The regular Session of the 94th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Brandon Boyd of the Loami Christian Church, here in Springfield.
(Prayer by the Reverend Brandon Boyd)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Thursday, February 17, and Friday, February 18, 2005.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators have additions or corrections to offer.
Senator -- Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journal just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 72, offered by Senator Emil Jones and all Members. Senate Resolution 73, offered by Senator Schoenberg and all Members. Senate Resolution 74 and Senate Resolution 75, both offered by Senator Risinger and all Members. Senate Resolution 76 and Senate Resolution 77, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. Senate Resolution 78, offered by Senator Lauzen and all Members. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Resolution 79, offered by Senator Shadid and all Members. Senate Resolution 80, offered by Senators Emil Jones, Demuzio, Risinger and all Members. Senate Resolution 90, offered by Senator Viverito and all Members. Senate Resolution 81, offered by -- pardon me, that would be 91, offered by Senator Haine and all Members.Pardon me, that would be Senate Resolution 81, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 82, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 83, also offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 84, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan and all Members. Senate Resolution 85, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. Senate Resolution 86, offered by Senator Link and all Members, as is -- Senate Resolution 87. Senate Resolution 88, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 89, offered by Senator Forby and all Members. And Senate Resolution 90, offered by Senator Viverito and all Members. They’re all death resolutions.
Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 90 {sic} (91), offered by Senator Luechtefeld -- Senators Luechtefeld and Watson. Senate Resolution 91 {sic} (92), offered by Senator Ronen. Senate Joint Resolution 18 {sic} (19), offered by Senator Lauzen. Senate Joint Resolution 19 {sic} (20), offered by Senator Collins. And Senate Joint Resolution, Constitutional Amendment, offered -- No. 20 {sic} (21), offered by Senator Crotty. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 They’re all substantive.
Will the members of the Rules Committee please come forward and meet in the Antechamber? The Rules Committee will be meeting immediately. Senator -- Senator Deanna Demuzio, what purpose you rise?
Senator, I -- I would like to say -- or, Mr. -- President, I’d like to say that Senator Shadid -- we’d like to take a few moments to recognize the fact that Senator Shadid has lost his son. He passed away, and I would think that we would like to take a few moments to -- to recognize.
Senator Demuzio moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution No. 80. Those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The rules are suspended. Senator Demuzio moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 80. Is there any discussion? Senator DeLeo. Senator Demuzio.
Yes, Mr. President, I’d like to make some remarks in regard to Senator Shadid and his -- his son. George P. Shadid - George’s Georgie. Georgie’s journey started back in December of 2003. And back in that year of 2003, when -- when George was -- when Georgie was first diagnosed with brain cancer, Senator Shadid called our house on many occasions and spoke to my husband Vince about Georgie’s condition. And at that particular time, both he and Vince were going to be going through chemo -- chemo treatments. When Georgie returned from the hospital and -- he and Vince shared many phone calls. I know that both of them were giving strength and courage to all of us - not only to the Shadid family, but also to our family. And as we think about what has just happened to Senator Shadid and looking around this Chamber, we have to recognize that this Chamber has had many losses. And each -- each of us have had to face our own losses in our lives at any given time. And I’ve heard it said, and I know that it is true, that it is one of the most difficult thing for a parent to have to bury their own child. And so we, as a Body, and individually should take these lessons and reflect on them and 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 remember that each day is a blessing and how fragile our lives really are. And so, with all the choir of angels in heaven looking down, we know that Vince, Senate President Emil’s beloved Pat and others who have passed before us in this Chamber will be taking good care of George -- George’s boy, Georgie. And so Georgie is at rest and we wish Godspeed for the Shadid family, particularly Senator Shadid; George’s mother, Lorraine; his wife, Mary; his daughter, Lauren; his brother, Jimmy; and all of the Shadid family.
Question is, shall Senate Resolution 80 be adopted. All those, signify by saying Aye. The Ayes have it. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bills 29, 43, 119, 215, 237, 374, 386, 444, 641. All passed the House, May -- pardon me, February 18, 2005. I have a like Message with respect to House Bills 190, 518, 521, 523, 528, 529, 566, 577, 583 and 598. All passed the House, February 17, 2005. Along with House Bills 617, 648, 668. All, again, passed the House, February 17, 2005.
Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Senate Bills 548, 615, 851, 1094 and 1354; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bills 538 {sic} (539), 543, 573, 574, 575, 750, 767, 768, Senate Resolution -- pardon me, 36, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 162; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Senate Bills 579, 659, 761, 769, 773, -- pardon me, 1229, 1327, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill -- 90 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 110; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 413, 514, 515, 544, 550, 559, 571, 572, 609, 610, 614, 892, 1296, 1433, 1435, Committee Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 122, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 250, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 357; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Senate Bill 536; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - Senate Bills 506, 517, 519, 520, 545, 549, 568, 569, 576, 660, 772, 775, 1220, 1324, 1325, 1436, Senate Resolution 9, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 116; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bills 507 and 540; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Senate Bills 526, 553, Committee Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 75; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bills 505, 521, 525, 552, 555, 760, 765, 770, 774 and 776; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 504, 511, 516, 529, 530, 533, 537, 542, 546, 554, 562, 578, 581, 658, 764, 771, 849, 850, 1230, 1234, 1295, 1328, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 95, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 186, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 233, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 276 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 280; refer to Labor Committee - Senate Bills 551, 580, 584, 585, 586 -- pardon me, I’m sorry, that was 580, 784, 785, 786, 787 and 788; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bills 522, 527, 565, 616, 1431 and Senate Resolution 12; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bills 512, 528, 560, 564, 611, 613, 1218, 1219, 1231, 1355, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 204; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Senate Bills 528 -- pardon me, that’s 523, 547, 1224 and 1226; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 513, 524, 532, 556, 557, 558, 582, 1294, 1329, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 79, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 80, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 85 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 133; refer to State Government Committee - Senate Bills 518, 617, 777, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 1359 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- 118; refer to Transportation Committee - Senate -- pardon me, Senate Bills 508, 509, 534, 535, 567, 612, 1221, 1233 and 1235.
Senator Burzynski, what purpose do you rise? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005
Thank you, Mr. President. Just like the record to reflect that Senator Luechtefeld is ill today with the flu, will not be here. Thank you.
The record shall so reflect. Senator Raoul, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
I’d just like to recognize, in the gallery, my intern, Brandis Stokes, from the University of Illinois, and my district Director, another product of the University of Illinois, Mario McHarris.
Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be recognized? Senator DeLeo, what purpose you rise? SENATOR DeLEO: For purposes of an announcement, Mr. President. Senator Clayborne will -- would like the record to indicate that he will not be here today, sir. He’s off on personal business. Could the record so indicate Senator Clayborne will not be here today?
The record shall so reflect. Senator Sullivan, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
I -- I know that we’re all saddened by the -- the loss of the Shadid family, but we also have a joyous event today, because today happens to be the birthday of one of our colleagues. Senator Demuzio’s birthday is today. And, of course, we all want to wish her a happy birthday. And also, in -- in -- out of respect for the Shadid family, Senator Demuzio, instead of bringing a cake onto the Floor today, the cake -- her birthday 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 cake is in the conference room right outside the -- behind the Chambers there in the hallway. And there is birthday cake and, of course, all invited to -- to sample that. Thank you.
Senator Halvorson, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a couple things. First of all, I’d like the Senate to recognize, on the Floor today we have Lula Ford and Bob Lieberman from the Illinois Commerce Commission. I would like us to welcome them. And also, with regards to Senator Shadid’s son’s wake, there will be some vans leaving the Capitol today at 5:30 on Capitol drive, but you need to call Senator Jones’ secretary, Deb Shipley, to make reservations in case they need to order a couple more. So -- but she needs to know right away if anybody would like to be part of that van.
Senator Silverstein, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Just reminding the members of the Senate Executive Committee, we’re to be meeting exactly -- promptly at 1 o'clock in Room 212. So please be on time.
Senator Harmon, what purpose you rise?
To make an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
The Senate Revenue Committee will meet today at 1 p.m. in Room 400. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005
Senator Garrett, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President. The State…
Proceed.
State Government Committee will meet today at 1 o'clock in A-1.
Senator Collins, what purpose you rise?
A purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
The Financial Institutions Committee will meet tomorrow morning, Thursday, in Room 400 at 8:30 a.m.
Senator Ronen, what purpose you rise?
For purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
The Health and Human Service Committee will meet at 4 o'clock today in Room 400. That’s Health and Human Services at 4 today in Room 400.
Senator Sullivan, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of an announcement.
Proceed.
The Agriculture and Conservation Committee will meet at 4 p.m. today in Room A-1 in the Stratton Building.
Senator Demuzio, what purpose you rise? 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005
Purpose of an announcement.
Proceed.
Licensed Activities will meet in the Stratton Building at -- in A-1 at 2:30 this afternoon.
Senator Cullerton, what purpose you rise?
For the purposes of an announcement.
Proceed.
The Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 11:30 in Room 212.
Senator Haine, what purpose you rise?
Purposes of announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Mr. President, the Insurance Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, February 24, at 10 a.m. in Room 400 of the Statehouse. Thank you, sir.
Senator Maloney, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
The Local Government Committee will meet tomorrow morning, 10 a.m., A-1 in the Stratton Building. Thank you.
Senator Hendon, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of announcement, Mr. President. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005
Proceed.
Executive Appointments Committee will meet tomorrow morning, Thursday morning, at 8:30 a.m., bright and early, in Room 212.
Madam {sic} Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1437, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1438, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1439, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1440, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1441, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1442, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1443, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1444, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1445, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1446, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1447, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1448, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1449, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1450, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1451, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1452, offered by Senator Schoenberg. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1453, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1454, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1455, offered by Senators Dillard and Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1456, offered by Senator Syverson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1457, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1458, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1459, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1460, offered by Senator Roskam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1461, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1462, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1463, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1464, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1465, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1466, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1467, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1468, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1469, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1470, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1471, offered by Senator Burzynski. (Secretary reads title of bill) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1472, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) (Senate Bill 1473.) (Bill within parenthesis submitted in writing, but inadvertently not read into the record.) Senate Bill 1474, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1475, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1476, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1477, offered by Senators Luechtefeld and Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1478, offered by Senator John Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1479, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1480, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1481, offered by Senators Dillard and Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1482, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1483, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1484, offered by Senator Winkel. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1485, offered by Senator del Valle. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1486, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1487, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1488, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1489, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1490, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1491, offered by Senator Geo-Karis. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1492, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1493, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1494, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1495, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1496, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1497, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1498, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1499, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1500, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1501, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1502, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1503, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1504, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1505, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1506, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1507, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1508, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1509, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1510, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1511, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1512, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1513, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1514, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1515, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1516, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1517, offered by Senator del Valle -- excuse me, Senate Bill 1516 was offered by Senators Collins and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1517, offered by Senators Collins and del Valle. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- 1518, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1519, offered by Senators Watson, Winkel and Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1520, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1521, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1522, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1523, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1524 -- Senate Bill 1524, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senator Trotter offers Senate Bill 1525. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1526, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1527, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1528, offered by Senator Trotter. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1529, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1530, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1531, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1532, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1533, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1534, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1535, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1536, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1537, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1538, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1539, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1540, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1541, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1542, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1543, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1544, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1545, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1546, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1547, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1548, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill)
Could I -- could I have your attention, please? We are honored to have here as a visitor to this Chamber, Mr. Fritz Poku, the Ambassador to Ghana, who will have a few words to say to us. The Ambassador to Ghana is here. So, Mr. Poku, would you kindly come forward?
(Remarks by Ambassador Fritz Poku)
Well, we’re pleased and honored to have you, Mr. Ambsssador. You did go to the lower Chamber first. But that’s okay, now you’re in the -- you’re in the House of Lords, and we’re always glad to have you here. God bless you. Senator Munoz, what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement.
State -- proceed.
Energy and Environment will be at 4 p.m. in Room 212. We only have two bills. We’re just going to get started right at 4 so we can take off to pay our respect for Senator Shadid’s son.
Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1549, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1550, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1551, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1552, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1553, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1554, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1555, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1556, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1557, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1558, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1559, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1560, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1561, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1562, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1563, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1564, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1565, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1566, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1567, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1568, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1569, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1570, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1571, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1572, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1573, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1574, offered by Senator Schoenberg. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1575, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1576, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1577, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1578, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1579, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1580, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1581, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1582, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1583, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1584, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1585, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1586, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1587, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1588, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1589, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1590, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill)
Senate Bill 1591, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1592, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1593, offered by Senator Hunter. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1594, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1595, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- pardon me, 1596, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1597, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1598, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1599, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1600, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1601, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1602, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1603, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1604, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1605, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1606, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1607, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1608, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1609, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1610, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1611, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1612, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1613, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1614, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1615, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1616, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1617, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1618, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1619, offered by Senators Halvorson and Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1620, offered by Senators -- Senator Halvorson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1621, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1622, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1623, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1624, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1625, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1626, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1627, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1628, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1629, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1630, offered by Senator Winkel. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1631, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 Senate Bill 1632, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1633, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1634, offered by Senator Roskam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1635, offered by Senators Syverson and Burzynski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1636, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1637, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Martinez, what purpose do you rise? Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman -- Mr. President. Sorry. It’s for purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Make your announcement.
The Housing and Community Affairs will meet tomorrow, Thursday, in Room A-1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Thank you. Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to make an announcement, please. Senate Education will meet at 10 a.m., tomorrow morning, in Room 210 -- 212. I’m sorry. Senate Education, 10 a.m., tomorrow, Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Schoenberg, purpose?
Thank you, Mr. President. The Economic -- the Government -- the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, formerly the Economic and Fiscal Commission, has recessed until the call of the Chair. We will resume our discussions on the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/23/2005 State -- the proposed changes to the State’s pension system tomorrow morning, 8 a.m., in Room A-1. 8 a.m., A-1, we’ll resume F & A.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Thank you, Senator. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February -- on Thursday, February 24th. The Senate stands adjourned. 22