Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 19, 2004

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The regular Session of the 93rd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Reilly, the Calvary Assembly of God, Crystal Lake, Illinois. Pastor Reilly.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Link.

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Link)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Please be seated. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition? I think that’s your group just leaving. Senator Haine, as your -- where’s your group?

Thank you very much, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I wish to call the attention of the Senate to a -- the eighth-grade class, some parents, members of the faculty of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Bethalto, Illinois. And they are also -- they also came to Springfield to see the Statehouse with a very close friend of mine, Assistant State’s Attorney of Madison County, Teresa Hagans, a prosecutor known for her great competence and integrity. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I’d appreciate a warm welcome for Our Lady Queen of Peace.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Would our guests in the gallery please rise, be recognized? Welcome to Springfield. Thank you for coming. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Haine.

1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless a Member of the Senate has additions or corrections to offer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Haine moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Take a bow, Russ. Stand up. Welcome to Springfield. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Resolutions Consent -- Calendar. Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Will the colleagues in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield, to all of you. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to proceed to 3rd Readings immediately. Would the secretaries in their offices please tell their Senators to come up to the Floor? We’re going to begin voting on 3rd Readings, final passage. Thank you. Will the Senators please come to the Floor? Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Michael, stand up so we can see you. Welcome to Springfield. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 12 of the Calendar, House Bills 3rd Reading, the first bill is House Bill 1083. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon. 1111. Senator Emil Jones. On the top of page 13. Senator Cullerton. Read the bill, Madam Secretary. Out of the record. House Bill 1300. Senator Petka. With leave of the Body, Senator Syverson will handle the amendment. Senator Syverson, on House Bill 1300. Senator Syverson seeks leave of this Body to return House Bill 1300 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1300. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Syverson, handling the amendment for Senator Petka.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Syverson moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1300. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On -- now on the Order of 3rd Reading, House Bill 1300. Senator Syverson seeks leave of the Body to handle the bill for Senator Petka. Without objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 1300 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 49 Members voted Yes, 7 Members voted No, no Members voted Present. House Bill 1300, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1336. Senator Martinez. House Bill 1659. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 1660. Senator Crotty. House Bill 1875. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 2220. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 2268. Senator Obama. House 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Bill 2587. Senator Meeks. House Bill 2981. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Cullerton.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill comes to us from the Illinois Acupuncture Federation and the -- it represents a result of a compromise with the Illinois State Medical Society. It removes the requirement that an acupuncturist receive a referral from a physician or a dentist before treating the patient. Physicians and dentists would still have the ability to refer and maintain management of the patient; however, it’s not required in order for a patient to receive treatment from an acupuncturist. Know of no opposition. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 2981 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, no Members voted No, and no Member voted Present. House Bill 2981, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3589. Senator Schoenberg. On the top of page 14, House Bill 3715. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 3716. Senator Terry Link. House Bill 2828 -- 3828. Excuse me. John Sullivan. House Bill 3835. Senator George Shadid. House Bill 3977. Senator Haine. Senator Haine. House Bill 3979. Senator Lightford. House Bill 4012. Senator Munoz. House Bill 4086. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 4154. Senator Schoenberg. On the top of page -- 16 -- 15. Top of page 15. House Bill 4176. Senator del Valle. On page 15, House Bill 4200. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 4241. Senator DeLeo. House Bill 4280. Senator Hunter. Read the bill, Madam Secretary. Pardon me. Senator Hunter seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4280 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4280. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter, on Amendment No. 2.

Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment provides an administrative cleanup to language worked out to address concerns raised in the committee.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Hunter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. House Bill -- oh, I’m sorry. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4280. Senator Hunter, do you wish to proceed? Senator -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4280 would allow municipalities to collect overdue costs associated with correcting code violations associated with property maintenance, such as cutting the grass, weeds, removal of abandoned properly, as -- property and rodent abatement, as a special assessment on property taxes. Not only would this bring in additional revenues for the municipalities which is now going uncollected, but it will be an incentive for landlords to clean up their properties in order to maintain neighborhood property values. 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 The proponents are the City of Chicago, the Code Enforcement Officials of Southern Illinois, the Illinois Municipal League, West Central -- Municipal Conference. And I ask for a favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Thank you, Senator Hunter. We have a couple of Members wanting to ask questions. Could we -- could we please move away from the sponsor? Over here, could we please move away from the sponsor so that she can hear the question? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates she’ll yield, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

After a -- after a hearing is conducted, yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 This is an administrative hearing, sir. What happens is that a notice goes out to the homeowner stating that they are in violation of whatever, and they’re -- they’re given a time frame to correct the issue. And if they do not correct the -- the violation within a -- a timely manner -- within a timely manner, then an administrative hearing is -- is called and the person has the opportunity to appear before an administrative judge or -- or hearing. And…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator… pardon me. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

No, there is nothing in the statute that states that. There is no -- no time frame written in the statute, as well.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

There is no -- oh. There is no limit in the bill in terms of the amount; however, there is an opportunity for redress from the homeowner. Okay. What it states is that, in terms of the comments, if a homeowner is cited with a code violation, does not correct the problem before reinspection and -- and if they fail to pay costs of services rendered by the municipality to correct the violation, then a lien is placed on his or her property by the office of the recorder, by that municipality.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

If the -- the municipality cares to do so, yes, they can do it. They’re already doing this now. All of this is going on right now. What we simply wanted to do was to correct the -- and make it very specific the certain code violations. And prior to, they were not specifically indicated, but now we know that the specific code violations are cutting of grass and weeds, removal of abandoned vehicles and garbage, and rodent abatement. The liens are already being placed -- we -- we’re only -- this - - this bill allows it to have a special assessment. The liens are already -- everything is being taken care of, is being done right now.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (Senator WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hunter.

What we are doing with this bill, Senator, is to impose the liens through -- the liens are already being imposed. We’re imposing the special assessments in order to collect the funds.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (Senator WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Wendell Jones.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any further discussion? If not, Senator Hunter, to close.

I’d like to say that the liens are already being imposed. This bill simply allows for the collection of fines through the special assessment, and I ask for a favorable vote. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The question is, shall House Bill 4280 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 36 Members voted Yes, 18 Members voted No, 3 -- 2 Members voted Present. House Bill 4280, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator David Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I have a couple of introductions. First, on the Floor with me is my Page for today, Paul Brown, from Senator Shadid’s district. And in the gallery, my oldest son has returned from my -- from his freshman year at my alma mater, Marquette University. My son, Brendan, with two friends of his, Chris Hayes and Austin Gibbons.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Would our guests in the galleries please rise, and the Page? Welcome to Springfield. House Bill 4283. Senator Shadid. House Bill 4502. Senator DeLeo. Read the bill, Madam Secretary. Hold on. Senator DeLeo seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4502 to the Order of 2nd Reading for purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is -- is House Bill 4502. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator DeLeo, on Floor Amendment No. 3. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 4502 deletes all and actually becomes the bill. What this -- the amendment does, requires DHS to periodically convene a task force to study and assess service needs of -- persons with autism. There was some very controversial part of this bill. There was some estimates floating around, between twenty and thirty, forty million dollars. That is now out - out of the bill. The only part in the bill is what this amendment does, leaves the autism part in the bill. So, I’d ask for the -- adoption of Amendment No. 3, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion on the amendment? If not, Senator DeLeo moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 4502. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading, House Bill 4502. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Once again, thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the -- Assembly. Amendment No. 3 that I just explained is now the bill, and I’d ask for a favorable roll call.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any further discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 4502 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members are voting Yes, no Member voted No, no Member voted Present. House Bill 4502, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4505. Senator Collins. House Bill 4522. Senator del Valle. House Bill 4522. Senator del Valle. House Bill 4370. Senator Obama. On top of page 16, House Bill 4771. Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4771 to the Order of 2nd Reading for purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4771. Madam Secretary, are there -- any amendments filed for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Halvorson.

13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment shall be explained by the amendment sponsor, Senator Harmon.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment to House Bill 4771, which Senator Halvorson graciously agreed to include in the bill, is an amendment to the Criminal Code that essentially removes a -- an accelerated statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault when the alleged offender is the spouse of the victim. Law -- the law currently provides for a thirty-day statute of limitations. This would eliminate that and put all rape victims on equal footing. I’d ask for your Aye votes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4771. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4771. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Halvorson.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 4771 now does two things. Senator Harmon explained the amendment that was put on, but it also addresses the medical testing of controlled substances, as far getting a signed consent to analyze the sampling. Currently, it’s forty-eight hours, and a lot of times the person is still under the influence or they can’t find them. So what this does now is it gives them up to thirty days after giving the sample as -- to 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 sign the -- the letter of consent. So, I would like for everybody to vote Aye.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4771 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. Voting’s open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, 59 Members voted Yes, no Members voted No, none voted Present. House Bill 4771, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Brady, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Erica, welcome to Springfield. House Bill 4847. Senator Jacobs. House Bill 4870. Senator Link. House Bill 4894. Senator Schoenberg. Senator Schoenberg? House Bill 4894. House Bill 4976. Senator Link. House Bill 4977. Senator Roskam. Senator Roskam seeks leave of this Body to return House Bill 4977 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4977. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Roskam, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Roskam moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4977. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4977. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Could we have a little elbow room for Senator Roskam? Thank you. Senator Roskam.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 4977 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, none voted No, none voting Present. House Bill 4977, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4980. Senator Garrett. House Bill 4996. Senator Halvorson. Senator 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Halvorson seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4996 to the Order of 2nd Reading for purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4996. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Halvorson, to explain Amendment No. 3.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 3 deletes all and becomes the bill. It does two things. It amends the Military Code of Illinois to include single service members of the Illinois National Guard and reserves as eligible for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund, and it also amends the Survivors’ Compensation Act to include Illinois service members whose service-connected death was a result of hostile action. It changes the grant from one thousand dollars to three thousand.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Halvorson moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 4996. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4996. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Halvorson.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman -- Mr. President. The bill, as described by the amendment, is necessary because a lot of single 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 people have not been given the grants from the Military Family Relief Fund, and we need to increase the grant from one thousand to three thousand. We have had thirty-seven people from Illinois die, and I think that’s the least we could do, is come up with a -- a better grant for death benefits.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 4996 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, no Member voted No, none voted Present. House Bill 4996, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 5017. Senator Larry Walsh. Read the bill, Madam Secretary. I’m sorry. Senator Larry Walsh seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5017 to the Order of 2nd Reading for purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5017. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Walsh, to explain Floor Amendment No. 4.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 5017 amends the State Police Law in regards to prospective firefighter criminal history record checks. It changes the requests made of the State Police from a federal background investigation to a less labor-intensive criminal history records check while expanding the persons who can request a criminal history record to included the chief of any department, volunteer or non- volunteer, or the board of trustees of a volunteer fire protection district. I’d be glad to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Walsh moves the adoption of House Amendment -- of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 5017. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5017. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Walsh.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 5017, as amended, becomes a catchall for a lot of pieces of action in regards to volunteer fire departments, fire protection districts, et cetera. What it does is gives local fire districts the option to require new hirees to have one of the EMT certifications as a condition of employment. Makes it permissive. New hires only. Also allows for more efficient scheduling of personnel. Sponsorship of trainings are easily available. Also amended, the bill sets the standard for the elections of fire protection -- fire districts’ trustees and the number of signatures requested for the nomination. So, if there’s any questions, I’d be more than glad to answer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 5017 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, no Member voted No, and none voting Present. House Bill 5017, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the top of page 17 is House Bill 5732. Senator Link. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Link.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is just an extension of a TIF district for the City of Effingham.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 5732 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 55 Members voted Yes, 2 Members voted No, no Member voted Present. House Bill 5732, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 5875. Senator Harmon. House Bill 6496. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 6499. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 6954. Senator -- House Bill 7169. House Bill 7170. House Bill 7173. House Bill 7174. House Bill 7177. House Bill 7178. House Bill 7179. House Bill 7180. House Bill 7181. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendar to page 8. We will go to House Bills 3rd Reading. And the top -- at the top of the list is House Bill 486. Senator Trotter. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 486 does two things. One, it prohibits hospitals from promulgating policies or implementing practices that determine differing standards of obstetrical care based upon a patient’s source of payment or ability to pay for medical services and requires a hospital to post a written notice reflecting that policy. DPA is required to reimburse medical providers who administer epidural anesthesia services to -- Medicaid patients when requested by an attending physician at 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 the time of delivery. Second, what it does is, it amends the same Act dealing with dental services on the Medicaid program which will be expanded to include prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and -- and dental caries disease for pregnant women.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The question is, shall House Bill -- House Bill 486 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, no Member voted No, none voted Present. House Bill 486, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the top of page 9, House Bill 575. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 578. Senator Cullerton. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Cullerton.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is a cleanup, if you will, of the death penalty reform bill that we passed last year. It would allow for the use of the Capital Litigation Trust Fund to provide assistance in post-conviction proceedings, both for the -- the defense as well as the prosecution. It also authorizes the Appellate Defender to contract with attorneys to provide representation, but makes their compensation subject to -- court approval and allows the court to permit certain late filing of post-conviction proceedings dealing with the writ of certiorari for the Supreme Court. Know of no opposition. It’s supported by the State’s 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Attorneys as well as the Appellate Defender, and would ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 578 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 59 Members voted Yes, no Member voted No, none are recorded as Present. House Bill 578, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 616. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 649. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 679. Senator Trotter. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This issue is a -- an -- an initiative that was presented to this Body from the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition. It requires the Department of Public Aid, subject to appropriation, to furnish funding to community organizations for outreach programs which would consist of assistance in completing the application process for KidCare/FamilyCare programs and then transmitting the -- those application to DPA. What it’s -- further does is it makes it clear that those community organizations that are chosen are mandated to offer specific services and will be held accountable for the services that -- that they would be furnishing.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

That’s absolutely correct, so we can maximize our efforts in spending those dollars that we get from the feds to reach the populations that are -- that are in need -- that are -- would be needing these services.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

Senator, those are -- are very ambitious numbers that have been presented by the Department. They, to date, have not met those kind of projected numbers for outreach. For the past years that -- five years that we’ve had this program in place, we’ve only registered two hundred thousand. So, they have not reached that forty-six thousand that they want. We know that there are almost another hundred to two hundred thousand people who are eligible for these programs. These outreach -- outreach programs and dollars will ensure that we get to that forty-six thousand and not just by a number that’s presented that they 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 would like to be. This, again, will ensure that we reach those people who need these necessary services.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

Yes. We -- we -- five years ago, and we’re going into the sixth year now, when we started the KidCare program, we saw that there was at least two hundred thousand kids -- or, at that time, on their very limited numbers that they gave us, two hundred thousand children that would have been eligible for KidCare. Since that time, because of the -- the economy, we now know there’s almost four hundred thousand children who are eligible for those programs. The Department has every year had a goal in which they wanted to register set amount of kids and families. They have never attained their goals. So, we’re saying that if we’re going to use these dollars, these CHIP dollars which come from the federal government, instead of sending back thirty-six million dollars as we had in the past because we could not spend it to -- to reach these -- these targets, that this is the best way to do it. We’re asking for a minimum of -- of five hundred thousand dollars which will go to groups, which will go to those, basically, communities that have not been participating in this program. Those are the -- the Latino communities, the rural communities, and also to the African-American communities where we have -- basically, we -- we know the need is there, but for whatever reason, have not participated in this program. These dollars, which will not only give us workers who are knowledgeable about the KidCare program, who will go to these small pockets -- or, these large pockets, I should say, and explain to the folks the need for enrolling their children and themselves into this program, which is largely funded by federal dollars. 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter, could you wrap it up?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Ronen.

Will the sponsor yield for a question?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield, Senator.

Senator Trotter, I -- I understand that your bill is subject to appropriation. I guess the -- the essence of my question is, in other words, you are anticipating, unless there is a specific line item put in the budget for this purpose, this wouldn’t be funded. In other words, you’re not suggesting that we take money from some other -- from the child care KidCare/FamilyCare program to pay for this. It’s subject to a specific appropriation for the purposes of outreach. That’s how I understood what you were saying in committee.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

That is correct, Senator. 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Roskam.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Hendon.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill and the last two speakers from the other side of the aisle. It’s amazing to me because this bill does not encourage people to go on welfare. This bill -- we have a lot of children here today, a lot of mothers here today. This bill simply allows people to get KidCare, to get the doctors, the nurses, the -- the help that they need to live a healthy life. And anyone who votes against it, you’re voting against the children, you’re voting against the mothers, you’re voting against health care for people who can’t afford it otherwise. This is an excellent piece of legislation. I commend Senator Trotter for pushing it forward, and I urge a No vote on both sides of the aisle from those -- a Yes vote. A Yes vote. See, I was looking at Roskam and he always is No on everything, and Righter. They’re always No. I urge a Yes vote on this important piece of legislation for all of us and all of -- regardless of Party that -- that understand and love children and families and want to give them the best possible health possible. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Senator -- Senator Trotter, to close.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Hendon, for all your help -- in this bill. But, seriously, what -- what we have here, it’s -- it’s because of the misinformation that is out there about the -- the KidCare program, is that we need outreach. There are many parents who think, like Senator Roskam, that this is welfare. This is not welfare. This is health care for children, dollars which are going out there to ensure that our children get a healthy start so they can go to school, so they can get the glasses they need, get the hearing tests that they need. This is not a welfare program, and a lot of people who are very proud do not participate in the program because they do not want to be on welfare. This is a KidCare health care program for children and for working-class people, people who have -- go up to -- to the federal poverty line. Federal poverty line for a family of four is -- sixteen thousand fifty for over -- going up to two hundred percent of the federal poverty line. So, this is not welfare. This is a needed program for our children, and I ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The -- the question is, shall House Bill 679 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 29 Members voted Yes, 25 Members voted No, 4 Members voted Present. House Bill 679, having failed to receive the required majority, is declared lost. Senator Trotter.

Like to have this bill put on Postponed Consideration, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter moves to put House Bill 679 on Postponed Consideration. That motion is in order. The bill will be placed on the Order of Postponed Consideration. House Bill 714. Senator Shadid. House Bill 731. Senator Trotter. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Trotter.

Excuse me. Take this one out of the record, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Please take the bill out of the record. House Bill 750. Senator Meeks. House Bill 753. Senator Peterson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Peterson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Senator Geo-Karis.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 753 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 39 Members voted Yes, 18 voted No, no Member voted Present. House Bill 753, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Please stand and be recognized by the Senate. Welcome to Springfield. House Bill 756. Senator del Valle. House Bill 759. Senator Emil Jones. On the top of page 10, House Bill 762. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 766. Senator Maloney. House Bill 826. Senator Clayborne. House Bill 834. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 835. Senator Sandoval. House Bill 843. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 848. Senator Welch. House Bill 849. Senator Trotter. Senator Roskam, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Well, welcome to the Bronsons. Please -- stand and be recognized by the Senate. Senator Lightford.

Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of an announcement.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

Thank you. I’d like for the Members to also welcome a young lady here with me today, Paris Stephens, from my hometown, the Village of Maywood. Please welcome her.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Welcome to Springfield, Paris. Senator Halvorson, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to announce that Senator Clayborne had to leave for family business. So, if the record could reflect.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Thank you, Senator. Proceeding with the next bill, House Bill 851. Senator Trotter. House Bill 853. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 854. Senator Emil Jones. On the top of page 11, House Bill 855. Senator Link. House Bill 856. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 857. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 862. Senator Link. House Bill 863. Senator Link. House Bill 864. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 866. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 867. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 868. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 870. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 875. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 913. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 921. Senator Ronen. Senator Carol Ronen. On the top of page 12, House Bill 934. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 944. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 966. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 976. Senator Susan Garrett. House Bill 999. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 1004. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 1007. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 1020. Senator Welch. 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 With leave of the Body, we’ll return to that bill. House Bill 1067. Senator Jacobs. House Bill 1083. Senator Harmon. House Bill 1111. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 1191. Senator John Cullerton. House Bill 1336. Senator Martinez. House Bill 1659. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 1660. Senator Crotty. House Bill 1875. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 2020 -- 2220. Excuse me. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 2268. Senator Obama. Senator Obama. Senator Obama seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2268 to the Order of 2nd Reading for purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2268. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments filed for approval?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama, to explain Floor Amendment No. 4.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This amendment is in response to a couple of concerns that Members of the committee voiced during our last hearing. It changes how the appointment of a task force for the Health Care Justice Task Force {sic} will be appointed, making sure that there’s representation from both sides of the aisle. And I’m happy to debate the bill on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Obama moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 2268. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 2268. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill seeks to address what is a growing crisis all throughout the State. I don’t need to, I think, reiterate the fact that we have a full-blown health care crisis. When I first came to the Legislature seven years ago, we already had a problem with the forty million plus nationally who were uninsured, the millions in Illinois who were uninsured. But now what we’re seeing is not only problems among the uninsured, problems among seniors and their prescription drugs, but we are also seeing now people who have employer-based health care plans seeing their copayments go up, deductibles go up and premiums go up so that all people are feeling the pinch. Geographically, it doesn’t matter whether they’re in downstate Illinois, City of Chicago or the suburbs. Black, white, Hispanic and Latino, all of us are concerned about rising health care costs, and small employers and self-employed persons are among the hardest hit. What this bill does is to create a task force that over the next year will examine mechanisms by which we can expand affordability and accessibility of health care to all persons in Illinois. The task force, thanks to suggestions from some of my Republican colleagues, will be made up of five appointees from the Governor as well as six from each Legislative Leader. They will meet and discuss how we can provide more effectively a full range of preventative, acute and long-term health care services, provide portability of coverage, provide core benefits to all Illinois residents, encourage cost savings, cost containment, and would promote affordable coverage options for the small business market. Within the bill, it enumerates a number of issues that the task force should be looking at. There have been some back-and-forths between myself and the insurance industry, which was originally concerned that somehow this was a Trojan horse, to introduce single payer. I want to say on record that I am not in favor of a single-payer plan. I don’t think that we can set up that kind of plan, and if we were going to even attempt to some sort of national health care, that would have to, obviously, be done at the federal level. What this does 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 do is to try to figure out how can we at the State level more effectively address this crisis. With that, I would entertain any questions or comments people may have.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

Just a brief response to Senator Righter, and I know he didn’t ask a question. But I -- couple of things. One, I will acknowledge that when this bill came over from the House and I picked it up, it did have the sort of mandate that the Legislature would have to come up with something, and that was something that I worked diligently with the insurance industry, as well as Members of that side of the aisle, in addressing. It is now addressed here. With respect to the issue of cost containment, I just want to point out that what this task force is assigned to do is to look at a range of issues, one of which is cost containment. So, the notion, I think -- the implication, at least, that was set forth by Senator Righter that somehow we have this open-ended study that doesn’t address cost containment is simply not accurate. As I read provision (6) the health care task force is urged to, among other things, look at how we institute cost-containment measures, because I think all of us are aware that we can’t expand accessibility and affordability unless the baseline costs of health care are curbed. So, I -- I just want to make sure that everybody is clear here. We have given some direction to the task force in terms of broad outlines, basic things that people have to look at. That’s appropriate. If we just had an open-ended study, it would mean nothing. We want to give some direction to the task force so that they have some sense of what their assignment is, but there’s nothing in there that predetermines the kind of recommendations that they may come up with. They could decide to come up with a tax credit plan that many on that side of the aisle would support. They may decide to come up with some other mechanisms to contain costs. That’s exactly what we -- need debating, but what we don’t have right now is any kind of sense of urgency about the extraordinary difficulties that our -- 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 constituencies are experiencing with respect to health care costs. And I would -- before I urge a No vote -- or, an Aye vote, let me -- let me go ahead and answer any other questions people may have.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to both move the previous question and speak to the bill. Is that in order?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Yes. Senator Harmon moves the previous question. Without objection, leave is granted. There are one, two, three, four, five, six speakers in addition to Senator Harmon. Please proceed, Senator.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As a cosponsor of this bill, I rise in strong support. I -- I’m sure that many of you have the same experience that I have in my district office hearing from constituents. Health care is truly a crisis, both directly and as a subtext for so many other issues that we deal with. I know this has been no easy task for Senator Obama, but I applaud him for navigating this bill and building a truly impressive list of organizations and entities that are supporting the bill. It is -- it is pro- consumer, pro-business, pro-labor, pro-hospital. It -- it is quite a list, and I -- I applaud the Senator for being able to pull together such an impressive list of -- of supporters. And I’d ask all of my colleagues to vote Aye.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Wendell Jones.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Senator Obama.

I don’t have those statistics on me immediately, Senator Jones. What we know is that -- that the rate of increase among the uninsured who are working - and so, we’re not talking about those who are covered under Medicaid - but working people who lack health insurance has grown exponentially over the last several years and is approaching, I think, one out of every five working people. Now, I can’t guarantee that statistic is correct, but there have been recent articles and studies showing that we’re seeing a growing number of persons who are working every day on the job, lacking health insurance.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Wendell Jones.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

I know we have a lot of questions, but just a quick response. That’s exactly the kind of information that I think would be generated from the task force.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

That was essentially a different bill. The -- the -- the original -- the original presentation of the bill was the House version that we radically changed - we radically changed - and we changed in response to concerns that were raised by the insurance industry. The assurance that I received from the insurance industry was that if we took out the mandate that the Legislature would have to implement the bill, then, in fact, their objections would be lifted. And I got repeated commitments from the insurance industry to that effect. What then happened is, after we removed the provisions that initially had been the source of criticism and made a bill that studies the problem and does not mandate that the Legislature act on it, I got a reversal from industry which said, “No, we’re still not interested in it.” And it was in the face of that obstinance that we ended up moving it into another committee. So, I’m happy to stick with my agreements. What I expect is that the other side do the same. That did not take place in negotiations with respect to this bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator -- Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

Senator Brady, I, too, respect you. What I don’t respect is a situation in which there is a unwillingness on the part of industry to negotiate a bill and go back their word. And I’m not going to have a situation in which people who are struggling without health care are held hostage, and are not even willing to have a discussion about how we solve the problem. If this is a problem with respect to you thinking that -- that I have violated my commitment to you, so be it. And I regret that and will -- be happy to have a conversation about that afterwards. But what I do know is this: That I made every effort. And anybody who was involved -- and I would ask that the Chairman of your committee acknowledge the fact that I made every effort to negotiate this thing and nothing would move the other side.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator -- Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) With -- with leave of the Body, the Chicago Tribune seeks leave to take pictures. Senator Trotter.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. First, I want to thank Senator Obama, one, for bringing this to the Floor and -- and for articulating the issue so well and -- and also to understand that this is just a beginning. And all our other Members should understand this is just a beginning in trying to address our health care crisis in this State. We do know -- we don’t know how many people are insured, but we do know that there’s 1.8 million people uninsured in our State or underinsured. And that’s -- that’s a big number. Those costs, the cost of those people being uninsured and underinsured, also drives up our health care costs in our hospitals and along with our other providers. There’s a domino effect that’s in place here because we have so many people in need of health care. So, if we’re going to look at and really try and tighten up our budget deficits and -- and looking at what is driving our budget, well, this is the first -- one of the first places to look, is the rising cost of health care. We can do that in the next couple of years with this study, and that’s what this does. What this will do, it provides access to a full range of preventive, acute and long-term health care services. What this bill will do, it will maintain and enhance the quality of health care services offered to all of our residents in the State. It provides for core benefits for all of our residents. These are not special services. This is no Botox and all those other big cosmetic things that -- that people do now when they have money. These are core, basic services. It encourages regional and local consumer participation, and it contains -- yes, it contains cost-containment measures as well and provides for mechanisms to evaluate and implement those multiple approaches to delivery of health care in this State. This is how we start 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 -- reeling in the cost of health care. This is a wonderful first start, and I encourage everyone to vote Aye.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Forby.

Sponsor yield?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield, Senator Forby.

Is there any -- is there any cost to this bill?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

There are no costs attached to the bill. Other than subject to appropriations, it says that the Department is authorized to contract with an independent researcher to help the task force in terms of gathering the data.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Forby.

And there is no mandate in 207 {sic} or 208 {sic}?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

The only thing that this bill says is that once the plan or recommendations are released, that no later than 2006, the General Assembly is strongly encouraged to vote on legislation that enacts the recommendations or provides for another health care access plan that meets the criteria set forth in Section 15. It provides encouragement. Does not mandate it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Forby.

Do you see anything in this bill that will hurt the insurance company?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 The only thing that has happened here -- and this is -- this is essentially what happened in this bill. The original bill on the House side I think would have legitimately raised some concerns with respect to some industry who might have been fearful that it was a mandate to introduce a single-payer plan. I modified this. And I have to say, by the way, just to pick up on something that was raised earlier, that this is a different bill number than the original bill. It has gone through a complete restructuring from the original bill. But that initial concern, as Senator Righter said, that original cloud continued over it because industry and industry lobbyists -- insurance lobbyists here in Springfield had been engaging in such fear- mongering among its agents, suggesting that this was a single- payer bill, that, in fact, a lot of concerns were raised that had nothing to do with the bill that was before the Body today. And, you know, what I -- what I would strongly suggest is people take the time to look at the three-page bill that is before them, as opposed to some of the mischaracterizations of this legislation that have been raised by others.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Forby.

To the bill. As everybody knows in this room, you know, we’ve had a problem with our health care and Medicaid -- and Medicaid and our malpractice problems. You know, this came up. Seemed to me like the -- it came up all a sudden. You know, we need to stop this and this here will help down the road to take care of our doctors and our health care. In my district alone, you know, health care has been a big issue, and we’ve got a couple doctors down home that’s left already. And without our doctors down home, you know, I can’t create any jobs. We’ve got to have hospitals. We’ve got to have doctors. You know, I’m worried about my people in my district. So, if this will help create {sic} a problem down the road in two or three years, I think it’s a pretty good idea, because right now, we should have been looking at Medicaid -- or, Medicaid and our malpractice three or four years ago, getting prepared for what we’re having today. So, I had a little problem with the bill he had first 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 time, but with this amendment on this bill, I urge everybody to vote Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Roskam

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator, hold on. Ladies and Gentlemen, you’re not at the theater. Please refrain from applauding or expressing congratulations, remonstrances of any type of approval or disapproval. Senator, please proceed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama.

You know, I know we’re pressed for time. Normally, I don’t get too exercised when we engage in these pyrotechnics, and Senator Roskam has his job to do as the spokesperson over on that side on these issues. But it’s pretty rare on the Floor where a bill gets this mischaracterized repeatedly. It’s pretty rare where that happens. Now, a couple of statements that were just made, pretty quickly, that we need to go over. Number one, Senator Roskam, you are well aware of the fact that that estimate of three to six billion dollars had to do with if there was a State health care plan that was fully funded by government and that that had nothing to do with this bill, as amended. You are aware of that. You got up there and you said that that’s what the Department said about this bill, and you know it’s not true. You also characterized this as socialized medicine, or Hillary Clinton’s bill, which is great politics, but there’s nothing in there -- in this bill, as amended, that would indicate that. So, if you want to debate Hillary Clinton’s bill from 1992, that’s fine, but the notion that you would blatantly 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 characterize this bill as being that is dishonest. And I object to it, because every time I’ve debated one of the bills over on that side of the aisle, I’ve gone to the bill. And if I had serious questions about it, I would at least read the bill and talk about what’s in the bill, not what’s not in the bill. You want to have a discussion about medical malpractice? I’m happy to have that discussion. And we’ve got a whole bunch of people on this side of the aisle who are trying to deal with the crisis that’s facing doctors all across the State. That’s not in this bill. What is in this bill is very simple. It says on or before July 1st, the State of Illinois is strongly encouraged to implement a health care access plan that does the following: Provides access to a full range of preventive, acute and long- term health services; two, maintains and improves the quality of health care services offered to Illinois residents; three, provides portability of coverage, regardless of employment status; four, provides core benefits for all Illinois residents; five, encourages regional and local consumer participation; six, contains cost-containment measures; seven, provides a mechanism for reviewing and implementing multiple approaches to preventive medicine based on new technologies; and eight, affords affordable coverage options for the small business market. It does not mandate that it has to be government-run. It does not preclude tax credits or a market-incentive approach to providing these services. I would challenge you to find something in there that suggests anything remotely close to socialized medicine. And we can play politics with this thing, but let me tell you something. Last weekend I was up talking to a bunch of Galesburg workers who’ve been laid off from the Maytag plant and the Butler plant. And I stood there and sat with a Butler worker who had spent thirty years putting his heart and soul into that company, and his wife had worked in the company as well. They’re going to be laid off in September. Their son just had a liver transplant, and the first month’s bills just on their prescription drugs is forty-five hundred dollars a month. And he’s trying to figure out, once he loses his job and his health insurance, how in the heck he’s going to be able to provide drugs to keep his son alive. Now, if that side of the aisle thinks that that is not an issue worth studying or looking 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 at or trying to figure out, then feel free to -- to vote No on this bill. But the notion that somehow that all is hunky-dory and we can characterize this with a bunch of ad hominem attacks and play politics with this situation is not going to satisfy that man and -- and -- and his wife. And everybody here knows of same stories of Members of your constituencies in your district. If you want to vote No on this bill, vote No on it, but don’t lie about it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Roskam, you’ve spoken once. For what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Schoenberg. Last speaker.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I’d like to rise in support of the bill. Several years ago, in fact, throughout most of my twelve years in the House, I 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 could not have supported earlier versions of this because I, indeed, felt - and I made these comments in committee - that it was -- then the very notion of what was being proposed may have been skewed to achieve certain outcomes. This bill, through Senator Obama’s hard work, his perseverance and, perhaps most importantly, his integrity and sense of fairness, provides a framework for developing a blueprint of options that is available, that incorporates both public and private roles, and which is not -- despite the best attempts to impugn the negotiations, to impugn the bill and, perhaps most sadly, to impugn Senator Obama’s personal integrity, this is not a single- payer or a skewed process. This is so inherently fair and balanced that perhaps the only thing it doesn’t do is skew the process to outcomes which, frankly, are -- are health care Darwinism, like health savings accounts. I believe that the market should play a very prominent role, and -- and health care is a major portion of the health care economy -- I’m sorry. Health care is a major portion of both the State economy and the national economy, and it’s very difficult for government to reposition such a significant portion of the economy. But by doing nothing, the choices are getting made for so many people that there is now fear in the hearts not just of the lower classes, not just the -- in the hearts of the middle classes, but in the hearts of everybody in this State and in this country, because everybody knows that they are one personal tragedy in their family away from financial ruin. Now, government plays a major role in our health care system. Indeed, I wish -- I mean, as you know, we all spoke about the hospital assessment plan and what we needed to do to help hospitals in communities around our State. Why was that so important? That’s because we wanted to alleviate the pressure on cost-shifting to private insurance -- to patient’s with private insurance. I wish that the private insurance market was as successful as Medicaid in containing costs. If you look at the -- you’re laughing, but I’ll tell you, if you look at the Keiser Foundation’s definitive study on the increases of -- on the percentage of cost increase for health insurance on an annual basis, private insurance, on an annual basis, actually exceeds what’s transpiring in Medicaid on the actual cost of service. 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 That’s -- that’s more than an irony. That’s a lesson to be learned for all of us. But in closing, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have to say that I have found it very distressing that when all else fails, we have to try to discredit the personal integrity of a Member of this Chamber because we may have a political or ideological difference. I don’t think it should ever reach that point. Isn’t that why they call it the upper Chamber? Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Obama, to close.

Well, I -- I welcome the fact that we had a significant debate on this, although I’m sure the President does not ‘cause we’ve got a busy Calendar. Let me just close by saying this: In the time that it took for us to debate this thing, everybody here should have read the actual bill before us. Perhaps because of the fact that I am a nominee for another office, I’ve already read repeated characterizations of this bill as some radical, you know, socialized strategy akin to Hillary Clinton’s bill. The exact arguments that were made today on the Floor have been made already by my opponent in another race. And so, I -- you know, I understand that, and I’m -- you know, as Harold Washington said, “Politics ain’t bean bag.” And -- and -- and part of our task, as partisans across the aisle, is to try to get an edge. But this is a crisis that’s hitting people all across the State. There are a number of elements to the crisis. Doctors leaving is an element of the crisis, and high liability insurance rates. That’s part of the crisis. Part of the crisis has to do with small businesses unable to provide health care for their employees. Part of the crisis is reflected in terms of negotiations between unions and employers about the levels of their health benefits. Part of the crisis is millions of people who have no insurance whatsoever and that the market has utterly failed - millions, many of whom work every single day. The majority of people who do not have health insurance are not welfare recipients who are covered by Medicaid. They’re folks who work every single day, doing their best to make ends meet and try to raise a family, and the single biggest cause of bankruptcy is when they get sick. Now, we can choose to do 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 nothing. That is an option. We can say that, you know, we’re just going to muddle through, primarily because everybody in this Chamber has health insurance. I don’t think that’s an option. I don’t think muddling through and pretending as if the problem doesn’t exist or characterizing attempts to deal with the problem, in broad strokes, as socialized medicine is going to address the real needs of these families. So, what I’ve done is I’ve put together a bill that suggests, let’s all sit down and actually try to figure out how to solve a problem. And it doesn’t predetermine how we solve it, but it does say that we, in this Chamber, are expressing a sense of urgency about the problem. If all of you have read the bill, there’s no reason why anybody in this Chamber, on either side of the aisle, should be willing to vote against this bill. I would ask for an affirmative roll call.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The question is, shall House Bill 2268 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 31 Members voted Yes, 26 Members voted No, 1 Member voted Present. House Bill 2268, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2587. Senator Meeks. House Bill 2981. Senator Cullerton. I’m sorry. House Bill 3589. Senator Schoenberg. House -- on the top of page 14, House Bill 3715. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 3716. Senator Terry Link. House Bill 3828. Senator John Sullivan. House Bill 3835. Senator Shadid. House Bill 3977. Senator Haine. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Haine.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill is an initiative of the Illinois State Police working with school districts. It provides authority for 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 the districts and the local ROEs to access FBI criminal history records. We -- this came before the committee. We had an objection from an ROE, regional office of education, superintendent from somewhere up north in Illinois and I didn’t see that gentleman again. But I talked to my own regional superintendent, as well as the lobbyist for the regional superintendents and the Illinois State Police, and they all said they were okay with the bill. If there was a problem it’s -- with some kind of costs being shifted somewhere, they would take it up in a trailer bill. They don’t -- the State Police do not intend to burden anyone with costs. They’re seeking authority to access FBI records, which they do not currently have, and this is for new hires for school -- districts. And I ask for a favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 3977 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 58 Members are voting Yes, no Members voting No, no Member voting Present. House Bill 3977, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?

Point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) State your point.

There will be a Rules Meeting at 12:15 in the Anteroom. 12:15.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Thank you, Senator. House Bill 3979. Senator Lightford. House Bill 4012. Senator Munoz. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz. 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 4012 redefines automated traffic control system as a device that not only obtains a clear photo or recorded image of a vehicle and the license plate, but a clear photo of the driver as well. Clarifies that automated traffic control systems are used only for determining speed violations in work zones and not for any other traffic violations. Also adds that if the driver cannot be identified through a photo, then the owner of the vehicle is not liable for the fine, and it also adds an immediate effective date. This bill is an initiative of the State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation in an effort to address the lives that are lost within construction and maintenance zones on highways and tollways in the State of Illinois. In 2003 we lost about two -- forty-six lives of -- seven which were highway workers. I will attempt to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Bomke.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

That will be determined on what the speed that the State Police set the machines up for that are -- they’re going to be calibrated. Again, there’s only going to be two vans in -- for right now on certain locations where the workers are present.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Bomke.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

That would have to be determined by the State Police. You can have a clear photo, but if -- obviously, if you can’t identify that vehicle or -- or the person that owns that vehicle, it’d be hard to issue a citation, not knowing where it’s going to be going. So…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Bomke.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

Right now, Senator, it’s estimated at about a hundred and twenty thousand per device. And it’s looking -- Department of Transportation, along with the State Police, are looking to -- for that cost -- to pay the cost on that.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz. 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004

Just keep in mind, Senator, we did pass some type of legislation before. We’re having off-duty State troopers assigned at some of these locations, but given the different locations of the construction zones, there’s always not enough manpower for the State Police. And, again, this would only be at areas where the -- where the workers are present at the construction sites.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

Senator, the automated traffic control system may operate only during the periods when workers are present in the construction or the maintenance zone. So, if there is six miles of construction that’s posted stating that there’s construction going on, the machine could be placed only where the workers were, right at that location where the work is being done. 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

That’s correct, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Senator Munoz.

That’s correct. When you’re driving through, it’ll only take the top portion of your face, half of your -- from your neck up.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz.

It’s my understanding the language of the bill states only for that violation is for speeding. Now, granted there could be an accident that occurs, whether the individual was drinking or not drinking. When accidents occur, I’m sure the State Police is going to go ahead and -- and do a sobriety test, as well as probably do a Breathalyzer. I mean, the bill states specifically, Senator, that it’s only for speeding. And the signs will be posted prior to coming to the construction site where the machine is actually going to be at, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Munoz, to close.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I appreciate all the remarks from my colleagues. They were very good points that were brought up. But, again, I can’t stress enough, last year alone, in ’03, we’ve lost forty-six lives and seven of ‘em were highway workers, as I mentioned earlier. One of my colleagues mentioned that it would cost a hundred and twenty thousand; we can possibly put additional 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 troopers with that kind of money. In the bill it clearly states signs would be posted prior to the mechanism that’s in place when the construction workers are there working. If this can save a life, I think a hundred and twenty thousand dollars is well worth it. As we all know, we all drive the highways. You look at the signs. Sometimes you don’t really pay attention. It’s easy to go over the speed limit, but given the fact that you know people are going to see the signs that are posted and if they’re going to go ahead and still have the audacity to drive fast and possibly hurt someone that’s working out there to take care of their family, then they shall -- they should be ticketed and fined. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, even if they are ticketed and it’s sent into the mail to their house, they have - - one option is to pay the fine or to challenge it in court. So, the only thing I can say is, let’s take care of the people out there that are working and maybe, by us having this bill in place, we’ll actually save some lives and some of these people will pay attention on the roads. I’d ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The question is, shall House Bill 4012 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 36 Members voted yes, 21 Members voted No, no Member voted Present. House Bill 4012, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4086. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 4154. Senator Schoenberg. Top of page 15. House Bill 4176. Senator del Valle. House Bill 4200. Senator Silverstein. House Bill 4241. Senator DeLeo. House Bill 4283. Senator Shadid. House Bill 4502. Senator DeLeo. House Bill 4505. Senator Collins. House Bill 4522. Senator del Valle. House Bill 4730. Senator Obama. On the top of page 16, House Bill 4847. Senator Jacobs. House Bill 4870. Senator Link. House Bill 4894. Senator Schoenberg. House Bill 4976. Senator Link. House Bill 4977. Senator -- we passed that bill. House Bill 4980. Senator Garrett. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Senator Susan Garrett.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4980 amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. It creates a new Section entitled “Hospital reduction in service” {sic}. Basically what this means is that if a hospital reduces any service it offers by fifty percent or more according to rules adopted by the Health Facilities Planning Board, the hospital must notify the State Board, the Department of Public Health, the State Senator and the two State Representatives of that district in writing within thirty days after the reduction in service. The Illinois Hospital Association is in support of this, and I’d be happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 4980 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 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, 55 Members voted Yes, no Member voted No, no Member voted Present. House Bill 4980, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the top of page 17 is House Bill 5732. Senator Link. House Bill 5875. Senator Harmon. House Bill 6496. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 6499. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 6954. Senator Martinez. House Bill 7169. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 7170. 7173. 7174. 7177. 7178. 7179. Top of page 18. House Bill 7180. Senator Emil Jones. House Bill 7181. Senator Emil Jones. Senator Hendon is going to be in the Chair.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The Senate will now go to Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Middle of page 3. Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Please turn your Calendar to the middle of page 3. Senator del Valle, on Senate Bill 3000. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator del Valle, on Floor Amendment No. 4. Senator del Valle.

Thank you, Mr. President. We want to move this bill. There will be another amendment that will be considered by the committee, Education Committee, and at that time, we can then debate -- debate the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion?

So, we want to adopt -- we want to adopt this amendment.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Roskam.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator del Valle.

Yes, Senator Roskam. I want to put this amendment on. We’re going to have one more amendment and then we want to call the bill for a vote, yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 3000. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 will -- say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3001. Senator Welch. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Welch, to explain your amendment.

Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment that was adopted in the committee is going to be amended again. We’re moving this bill to 3rd Reading for procedural purposes, but in committee I promised to change the amendment to change four things in particular. First, taking out the money for a particular academy in Chicago, changing the requirement for the environmental standards, changing one of the words to “consolidation” instead of “cooperation” as far as a priority of the -- of the Capital Development Board. And the fourth part is still not written and that is whether or not the State Board of Education will have some additional control over picking the sites to get school money. So, I would urge moving this bill to 3rd Reading till we get the amendment, and then we’ll discuss the amendment that isn’t before us.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter. He answered it. Senator Welch moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3001. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed will say 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 93rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 112th Legislative Day 5/19/2004 Aye. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3108. Senate Bill 3002. Senator Jacobs. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. The Senate will stand at ease until after the Rules Committee has met. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Ladies and Gentlemen, the Rules Committee will meet in five minutes in the Anteroom behind the President’s Chair. Rules Committee at 1 o'clock. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?

Purpose of an announcement.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Make your announcement.

The Senate Executive Committee will meet at 2:10 this afternoon in Room 212.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senate Executive Committee will meet at 2:10 in Room 212. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive Committee Reports and for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) ABC News requests leave to film. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Resolutions Consent Calendar.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Introduction of Bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Message from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Messages.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WELCH) Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the lateness of the hour, we are not going to carry on any further business. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 o'clock a.m., on Thursday, May 20th, 2004. The Senate stands adjourned. 65