PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 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 Al Weidlich of the First {sic} (St. John’s) Lutheran Church in Decatur {sic} (Bloomington). Reverend.
(Prayer by the Reverend Al Weidlich)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal, please.
Senate Journal of October 26, 2005.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Hunter, do you have another motion, ma'am?
Mr. -- October 27. Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal of October 27, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Messages from the House, please.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, the veto of the Governor notwithstanding, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 2528. Passed the House, October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote. We have like Messages with respect to House Bills 2595, passed the House, October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote; House Bill 3095, passed the House October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote; and House Bill 3651, passed the House, October 27, 2005, by a three-fifths vote. 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 a bill of the following title, the Governor’s specific recommendations for change notwithstanding, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 29. Passed the House, October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote. We have like Messages on House Bill 911, passed the House, October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote; House Bill -- pardon me, 1391, passed the House, October 27, 2005, by a three-fifths vote; House Bill 2525, passed the House, October 26, 2005, by a three-fifths vote; and House Bill 3272, passed the House, October 26, 2005, be -- by a three-fifths vote. A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives have concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill -- I mean, 1208, together with House Amendment No. 1. Passed the House, as Amended, October 27, 2005. We have received a like Message on House -- on Senate Bill 1943, with House Amendments 1 and 2, which passed the House, as Amended, October 27, 2005. 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 a bill of the following 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1920. Passed the House, October 27, 2005. And I have like Messages on House Bill 2108 and 2928, which passed the House, October 27, 2005.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, do you have any motions on file, ma'am?
Yes, Mr. President. I have -- motions have been filed with respect to the Governor’s action on the following bills: House Bill 29, by Senator Cullerton; House Bill 911, by Senator Halvorson; House Bill 1391, by Senator Link; House Bill 2525, by Senator Harmon; House Bill 2528, by Senator Forby; House Bill 2595, by Senator Harmon; House Bill 3095, by Senator Peterson; House Bill 3272, by Senator Risinger; and House Bill 3651, by Senator Roskam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Mr. President, if I could have the Body’s attention, I’d like to introduce some students from the northwest side of Chicago who are in the gallery over here on the Democratic side of the aisle from St. Eugene’s. They’re led by Ann DeLeo, Jimmy and Alexa DeLeo, who are related to the Presiding Officer, at this time. Please welcome St. Eugene’s and the DeLeo family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guests please rise and be recognized? There’ll be a meeting of the Rules Committee immediately in the President’s Anteroom. All Members of the Rules Committee please report to the President’s Anteroom immediately. Senator Cullerton, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
Purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Please state your announcement, sir.
I just wanted to introduce my Page for the Day, Representative Michael McAuliffe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The Illinois Senate would like to welcome our new Page for…thank you, Representative. All Members of the Rules Committee please report to the Anteroom immediately. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3478 and a Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1208; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2900; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 466 and a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 676; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3814.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Silverstein, for what purposes do you rise, sir?
For a purpose of announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
The Senate Executive Committee will meet at 3:30 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3:30 in Room 212, Senate Executive. Thank you. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise, ma'am?
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement.
The Pensions and Investment Committee will meet immediately after recess in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Thank you very much. Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Education Committee will meet at 4:30 today in Room 212. Senate Education, 4:30 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Executive Appointments will meet tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. in Room 212. Everyone has the list of potential -- persons recommended by the Governor. If you have any issue, please contact me. Tomorrow morning, 212, 8 a.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise, ma'am?
Mr. Chairman -- Mr. President, I have a purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement.
Licensed Activities will meet at 5 o'clock today at the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank you very much. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise?
For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
Transportation Committee will meet at 4 o'clock, Room 400, today. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Garrett, nice to see you today. For what purpose do you rise?
Nice to see you, too, Mr. President. For purpose -- of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, ma'am.
The State Government Committee will be meeting today at 3:30, in A-1, at the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. My friend and colleague, Senator Harmon, from the great town of Oak Park, Illinois, sir.
To make an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet today at 4 p.m. in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. That’s all our committee announcements. At this time Senator -- President Emil Jones in the Chair for the purposes of an announcement. President Jones.
I know -- I know everyone’s very excited, especially those Sox fans who are on the Floor. But for a point of information, around 2 o'clock the Coach of the Chicago White Sox, Ozzie Guillen and -- and the owner of the White Sox, Jerry Reinsdorf, they will be here approximately at 2 o'clock, at which time the Members will probably want to get photographs and autographs and we will arrange where those things could be -- could take place. They have to out of here around 3 o'clock. So, we’re going to try to move the process along quite fast. Terry Link, who is a number one Cub fan on this Floor. Now, we will suspend the rules and go out of order so that we can present a bipartisanship resolution - the -- the Minority Leader and myself, with all our names attached to it and it will be read into the record. We’ll 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 make that presentation here. There will be other Sox material here, such as caps and flags and all those other things will be here. So -- so, stick around for 2 o'clock so we can welcome the owner, as well as the Coach of the World Champions here. I know -- I know Senator Watson wished the -- the Cardinals were there. He even brought a -- a baseball from the St. Louis Cardinals. Perhaps he’d get a autograph. But -- but stick around, we want to give them a big sendoff and thank them for the great job they’ve done for the people of the State of Illinois. So, that’s a point of information for you, so you can understand why we will be -- hanging around here. Don’t leave, ‘cause I know each and every one of us want to be there for that program. Senator Geo- Karis.
Mr. President, will those things be available for sale?
I didn’t quite here you.
The things that -- that -- that they’re -- they’re bringing, the caps and the sweaters and the what have you, will they be available for sale? The t-shirts.
No. They are not for sale. Just something that you can have, to pretend that you’re a White Sox fan.
You mean we get ‘em for nothing?
It’s something that the management is bringing so that you can -- when you -- when they have come on the Floor you can have that to show your strong support…
Well, I ask…
…and appreciation for the job that they did.
Thank you so much.
Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Senate Resolution 492, offered by Senators del Valle, Link, Cullerton, Maloney and all Members. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Collins, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma'am.
On the occasion today on the burial of Rosa Parks, I would like to make a few remarks as a tribute and to honor her legacy of struggle and sacrifice and contribution to make this a better nation. And the reason I feel particularly compelled to make a few remarks is, because I was born in Mississippi during the time of segregation and I remember the separate water fountains and the signs for colored only. And if it were not for the courage of Rosa Parks and her convictions that allowed her to take a seat against injustice, it was just that act of courage and conviction that has allowed me to participate in this august Body. And so I just wanted to thank her for giving me, enabling me and empowering me to stand and be a voice for betterment, I hope, with all my colleagues for a better and more equitable society. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Lightford, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. To speak to the Supplemental Calendar, please -- or, to the comments of Rosa Parks, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your remarks, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d be remiss if I did not speak as well regarding Miss Rosa Parks. The incident that sparked the civil rights movement happened right around the time my mom was carrying me. And so I was birthed into the civil rights movement. And I know that it is because of her steadfastness and 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 her commitment to being a hard worker all day long, but also being tired of the racism that was taking place. And that spark allows me the opportunity to stand before you and to be a member of this Chamber. And it was not just the movement for African- American people at that time, but I truly believe it was a -- a movement for all of us. I believe it was a movement for women, and I believe it was a strong statement. And I’m just blessed to have had the opportunity to live for so many years and learn about Rosa each and every year. I believe she lived to be ninety-something odd years, ninety-two years old. That, in itself, if such a blessing. When many people are dying younger and younger and younger each day that this woman was able to be, not only in history, but still be a part of my history. So, I rise to thank Senator Collins for bringing Miss Parks up on the day that she’s laid to rest and I just wish her God’s blessings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Geo-Karis, what purpose you seeking recognition, ma'am?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma'am.
I am reminded of the fact that Condoleezza Rice made the following statement in words to the effect when Rosa Parks was being honored in the U.S. Capitol. She said if it hadn’t been for people like Rosa Parks I would not be standing before you today as Secretary of State. In other words, she, too, her family and -- and this is bipartisan, she -- her father went to register as a Democrat and he was denied. He went to register as a Republican and that’s how Condoleezza Rice became a Republican, because one group didn’t afford the opportunity to people of race -- different races to register. And when I think of Condoleezza Rice, what a brilliant, talented young woman. Very, very talented, who gave up a big job as Provost of Stanford and probably made around three hundred thousand a year - for a job paying her half that much. I think of what a great, great stride she made thanks to people like Rosa Parks. So, I certainly am here to honor the memory of Rosa Parks. What a remarkable lady. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 That little seamstress made a remarkable impact on the whole country and I, certainly, take the opportunity now to salute her for opening up the door, not only for black Americans, but for -- for women, too.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma'am.
I, too, stand to speak on behalf of the great attributes that Mrs. Rosa Parks made to this country. Mrs. Parks demonstrated leadership and guts to all women, not only in the United States, but I believe all women in -- of the world. I believe that we can definitely recognize Rosa Parks as a woman who really set the pace for the achievements that’s -- that -- that women have made in this country. Because of Rosa Parks I, too, believe that I am here because of her and -- and -- and my mother and my grandmother. And I just think that as a woman we should all continue to practice what Mrs. Rosa Parks stood for and that we should continue to fight for the rights of women all over the world, particularly here in the United States. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed on your desks. We’ll go to the bottom of page -- Supplemental Calendar No. 1. On the bottom of page 1 is Motions in Writing Override Total Vetoes by the Governor. Brings us to House Bill 2528. Senator Forby, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. Excuse me. Please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 2528 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Forby.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Senator Forby, to explain your motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. 2528 is a bill that requires you hold one or more public meetings with a State facility that’s targeted to be closed. We’ve all heard of facilities in our district being closed. This here will give anybody in their district heads up that one of their facilities might be closed. I had this happen in one of my districts about a year or so ago. They came in through our Public Aid office on a Friday and said, next Friday we’re having trucks in and we’re going to move you out. I just so happened to hear about it and I got that squashed. So, I can see the issue here why it’s very important that everybody’s district knows if there’s going to be a facility closed in their district. I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay. Senator Forby moves that House Bill 2528 do pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion -- I’m sorry. Senator Jones, on this motion, sir? Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the motion. I -- I rise in strong support of this Senator’s motion. You know, a couple years ago we -- we all saw what happened here in -- in Springfield whenever Vandalia was -- was on the list to be closed and then all of a sudden right at the last minute Pontiac popped up. This puts a -- a -- a heck of a burden on all of our communities throughout the State of Illinois. I think this should be a unanimous vote and I would request that everybody vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 2528 pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2528, having received the required three-fifths 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. Continuing -- continuing on motions on our Supplemental Calendar is House Bill 2595. Senator Harmon, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 2595 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon, to explain the motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Last week we voted unanimously to override the veto of Senate Bill 1294. House Bill 2595 is identical to that bill. This is simply the House version. To remind you, this is the -- permits the creation of special service areas pursuant to which building owners can opt in and essentially, impose a tax on themselves in order to finance the retrofitting of buildings with sprinklers if mandated by municipal ordinance. I’m not aware of any opposition to the override motion, and I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Harmon moves that House Bill 2595 do pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 2595 pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 58 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2595, having received the three- fifths -- required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Continuing on motions on the bottom of page -- Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is House Bill 3095. Senator Peterson, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
I move that House Bill 3095 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Peterson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Peterson, to explain the motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. The motion is to override the Governor’s veto. The Governor feels this is a tax increase without referendum. And basically, the bill would seek to clarify confusion that has lingered over emergency legislation that is utilized by school districts. And this bill, particularly, was passed for the Gavin School District. As you may remember, the building was found to have structural problems. The children had to vacate the building and there was a legal fight between the architect, the contractor and the school district. There wasn’t any place for the kids to go to school. Fortunately, they’ve got some adjoining school districts to rent them space, but this will clarify that some of the funds that would be used for rebuilding the school could be used for leasing those schools and give them the ability to not have to go to the Education Fund. I ask for your support on the override motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Peterson moves, on House Bill 3095, do pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Just a question for the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator, is -- is this a -- an exception to the tax caps?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Peterson.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
Just -- the other question, I understand the emergency nature of the bill, the piece of legislation. How long has the school district had to work out the problem, in number of months?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Peterson.
It’s been about a year and there has been no agreement between the contractor and the architect. And therefore, the kids don’t have a school to go to, a facility to go to. So, they had to go to other school districts, and of course, the Gavin District has to pay leasing fees or rental fees to the other districts to house these kids and to bus ‘em to other school districts. And this legislation will help them take some of that money and use it for those expenses.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Peterson, to close, sir.
I’d appreciate your support for the override motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 3095 pass, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 39 Ayes, 16 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 3095, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. On top of page 2 of our Supplemental Calendar is Motions in Writing. House Bill 3651. Senator Roskam, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 3651 do pass, the veto of the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding. Motion filed by Senator Roskam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam, to explain the motion, sir. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3651 is an initiative of Naperville Township. This is an example of a township that’s done the right thing. And when reviewing their records regarding tax levies that were imposed for road purposes, they discovered that the referendum questions were drafted incorrectly. And due to the drafting error, the attorneys for the township concluded that if a legal challenge ever was filed, prospectively, regarding these tax levies that they -- they might -- they might fail. In light of that, this validates that past action. It enjoyed forty-five votes when it came out of the Senate originally and I would urge a -- a Yes vote on this motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Is there any discussion on this -- on this matter? Senator Hendon, are you on the motion, sir?
Yes. Mr. President, on the motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the…
Well, a question, ‘cause I’m looking at the Governor’s rationale and I wanted to just ask my esteemed colleague very quickly, the Governor’s rationale indicated that he -- vetoed House Bill 3651, because it would be -- result in an -- an extension of a tax increase. Could you respond to that Senator Roskam? Is this an extension of a tax increase? I know you being an anti-tax kind of guy that perhaps he got it wrong, or is this an extension of a tax increase?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam.
Thank you -- thank you, Senator. I think that’s a -- that’s a good and fair question. In my -- in my estimation, Senator, it’s not and here’s why. What it’s doing is, it’s validating past conduct and -- and arguably a -- a drafting problem in the past. So, this would keep in place taxes that have been in place and I think this is an example of a -- a township that is looking prospectively and saying we need to -- we need to -- to correct a 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 drafting error. We do all types of tax validation measures in this Body and this would follow in with that. So, I would disagree with the Governor’s characterization.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question.
Senator, would -- would it be fair to say that this is not a new tax but instead a bill that validates a road tax that’s been collected by townships for many years. That it corrects a problem which was inadvertently created in 1979, when three public Acts were adopted to amend sections of the Highway Code on township road district taxes?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty, for what purpose are you seeking recognition? Senator Crotty.
I -- I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma'am.
I’m just asking that all my colleagues welcome to the Senate Floor today Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Illinois Senate would like to welcome and recognize our former colleague, the Attorney General of the State of Illinois, Lisa Madigan. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise for the second time?
Thank you, Mr. President. I normally don’t rise a second time, but I think Senator Lauzen may have just killed Senator 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Roskam’s bill. And I’m just a little perplexed, because I’ve never heard -- never remember a day when Senator Roskam is supporting a tax increase and Senator Lauzen -- I wish I could get his attention right now, because he -- he’s talking. I’ve never seen Senator Lauzen stand up in favor of a tax increase. So, this -- I’m -- I’m getting a little queasy feeling in my stomach here, Mr. President, to -- to -- to see two fiscal conservative, anti-tax Republicans stand in favor of a tax increase. I was okay with you, Peter, until Lauzen got up and supported you, but I really have to support my Governor now and vote No. Because if Lauzen thinks it’s a good idea to raise taxes, after praising the Governor last week, I’m just confused, totally, as what’s going on in the world today. So, I -- I have to support my Governor and vote No on this tax increase.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam.
Am I -- am I closing now, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Roskam, to close, sir.
Well, I think Senator Hendon feels terribly conflicted, ‘cause he’s a westsider. And as a westsider, he’s not sure if he should be for a northside team or a southside team. I do notice that today Senator Hendon has a ring on his finger that is as big a Super Bowl ring and he can explain to everybody how he got that. But back to the bill, I think what this -- what this does is…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the -- to the motion, sir.
To the motion. Thank you, Mr. President. This corrects a problem. I think our hat needs to go off to Naperville Township, frankly. They have the wisdom to be very candid and say, there’s a -- there’s a -- there is ambiguity in our statutes as it relates to these types of questions. They’re being forthright. They’re asking us to come and correct it. And I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Okay. The question is, shall the Senate pass House Bill 3651, notwithstanding the total veto of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 35 Ayes, 20 Nays, 1 voting Present, 3 not voting. The motion fails. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, on -- still on page 2 of your Supplemental Calendar is Motions in Writing. This is to override specific recommendations of the Governor. We have House Bill 29. Senator John Cullerton, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 29 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cullerton, to explain your motion, sir.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I wish to -- move to override the Governor’s veto. The House, obviously, has just done this. My sponsor over in the House was Jerry Mitchell. This bill deals with lowering the age from twenty-one to eighteen for which you need permission to -- get a tattoo. And the second part of the bill is to, for the first time, outlaw the -- and make it a misdemeanor for people under the age of eighteen to enter and remain in the -- in the tattoo parlors. This was the main motivation of the bill by Representative Mitchell. And lowering it from twenty-one to eighteen just makes in consistent with most everything else we have is the age of majority, that being eighteen. I think there’s only one other state that has it at twenty-one. It just makes sense. And so, be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote to override the Governor’s veto.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Senator Cullerton moves that House Bill 29 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of -- of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 29 pass, -- notwithstanding the -- 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 48 Ayes, 7 Nays, 0 voting Present. House Bill 29, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Continuing on Motions in Writing comes House Bill 911. Senator Halvorson, do you wish to proceed, ma'am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 911 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Halvorson, to explain the motion, ma'am.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 911, as passed, 58 to 0 prohibit -- prohibited intergovernmental cooperatives who offer health insurance from limiting their rights and options. The Governor vetoed that saying that he wanted to leave State employees out of it. The House overrode it unanimously and I’m asking the Senate to do the same thing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Halvorson moves that House Bill 911 pass, notwithstanding specific recommendations of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 911 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 911, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on House Bill 1391, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
I move that House Bill 1391 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Link, to explain the motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Basically, the Governor, in his rationale for vetoing this, wanted this to be a swept fund. And we are asking that this would not be, that it would be exempt from the funds to be swept.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Link moves that House Bill 1391 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no -- discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 1391 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 58 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 1391, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 2525, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 2525 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Motion filed by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon, to explain the motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2525 is the modernization act for the Physical Fitness Services Act. It passed the Senate last spring without opposition. The House has moved to override the Governor’s amendatory veto, which dealt with family and group memberships. I would ask the Senate to -- to follow suit and 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 override the motion, or the veto of the Governor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Harmon moves that House Bill 2525 do pass, notwithstanding specific recommendations of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, to what purpose you rise, sir?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Harmon, I’m looking at the Governor’s Veto Message that’s dated August 12th, 2005, that was filed with the Index Department of the Secretary of State’s Office. And it looks to me that his changes - and it appears to be three changes - they were deleting lines, moving words around and they look to -- to me to be technical corrections. Has there not been a communication between your or your staff and the Governor’s staff about what the appropriate wording is? Or are there actually substantive changes in his veto message?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator. I think it is a substantive change. We -- we had re-sculpted the way the -- the artificial caps were imposed on the -- on the -- the rates. I think the Governor’s Office misconstrued it as a -- as a -- an actual hike in the fees. It simply removes, or -- or it makes uniform the -- the restriction at twenty-five hundred dollars per person per year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, Senator Harmon, I want to - - I guess I want to be clear then. In your opinion, is the net affect of the Governor’s changes to impose a cap on the fee schedule that you’ve got in the bill, or the fees you’ve got in the bill, and this override motion would remove those caps and leave the bill in its original stance? 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
It’s -- it’s a little convoluted, and I’m not trying to -- to confuse you. The -- the -- the Physical Fitness Services Act, as originally drafted before our amendatory modernization bill last spring, had a cap on -- on the fees that could be charged. Our legislation maintains that cap. There was a secondary cap on family memberships, group memberships, corporate memberships. The bill defaulted to the twenty-five-hundred-dollar per person cap for individuals and for family members. It eliminated the cap on, like corporate group rates. The Governor’s would re- impose the initial antiquated cap, circa 1980-something, when this was first adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. One final question. Senator Harmon, so if I understand your answer, the Governor’s change would retain or impose a fee cap for corporations. Can you give me an idea of what kind of corporations would be paying this -- this fee so we get a general idea of -- of who we’re looking to put a cap on for or not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
I think I -- I have to give you a little bit of context to explain. In 1986, when the bill was first enacted, the health clubs were just starting to surface. There were health clubs popping up on corners. There was a fear that many of them were fly-by-night. So we imposed some artificial restrictions, some limitations on what they could charge. The market has matured significantly to the point where there’s a whole variety of ways you can become a member. We are leaving the cap in place for individuals. Any -- any sort of corporation, a -- a -- a large law firm in Chicago may have a health club in their building. They may negotiate a rate for all of their employees to -- to go to that health club. That’s just a -- a -- a random example as an illustration. This would eliminate those sorts of caps. It 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 would let the market determine the price.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
Will the sponsor yield, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator, I was actually tracking your conversation with Senator Righter. But what is it about the Governor’s argument that you’re rejecting? I mean, it -- it does seem like he’s onto something when he says, sort of very simply, when -- when the version that you originally sent to the Governor came down there it -- it -- it lacked a certain consumer protection that the Governor’s veto -- his amendatory veto is seeking to add. How do you counter, what over here is becoming a -- kind of a wildfire argument, that you’re actually removing a consumer protection?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Well, I’m actually making a -- a -- an almost Republican argument for -- for me. That with the safeguard in place, the cap on an individual, the consumer protections exist. But beyond that, especially for the corporate group memberships, we should let the market determine the price.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam.
So, it’s not your opinion that -- that the Governor misread this. I mean, in some way, I mean, it -- it’s -- there is either a cap that provides protections for all consumers or there isn’t. What the Governor argues is, look you need -- you need this cap in place. And what you’re saying is, this -- this group of consumers gets the cap, but this other group of consumers - I mean, you’re asking for a -- an affirmative roll call to take away a protection for a certain class of consumers. Is that fair?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. We are -- we are saying that the cap that was imposed in 1986, and has never been adjusted for inflation, still applies and still should apply to individuals who do not have the bargaining power that a -- a -- a corporate or larger group membership might have. We’re saying that instead of raising the cap to some -- another threshold that we’ll have to adjust down the road for those group memberships, we are eliminating that protection altogether and it will let the market determine the price.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just briefly to the bill: I would just urge caution on the part of my colleagues, because there’s -- there’s no arguing that what -- what an affirmative roll call on this House Bill 2525 would do is -- is strip consumers -- a certain class of consumers of protections. I just urge caution. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Harmon moves that House Bill 2525 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. The question is, shall House Bill 2525 pass, notwithstanding specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The Ayes -- the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 28 Ayes, 26 Nays, 0 voting Present. The motion fails. On page 2 of our Supplemental Calendar. Motions in Writing is our last one. Is House Bill 3272. Senator Risinger, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 3272 do pass, the Specific Recommendations of the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding. Motion filed by Senator Risinger.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Senator Risinger, on the motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3272 passed out of the Senate with 55 affirmative votes. It passed out of the House unanimously, originally. It also passed -- the motion to override the Governor passed out of the House with only one No vote. What the bill does, it…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Ladies and Gentlemen, would you give the speaker your attention, please? Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill amends the State Finance Act to remove the Governor’s authority to transfer funds from the Teacher’s Health Insurance Security Fund. In FY’04, the Governor took four and a half million dollars out of that fund. And what this bill would do is restrict the Governor from being able to do that in the future. While the Governor states that he believes that protection -- in protecting the sovereignty of this teacher’s retirement insurance fund, he still wants to the ability to charge back against that fund. This motion would override the Governor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, sir. Is there -- Senator Risinger moves that House Bill 3272 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3272, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor, pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. House Bill -- 3272, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator -- Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005
On House Bill 29, I’d like the record to reflect my intention to vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The record will so reflect your intention, sir. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, earlier the clerk {sic} read in Resolution 492 by Senator del Valle, the Sox resolution, and we -- we got into discussion. With leave of the Body, we’d send it to the Consent Calendar. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time we’re going to a -- a -- farewell resolution. But I ask all Members, please be in their seats. Staff retire to the rear of the Chamber. Mr. Secretary, we have communications first. All Members please be in their seats. Staff please retire to the rear of the Chamber.
A letter from Senator Dave Sullivan. Dear Secretary Hawker - It is with mixed emotions that I write you this letter to officially reform you -- inform you of my decision to retire from the Illinois Senate effective at Noon on Monday, September 12th, 2005. I have been honored to serve as a Member of this great institution for the past seven years, representing the people of Chicago and the Northwest suburbs, and has been a tremendous experience for me. Together I think we have accomplished much for the area as well as creating good public policy. The friendships my family and I have made will last a lifetime. I look forward to seeing you soon. Best regards. Sincerely, Dave Sullivan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Sullivan’s family has asked leave of the Body to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no -- seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution, sir.
Senate Resolution No. 500, offered by Senator Watson and all Senators. (Secretary reads SR No. 500)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Leader Watson, for what purpose 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 do you rise, sir?
Yes, Mr. President. Thank you. I’d like to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 500.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Senator Watson moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 500. Those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Watson now moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 500. And there’s some discussion. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose are you seeking recognition?
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Dave Sullivan sat behind me. He’s a very caring and sharing person. He and his wife are two of the most wonderful people that I know. Dave Sullivan is not only a gentleman, but he’s also a gentle person, however, he is also very strong. Make no mistake about it. And I shall miss him terribly, because he is one of those unusual people who is very kind, caring and sharing of all individuals. He doesn’t have any racism in him. To him, people are people, irrespective of race, color, creed or -- orientation. I just want to say that this Senate has been very lucky to have had Dave here, because Dave is not only well-respected and well- liked, but he was respected for his word. His word was his bond and this is how you measure a person’s integrity. When he -- he or she gives you their word and they stand by it, that’s very important to me. And I’m sure it’s important to all of us. I hate to see Dave go. However, I wish him well and I hope he makes lots more money than he ever made here, because he’s got a number of children he’s got to take care of. And -- and yet he will do it, because he is a very dedicated person who has self- respect and respects the rights and property of others. And Dave, I hate to see you go, but I certainly wish you and Dru the very best that life can give -- life can give you, ‘cause you deserve it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator John Sullivan, for what purpose 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Like to make a couple comments about Senator Dave Sullivan, my Sullivan Caucus colleague. You know, when I think about what a legislator is, I think about Dave Sullivan. He’s hardworking, intelligent. He has the ability to work across the aisle on issues that are important to him and to his constituents. He’s a negotiator, a mediator, and he’s an all around likeable kind of a guy. I’ll always remember, Dave, that on my first real working day here in the Senate, on a day that I was actually sitting in my seat and we were actually starting our business, Dave Sullivan was the first person on the other side of the aisle to walk over here, shake my hand, tell me congratulations, even though he had a real good, close working relationship with the colleague that -- his colleague that I ended up defeating. But he still has that ability to, regardless of what your politics are, to reach out, work across the aisle. And Dave, I just simply want to say to you and to your family, I want to say, not good-bye, ‘cause I know you’re not leaving us. You’re going to be around here. But I want to say thank you and thank you for being a -- a friend. I appreciate it very much. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator del Valle, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Dave Sullivan is a great guy. We all know that, but I want to take this opportunity to thank him for the many conversations that he and I had about immigrants, about Latinos, about key issues in the State of Illinois. He was, on that side of the aisle, an individual that I felt always totally comfortable with. Not that I don’t feel comfortable with the rest of you. But Dave was that kind of guy sitting on the other side of the aisle where I could go to him and -- and basically, lay things out and feel that he was actually connecting and actually understanding the issue and -- and trying to be open to -- to suggestions, to ideas. And also I always felt that he would share that information with others. I -- I always -- and that’s one of the reasons why I went to you, Dave. I said, maybe through you we can communicate with -- with others 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 that may not see things the way you do. So, I -- I want to say, as -- as a Latino that has been here for some time fighting on a number of issues that have come before this Body, it’s been great to be able to know that Dave. And it didn’t mean, believe me, that he was going to vote with me, whenever I discussed an issue with him. But I felt that he was listening and that he was being supportive at least of -- of my overall efforts to try and bring some justice to -- to the immigrant community through our work here. And so, I -- I -- I thank him for that. I’ll continue to go to the Sullivan Caucus events. I think you’re down one member now. We need another Sullivan. It’s wonderful that you were able to have us all over on an annual basis for those kinds of events where we could party together and we could share some laughs together. And I -- I thank you. And I empathize with David. I -- I know why he had to make the decision that he made. I face the same kind of situation with kids in college. It’s a tough one. So, I -- I wish you the best and -- and thanks for being a great guy. And please I want to continue to talk with you about those issues. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. While I haven’t been a member of the Sullivan Caucus, I have worn a -- a green shirt in your honor. You know, this -- this week marks the year anniversary of me having the honor of serving with all of you all. And my predecessor gave me a piece of -- of advice, on my first day down here. And that piece of advice was to attempt to work with Members on both sides of the aisle. And Dave, you certainly made that easy. You -- you -- you welcomed me, and it was easy going over there to talk to you about issues. And the most important thing, I can’t remember a bill that I sponsored that you -- you didn’t vote for. So, I hope -- I hope you take note of that, Senator Axley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Garrett, for what purpose do you rise, ma'am?
Mr. President, I’d like to stand up and say a few comments 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 about Senator Sullivan. I was a newcomer to the Senate and our districts were tandem to one another. I represented part of -- I still represent part of Des Plaines, he represents another portion of it, as well as Park Ridge. There was never a time when we saw each other as myself being a Democrat, he being the Republican. He actually went out of his way to make sure that the local issues, especially those of flooding, were dealt with and taken care of. He worked extremely hard on behalf of his constituents. And I think, of anybody in the Senate, was able to cross party lines so eloquently and freely without even thinking twice about it. So, he is -- he’s an -- he was an unusual Senator and we were very lucky to have him in the Senate. I also want to say that every single time I talk to him, he never failed to bring up his family, his wife and his children. And a lot has to be said about that because we can be who we are here as legislators, but he has such a true commitment and dedicated -- dedication to his family. I just want to thank him. Now, you’re going to bring tears to my eyes. Thank you very much for serving with us in the -- in the Senate, Senator Sullivan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, I -- I -- I’ve got to tell you the truth, I’m a little pissed off, ‘cause -- I mean… I’m -- I’m losing a good softball player here and a co-captain. And I don’t think Senator Axley - I’m looking at her - I don’t even think she could throw the ball. What are you doing to me, my friend? What are you doing? Is it too late for you to change your mind, Dave? Well, I guess not. I just want to say, besides the softball disappointment, you know you led us -- the team to victory this year. Didn’t he lead us to victory? Played a great game. But you’re also a great Senator. I didn’t even know you were Republican, until they read it into the record today. And I’ve been to, with del Valle, to some of the Sullivan caucuses. I actually thought you were a light skinned black guy. I mean, ‘cause he’s got a lot of rhythm. You’re really a fair guy and I just wanted to say that, you know, I’m going to miss you. I am very glad about one thing. You know, I think it was Pate Philip 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 once said there were probably only three ways we end up leaving out of here: death, indictment or defeat. And none of those happened to you. And I am so very glad of that. And I hope all you Republicans on that side of the aisle take care of my friend. Now, he’s a Republican. Make sure we know that. Make sure the business community knows that. And I want to see you around here, you know, driving a big car and having all the money that you deserve to make, because Republicans do not leave here and end up poor. You were on the right side of the aisle to leave here the way you did. And I hope, Leader Watson, that you take care of my good friend, Dave Sullivan. And you will always be a friend of Rickey Ricardo Hendon. You’re welcome on the west side at anytime. And I truly appreciate you, even all the things we’ve gone through. Unlike some on the other side of the aisle, you never mention my jewelry or anything like that. You allow people to -- be who they are and I truly appreciate it. Godspeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you -- thank you, Senator Hendon, for those unusual remarks. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Why do I always have to follow that act? Anyway, you know, it’s kind of a sad day to lose another liberal north suburban legislator. Just kidding, Dave. No, seriously, it’s -- as a suburban legislator it -- it’s great to have a working relationship, because we do have a -- a mixed group up there now of Democrats and Republicans. And -- but our concerns are the same. And as Senator Garrett, Senator Sullivan and I represent some mutual areas. And when it came to concerns of those areas, partisan politics did not enter. And when he was in the majority or when I was in the majority, we -- we looked at the areas of trying to solve the problem. And I think that was what we need to do and we need to do more often. And I have to say his words of wisdom, on a lot of these concerns that we looked at, were well-taken. And Dave, I got to tell you, as someone who went through what you went through, a -- a couple kids in college at the same time and having to pay for ‘em, I really have no sympathy for you right now, because I’m done, you’re not. And that’s the reason I could afford to be here. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 But really I -- I understand why you had to do it. I understand that the family always has to come first and we truly will miss you, but as I made a speech about you one other time, I always said my door was open for you when you were a Senator, but now that you’re a lobbyist, the door is locked. But it’s a pleasure seeing you. Thanks, Dave.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Link. Senator Althoff, for what purpose you rise, ma'am?
I too -- I, too, have several comments I’d like to share with the Sullivans. Senator Sullivan taught me -- was instrumental, actually, in teaching me the importance of humor in this Body. Being the butt of several of Senator Sullivan’s practical jokes, more importantly, I learned that it’s very -- it -- it’s a good aspect to be able to laugh at yourself as we are in this arena. So, I’m listening to all of these accolades and - - and no one is talking. Was I the only person that was the butt of all of your practical jokes? Pretty much, obviously. I also was the benefactor, or -- benefactor of many of David’s generosities. His family, Dru, what can I say? You are the best. Children, we’ve spent many an afternoon eating and drinking - that’s part of the Sullivan tradition - together. And I will miss that tremendously. But, again, you’ll be around and I’m looking forward to that. And also, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart. Great seatmate. Thank you very much. Enjoy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator James Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, want to make some comments regarding Senator Sullivan. We -- we share a lot of things in common. Two of ‘em -- one of ‘em is not the fact that my hair is gray, it’s the fact that my hair is leaving. But we share something more important and that is, that Dave is truly, I think, something that we all strive here to be. And that is to be a true statesman and to work with all the people that have been sent here by their constituents so that we can improve the quality of life and make things much better for those that we 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 represent. I, too, will miss Dave. And -- and I shared a lot of good moments with Dave. We worked on committee together, Energy and Environment. And Dave, obviously, is very knowledgeable, very intelligent man and really knew the issues. I will miss Dave, because we worked extremely good together and we were able to get a lot of things done. But you know, I -- I -- one day Dave and I were talking and actually, I think he was over at his seat. And he told -- we talked about when we were born and we happened to find out that we actually have the same birthday. And I always told people after Dave made this comment to me, that Dave was my first year present of my first year -- my -- my first year of being on this world. Dave was my present. And we’ve always said that to each other. And, Dave, I know you’re going to be here and I’ll -- I’ll -- I -- hopefully, we will continue to foster our relationship, as well as to make sure that you realize that since you are my present, it’s about time for you to -- to be some kind of benefit, Dave. So, thank you and God bless you and your family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Clayborne. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I, too, rise to say a few words on departing Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan and I came in as freshmen together. And it’s hard to believe that seven and a half years have gone by, my friend. I, too, want to wish you all the best, as our colleagues have stated here before, you and your family. You are a -- dedicated to your family. I know you have done an outstanding job in the Senate here. You were committed to your district. You and I have worked together on a number of legislative - whether it being hard on -- tough on crime, but it was a lot of fun. I’ve never seen you have a bad day, Dave. And that’s great. You always had a smile and if you did you really didn’t show it. You truly are a great negotiator. You make people feel comfortable. You know the issues and I just want to thank you for being my friend, great legislator. Wish you and your family all the best. God bless you, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Thank you, Senator. Senator Lightford, for what purpose you rise, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to comment to Dave and let him know that, you know, -- in the early ‘90s when we worked together at the Secretary of State’s Office, you were always a gentleman then. And although we ended up being in different political parties, our paths took a different turn in the mid- 90s, and then we end up arriving here at the same time as freshmans. And -- and I don’t know if you knew back then I wasn’t a Republican, until I got demoted for punching 10 in the Democrat primary. But you always remained a friend anyway. But coming here and seeing you in ’98, was such a joy for me, because as freshmans you come here looking for a smile, looking for a friend, someone that you can touch base with. And you were definitely that for me. We kind of grew up together in this Body. And it is such a joy to see you have your family. I appreciate your always asking me about my son and how I’m doing, and always just being a friend. So, I look forward to working with you in the future and God bless you and your family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Sieben, for what purpose you rise?
Thank you very much, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I think listening to the number of speakers and looking at where the -- the lights were today we can certainly see the relationship between the majority party in the Illinois General Assembly and the lobbyists in the Illinois General Assembly. And I -- I didn’t -- I didn’t have my -- my light on until just a minute ago and I realized, you know, Dave, since your family’s here I want ‘em to hear that you do have a few friends on this side of the aisle, too, even before you decided to retire. So, I thought we ought to have a little bit of balance here, even though there are very few of us on this side of the aisle that -- that are speaking today. So, I -- I usually wouldn’t do this, but I -- in fairness to your family, I want you to hear that Dave does have some friends on this side. We still like him. And we want to have a relationship with you, as well, after your retirement. You know, that’s one of the things that 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 changes, you know, from when you go from the minority to the majority, back to the -- I’ve been on all those sides and, you know, not too many people come to see me anymore. They all go to see John Cullerton, I think, now. But, it’s -- we do hope you’ll stop by our offices, as well, and remember where -- where we work and -- and when we have chicken fries and things like that, you’re welcome at -- at those events, as well. But I think the thing in -- in -- in the friendship that I’ve had with -- with Dave and in watching you and the reaction in -- in the gallery today, that the -- the characteristic I appreciate more is -- is your humility. And certainly, blessed are the meek. And you’ve a very humble individual and I think, Dave, that’s -- as we’ve watched you today when the resolution was read… Well, first of all, after all that was read and said there I’m glad to see you’re alive and -- and well and with us today. So, that’s -- that’s encouraging, and in good health. But I -- I -- you know, you -- you shed a tear and I think you demonstrate through that act of humility what this -- what’s this -- what this Chamber means to all of us. And what the friendships that we have here, regardless of -- of -- of our politics. The friendships and the relationships that you develop with people when you’re here for fifty or sixty days a year, working, arguing, debating, disagreeing, agreeing and -- and resolving issues. That through the tear that you shed, you show what the value of this experience in your life. You were here with us too short of a time, that’s for sure. And especially, want to thank your parents for the wonderful job you’ve done in -- in providing a -- a -- a true public servant and a wonderful young man. And to your family, for sharing Dave with us for just a few short years. God bless and my door is always open.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have nine more people seeking recognition. We have sixteen minutes. So, just please - - please be courteous to the next speaker. Senator Cronin.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to quickly stand up and offer my sentiments to the -- the -- to Senator Sullivan, Dave Sullivan. I wanted to salute you here, Dave, if I may. I enjoyed working with you over the years, but I particularly 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 enjoyed working with you on the issues that affected Maryville Academy. I know that that’s a -- a institution and a place that’s very near and dear to you and your heart, as it is with me. You’re a gentleman and that goes a long way in this business and I wanted to particularly salute you and commend you for your commitment to your family. God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senador Sullivan de tu gran amigo Martin Sandoval, I’d like to say to you, congratulations. You know, you are -- coming from someone who has served here a short time, but have been in government for twenty-one years I can say to you that you are truly a credit to public service and a credit to our profession the -- as a -- a Senator, because there are very few men like you who pass through these halls of government who are truly committed and as passionate about the people that we all represent here in the State of Illinois. You made it happen. We say in our community, “Sí se puede”, you made it happen for children to gain education in -- in the State universities through your support of in-State tuition. You made it happen again, in allowing more of our residents to become Americans in this country. You made it happen again when you allowed me and assisted me to give some social dignity to many residents in the State of Illinois in passing the Consular ID bill. Muchas gracias on behalf of myself, my family and our community. And to your family, God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’ve been honored the last few years to have Dave Sullivan as my officemate. And you’ll never have a better officemate. He’s a guy that’s clean and quiet. And the only time he ever made a mess in the office was when he hosted our annual staff party whenever we’d adjourn. But being with Dave in that office taught me a lot. Taught me a lot about how to be a dad, how to be a parent. Dave would make these rocket runs home to never miss an event. And I’d always say, “Dave, be careful. You know, it’s dark outside. It’s nine 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 o'clock at night.” But Dave would make these runs up and down I- 55 on a regular basis to go home and to be with his kids. You know, it’s a cynical business we’re in and when Dave announced his premature retirement people would say, “What’s up?” And anybody that knows Dave knows that Dru and his family run his life. And that’s the right priority and Dave is leaving for all of the right reasons. Dave is truly an Irish gentleman in all of the -- the ways that people have previously mentioned. While Dave is a conservative, and the other side of the aisle picked up very well that he worked with you well, it will be organized labor’s loss to have Dave Sullivan out this Chamber. Among Republican’s there’s probably, other than Jim Thompson, never been a bigger friend of organized labor. And I learned a lot about organized labor through Senator Sullivan. The utility issues we will miss Dave big time on, and while Jim Clayborne is an expert on these issues, Senator Sullivan had a way of negotiating these issues that got all of us through some very, very difficult decisions. And we’re still going to have his input on utility issues. Although, now he’s going to see these things and this utility issues through rose colored glasses. So, we’ll take what you say with a grain of salt for a while, Dave, but we will miss that very, very much. Dave was our only City of Chicago Republican Legislator and it’s a huge loss for the City of Chicago and Mayor Daley, whom I know Dave had an excellent relationship with. That will also be lost here as well. And while Senator Axley brings a lot of the qualities - and she’s my new officemate - that Dave had to this Chamber, she’s not going to bring, as Rickey Hendon pointed out, his great ability to catch those balls for the champion State Senate softball team. Dave, you know, we will miss you. Your premature retirement, like the premature loss of your hair, is a gigantic loss. And you’re still around and you’re going out the best way, as Senator Cullerton would say it. I -- I move to your seat, Dave, hoping that some of your demeanor and your just gracious method and manner as a father and as a Member of the General Assembly wears off on me. So, I know where you can find him. He still hangs down and eats our food down in my office. So, Senator Sieben, you can find him. He does hang out in Republican offices still. But, Dave, it’s a big loss. And Dru, God bless you and your 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 family and maybe we’ll even see more of you now, I hope, than even when Dave was a Member. God bless you, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I rise in support of the resolution. We’ve all heard a great deal about the wonderful qualities that Dave Sullivan has as a person, as a colleague, as a consensus-builder, as a champion of suburban interests. One of the most remarkable things about our work, all of us, regardless of who we are and where we live and what party we represent, is that we get paid to have an opinion. And in my view that’s always been extraordinary, but it’s even more extraordinary because it’s how we use that voice. Which really speaks to who we are as individuals. David Sullivan talks to everybody in this building the same. From the person in the cafeteria line to the CEO of the utility company, David Sullivan speaks to them the same and that speaks volumes of the type of person that you are. The humility, the sense of integrity, sense of honor that you have. We all have the same station in life in David Sullivan’s eyes and it’s a high station. And -- and as a result, all of us, regardless of what role we play in this daily drama here at the State Capitol or at home in our communities, we’re all better from having worked with David Sullivan. And to me, that’s the ultimate compliment that you could give someone is if they have helped you, through their selflessness and through their sense of values, improve as -- as a person. And I -- I just want to say that I know you have represented yourself as being Irish consistently throughout your career, I just want to wish that you and Dru and your family that you continue to go from strength to strength, as we say in the Jewish Community and in the Jewish tradition, as you conquer new challenges and as you touch more lives in such a wonderful way. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
To the resolution, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 the Senate, and especially David. May the road rise up to greet you and may the wind always be at your back. May God hold you always in the palm of his hand and may he always prosper the work of your hands.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
To the motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the motion, sir.
Forty -- under forty and gray? Congratulations. Not goodbye, not I’ll miss you, ‘cause I know we’re going to see you around here. Congratulations on what you played as a role as a Senator. You’ve made this place better. And I know you’ll continue to do that as you continue to work with us to help us make good decisions that will make Illinois better for its people. We all thank you for what you’ve done. I have to thank you probably more than others. You’ve helped my voting record over the last several years, as you’ve instructed me and for that I’ll be grateful. But a finer man, I’ve never met. Person who appreciates family no greater than you and to me that will be always your greatest strength. I know you’d like to stay here. I know you’ll miss this Chamber more than most. But you put family above your personal self-interest and for that I’ll admire you forever.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Roskam, for what purpose do you rise?
Well, Mr. President, kind of awkwardly, I rise on what could be considered a point of order, if I may. There was a meeting earlier today of the General Assembly retirement system and I don’t think Senator Sullivan is really aware of this. I think there needs to be a correction in the record, because it’s been represented that he’s been here for seven years as a Senator. But what the General Assembly retirement system pointed out that he doesn’t get any credit for his two first years, because he was simply a Page for Senator Geo-Karis. Now, I don’t know about you 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 all, but I -- I kind of get the sense, particularly listening to the litany on the other side of the aisle, you know you’re all in a home video. And this is going to be presented at board rooms in New York City, at Sullivan and Company when he makes his presentation on why he should be hired. One after another has said how fabulous he is, and I think we, as a Senate, deserve a - - a -- a little bit of consideration in that. We can talk about that -- at another time. I’m one of the people, I think, like many who have fallen under the -- the leadership role that Senator Sullivan has played. And just briefly in closing, I remember any number of lobbyists coming to see me on some of the very complicated Telecom and electric -- de-reg issues. And would sit and I would listen and, you know, kind of put on that earnest face that we all can do occasionally, when we have no idea what they’re talking about. And at the end of the conversation I would try and, kind of, act like I was significant somehow and I would always get out of them, “Well, what does Senator Sullivan say about the bill?” And finally it reached a point with these people of like, does he -- we hear that from all of these Republicans. “What does Senator Sullivan say about the bill?” And I think that -- that tells you a lot about Dave Sullivan and his attitude in that when he felt like it was a good bill he would come and say, “I think this is a good bill.” And there would be twenty-six Republicans that would follow him. If he said, “I don’t think this is a good bill now,” there’d be twenty-six people in our caucus saying, you know what, neither do we. And that’s the type of quiet leadership that he has represented to all of us. And that’s why he’s such a good role model and that’s why we will miss him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Oh, boy. It’s like one big love fest here. Sullivan should negotiate the budget. Come when -- when we’re fighting like -- like cats and dogs in May. This is very bittersweet for me, because Dave and I -- I consider Dave a -- a -- really a brother. You can tell by our hair. When -- when -- when Dave told me he was retiring, I sat down with him and I -- and I -- I talked -- I 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 tried to talk him out of it. And like a smart man, he never argues with his wife. And I’m going to miss you, Dave. But you know, I -- I want to tell you we’re fifty-nine men and women that come down here. We leave our spouses. And we have different views, we have different beliefs and we try to work for our district. And you have done an outstanding job in your district. And there’s one person behind you that probably deserves a lot of credit and that’s Dru. She puts up with a lot. I know Debra puts up a lot with me. I hope she’s listening via Internet. But Dru’s the one that has to deal with the kids, with the ball games, people who are -- kids that are sick. And just like each one of our spouses, they let us go out and do what we want; late nights and meetings. So, I -- I am really going to miss you and I -- as I wish you the best success and I know you’ll be succeeding at whatever you do. And I understand now you’ve got an easement in my office, and you’re always welcome. And I -- I want to wish you and your family all the best of luck, all the mazel luck we -- that we say in the Jewish religion and I know -- mazel -- DeLeo knows some more Yiddish. And I know that you’re going to continue and I know this is a -- the right decision for you and your family. And you will be sorely missed. But I know, like I said, you will constantly be bugging us more than ever. Good luck.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Axley, for what purpose do you rise, ma'am?
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s my great pleasure to -- for my first -- speak in front of this Honorable Body to speak in support of a resolution -- that recognizes my good friend Dave Sullivan. I’ve known Dave Sullivan for several years, working with him on issues at home and he is indeed a man of honor and integrity. And Dave, you have left a big gap for me to fill, but I do look forward to continuing our working relationship with you. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. And our final commentator, Leader Watson.
Yes. Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. And first 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 of all, to Dave and Dru, we -- we’re glad to have you here and obviously, you can see by the outpouring of -- of comments that - - how well you’re regarded in this process. And by -- and both of you, for that matter. First of all, after hearing what -- what came from the other side, my attitude would be, I’d go solo on this contract lobbyist thing and tell -- tell Andy Raucci to take a hike. I mean, sounds like you can get in any door you need to get into. We -- but -- really, Dave was a rising star -- is a rising star, he’s not -- not going anywhere, but it was on our side of the aisle in politics, in general. I mean, you know, you can -- when you see people come into this process you recognize, right away, their potential. And -- and Dave was one of those who truly was someone who was going to go somewhere in the -- in State politics and -- and here in the Senate. And -- and for him to make a decision as he did knowing full well the -- what he’s leaving behind and the opportunity that he -- that he may be leaving behind, but he put his family first and the concerns that he had for his kids going to Marquette, and for Dru and the two that are left at home, that was very -- it had to be very difficult. Had to be very difficult. And I’m not sure all of us would have made that same -- same decision. So, that I commend you for. Also when you talk about family, I -- I’ll never forget the day, very anguishing day, in which Dave found out that his nephew had been killed fighting for his country in Iraq. And we all remember that. And the way Dave handled that and the way we all responded as a group, understanding of a Member of our Body in anguish - very, very difficult time for him and all of us. I know you never get over those kinds of things. But we were here for him, when that difficult time came and I think that speaks well for us as a Body. Doesn’t matter which side where we might from, who we might represent, the color of our skin, it didn’t matter. We all -- felt the pain that -- that -- that Dave was experiencing. He’s a -- and -- and Peter Roskam said it best. I mean, that’s -- that’s exactly -- and when I think about that when people came into my office, you know, here’s Frank Watson, you know the big leader of the Republican Party in the Senate and he’s all this powerful individual who can deliver all these votes and I -- I’d always say, “You know, how does Dave Sullivan feel?” I -- and -- and the -- the -- the 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 issue is, that the guy did his homework. And -- and -- and you don’t -- you go out there to the third rail or you go outside here and you talk to people around the rail out here who are concerned about issues that are important to this State, and they’re going to -- they would tell you - they’ll tell you that there’s one Member of this Body, and there’s many more, but there’s certainly one who did his homework, who understood the issue. And he put the issue first and he put the people first. And that’s something that’s significant to this process. And that’s why people like Dave, obviously, will be missed. You know, this day is going to come to all of us. We all are going to leave at some point in time. But Dave truly is leaving too early. And what a class act. And we’re going to miss you, Dave, Dru. And wish you well. We do have the sign from your door and your nameplate from your desk so that you will remember us always and remember the times -- the good times and some of the tough times, that we had here together.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay. Senator Watson previously moved for the adoption of Senate Resolution 500. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 500 be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it. The Ayes really have it. And the resolution is unanimously adopted. We’re going to -- Ladies and Gentlemen, for purposes of an announcement. Ladies and Gentlemen, for purposes of announcement, may I have your attention, please? May I have your attention, please? We’re waiting for them to come over from the House momentarily. We’re going to distribute some towels and hats to the Members that -- for keepsake. There -- we’ve been informed they’re -- are going to be available -- Mr. Reinsdorf and the Manager, Ozzie, our favorite world champion manager, will be available for photographs in just a short minute. So, we’re going to stand at ease for just a couple minutes and we’ll await their arrival. Thank you. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) I ask all Members, please be in their seats. Once again, we 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 ask staff and -- everybody retire to the rear of the Chamber. All Members please be in their seats. President Emil Jones in the Chair.
Madam Secretary -- Mr. Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution 509, offered by Senator Emil Jones, Watson, Hunter and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 509)
Senator Hunter, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
In recognition of the Chicago White Sox winning the 2005 World Series Championship accordingly, I now move to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 509.
Senator Hunter moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution - - Senate Resolution 509. All -- all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. Opposed, none. The -- the Ayes have it and the rules are suspended. Senator Hunter now moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 509. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the resolution is adopted. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 509 be adopted. All in favor, signify by saying Aye. Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is unanimously adopted. Accordingly, we’ve been blessed to have the Chief Executive of the State of Illinois, a person who believes in sports, who loves the White Sox. He’s -- he’s -- he’s here with us to -- to present our honored guests. Governor Blagojevich.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. First of all, let me say how delighted I am to be here. Look at -- this is a very special day in Illinois and it’s a very special -- it’s been a very special week. Something happened in the State of Illinois 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 and the City of Chicago that hadn’t happened since 1917. A Chicago baseball team won a World Series. And I want you to know that this Cub fan is very happy that the White Sox did that. I want to just kind of make sure everybody understands their place, because all of us here in the General Assembly and in Springfield know the dynamic of passing budgets and working to pass legislation. So, what we have is an interesting mixture of leaders who support different baseball teams. So, I want the record straight here. Cub fan, Emil Jones is primarily a Cubs fan. Our Leader here in the Senate, Senator Watson is a Cardinals fan. Representative Cross tends to be for the Cubs. I want to take my hat off to the biggest Sox fan in the whole State and that, of course, is Speaker Mike Madigan. So, let’s give him a big round of applause and congratulate him on the White Sox success. Let me say a couple of quick things. First of all, baseball is the greatest sport there is. It is a metaphor for life. You can learn a lot about life by watching baseball. You can learn a lot about how an organization that succeeds can succeed by watching baseball. You can learn a lot about how an organization can do better by watching the 2005 Chicago White Sox. From the first pitch until the last out, they proved they are, without peer, the best team in baseball. And they are a great baseball team, because they have a great manager who gets the best out of his ball players. The White Sox prove that teamwork works, that it’s not the individual, but it’s the sum total of the component parts that make the difference between victory and defeat. We can learn from the Chicago White Sox of 2005 and how we can do better here in Springfield. We got to bunt better. We got to do a better job hitting and running. We got to make sure we play more like a team and hold the line on taxes. But, I want to congratulate the White Sox for their tremendous success. And it wouldn’t of happened had it not been for the great leadership of Ozzie Guillen, the great General Manager Kenny Williams, who helped put this team together. And where would we be in Chicago without Jerry Reinsdorf? Think about it. If Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t leave his native Brooklyn to come to Chicago and buy the Bulls and buy the White Sox, we’d have six fewer NBA Championships, we wouldn’t have this World Series Championship now. All we would have in our generation 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 would be the 1985 Chicago Bears. So, I want to thank Jerry Reinsdorf for coming to Illinois and making us a place of champions. And in closing, let me say just couple of more things. First and foremost, let me again congratulate all the White Sox, the organization of the White Sox, all the Chicago White Sox fans all around our State. Thank you for making this a special period of time in our history. Let me also say as a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Roger Kahn wrote a book about the Brooklyn Dodgers called “The Boys of Summer”, and in it he said, “You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat.” For those who’ve been bleeding for the White Sox since 1917, congratulation, your time has come and you deserve to enjoy every single moment of it. For those of us who’d like to see this happen on the north side of town, well, there’s a little over one hundred days to spring training and hope springs eternal. One last thing. To those who come from Latin America and from Puerto Rico and from Mexico and Central America, I want to say this about the great manager of the Chicago White Sox, como hijo de imigrante y padre de familia entiendo la importancia de tener midias {sic} blanco. Gracias.
And now our great friend who has done so much for the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, I give you that great, great owner of the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, my good friend, Jerry Reinsdorf.
(Remarks by Jerry Reinsdorf)
And now that great coach who did such a tremendous job. We’re all proud of him. Terry Link -- very proud of him. Did a outstanding job to pull a team together to bring a World Series to the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, Ozzie Guillen.
(Remarks by Ozzie Guillen)
A -- few of the Members wanted to have a few words to say. Senator Miguel del Valle.
Thank you, Mr. President. The White Sox waited a long time. 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Eighty-eight years and certainly, we have an entire State and many people across the country, fans that live all over the country that are very excited about this tremendous accomplishment. And so we’re -- we’re here to celebrate that today and I really want to thank Ozzie and -- and Jerry for taking the time to visit Springfield here. Certainly, Ozzie could have taken off, and here he is. Because I think that -- and he just clearly indicated where his priorities are when -- when he came in and came to the microphone and he pointed at the gallery. And so it’s obvious that the top priority for Ozzie are the fans. The fans of the Chicago White Sox. But I can’t let this moment go by without acknowledging the historical accomplishment here, in not only the State of Illinois, but in the United States and that is that Ozzie Guillen becomes the first Latino to win a World Series as a manager in the history of the United States. And so -- and so he just shared with me that he’s leaving for Venezuela, mañana right, que se va mañana, y quiero dejarte saber que aqui como latinos estamos muy orgullosos de tu logro y queremos que la gente, que nuestros hermanos en Venezuela entiendan que te apreciamos mucho aqui y que no te, te vayan a convencer de quedarte alla porque necesitamos que regreses aca. I was saying that when he goes to Venezuela we want all the Venezolanes to know that we appreciate Ozzie very much and we don’t want them to convince him to stay in Venezuela and maybe run for President of Venezuela. We -- we need him to come back here to win another title. Gracias. Thank you.
Senator Petka.
Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I would like to join in the remarks made by our distinguished colleague, Senator del Valle, in connection with congratulations of the White Sox and the organization, but perhaps just to expand on the remarks. Right about the time the -- the last inning was being played in the World Series the phone started ringing my home. And I started hearing from friends of mine who were raised -- born and raised with me on the southwest side of Chicago, who had moved to other states, who are living in the State of Florida. And I heard from another friend of mine 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 who was living in the State of Wisconsin, at eleven o'clock at night, literally screaming into the phone that finally their dreams had finally come true that the boys from the south side had won the World Series. And thank the -- the Chairman, Mr. Reinsdorf and -- and certainly our manager, Ozzie Guillen for making dreams come true for many, many people, many Sox fans young and old and lifelong Sox fans. So, on behalf of all of those who suffered for so many years, it is truly an exhilarating experience to -- to once -- once again be proclaimed that Chicago is the baseball capital of the world. And to all of you, the very best wishes and God bless your efforts.
Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I never thought the day would come that I would be able to make this speech. But as a Democrat and a Sox -- lifelong Sox fan and living in Lake County, life hasn’t always been easy for me. But today I walk around on clouds and my family, my associates and everybody asks me why I’m in a good mood. And I said, “Well, it took eighty- eight years.” I’ve only had to wait fifty-eight years, but it took eighty-eight years to say, as I said in a speech the other day that when we went to bed as little kids we cried when the Yankees beat the Sox and always knocked ‘em out of first place. Or, we saw when Kansas City knocked us out of first place in the early sixties or late sixties. And we saw other things defeat us, in times when we thought we were so close. But, I said, now as a middle-aged man, you went to bed the other night in tears, but they were tears of joy. And to echo what Senator Petka said, I also got a lot of those phone calls from childhood friends who took the same abuse that I did, in Cub territory, as being a devout Sox fan. And you joyed in the euphoria that we were facing and that we got to appreciate that night. Chairman Reinsdorf, I got to thank you for the courage you’ve taken through the years. You’ve had to take a lot of abuse from the media and people that second-guessed you. And I’m sure two years ago you took a lot of second-guessing when you hired a young Venezuelan, former shortstop, who did not have experience as a manager and they questioned you of why you were going to hire 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 this person to take over a team. And I got to tell you, I was one of those that was not a -- a naysayer, because I said one thing this team needed was energy. And it needed somebody that would bring the enthusiasm and the fans and everybody back to Comiskey Park. Excuse me, it’s still will be Comiskey in my heart. Bring ‘em back there and that’s exactly what Ozzie did. He brought the fans. He brought the enthusiasm. He brought the baseball that we remember in our youth. And I thank you for this day. Second to my child’s birth, this is one of the most exciting days of my life. Thank you.
Senator Geo-Karis.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, and our friends. Ozzie Guillen, you are a remarkable person, because you have a lot of love in you. What you showed your players was genuine love. You weren’t afraid to hug ‘em. You weren’t afraid to pat ‘em in -- certain places, but anyway, but you are a remarkable person. You are the glue that kept that team together and you did it by being a real gentleman and a gentleperson. And it shows on you. I -- I think we are very fortunate - very fortunate - to have a man of your caliber be with us here today, because you were born in another country. I was born in another country and I can tell you, we appreciate this country very much. I know you do. And you can go to Venezuela for a while, but we want you back, because you belong to Illinois. And Ozzie, God bless you and your family. God bless Venezuela, but God bless you to come back.
Senator Hunter.
We do recognize that many Members want to speak, but our guests are on a very tight schedule. I will recognize two other persons, then that -- we will cut if off. I see your lights, but they have to go. Senator Mattie Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of -- of the Senate. I am the White Sox’ Senator. The White Sox park is in the 3rd Legislative District. For -- for all of those who did 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 not know that. Okay. I just want you to know how proud I am of you guys sticking together, hanging on in there and winning the - - the series. I -- I -- I -- I attended all the games. I attended the -- the -- the playoffs, the championship series and -- and the World Series games. All the games that were played in Chicago. Jerry, I would like to thank you for having the vision and giving Ozzie the opportunity and the support that he needed to pull this whole thing off. You know, he’s a -- Ozzie, you’re a true leader. You are truly the man. You’re -- you’re truly the man. You know, because -- no, because I want -- I want Jerry to be very generous to you when the time comes to renegotiate your contract, because you deserve it. We -- as Senator Geo- Karis indicated, we want you back here to Chicago, because I want to stand here next year and the year after next and the next and the next, and just give you all the -- the support and thank you all so, so much. And I look forward to talking to you all later on. Thank you.
Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I am a very, very proud Sox fan. I’ve been a Sox fan since I was in my mom’s womb, just so you know. But more important is, that as a young girl I grew up going to the baseball games every time the White Sox were in town. My father, who is eighty-five and lives in Puerto Rico, has been calling me since the White Sox won, and he’s just so proud. But more important is that I watch -- I’ve been a -- a Sox fan, like I said, since I was very, very small. And just going to the baseball games every single time they were in town was the greatest thing for me. Jerry, when you brought over Ozzie, I watched him. He was one of my favorite players of all White Sox players out there. And when you brought him in as the -- as the manager, I just knew -- I just knew when you made the decision, that we were going to the World Series. I never gave up hope. The word -- the saying of believing -- oh, I always believed. I always believed, because I knew that we were always considered the underdogs. I remember the day -- Friday, while everybody was celebrating out there on -- on the LaSalle Street, I was in the dentist’s office stuck having mouth surgery. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 And the funny thing was that the dentist actually put a TV right by where he had me laid out. And I’m watching this and at one point, when they started singing the songs “We are the Champion”, I started crying and crying and crying. And the -- the dentist says to me, “Senator, are -- are you okay? Am I hurting you?” And I said, “No. Give me a minute. I’m crying because of my Sox.” And that’s the thing -- the way a lot of us felt during this whole World Series. I think we were all on edge, but at the end of the day, when we were here that last night that they -- that the World Series, the last game, we were all together, the Latino Caucus. And a lot of us, we were all over at the -- at the -- at the hotel. I think all of us, when that final ball came through and we won that game, I think all of us - I know Rickey was there - we were just all hugging each other, and kissing each other, and all crying. And I took a moment out, ‘cause I had to cry, because I was just so excited and so thankful. To the people of Venezuela, gracias, gracias por un manager tan, tan bueno y una persona que realmente este equipo es lo mas importante para el y para mi quiero decirte Ozzie que estamos muy orgullos en Puerto Rico y en todos los paises Latino Americanos de tenerte a ti como el primer latino de realmente tener un equipo como los White Sox. I thank you very much, Ozzie. I love you. I love the White Sox and I -- I hope not to wait all this lifetime, but to continue to see the White Sox celebrating World Series every single year. Thank you.
For those of you who didn’t understand what she said, she said in the year 2007, it’d be a cross town World Series in Chicago. But Senator Watson and I would like -- like to present to you at this time the resolution that this Body adopted on -- on behalf of your great achievement in the -- in the City. At this time, now I know Members want to have a photo op. And we’re going to try to do this as expeditiously as possible. Chairman Reinsdorf, Manager Guillen will be right down front and you’ll be able to get your photo as you pass by. So, be right down front here in front of the Secretary’s podium. If -- the Members -- if the Members would line up orderly and there’ll be an opportunity for you to get your individual photographs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know committee announcements were made earlier in the day. Please remember there will be committees -- committees meeting this afternoon. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair, for Committee Reports. After committees the -- the Senate will reconvene to receive Committee Reports and other matters not requiring - not requiring Floor action. There will be no Floor action until the Senate reconvenes tomorrow at the hour of 11 a.m. Tomorrow at the hour or 11 a.m. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Pensions and Investments, reports House Bills 230 and 1009 Do Pass. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 466 and a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 676, all be adopted. Senator Silverstein, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3478 and Motions to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1208, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1213 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1843, all recommended Do Adopt. Senator Munoz, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3814 recommended Do Adopt. Senators Cullerton and Dillard, Co-chairpersons of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 2900 and Motions to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill -- 273, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 319, all recommended Do Adopt. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 52, and a Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 293, all be approved for consideration. 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports the Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 331 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, motions, please. Do you have any motions on file, Madam Secretary?
Yes, Mr. President. I have a motion to -- to reconsider the vote, filed by Senator Lauzen, with respect to House Bill 3651; and new motions on House Bill 3651 and House Bill 2525 on Governor’s veto action.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills, please.
Senate Bill 2150, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2151, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2152, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2153, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2154, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2155, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2156, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 2157, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution 494, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. Senate Resolution 495, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. Senate Resolution 496, also offered by Senator Collins and 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 59th Legislative Day 11/2/2005 all Members. Senate Resolution 497, offered by Senator Watson and all Members. Senate Resolution 498, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. Senate Resolution 499, also offered by Senator Collins and all Members. Senate Resolutions 501 through {sic} 508, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 510, offered by Senator Dillard and all Members. Senate Resolution 512, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. And Senate Resolution 513, offered by Senator Raoul and all Members. They’re all death resolutions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 493, offered by Senator Roskam. Senate Resolution 511, offered by Senator Forby. Senate Resolution 514, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. And Senate Joint Resolution 55, offered by Senators Cullerton and Link. They’re all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading, please.
House Bill 1920, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2928, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m. tomorrow, November 3rd, the year 2005. The Senate stands adjourned. 54