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 Don Pritchard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, and the Chaplain of the Illinois State Police. Reverend.
(Prayer by the Reverend Don Pritchard)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 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 Thursday, February 22nd, 2006.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Good morning, Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter.
Thank you. 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. Madam Secretary, Messages from the House, please.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bills 4125, 5288, 5299, 5336, 5388 and 5524. Passed the House, February 22nd, 2006.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, House Bills, please.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 House Bill 1371, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4104, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- pardon me, 4193, offered by Senator del Valle. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4286, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4291, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4306, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4310, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4315, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4362, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4369, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4375, offered by Senator Lauzen. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4529, offered by Senator Shadid. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4541, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4711, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4728, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4737, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4756, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4760, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4764…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Ladies and Gentlemen, for the purposes of an announcement. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 For the purposes of an announcement, please. All members of the Rules Committee will report immediately to the President’s Anteroom. Rules Committee will meet immediately. So, I'd ask all members of the Rules Committee please report immediately. Thank you. Madam Secretary.
House Bill 4764, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4768, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4788, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4895, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5216, offered by Senator Axley. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5330, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5376, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5555, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5288, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 5299, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hunter, for what purposes are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma’am.
I have with me three important guests who are visiting us here in Springfield today. These three people all have been appointed by the Governor to sit on the State Rehabilitation Council and they are simply in town to attend their quarterly 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 meeting. I'd like to introduce Miss Henrietta Battle - she’s a program manager for the Chicago Housing Authority Service Connector Program with the Department of Human Services; one of my constituents, Miss Myra Christian, who is a parent training coordinator for disabilities from the Family Rescue Center on Disabilities in Chicago; and Mr. Jim Wilkerson, who works right here in Springfield with the Mental Health Center. Let’s give them a -- a warm welcome to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Would our guests please rise and be recognized? Welcome to -- the Illinois State Senate. Senator Crotty, for what purposes are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
On a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma’am.
Thank you. I would like to introduce to you my Page for the Day. She’s a seventh grader from St. Dennis in Lockport, but she lives in New Lenox. She and her parents, up in the gallery, Pam and Bob Prezek and Sarah, are here for the week -- well, for the next three days and she’s also a constituent of Senator Radogno. So, if you would welcome Sarah and her family, I would appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guests please rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Rutherford, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
Mr. President, thank you. For a point of personal privilege to introduce some guests if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today with us is Mr. Ian Ostaszewski, who’s an eighth grader at Epiphany School in Normal, and Matt Rutherford, who is an eighth grader at Kingsley School in Bloomington, that are Paging with us today. If you’d welcome ‘em to the Illinois Senate, I'd appreciate it, Mr. President. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. My friend and colleague, Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
I would like to introduce to you the mayor of my hometown, Mayor John Thodos.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Mayor, welcome to Springfield. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 2236; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2191, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2257, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2784, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 2795, and Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 2829; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2579; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2445, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2477, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2998; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2495; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2170, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2267, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2436, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2455, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2510, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2578, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2672, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2782, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2898; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2351 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2778; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2290 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3036; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2162, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2284, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 -- 2391, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2570, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2680, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2869, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2954, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2971; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2397, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- pardon me, that’s 2664, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2713; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2246 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2691; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2330, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2456, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2674, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2870, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2921; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2130, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2233, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2865, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2878; and Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 618, 789, 819, 820, 821, 841, 843, 854, 855, 880, 893, 894, 951, 999, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1183 and 1214.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Ladies and Gentlemen, for the purpose of announcements. Committee announcements. Senator Carol Ronen. Senator Carol Ronen, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President. On the point of personal privilege, or for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) For an announcement. Please state your announcement, ma’am.
The Health and Human Services Committee will meet tomorrow - tomorrow, Friday, at 9 a.m., in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?
For a point of -- of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement.
Today at 12:30, Local Government will meet in A-1, Room A-1 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 in the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator del Valle, for what purposes do you rise, sir?
Purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
The Senate Education Committee will meet at 12:30 in Room 212. 12:30, Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Clayborne.
I rise for a point of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
Environment and Energy Committee will meet tomorrow, at 9 a.m., in Room 212. Again, in Room 212, tomorrow, Environment and Energy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Wilhelmi.
…President, I rise for a point of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m., Friday morning, 9 a.m., the Agriculture and Conservation Committee will be meeting in A-1 of the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. An announcement. The 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Transportation Committee will meet at 1:30 today, Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. An announcement. State Government will meet tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, in the Stratton Building. That will be State Government, at 10 on Friday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Maloney.
To make an announcement, Mr. President. That is that the Senate Higher Education Committee will meet at 4 p.m. today, in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Financial Institutions will meet tomorrow, Friday, at 10:30 in Room 400. Tomorrow, Friday, at 10:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of making two announcements, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your two announcements.
First, the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet today at 1:30, in Room 212. That’s today at 1:30. And the Senate Revenue Committee will meet tomorrow, Friday, at 10 a.m., in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of announcement. The Senate Executive Committee will meet Friday, tomorrow, at 10 o’clock, in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am? 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement.
The Housing and Community Affairs Committee will meet today at 1:30, in Room A-1 in the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
I want to make some more announcements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please make more announcements.
Approp II will meet today at 2:30, in Room 212, and Approp III will meet today at 4 p.m., in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Mr. President, I want to file -- to have an amendment put on one of my bills. When do I call it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Shadid, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
I would like to make an announcement…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please give the gentleman your attention, please, Ladies and Gentlemen. Senator Shadid.
Yes. There’s a young lady in our group who’s celebrating her, I think, 25th birthday today, my seatmate, Senator Demuzio.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Very happy birthday, Senator. A very, very happy birthday to you. Senator Shadid.
There’s -- there’s also cake and you will probably be charged for every piece that you want to eat, but -- no, it’s on 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 the house. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. For the purposes of an announcement. In just a couple moments the Senate will be going to Executive Session - in just a couple moments. So we’d ask all Members please come to the Floor. We’ll be taking a vote on final action. So, please come to the Floor. We’ll be taking votes on final action. Ladies and Gentlemen, to fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advice {sic} and Consent. Senator Hendon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purposes of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages from -- the Governor dated November 2nd, 2005, January 12th, January 19th, February 2nd -- I mean, November 2nd, 2005, January 12th, January 19th, February 2nd, February 9th, February 15th, 2006, together with the Message from the Secretary of State dated January 5th, 2006.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Thank you very much, Senator. Senator Hendon moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session, for the purposes of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages dated November 2nd, 2005, January 12th, January 19th, February 2nd, February 9th and February 15th, of 2006, together with the Message from the Secretary of State dated January 5, the year 2006. Madam Secretary.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of January 12, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator -- Senator Hendon.
Mr. -- Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of January 12th, 2006, I will read the salaried appointments of 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommend that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Department of Employment Security Review Board for a term commencing December 5th, 2005 and ending January 15th, 2007: Stanley Drassler. To be a member of the Illinois International Port District Board for a term commencing upon confirmation and ending January {sic} (June) 1st, 2010: Paul Jenkins. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of January 12th, 2006, I -- 2012 -- 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of January 12th? All those in favor will vote Aye. All of 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, 0 Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 2, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 2nd, 2006, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate does advise and consent: To be a member of the Department of Employment Security 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Review Board for a term commencing January 23rd, 2006 and ending January 17th, 2007: J. Hunt Bonan. Mr. Secretary {sic}, having read the salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of -- February 2nd, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 2nd. 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, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 9, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 9, 2006, I will read the salaried appointment to -- of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate does advise and consent: To be the Illinois State Fire Marshal for a term commencing February 6th, 2006 and ending January 15th, 2007: David Foreman. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of February 9th. 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, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, continuing on Committee Reports.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Secretary of State’s Message of January 5, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Secretary of State’s Message of January 5, 2006, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a Commissioner of the Merit Commission for the Office of Secretary of State for a term commencing January 5th, 2006 and ending June 30th, 2007: Ferdinand Serpe. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment from the Secretary of State’s Message of January 5th, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Once again, Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Secretary of State’s Message of January 5th. 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 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 57 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of November 2, 2005, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of November 2nd, 2005, I will read the non-salaried appointment to which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Public Guardian and Public Administrator for Jo Daviess County for a term commencing December 5th, 2005 and ending December 7th, 2009: Anthony Quinn. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of November 2nd, 2005, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of November 2nd. 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. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent of the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, continuing on Committee Reports, please.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Message of January 12, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent on the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of January 12th, 2006, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education for a term commencing -- November 7th, 2005 and ending March 13th, 2008: Lisa Martin. To be a member of the Illinois State Banking Board for a term commencing November 7th, 2005 and ending December 31st, 2008: Philip Cacciatore. To be a member of the Illinois and Missouri Bi-State Development Authority for a term commencing January 18th, 2005 and ending January 18th, 2010: Jeffrey Watson. To be a member of the Illinois Finance Authority for a term commencing November 8th, 2005 and ending July 16th, 2006: Lynn Talbott. To be a member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees for a term commencing December 21st, 2005, and ending January 17th, 2011: Betty Kinser. To be a member of the Illinois State Board of Investments for a term commencing December 27th, 2005, and ending January 19th, 2009: Michael Goetz. To be a -- Goetz -- to be a member of the Department of Labor Advisory Board for a term commencing December 13th, 2005 and ending January 15th, 2007: Terry Fairclough. To be a member of the Department of Labor Advisory Board for a term commencing December 19th, 2005, and ending January 16th, 2006, and for a term commencing January 17th, 2006 and ending January 21st, 2008: Edward Smith. To be a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees for a term commencing November 16th, 2005 and ending January 17th, 2011: James Barushok. To be a -- the Public Guardian and Public Administrator for 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Adams County for a term commencing December 6th, 2005 and ending December 3rd, 2007: Bruce Alford. To be Public Guardian and Public Administrator for Clay County for a term commencing December 6th, 2005 and ending December 7th, 2009: Diana Frye. To be the Public Administrator of Cook County for a term commencing December 13th, 2005 and ending December 5th, 2009: Michael Bender. To be the Public Guardian and Public Administrator for Marion County for a term commencing December 14th, 2005 and ending December 3rd, 2009: Earl White. To be the Public Guardian and Public Administrator for Pike County for a term commencing December 6th, 2005 and ending December 7th, 2009: Kay Conners. To be the Public Guardian and Public Administrator for Sangamon County for a term commencing December 6th, 2005, and ending December 7th, 2009: Kevin McDermott. To be a member of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees for a term commencing November 7th, 2005 and ending January 19th, 2009: Marquita Wiley. To be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for a term commencing November 17th, 2005 and ending June 30th, 2009: Lynda Andre. To be members of the Illinois Student -- Assistance Commission for terms commencing November 17th, 2005, and ending June 30th, 2011: Sharon Alpi and David Vaught. To be a member and Chair of the Ticket for a -- Cure Board for a term commencing November 30th, 2005: Leonard Thomas. To be a member of the Waukegan Port District Board for a term commencing December 14th, 2005, and ending November 31st, 2009 -- May 31st, 2009: Dale Johnson. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board for a term commencing November 7th, 2005 and ending January 15th, 2007: Gerald Roper. To be members of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for terms commencing December 5th, 2005, and ending December 5th, 2009: Maddy Bowling and Ronald Powell. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for a term commencing December 12th, 2005, and 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 ending December 5th, 2009: Elena Butkus. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for a term commencing December 13th, 2005, and ending December 5th, 2009: John Smolk. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for a term commencing December 14th, 2005 and ending December 5th, 2009: Edward Sclamberg. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for a term commencing December 27th, 2005 and ending December 5th, 2009: Eric Dean. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for a term commencing January 9th, 2005 {sic} (2006), and ending December 5th, 2009: Roger Poole. To be members of the Workforce Investment Board for terms commencing November 7th, 2005 and ending July 1st, 2006: Douglas Parsons and Greg Sutton. To be a member of the Workforce Investment Board for a term commencing November 29th, 2005 and ending July 1st, 2007: Thomas Prinske. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of January 12th, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read by the Governor’s Message of January 12th. All those in favor, 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, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Message of January 19, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of January 19th, 2006, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Committee of -- for Agricultural Education for a term commencing January 18th, 2006 and ending March 13th, 2008: Donald Meyer. To be a member of the State Board of Health for a term commencing January 17th, 2006 and ending November 1, 2008: Kevin Hutchinson. To be a member of the State Board of Health for a term commencing January 17th, 2006 and ending November 1st, 2006: Herbert Whiteley. To be a member of the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority for a term commencing January 18th, 2006 and ending January 19th, 2009: William Koehler. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board for a term commencing January 13th, 2006 and ending January 15th, 2007: James Brown. To be members of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board for terms commencing January 13th, 2006 and ending December 5th, 2009: Jesse Butler and Karen {sic} (Kathryn) Tazic. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of January 19th, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much, Senator Hendon. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read by the Governor’s Message of January 19th. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote No -- Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 59 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, continuing on Committee Reports, please.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 2, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 2nd, 2006, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be members of the State Board of Health for terms commencing January 23rd, 2006 and ending November 1st, 2006: Jane Jackman and Janice Linn. To be the Public Administrator for DuPage County for a term commencing January 27th, 2006 and ending December 3rd, 2009: Thomas Leinenweber. To be the Public Guardian and -- of DuPage County for a term commencing January 27, 2006 and ending December 5th, 2009: Robert Mork. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 2nd, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 2nd. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote -- vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 58 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 9, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2006, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Governors State University Board of Trustees for a term commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending January 17th, 2011: Lois Mayer. To be a member of the State Board of Health for a term commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending November 1st, 2007: Jorge Girotti. To be members of the State Board of Health for terms commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending -- November 1st, 2006: Jerry Kruse and Javette Orgain. To be a member of the State Board of Health for a term commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending November 1 -- 1, 2008: Ann O’Sullivan. To be a member of the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees for a term commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending January 15th, 2007: Donald Griffin. To be members of the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees for terms commencing February 3rd, 2006 and ending January 17th, 2011: Robert Cook and Steven Nelson. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read -- the Governor’s Message of February 9th. All those in favor, 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 59 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, continuing on Committee Reports, please.
Senators Hendon and Geo-Karis, Co-Chairmen of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 15, 2006, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 15th, 2006, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education for a term commencing February 10th, 2006 and ending March 13th, 2006, and for a term commencing March 14th, 2006 and ending March 13th, 2009: Douglas Falk. To be members of the State Board of Health for terms commencing February 10th, 2006 and ending November 1st, 2006: Peter Orris and Tim Vega. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Winnebago County for a term commencing March 6th, 2006 and ending December 7th, 2009: Sharon Rudy. To be a member of the State Police Merit Board for a term commencing February 10th, 2006 and ending March 19th, 2012: 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Niranjan Shah. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 5th {sic} (15), 2006, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank you once again, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 15th. All in -- those in favor, 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 59 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Ladies and Gentlemen. Ladies and Gentlemen, please, because of the noise volume in the Chamber, it was very difficult earlier to hear Senator Hendon’s reference to the appointment of Paul Jenkins to the Port District Board. For the record, the term commences upon confirmation and ends on June 1st the year 2010. We just wanted to make that record clear. Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I now move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Senator Lightford, what a pleasure to see you. For what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to make an announcement please. Personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma’am.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd like to remind you that it is Black History Month and we are celebrating our history across the nation. And again, tonight, in the Governor’s Mansion, we will have our annual soirée and would love to extend an invitation on behalf of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to all of our colleagues. Look forward to seeing you there at 6 o’clock. And I'd love to just share with you quickly for a moment to talk about one of our great leaders, a leader that recently passed on to glory and if I could just for a moment share with you information regarding Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks who became known as the modern-day mother of Civil Rights movement after her refusal on December 1st, 1955, to obey a bus driver’s demand that she give up her seat to a white passenger. Mrs. Parks worked for many years with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She once said: I worked on numerous cases with the NAACP. There were cases of flogging, peonage, murder and rape. We didn’t seem to have too many successes. It was more a matter of trying to challenge the powers that be, and let it be known that we wish to be second -- we did not wish to be second-class citizens. How disappointed Rosa Parks must have been when she passed on to know that we as a people are still dealing with the same social issues that people were dealing with in the fifties, sixties, and during the Civil Rights Movement. I recently had the pleasure to speak at the 85th annual Lincoln Douglas Banquet, sponsored right here in Springfield by the NAACP chapter, where their theme was “Consciousness {sic} (Conscience) of a Nation”. To summarize quickly, my speech touched on how the conscience of our nation, in my opinion, is misplaced and what we must do to right the conscience of our nation. One way to change the conscience of our nation is to remember and reflect upon the courage and commitment of our ancestors who stood in harm’s way and fought for us against abuse to allow us the freedoms we all share today. Now, we must build on those foundations they have laid for us. Rosa Parks was certainly one of those important icons whose strength and courage we must remember and build upon. It was the strength and courage of Rosa Parks that truly got the Civil Rights Movement moving forward with full steam. Mrs. Parks was a woman of good conscience which led her to say, “No, I won’t 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 move,” and to speak out on inequalities, not just for the Black community, but for all social groups which faced injustice. When she spoke, people listened and transformations were made. Today we need more leaders like Rosa Parks. In order to create the leaders who will direct new battles in the 21st century, we must remember and share with our children the legacies of great leaders like Rosa Parks who have made a difference. They will then be able to build on what leaders of the past have accomplished, allowing them to carry the torch into new battles which lie ahead. I want to challenge each of us right here in the Illinois General Assembly, in our own daily lives, to follow in the footsteps of Rosa Parks, because great strides can be made amongst like-minded people. Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movements are great example of this. Thank you for allowing me the time to reflect on one of the leaders and -- in our -- in our ancestry and in our history and I look forward to all of you coming over to the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate with our Black history program. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Lightford. Senator Wilhelmi, for what purposes are you seeking recognition?
Mr. President, a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, it is my honor at this point in time and my pleasure to welcome a gentleman to the Floor of the Senate, who many of you know and who I have come to know very well in the last year and a half, a man who has fought for firefighters throughout the State of Illinois for many, many years, and a man who we recently confirmed as the appointee as our next Illinois State Fire Marshal. Let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. David Foreman, our new State Fire Marshal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Congratulations, David. Congratulations. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the purposes of announcement. We will be going to Senate Bills 3rd Reading, final action, on page 7 of your 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Calendar. Top of page 7 of your Calendar, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 392. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1547. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter, on 1547, sir. Out of the record. Senator Meeks. Senator James Meeks, 1839, sir. Out of the record. Senator James Clayborne, 1991, sir. Senator James Clayborne. Out of the record. Senator Harmon. Senator Don Harmon, on Senate Bill 2123, sir. Out of the record. Senator -- Leader Watson, on Senate Bill 2130, sir. 2130, sir. Out of the… We’re waiting for an amendment. That’s correct. Out of the record. Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson, on 2137, ma’am. Waiting for an amendment. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 2162, sir. Out of the record. Senator Jacqui Collins, on 2191, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on 2223. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2223 repeals the Section of the Mental Health and Developmental Disability {sic} (Disabilities) Administrative Act which requires DHS to forward a yearly comprehensive status report concerning the State’s compliance to the federal Ombudsman {sic} (Omnibus) Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to the Governor and the General Assembly. And the reason why we are doing this is that the Department’s requirements to comply with the OBRA plan which was submitted to the federal government ended in 1994; however, the report requires -- requirements remain in effect in State law. This results in DHS being cited during audits for not submitting a report which federal law no longer requires.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the bill. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 It did pass out of Health and Human Services unanimously and I appreciate the Senator’s work. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Martinez, to close, ma’am. She indicates… The question is, shall Senate Bill 2223 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. 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, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2223, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on 2233, sir. Out of the record. Senator Demuzio, 2236, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Dillard, on 2241, sir. Senator Dillard, on 2241, sir. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, page 8 of your Calendar. On top of page 8 is Senate Bill 2243. Senator John Cullerton, on 2243. Out of the record. Senator Link, on 2246, sir. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval. Senator Marty Sandoval, on 2254, sir. Out of the record. Senator Crotty. Senator Crotty, on 2257, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator -- Forby. Senator Gary Forby, on 2262. Out of the record. Senator Carol Ronen. Senator Carol Ronen, on 2267, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2277, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2284, sir. Out of the record. Senator James Clayborne, on 2285, sir. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on 2290, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Carol Ronen, on 2297. Senator Carol Ronen. Out of the record. Senator Haine. Senator Bill Haine, on 2302, sir. Out of the record. Senator Link, on 2308. Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2308. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2308 declares that not later than July 1, 2007, subject to federal approval of a 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 State Medicaid Plan amendment, Medicaid clients who fail to quality for the basic maintenance under the Aid of {sic} Aged, Blind or Disabled program on the basis of need because of excess income or assets, or both, may establish eligibility of Medicaid by paying their monthly spend-down amount to the Department or by permitting a third party to pay such amount on their behalf. I know of no -- opponents. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Link. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the bill. It’s my understanding that the bill does not require any additional Medicaid outlays, nor does it change any of the spend- down thresholds. It simply attempts to streamline for the process for the people involved in it. I appreciate the Senator’s work. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Righter. Senator Link, to close. Gentleman -- asked -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 2308 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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. Senate Bill 2308, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Returning to Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the bottom of page 8 is Senate Bill 2310. Senator John Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2320. Senator Don Trotter. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 9 of your Calendar is Senate Bill 2325. Senator Jacobs. Senator Jacobs, on 2325. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on 2328, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Jacobs, on 2330, sir. Out of the record. Senator Watson. Leader Watson, on 2333, sir. Out of the record. Senator del Valle, on 2339, sir. Senator del Valle. Senator Miguel del Valle, on 2339, sir. Out of the record. Senator Crotty. Senator Crotty, on 2340. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2340. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Thank you. Senate Bill 2340 requires that vendors pay the costs of ballots and temporary workers for equipment tests. After the election and -- it gives the State Board of Elections the authority to destroy programs rather than sending them back to the election authorities. It also allows the State Board of Elections, rather than the election authority, to select an election jurisdiction’s precincts for random retabulations of the votes after election day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2340 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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 59 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2340, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator James Clayborne, sir, on 2360. Senator James Clayborne. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2363. Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2363. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill deals with the -- it’s an initiative of the Illinois Bankers 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Association and it deals with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, which is known as the ESIGN Law. It was enacted in the year 2000. The ESIGN Law authorizes the provision of electronic notices to consumers for all transactions affecting interstate or foreign commerce under all federal and State laws requiring notices, provided that the consumer consent to the provisions of the law. This bill simply brings this electronic notice provision to Illinois for intrastate transactions. There is no opposition. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rutherford, for what purpose are you seeking recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. This came through our Financial Institutions Committee unanimously and I stand in support of Senator Cullerton’s bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Cullerton, to close. Okay. The gentleman requests -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 2363 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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 59 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2363, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Millner, on 2372, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2372. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Millner.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2372 reinserts the Commission on Graduates of Forensic {sic} (Foreign) Nursing Schools certificate as an option for internationally 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 educated nurses to demonstrate eligibility to commence in the Illinois nurse licensing process. The reason for the legislation is, for approximately twenty years, Illinois law required the Commission on Graduates of Forensic {sic} Nursing Schools certificate of internationally educated nurses seeking licensure in Illinois. In 2005, the law was amended to delete that certificate requirement for the international -- internationally educated nurses already licensed in another U.S. state who were seeking license in Illinois by endorsement. However, the 2005 bill also deleted that certificate altogether. And so we want to do is include it back in for two reasons: Number one, to send a message to the internationally educated nurses that they should not depart from their home countries before securing this certificate or passing a national nurse license examination -- pardon me, in the U.S.; and two, to provide additional licensing options for IENs to facilitate their Illinois professional regulation. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2372 pass. All those in favor, 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 59 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2372, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 2376, sir. Senator Marty Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on 2391, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2394, sir. Senator John Cullerton, 2394, sir. Senator Cullerton, please join us. Senator -- out of the record. Senator Wilhelmi, on 2395, sir. Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, on 2395, sir. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 2396, sir. He indicates -- Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2396. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 2396 is an initiative of the Illinois Bankers Association. It amends the Illinois Banking Act with respect to transactions between State chartered banks and their affiliates to provide that any State bank in compliance with the federal Regulation W is also in compliance with the State Act. A brief history, in the early eighties, both the State and Congress adopted identical provisions regarding these sorts of transactions between affiliates. In the interim, the Federal Reserve Board has issued hundreds of letter rulings in that that have been codified as Regulation W. This would simply incorporate by reference that robust body of law and give guidance to our banks that they can rely on. We do not lose any protections that exist in the State law by incorporating this by reference. I’m aware of no opposition and I would ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Rutherford.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to -- to emphasize, Senator Harmon had noted that the Illinois provisions do not contain anything in it that is not within Section W of the federal. So, we’re not losing something by doing that. And for that reason, to help keep our banking community up to speed with needed processes, it came out of our committee unanimously, and I stand in support of the Senator’s bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2396 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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. Senate Bill 2396, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the bottom of page 9, Senate Bills 3rd Reading, comes 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Senate Bill 2397. Senator Halvorson. Out of the record. Turning the page, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, top of page 10 is Senate Bill -- before we get to that, hold. Senator Collins, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. I would like a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, ma’am.
Thank you. In the gallery to my right is Dr. Abdul Malik Mujahid. He’s the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. I would like for my colleagues to give them a warm welcome to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guest please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois Senate, sir. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading on page 10, top of page 10 of your Calendars, is Senate Bill 2400. Senator John Cullerton, on 2400. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on 2405, sir. Out of the record. Senator James Clayborne, on 2412, sir. Out of the record. Senator Crotty, on 2436, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2445, sir. Out of the record. Senator Forby, on 2446. Senator Gary Forby. Out of the record, sir. Senator Althoff, on 2456. Senator Pam Althoff. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2465, sir. Out of the record. Senator Crotty, on 2469, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2475. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter, on 2483. Out of the record. Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson, on 2489, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 2492, ma’am. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2492. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Althoff.
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2492 provides that an eligible child may continue to receive benefits until age twenty-three of the Downstate Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code. There actually was an instance in my district where a young man was completing his last year of college and lost these benefits and, therefore, could not proceed. Back in 1990, we actually changed the registration statutes which allowed children to register for kindergarten only up to September 1st, where previously it had been December 31st, and there are a few children who get caught in that continuum that doesn’t allow them to receive these benefits while they are still in school. This only affects children who are still full- time students. Be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2492 pass. All those in favor, 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 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2492, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading on page 10. On the bottom of page 10 is 2495. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2511. Senator Raoul, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2511. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. -- thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2511 amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of -- to include the classification of licensed barber clinic teacher. Last Session there was a rewrite of the Act and it omitted the inclusion of barbers in the clinic teacher 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 classification, and Senate Bill 2511 will correct that omission. I urge a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator Raoul, this passed out of committee unanimously, but the Department is opposed to it. Could you explain why the Department’s opposed to it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Raoul.
I believe the Department’s opposed to it because they haven’t seen a -- as of yet, from last year, a lot of applications for the clinic teacher classification under the cosmetology, nail technician and -- and esthetician category. So, they don’t want to go through the…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 2511 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2511, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, on top of page 11 of your Calendar, is Senate Bill 2513. Senator John Sullivan. Senator John Sullivan. Out of the record. Senator Carol Ronen, on 2515. Senator Carol Ronen, on 2515. Out of the record, Madam Secretary. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we will skip now from Senate Bill 2520, down page 11, continuing on page 12, and we will pick up at 2554. Leave of the Body, we’ll come back to all those bills we skipped at another time. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 12 of your 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Calendar is Senate Bill 2554. Senator Silverstein, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2554. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. This expands the definition of personal identification information. It -- it expands -- to include - I’m sorry - passports, names and other names and combinations. It rises out of a article that was in the Chicago Sun-Times where people’s phone records were on sale. This would prohibit that. I know -- other questions or comments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2554 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2554, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 2555. Senator Dillard. Senator Kirk Dillard. Out of the record. Senator John Sullivan, on 2562, sir. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2562. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2562 amends the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act regarding indecent solicitation of a child. It adds that indecent solicitation of a 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 child to the list of sexually violent offenses for which a person may be found to be a sexually dangerous person and thereby subject to civil committal. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
To speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the -- to the bill, ma’am.
I commend the Senator for starting this bill and getting it together. It’s a worthwhile bill. It certainly is aimed to help children and protect children, and I urge a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Okay. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2562 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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 59 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2562, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacqui Collins, on 2579, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Lightford, on 2626, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Susan Garrett, on 2639, ma’am. Senator Garrett. Out of the record. Senator Don Harmon, on 2650, sir. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 2654, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 2655, sir. Senator John… Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2655. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cullerton.
36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is an initiative of the American Insurance Association. Deals with surety bonds. Surety bonds are provided for construction contracts and the issuance of various licenses and other -- other functions, and in order to meet the demand for surety products, sureties have appointed local attorneys-in-fact who are employees of an insurance agency or brokerage firm that represents a surety to furnish the bonds. The problem has been that in some counties in Illinois, they’ve begun to require the recording of the power of attorney with the clerk of the circuit court and this is a financial, administrative burden on the surety industry. It’s -- it’s a -- it’s -- can be of great cost, especially when there’s multiple agents. This is a particular problem in Cook County. There’s a much more faster and efficient way of researching through the files and records at the county courthouse than to verify whether or not the agent is empowered as an attorney-in- fact. So, this bill provides a solution, and what it does is to establish requirements for exercising this power of attorney through insurance-related transactions by making the agent and attorney-in-fact execute the bonds to be duly acknowledged and recorded in the circuit court clerk’s office in certain circumstances. They need not file if a copy or a power of attorney is attached to the bond or other obligation. Again, it’s kind of complicated, but it’s not a radical departure. It is supported by the American Insurance Association, the Surety Association of Illinois and the CNA Surety Company, and there were no -- there was no opposition in committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson, for what purpose you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand in support of the bill. As Senator Cullerton mentioned, it came out of committee 7 and zip, and recommend that all the folks on our side support this legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2655 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2655, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator del Valle, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
For purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your announcement, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. I know we’re -- we’re celebrating Senator Demuzio’s birthday today, but I also want to let the Senate know that we have another Member, a very beautiful and charming Member of the Senate, who will be celebrating her fiftieth birthday - 5-0, the big 5-0 - Saturday. She doesn’t look fifty. So, I can get away with announcing her age, because she doesn’t look fifty, but we want to wish her a feliz cumpleaño to Senator Iris Martinez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our -- would our honoree please stand? Our young honoree please stand and be recognized? A very happy birthday from your colleagues. Senator del Valle, I -- I also noticed -- Senator del Valle, there is an additional cake down here at the Well, so there’s more cake for on top of cake. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. All these birthday celebrations are distracting here. On page 12 of your Calendar is 2664. Senator Crotty. The lady indicates… Out of the record. Turning your Calendars to page 13. The top of page 13 is Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz, on 2680, sir. Out of the record. Senator del Valle, on 2684, sir. Out of the record. Senator Link, on 2691, sir. Out of the record. Senator Wilhelmi, on 2709, sir. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 2711, ma’am. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2711. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2711 authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to convey unused and unused fish hatchery land in McHenry County to the Village of Spring Grove. In January of 2005, the Department of Natural Resources shut down this forty-five-acre fish hatchery due to budget cuts. The Village of Spring Grove has requested that the land be transferred to the Village from the DNR so that it can return this property to its natural state and use it for passive recreational purposes. It is the intent of the Village to attach the property to planned bike paths and use the old hatcheries as fishing ponds. And currently, the State Walleye Pike contest is conducted in this region and the National Walleye Pike Sportsman’s Club is considering utilizing this area, as well. So putting the ponds back to their natural state would be very beneficial to the State of Illinois. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, ma’am. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2711 pass. All those in favor, 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. Senate Bill 2711, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on 2713, sir. Out of the record. Senator Viverito, on 2728, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2728. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Viverito.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 2728 requires the Department of Public Health to develop an -- educational materials on meningitis. This is a bill that’s really rather beneficial to the young students in school and I would hope for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2728 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. 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. Senate Bill 2728, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Viverito, on 2732, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2732. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Viverito.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill passed last year unanimously. There was some particular concerns by the Auditor General. All of those concerns are done with and the CPAs are on board and anxious to do a -- peer review every three years. I’ll answer any particular questions that anyone would like to ask.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2732 pass. All those in favor, 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. Senate Bill 2732, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on 2744, ma’am. Do you wish to 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 proceed? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2744. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2744 is the -- an initiative of the Illinois Pork Producers Association that will provide that no person may bring a civil suit based on potential nuisance with respect to proposed livestock management facilities until all required federal, State and local permits and approvals for that proposed facility have been granted and until animals are present and operations have actually begun at the proposed facility.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2744 pass. All those in favor, 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2744, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, that will complete our 3rd Readings for today. Two announcements. For the purposes of an announcement. Next Tuesday before the hour of 12 o’clock, next Tuesday before the hour of 12 o’clock, if you have amendments, please have them filed with the Clerk of the Senate before Tuesday. We’re running very short for time for -- for committees to finish our -- our amendments. So, the deadline for Floor amendments will be 12 o’clock on Tuesday. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise, sir? Excuse me, Senator Burzynski, could you hold on one second, sir? Leader Watson, are you seeking -- I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were seeking recognition, sir.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 All right. Well, thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to invite the Membership to my office from 3:30 to 4 o’clock. Mayor Francis Slay from St. Louis is going to be here. Unfortunately, he was going to address us, but since we’re getting out earlier than maybe we thought originally, he’s -- the time frame is not going to fit his schedule. But Francis Slay is the Mayor of St. Louis, and of course, those of us who represent the metropolitan east area, what’s good for St. Louis is good for the whole region. And we’ve always worked well with downtown St. Louis in trying to revitalize that region, and Francis Slay has been leading the charge and -- and I just -- and I invited him to come to Springfield, to meet with us, to talk to us about issues that are of importance to -- to St. Louis, because really when you think about it, in -- in our region of the State and when St. Louis is just right across the river, and then you’ve got all of the development taking place primarily out in the West County and St. Charles County, in our area, what’s good -- what -- we want what’s good for St. Louis and downtown St. Louis and that’s good for us in Illinois. And so we -- we have worked well with him and his administration and I offered the opportunity for him to come here today to make a presentation before us, but, unfortunately, that’s not going to work out. But he will be in my office from 3:30 till 4 o’clock to meet with us and I'd appreciate the Members taking the time to -- to -- to say hello to Mayor Francis Slay, of St. Louis. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Leader. If only St. Louis could get a ball team. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
How about those Cubs? But anyway, thank you, Mr. President. Purposes of announcement. We’ll have a very brief Republican Caucus immediately upon our dismissal here, in Senator Watson’s Office.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. So there’ll be a Republican Caucus immediately upon adjournment for approximately ten minutes and committees will start pretty, pretty close to on time. Having said that, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m., on Friday the 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/23/2006 24th. Friday the 24th, the year 2006. The Senate stands adjourned. 43