The regular Session of the 92nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks, and will our guests in the galleries please rise? Our prayer today will be given by Senator Geo-Karis. Senator Geo-Karis.
(Prayer by Senator Geo-Karis)
Chair would advise the Members to proceed directly to the Chamber. We have a special Flag Ceremony, which will be commencing shortly. The Department of Military Affairs seeks permission to record today's ceremony. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Geo-Karis.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have, to my left here, Captain Scott Huesing, from the Marine Corps, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1989. He served his first enlistment at Cherry Point, North Carolina, as a Hawk Missile System and Stinger Gunner. While attending college at Illinois State University, he served as a Machine Gunner with Weapons Company in Waukegan, Illinois. Upon graduation from college with a BS in Criminal Justice, Scott received his commission in the Marines in 1998. Selected as an Infantry Officer, he has spent the past three and a half years with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines in 29 Palms, California, where he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. Scott served in the Persian Gulf War and has deployed to Japan, Okinawa and Kenya. He is currently being assigned to serve with the 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Support Team, in Virginia. He happens to be the son of my secretary, Linda Hinton, and I've known Scott since he was a very small boy. And I'm proud to say it, he is now Captain Scott 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Huesing and he's regular Marine Corps. And we're just very, very proud of his accomplishments, and we ask that you welcome Scott here into the annals of the Senate.
Welcome, Captain, and semper fi. We'll just kind of stand at ease for a few seconds here to let some more Members come on the Floor. If the Senate will please come to order. We are pleased to have the members of the Illinois National Guard here with us today. Please rise for the Posting of the Colors by the 183rd Fighter Wing, located in Springfield, Illinois. Post colors. Will you all please rise for the -- Pledge of Allegiance. (Pledge of Allegiance recited)
Please by seated. Also with us today are members of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois National Guard, Peoria, Illinois, who will present a special Flag Ceremony. Here is Chief Master Sergeant Carrie Mack.
(Flag Ceremony, led by Chief Master Sergeant Carrie Mack)
I'd like to compliment the 183rd Fighter Wing, Springfield, Illinois, and the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, and of course, Sergeant Mack. Very impressive ceremony. Thank you very much. And special thanks to General Harris, an old friend. Reading of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Wednesday, May 15th, and Thursday, May 16th, 2002.
Senator Jones.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Jones moves to approve the Journals just read. There being no objection, so ordered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) _________________ Chicago Tribune requesting permission to photograph the proceedings today. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Roskam, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) State your point, sir.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'm joined today by some special guests: Charlie Campolo, from Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Molly Matthew, from Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and their moms, who are my high school classmates, Margo Matthew, Kelly Campolo and Leslie Watts, who's much older than we are. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be recognized? Welcome to Springfield. Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 438, offered by Senator Dillard and all Members of the Senate. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Consent Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will bring your attention to the middle of page 21. The Chair believes it's appropriate to go to the Order of Secretary's -- Secretary's Desk, Resolutions for action on Senate Resolution 408. Senator Bomke, what purpose do you rise? 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002
To make an announcement, Mr. President. I have before me, a trophy. I think it's for the one who travels I-55 the fastest, and it goes to Tom Walsh. Any of you -- no, in all seriousness, it's -- the Undie 500 is this evening. For those of you who are racing, this is the trophy you could win. I'm told that you don't just have to wear your underwear. You can wear something over your underwear, if you're -- if you're interested. It's for MADD, MADD's Undie 500 at Knight's Recreational Center this evening. You're all invited. I hope you'll have an opportunity to participate. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Thank you, Senator Bomke. We look forward to seeing you in your underwear. Senator Peterson, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) State your point.
I -- I want to clarify, this -- this award really goes to the legislator who gets home the fastest on I-55. If you notice, there's a car. I don't know if it looks like Lou Viverito's car or Tommy Walsh's car. We don't really see it that well when it whizzes by. So, if you want to take a look, a close look, you can come over and take a look at it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Demuzio, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Let the record reflect that Senator Clayborne is still absent due to his recent surgery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Thank you, Senator. Members, please turn your attention to 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 the middle of page 21, in the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. Resolution 408. Senator Philip. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 408, offered by Senator Philip. The Committee on Executive adopted one amendment. There have been no Floor amendments, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Philip.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 408, as amended, proclaims May 16th as Illinois National Guard Day. In recent years, twelve hundred Illinois Army/Air National Guard members have been deployed to support operations in Macedonia, Kosovo and Iraq. More than thirteen hundred of the 66th Infantry Brigade has been mobilized to deploy to the United States Army Europe in support of Operation Enduring (Freedom). More than four hundred and seventy members of the Illinois National Guard are on active duty, fulfilling federal missions worldwide. We should be proud of them, and we should salute them on -- once a year, on May 16th.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Philip moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 408. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. And the resolution is adopted. House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4605. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 It's offered by Senator Philip, as is House Bill 5150. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Messages.
Message from the President, dated May 21st, 2002. Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 2-10(e), I hereby extend the deadline for House Bills 3rd Reading on the following category of bills, with specific bills enumerated under this category, to May 31, 2002: Appropriations - specifically, House Bills 6056, 6060, 6061, 6065, 6066, 6067, 6068, 6071, 6075, 6083, -- or, 6084 and 6089. And Government Operations - specifically, House Bills 4605 and 5150. Signed by President Philip.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Committee Reports.
Senator Weaver, Chair of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures assigned: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations - Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 6169, House Bills 6056, 6060, 6061, 6065, 6066, 6067, 6068, 6071, 6075, 6083, 6084 and 6089; (to the Committee on Education - Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Joint Resolution 75 and the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1545;) to the Committee on Executive - House Bills 4605 and 5150; to the Committee on Insurance and Pensions - Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2671; to the Committee on Licensed Activities - the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1690; and Be Approved for 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Consideration - the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1622. (Committee within parentheses submitted, but inadvertently not read into record.)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) ...Members' information, we will be going momentarily to top of page 23, in the Order of Conference Committee Reports. Top of page 23, in the Order of Conference Committee Reports, House Bill 2207. Mr. Secretary, do you have a file on a conference committee report on House Bill 2207?
Yes, Mr. President. The First Conference Committee Report on House Bill 2207.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Tom Walsh.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Conference Committee Report No. 1 to House Bill 2207 allows a title company or a duly appointed agent to act as a substitute filer of the mortgage release, irrespective of the lender's consent, where the lender has not filed a release after the payoff. This was an agreement between the Land Title Association, the Association of Realtors, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Credit Union League and the Corporate Fiduciaries Association. This was a problem that came up because of the many -- refinancings over the last couple of years. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Conference Committee Report No. 1 to House Bill 2207. Senator O'Malley.
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator O'Malley.
Senator Walsh, just for purpose of clarification and to make sure everybody on the Floor understands this, this is not anything to do with what's known as the Bank One legislation. Okay? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Walsh.
No, this -- this isn't. No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Any further discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Conference Committee Report No. 1 to House Bill 2207. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. And 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 55 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. And the Senate does adopt Conference Committee Report No. 1 to House Bill 2207, and the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Messages from the House.
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 1975, with House Amendments 1 and 2. Passed the House, as amended, May 21st, 2002.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) We will now be going to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. If Members will turn to page 7, in the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we have Senate Bill 2392. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002
Senate Bill 2392. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 2392 is a one-dollar appropriation bill that successfully made it out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. We think the time is appropriate and right for us to send it over to the House. We would expect you'll see this bill back with an amendment. But if -- if we are to have a reasonable opportunity for an adjournment before our constitutional deadline, these bills require three readings in the House, so we think it's important to have the support of the Body to send these vehicle bills over today. So, I would appreciate favorable support of the Chamber, and I'd be very happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Members of the Democratic Senate, these bills that we're going to be listening to today, or pass over to the House, are vehicle bills, as the Senator has said. However, until we can get some real substantive language in the bills, I would ask every Member on this side to vote Present.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any further discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2392 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Take the record. On that question, there are 32 Ayes, no Nays, 23 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2392, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2393. Mr. -- Madam Secretary, read the bill, please.
Senate Bill 2393. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
I will allow my previous explanation to stand and again urge this Body to support an effort to try to move the process forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Further discussion? Senator -- Senator Syverson.
Mr. -- thank you, Mr. President. I'd just like to welcome Senator Roskam to the gallery. He's in the President's -- President's Gallery. If we could all welcome him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Welcome to the Senate. Further discussion? Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, again, Mr. President. Again, I would ask the Members on this side of the aisle to vote Present on this piece of legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2393 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. 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 31 Ayes, no Nays, 24 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2393, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 passed. Senate Bill 2394. Madam Secretary, read the bill, please.
Senate Bill 2394. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 2394, again, is a one-dollar vehicle bill. I'd appreciate support of the Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Any discussion? Senator Trotter.
Just ask the Members on this side to vote Present again.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2394 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 33 Ayes, no Nays, and 23 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2394, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2395. Madam Secretary, read the bill, please.
Senate Bill 2395. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Senate Bill 2395 is, again, a one-dollar shell bill, but it is for the Department of Military Affairs, who are down with us today. National Guardsmen. And maybe this one we could send out with all green lights and just let the House know that we're supporting Military Affairs today. I'd appreciate support of the Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Trotter.
Mr. President, I think we're all good Americans on this side but, however, we are still going to vote Present on this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2395 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 Ayes, no Nays, 24 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2395, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2396. Madam Secretary, read the bill, please.
Senate Bill 2396. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill is, again, a one-dollar appropriation shell. I'd appreciate support of the Body. Be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Trotter.
12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Mr. President, just to be consistent, we're going to vote Present on this one.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2396 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 Ayes, no Nays, 24 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2396, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2397. Madam Secretary, read the bill, please.
Senate Bill 2397. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 2397 is a one-dollar shell bill appropriation. I'd appreciate support of the Body so we can send this to the House for three readings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Trotter.
Just asking the Members to vote Present again.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2397 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. 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 Ayes, no Nays, and 24 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2397, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 declared passed. On page 21 of the Calendar is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolution. Madam Secretary, read the resolution. Senator -- Senator Noland, what purpose do you rise? Chair recognizes Senator Noland, with his light on. Senator Pat Welch, what purpose do you rise, sir?
Well, I wanted to ask Senator Rauschenberger a question. I thought he was going to go through all of the appropriation bills. Is he over there somewhere? Oh, there he is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger, on Senator Syverson's microphone.
It was our intention to send sufficient shells over to the House so that if we, you know -- if we have white smoke or an agreement, that they have an opportunity to take those bills through three readings in the House and they'll be positioned for final action. We don't -- I mean, we -- we don't think we'll need more shell bills than that. So, there's no other appropriation action expected today. I would inform the Body that there are thirteen or fourteen small agencies that the Approp people have been working together on for -- I think since November, ones that are very unlikely to change, like the State Fire Marshal, some very small appropriation bills. We expect sometime today to file an amendment and hope to take it to committee tomorrow to hear just the small bills, and we'll do it as a single amendment and, hopefully with the support of the Body, send that on out before the end of the week.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Pat Welch, on Senator Pat Welch's microphone.
So, your theory is that we can put all the small agencies on one bill and the Supreme Court won't say that's unconstitutional. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger.
Now, I'm certainly not an attorney, but to the best of my understanding, there has not been a dispute with the Supreme Court about keeping -- as long as you keep just appropriation on an appropriation bill. The fact that you have multiple agencies, to the best of my knowledge, has not concerned the Court. We generally try to break up the appropriation onto several bills because Members seem to feel more comfortable voting on more than one bill. They have, maybe, a better a chance to look at it or whatever. But at the request of the Governor, I think the Leaders have agreed to move fourteen -- thirteen, fourteen of the small agencies. Everyone is welcome tomorrow for a 12 noon Appropriation Committee, and, you know, anybody can come. We have a -- we're a lot of fun in that committee, and I think it might be Senator Trotter's turn to buy lunch.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Rauschenberger again, on Senator Syverson's microphone.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to inform the Body, I just was informed that the amendment was filed. Rules Committee has discharged it. It is posted for a hearing, just the amendment on the smaller agencies, tomorrow. Certainly doesn't represent the big agencies with a global agreement. Senator Trotter and I and Elgie Sims and Tim Nuding are hard at work trying to persuade our House colleagues to kind of get their act together and join the parade.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Members, turn your attention to the middle of page 21, in the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. Middle of page 21, in the 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolution, is Senate Resolution 270. Senator Ronen. Madam Secretary, read the resolution, please.
Senate Resolution 270. No committee -- no committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Body. This resolution merely -- thank you. This resolution calls on this Body to ask the -- our government and our governmental leaders to stand up against discrimination that's been occurring in China to members of Falun Gong, and we are joined in that position by President Bush and many other states who have already taken this action. So, I would just urge a Aye vote so that we can stand against discrimination and -- and for humane treatment. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Ronen moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 270. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 426. Senator Sullivan. Senate -- Senate Joint Resolution 65. Senator Donahue. Madam Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senators Donahue and Syverson. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Donahue.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. What this does is create 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 some -- an Illinois Legislative Alzheimer's Disease Task Force. It consists of eight Members from the General Assembly, two from each Caucus, so it's equally. It's chaired by the -- co-chairs between the House and Senate. There will be no money appropriated for this purpose this year. And -- but I think it's a very important task force to look at what -- the care and the need of the Alzheimer's patients. So, I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Donahue moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 65. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wished? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. And the resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 72. Senator Parker. Madam Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 72. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. What this does is direct the Illinois Auditor General to undertake a management audit of the Toll Highway Authority, determine how the Authority is managing and using its resources in an economical and efficient manner - such resources include toll and investment-generated revenue, property, equipment, and space - then make recommendations to correct any inefficiencies or uneconomical practices and examine the process by which the Authority collects, transports, counts, and deposits toll collections. I'll be glad to answer any questions and ask for an 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Is there any discussion? If not -- Senator Demuzio.
Thank you, Mr. President. I was rising in support of this resolution, but I understand that there was a -- an amendment that was filed to this resolution that has Senator Link's name on it that -- are you familiar with that -- with that resolution {sic}?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Parker.
Senator, I was just made aware of it just a few minutes ago.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Any further discussion? Senator Demuzio.
Well, I rise in support of the resolution. There are a number of ways to commission the Audit Commission to conduct a -- an audit. It is preferably through the Audit Commission itself; however, it is the normal, usual, customary practice for Members to ask the Audit Commission to do and undertake such undertakings as we have before us now. It seems to me that it would have made much more sense with the amendment that I just briefly read, which I don't know if you had an opportunity to read it or not, that would look into the establishment of -- perhaps, of a permanent independent inspector general within the Toll Highway Authority. I think since we are proceeding, that perhaps once this passes and if it does not get amended in the House, to suggest that language, that perhaps that is something that we can put into a letter that that is one of the scopes that they might undertake. I hesitate to -- to tell the Auditor General what to be looking for, but it certainly is one that should make him aware of the fact that the Legislature, in fact, did have some notion of a permanent 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 inspector general within the Toll Highway Authority. With that proviso, I think that this is a resolution that I am prepared to support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Hendon.
Senator Parker, in the amendment in question, this position that we're speaking about, are you against having a permanent inspector general there? Is that -- some reason why this amendment is not being accepted by you?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Parker.
I just heard about this a few minutes ago. This resolution is ready to be moved, and we certainly want to do that. And I would be very glad to entertain anything else, as far as inspector general, later on.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Hendon.
Well, I don't -- I don't understand what's -- the hurry is here. If you're serious about cleaning up the Toll Authority, seems like you would accept this amendment. So we're -- we're -- we're in support of what you're doing, but we're not certain about your seriousness here because you're not supporting an amendment that would make sure we get rid of any waste or corruption that might exist at the Toll Authority. So, what's the hurry? 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Parker.
Senator, for three years I have been trying to get a management audit done at the Toll Highway Authority and I want to get this out of here, get it over to the House and get this done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Further discussion? Senator Geo-Karis.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, my area wants a management audit. That's what we've been asking for. The Senator has it here. Let's go ahead and vote for it. We need it. We -- we want to know exactly what's what. And what's wrong with that? Let's get moving on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Any further discussion? If not, Senator Parker, to close.
I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ) Senator Parker moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 72. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. And the resolution is adopted. For the information of the Membership, the Chair will be announcing -- reminding you of the committee schedule for tomorrow. The -- the committee announcements have been posted, but the Chair is reminding the Members that at 8:30 tomorrow morning in Room 212, Executive Appointments; 9 o'clock, Ag and Conservation in Room A-1; 9:30, Executive in Room 212; 10 o'clock, Education in Room 212; 11 o'clock, Insurance and Pensions in Room 212; and at noon, Licensed Activities is meeting 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 100th Legislative Day May 21, 2002 in Room 212; and at 12:30, Appropriations will be meeting in Room 212. Is there any further business to come before the Senate? If not, Senator Geo-Karis moves the Senate stand adjourned until the hour of 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 22nd, 2002. 21