a little more quiet so Senator DeLeo could be heard. Thank you. Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very, very much, Madam President. With respect to the Secretary of State's Message of January 8th, the year 2002, I'd like to read the salaried appointment for which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. Madam President, to be a Commissioner on the Merit Commission, the Office of Secretary of State, for a term ending December 31st, the year 2007, Larry Hoffman. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Secretary of State's Message of January 8th, 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointment of January 8th, 2002, on a roll call. Madam President, would you put the question as required by our rules, to the...(machine cutoff)...Body?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination just made. Mr. Secretary.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Senator DeLeo, Co-Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Secretary of State's Message of February 14th, 2002, reported the same back with a recommendation the Senate advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. And please, Ladies and Gentlemen, please give the... SENATOR DeLEO: Madam...
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Madam President, with respect to the Secretary of State's Message of February 14th, the year 2002, I will read the salaried appointment for which the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent. Madam President, for Commissioner of the Merit Commission for the Office of Secretary of State, the Secretary of State does recommend a term ending December 31st, the year 2002, Frank Cortese. 2007. I'm sorry. December 31st, the year 2007. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment for the Secretary of State's Message of February 14th, that was Valentine's Day, the year 2002, I will now seek leave to consider the appointment of February 14th on a roll call. Madam President, would you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 there are 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And the majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination just made. Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I thank you, Madam President, and I'd move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) You have heard the motion from Senator DeLeo. Those in favor, say Aye. Those opposed, say Nay. The motion -- Aye carries, and your motion's granted. Senator Viverito.
Hello. Hello. Point of special privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) State your privilege.
Thank you very much. We are very fortunate to have the Director of the Council on Aging for the State of Illinois, Margo Schreiber, up above our Democratic side. How about a nice round of applause for Margo?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) We welcome -- we welcome Mrs. Schreiber here. Senator del Valle, what purpose you rise? SENATOR dEL VALLE: Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) State your point, sir. SENATOR dEL VALLE: Madam President, I would like to welcome to the Illinois Senate, Bill Velazquez, who very ably represents the CHA and is here in the President's Gallery with his wife and four children 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 today, and his mother, Beatriz Velazquez, who's visiting us -- Beatriz Velazquez-Gilseph, who is visiting us from Los Angeles, California, and we want to welcome to the -- welcome them to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) We welcome the visitors from California and here. Committee Reports.
Senator Weaver, Chair of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Committee on Environment and Energy - the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1803; to the Committee on Executive - Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 5647; to the Committee on Judiciary - Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3717; to the Committee on Local Government - the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1571; to the Committee on Transportation - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1795; and Be Approved For Consideration - Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 5140, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1666, the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1686, and the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1932.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise, sir? Senator Watson.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Just to bring everybody up to date in regard to the ball game. It's, once again, cancelled. Intention is to try to play next Wednesday night. We'll see what happens, but that's the intention right now. The game is cancelled for tonight.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Ball game is cancelled tonight. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
For purposes of an announcement, Madam President. To Senator Lawrence Walsh and the other Members of the Senate Local Government Committee, we will meet today in Room A-1 at 2 p.m. A-1, 2 p.m., the Local Government Committee will meet. We have one order of business and we'll be out of there, hopefully, quickly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) 2 p.m. meeting of Local Government in Room A-1 in the Stratton Building. Senator Mahar, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
For the purpose of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) State...
Senate Environment and Energy Committee will meet in Room 400 at 1:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) The Senate Environment and Energy Committee will meet at 1:30 in Room 400. Senator Parker, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) State it, please.
There will be a Transportation Committee meeting in A-1 at 1:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Transportation Committee meeting at 1:30 in Room A-1 in the Stratton Building. Are there any further announcements? 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 433, offered by Senator Link. It is a death resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Consent Calendar. Messages for the Governor.
Message for the Governor by Michael P. Madigan, Director of Legislative Affairs. Mr. President - The Governor directs me to lay before the Senate the following Message: To the Honorable Members of the Senate, Illinois General Assembly - I have nominated and appointed the following named persons to the offices enumerated below and respectfully ask concurrence in and confirmation of these appointments of your Honorable Body. George H. Ryan, Governor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to go to the Order of 3rd Reading on Senate Bills, on page 6. We'll -- we will be beginning with Senate Bill 2287. Senator Rauschenberger. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2287. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. First, I need to apologize to Senator Trotter and Elgie Sims. I gave them the wrong numbers. We intend, in the next few 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 minutes, to move Senate Bills 2287, (22)88, (22)89 and (22)90. They are all four budget implementation shells. There's nothing in them. In communication with our astute colleagues over in the House, we find that they're only in possession of two Budget Implementation Acts. And since these bills will have to go through three readings in the House, we thought it was important that we move them along. I wish I was announcing that we had a -- some kind of budget agreement or mighty breakthrough, but I have to tell you we don't. So this is a -- a shell bill, which we hope will be critical in -- in the final analysis -- Senate Bill 2287. I'd be very happy to answer questions from the Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Trotter.
...very much, Madam President, Members of the Senate. You have stated that these are shell bills. However, we, on this side of the aisle, have reservations in voting for those shell bills, 'cause we do not know where they're going to be going and what kind of information will be put in 'em. So we're asking that everyone on this side, at least, vote Present at this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Further -- further discussion? Senator Welch.
Have a -- have a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) He indicates he'll hear it.
Senator Rauschenberger, you named about five bills, but there's many different subjects. Not too long ago, the court decided that we were putting too many issues in one bill. How many bills are you planning on passing out so we don't run into that same issue again? 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
We're going to move four today. As I understand it, the House is in possession of three. That would give us a universe of seven to work from, not knowing what the final shape is going to be. So I would appreciate bipartisan support or whatever help you guys can give us in moving shell bills out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Welch.
The -- the House of Representatives did pass two bills over here dealing with the budget, and I was wondering what happened to those. One is the bill to decouple from the federal depreciation schedules and the second bill is the bill that would be the -- eliminate the marriage insurance penalty where you have two people on insurance policies. Where -- what's -- what's your idea on that side of the aisle with those two bills?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
I think that we already passed a substantive bill dealing with the -- both husband and wife being required to be in the group health insurance plan. And I think the question of decoupling is very much before the Body as we go through the final budget negotiations. We're -- we were happy to see that action by the House, because, in fact, three weeks ago, when we put together a financial plan to share with people, we also kind of endorsed that concept. So -- but these bills are the -- are the Budget Implementation Act bills. They'll be kind of the superstructure of the -- the rule changes and -- and statute changes necessary to implement the final budget agreement. But -- but I -- I would 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 expect we'd be taking up the -- at least the bill on decoupling. I -- I don't know what the status of the Senate bill in the House is, as far as the marriage penalty question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Welch.
One other question that we had over here is that -- now, I know a lot of you folks on that side, a lot of Senators on the Republican side, had a big press conference and said you had a budget plan. Why hasn't that come up for a vote?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
Senator Welch, I'm glad you asked that question. One of the things we thought was very important was to stimulate our colleagues on your side of the aisle, as well as across the Rotunda, with some concepts about the budget. We didn't put out a budget. We put out a financial plan. We identified revenues that we were willing to support. We identified areas in which we thought we could reduce the budget. We basically came up with the planning document necessary to implement a budget. But we've learned the wisdom of one-hand clapping over the last three years, as we've argued for more reasonable level of expenditures, and doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to try to provoke the House or to annoy my colleagues across the aisle here. So we just put it out as a plan and invite everybody's thoughts about it. I'm happy to talk to people about it, and we're happy to take input on it. Nobody's locked into any positions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Welch? Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2287 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 25 voting Present. And the -- this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2288. Senator Rauschenberger. Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 2288. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
This is a -- a ditto explanation. It's exactly the same structure that you just voted for. It's a budget implementation shell. I'd appreciate support of the Body. If we're going to move the process forward, it needs to go to the House for -- for them to take it through three readings in order for us to be able to utilize this at the end of Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Madam President. For the reasons stated earlier, I would ask the Members on this side to vote Present.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2288 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 25 voting Present. And this bill, having received the required constitutional majority, 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2289. Senator Weaver. Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 2289. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Madam President. This also is a shell bill for the Budget Implementation Act. Be happy to answer any questions, if there are any.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any questions? Senator Trotter.
...Madam President. There are no questions. Again, I ask the Members on this side to vote Present for the same reasons that we voted for -- voted Present on the last two initiatives.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Rauschenberger.
Yeah. I just wanted to kind of point out that we've changed sponsors to make you guys more comfortable. Hope you'd be more supportive of this. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2289 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 25 voting Present. And this bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Senate Bill 2290. Senator Weaver. Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 2290. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator -- Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Madam President. This is also a shell bill for the Budget -- Implementation Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Trotter, discussion?
Thank you very much, Madam President. We are not questioning either the integrity or character or either one of the sponsors. We just feel that we should vote Present on these initiatives.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2290 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 25 voting Present. And this bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn to page 22. Senate Bill 151. Senator -- on the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrence, Senate Bills. Senate Bill 151. Senator Watson. We're on Concurrence, and this is final action. And this is on Senate Bill 151. Senator Watson. Madam Secretary, read the motion, please.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 151. Motion filed by Senator Watson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Watson.
Yes. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Just a moment, Senator Watson. This is final action. May we please have your undivided attention? Thank you. Senator Watson.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I do move that we concur in House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 151, and the amendments become the -- the bill. Actually, House Amendment No. 2 actually becomes the bill, and it prohibits the Department of Public Aid from reinstituting the inspection-of-care method of reimbursement for nursing homes until fiscal year '04. Now, I don't know if you're familiar with this concept or this issue, but there's three components by which nursing care -- nursing home care reimbursement is determined and one of them is the inspections of care. And if there's an industry out there right now that's hurting, that really has problems, it's the nursing home industry. I know there's an awful lot of Medicaid providers and -- that have problems, but this is one industry that we're seeing facilities close; the quality of care, some people are concerned about. They're doing everything they can at the local level to provide a high quality of care, but if we don't reimburse them in an adequate manner, then -- then they have a lot of problems. And that's what this is -- this is intending to do. Now, the Department has said that they're going to try to implement the IOC concept as of tomorrow, the 15th. They're going to try to implement this. I'd like to send a strong message to the Department that we don't think that this is the direction that we 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 should take. We should try to be providing some support and assistance to the nursing home industry, and that's what this legislation will do. Glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Senator Welch.
I've got a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) He indicates he'll listen.
Senator, I don't -- I don't think I understand this issue, because you're telling me that we -- we're worried about the impact on the nursing home industry. What about the impact on the -- on the residents of the nursing home by not having inspections? Does this -- do these inspections not find abuse, or they do not find mistreatment, or -- or what is the purpose of the inspections if it's not to find those two possibilities?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Watson.
Yes. The surveying that's done by the Department of Public Health will continue, and that's what they -- they're the ones who come in and determine the issues that you're concerned about. This is a mechanism by which the Department determines a reimbursement for the nursing homes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Welch.
Well, it sounds like what you're saying then is they should change the name of this, because if they already inspect for abuse or mistreatment, shouldn't this be called something different? I mean -- I mean, it sounds like it's something you don't want to 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 vote against -- I mean, you don't want to vote for. But you explained it totally different than what it sounds like. So...
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none - this is final action - the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 151. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And this bill, having received the required constitutional majority, on concurrence, is hereby declared passed. We'll move to page 23 on the top. Senate Bill -- in your -- your today's Calendar. Senate Bill 1282. Senator Roskam. Madam Secretary. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1646. Senator Roskam. Read the bill -- I'm sorry. Read the motion, Madam Secretary.
I move to nonconcur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1646. Motion filed by Senator Roskam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1646 is a simple bill that we passed unanimously dealing with theft of communication devices and so forth. The House put an amendment on it which would have confused the whole deal. The House sponsor has agreed to back off. So, I move that we nonconcur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Motion to nonconcur. Senator Roskam moves -- is there any discussion? Hearing none, Senator Roskam -- moves to nonconcur in 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1646. All those in favor to nonconcur, say Aye. All opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Secretary shall so inform the House. Look at the bottom of your Calendar. Page 23. Senate Bill 1830. Senator Sieben. Read the motion, Madam Secretary.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1830. Motion filed by Senator Sieben.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Sieben.
Yes. Thank you very much, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I'm moving -- I am moving to concur with House Amendment No. 1 to the -- to this legislation. The underlying bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, establishes the Restricted Call Registry list in Illinois, a list similar to what eighteen other states have already passed dealing with unwanted telemarketing calls. The amendment that the House put on would expand one of the exemptions in the bill, the exemption dealing with the telecommunications industry, and it would include now the cable television and DSL services, which are oftentimes now packaged in those same type of services. This exemption would -- would sunset on July 1st of 2005. So I do move for the concurrence with House Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, this is final action. And the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1830. Those in -- those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. Those -- the voting's open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 97th Legislative Day May 14, 2002 Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And the -- the -- the Senate does concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1830. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Turn to page 24 in your Calendar. Senate Bill 1854. Senator Shaw. Read the bill, Miss...
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1854. Motion filed by Senator Shaw.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Senator Shaw.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1854 is the LRB revisory bill. And I move to concur with House Amendment No. 1, because with -- with House Amendment No. -- without House Amendment No. 1, it would have made some substantive changes in the Chicago Labor Pension. And Amendment No. 1 removes that provision from the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR GEO-KARIS) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? This is final action. The question shall -- the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1854. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And the -- the Senate does concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1854. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Any further business to come before the Senate? If not, Senator Noland moves the -- the Senate stand adjourned until the hour of noon, Wednesday, May 15, 2002. We stand adjourned till noon tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15, 2002. 31