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 Dr. Roger Rominger of the First United Methodist Church of Springfield.
(Prayer by Dr. Roger Rominger)
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 24, and Friday, 25, 2005.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators have additions or -- or corrections to offer.
Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. There will be a meeting of the Rules Committee immediately in the Antechamber. Members of the Rules Committee, there will be a meeting immediately in the Antechamber. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 98, offered by Senators Harmon, Emil Jones, Watson and Dillard. It is a death resolution.
Resolutions Consent Calendar.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 Senate Joint Resolution 26 and Senate Joint Resolution, Constitutional -- pardon me, that was by -- offered by Senator Halvorson. And Senate Joint Resolution, Constitutional Amendment, No. 27, offered by Senator Lauzen.
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 1148, 1149, 1181, 1195, 1316, 1321, 1323, 1324, 1333, 1334, 1377, 1386 and 1387. Passed the House, February 25, 2005.
Madam Secretary, House Bills.
House Bill 316, offered by Senator Peterson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 414, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 415, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 467, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 518, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 544, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 665, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 678, offered by Senator del Valle. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 729, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 815, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 House Bill 1102, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1195, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1323, offered by Senator Winkel. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1148, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1324, offered by Senator Winkel. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 744, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 720, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 832, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 1316, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
On page 2 of the Calendar, Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 1. Senator Hunter. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House {sic} Bill 1. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
Have there been any Floor amendments?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to Senate Bill 3. Senate Bill 15. Senator Sullivan. A fiscal note has been filed. Senate Bill 21. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 27. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 30. Senator Hunter {sic} (Haine). Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 30. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 40. Senator del Valle. Senate Bill 46. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 58. Senator Burzynski. Senate Bill 67. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 67. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate -- Senate Bill 69. Senator Brady. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 69. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 71. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 72. Senator Harmon. 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 Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 323; refer to Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 87 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 297; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 19, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 122, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 285, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 442 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 445; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 91; refer to Judiciary Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 42, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 203, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 245, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 339, Committee 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 477, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 658 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 241; refer to Labor Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 274; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 140, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 184 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 205; refer to Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 169, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 204, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 227 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 564; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 547; refer to Revenue Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 125; refer to State Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 10 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 40; and refer to Transportation Committee - Committee Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 25, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- pardon me, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 54, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 99 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 509.
We’ll move to the top of -- of page 3, Senate Bills on 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 74. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 75. Senate Bill 75. Senator Martinez. Fiscal note has been filed. Senate Bill 79. Senator Peterson. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 79. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
Have there been any Floor amendments filed?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 80. Senator Sieben. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 80. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
Has there been any Floor amendments filed?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 92. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 95. Senator Garrett. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 95. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
Has there been any Floor amendments filed?
No further amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 97. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 98. Senator Wendell Jones. Senate Bill 102. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 102. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 129. Senator Radogno. Senate Bill 133. Senator Demuzio. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 133. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
Has there been any Floor amendments filed?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 158. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill -- pardon me, 158. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 162. Senator Hunter. Senate Bill 165. Senator Dillard. On page 4, at the top of the Calendar, Senate Bill 171. Senator Link. Senate Bill 173. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 173. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 174. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 176. Senate Bill 177. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 177. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 178. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 178. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 179. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 Senate Bill 179. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 180. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 180. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 181. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 181. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 183. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 185. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 190. Senator Haine. 192 has a fiscal note. Senate Bill 194. Senator Harmon. 196. Senator Harmon. 198. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 198. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 214. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill -- 226. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 226. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 230. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 230. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 232. Senator Viverito. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 232. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 241. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 244. Senator del Valle. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 244. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 263. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 263. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 273. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 279. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 279. (Secretary reads title of bill) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 288. Senator Sandoval. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 288. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 292. Senator Risinger. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 292. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, President Jones.
State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Mr. President, I’d like to recognize a young lady who is from the University of Illinois, who is serving as my intern for the next few weeks. She is here to learn more about the legislative process and to learn about the way we conduct business here in the Illinois State Senate. I’d like to welcome Andrea Kittel.
Will our guest please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Collins, what purpose you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 I also have a intern with me from the -- visiting from the University of Illinois. She’s working on her master’s in public administration, and her name is Veronica Williams. And I’d like for my body of colleagues to welcome her as well.
Will our guest please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Hunter, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
My point is I, too, have two interns that I’d like for my colleagues to welcome to the Senate. One of ‘em is Miss Aleesha Chaney. She is a graduate of Howard University. Majored in -- bachelor’s, majored in communications. And Megan Bleich, who is a University of Illinois major, master’s in public administration. Please welcome them to the Senate.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator John Sullivan, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to introduce, also, my legislative intern, Jamie Neidorf. She’s from UIS and -- her studies will be in political -- political studies. And she’s going to be following me around for the next few days. Like you to welcome her, please.
Will our guest please rise and be welcomed to the Senate? Senate Bill 299. Senator Forby. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 299. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 309. Senator Martinez. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 309. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 311. Senator Haine. You’re on the wrong side. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 311. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 319. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 327. Senator DeLeo. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 327. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 343. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 343. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 344. Senator Haine. 344. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 344. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 344, 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 355. Senator Pankau. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 355. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 380. Senator Cronin. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 380. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 383. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 383. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 385. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 385. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 386. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 386. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 390. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 404. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 405. Senate Bill 406. Senate Bill 416. Senator Raoul. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 416. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 417. Senator Schoenberg. Senate Bill 418. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 427. Senator Maloney. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 427. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 450. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 450. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 451. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 451. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 460. Senator Winkel. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 460. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 465. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 465. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 470. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 470. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senator Hendon, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement.
Proceed.
Today is a very special day. It is the birthday of -- of -- of your own esteemed Press Secretary, who does a great job, Cindy. It’s her birthday. We wanted to acknowledge her. She’s finally twenty-one everybody. So, she’s legal.
And, Senator DeLeo, what purpose you rise? SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you -- thank you very much, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege, sir. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005
State your point. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, this also is a very special day in the Illinois General Assembly. We’re celebrating the Democratic Majority Leader’s something birthday. She won’t admit to the year. I asked her in the hallway if it was her thirty-ninth and she declined an answer. But I’d like everybody to join us to wish Debbie Halvorson a very happy birthday. And we do have some cake to share with all the Members of the General Assembly.
Happy birthday. Senate Bill 471. Senator Martinez. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 471. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd -- 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 474. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 474. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. 485 has a fiscal note. Senate Bill 489. Senator Pankau. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 489. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senate Bill 500. Senator Hendon. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 Senate Bill 500. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, what purpose you rise?
For -- for an announcement.
Proceed.
At 1 o'clock in A-1 in the Stratton Building, there will be a Local Government meeting.
Senator Meeks.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. At 1 -- I mean, I’m sorry, at 2:30 in A-1, there will be a meeting of the Housing and Community Affairs Committee. 2:30, A-1.
Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for a point of an -- an announcement.
Proceed.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m., the Environment and Energy Committee will meet in 212. Again, Wednesday at 9 a.m., the Environment and Energy Committee will meet in Room 212.
Senator Haine.
Mr. President, I rise for a point of information.
Proceed.
Mr. President, thank you. The Insurance Committee will not meet today at 1. We’re going to set it over until next week and 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 defer the bills till next week. So, we will not meet, Mr. President.
Senator Ronen, what purpose you rise?
For an announcement, sir.
Yes, proceed.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m., the Health and Human Services Committee will meet in Room 400. That’s tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Senator Martinez.
For purpose of an announcement.
Proceed.
Today -- today the Pensions and Investment Committee will meet at 4 o'clock in Room 400.
Senator Munoz.
Thank you, Mr. President. Transportation Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. today in Room 400.
Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. Education will meet in Room 212 at 1 o'clock. Room 212 at 1 o'clock.
Senator Demuzio.
Mr. President, thank you, and Members of the Senate. A point of personal privilege. I’d like to inform the Senate that our Doorkeeper, Mr. Al Bietsch, passed away this morning. And as we recall, Al has served -- started back with us back in January of -- of 1983, and he passed away this morning. And we should all take note that -- how kind and generous and -- he has been 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 over these years. So, we might want to -- have a moment of silence for Al.
Will the Senate come to order? Let’s have a moment of silent {sic}. Thank you. Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like the record to reflect that Senator Shadid is absent due to a death in the family.
The record shall so reflect. Senator Cullerton.
Yes. Mr. President, I have an announcement.
Yes, proceed.
The Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow at -- I’m sorry, today at 2:30 in Room 212. And then the Judiciary Committee is going to recess until Thursday at the call of the Chair, and we will meet on the Senate -- in the Senate Chambers for the purposes of hearing testimony on medical malpractice. And I’d like to kind of clarify something if I could, because I’d like to think that we - Senator Dillard and I are co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee - run the committee in a -- in a fair way. Just to give you a little background, we asked in open committee when would be the best time to schedule these malpractice hearings, and the consensus of the committee was that we would have ‘em on Thursday so that we wouldn’t have to spend an extra night down in Springfield, we could have the public come and testify, and that rather than set a particular time, we would meet immediately after adjournment. So that’s what the -- the plan was. I asked ‘em if they wanted to go to Collinsville or southern Illinois. They said, no, this would be better to have it in Springfield in the State Capitol, in the Senate Chambers, so that everybody could testify. Okay? So I was a little disappointed yesterday when a press release went out saying that I -- as the chairman of the committee, I refused to provide a firm time when we were going to meet. The reason why I couldn’t give a firm time is ‘cause whenever we adjourn on Thursday morning. That -- that’s why we -- we said that. And then -- the 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 second thing that’s in this press release is that we obviously scheduled -- these hearings to make it inconvenient for the public to attend. Now, that’s just not fair. We -- we consulted with the Republican members of the committee and asked them when they -- they wanted to meet, and this is when they agreed. And here we are in the State Capitol holding hearings starting Thursday, the following Thursday and the Thursday after that. So, I just wanted to clarify the record and let the public know that we’re trying to have open hearings. We want anybody to come forward who wishes to testify. We’re going to have people who want to change the -- the law go first. We have people who have different ideas coming later on. And it’ll be an open process. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Burzynski, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to ask that the record reflect that Senator Rauschenberger is absent today due to official business back in the district.
The record shall -- shall so reflect. Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement, sir.
Proceed. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you. I’d just like to remind the membership that you heard all the committee announcements. Tomorrow’s committees will start at 9 a.m. promptly. But tomorrow the class -- group photo is scheduled for the Senate Chamber at 8:45 promptly. So it’s a request of the Senate President that all Members be on the Floor in their seats at 8:45 tomorrow. 8:45 for the photo. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate will stand adjourned until the hour of 12 noon, Wednesday, March the 3rd. The -- the Senate stands adjourned. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 15th Legislative Day 3/1/2005 You’re -- you’re correct. Let the record so reflect that it’s March 2nd, not -- not March 3rd. 21