PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 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 Julia Melgreen from Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by the Reverend Julia Melgreen)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal of Tuesday, March 7th, pending arrival of the printed materials.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bills 3183 and 4196 Do Pass. Senators Cullerton and Dillard, Co-Chairpersons of the Committee on Judiciary, report House Bills 4134, 4788 and 5249 Do Pass; and House Bill 4222 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports House Bills 4313, 4349, 4419 and 4462 Do Pass. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports House Bill 542 Do Pass. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government, reports House Bills 4315, 4461 and 5243 Do Pass; and Senate Joint Resolutions 53, 66, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78 and 79 Be Adopted; and Senate Resolutions 514, 515, 523, 563, 594, 630 and 660 Be Adopted; and Senate Resolution 578 Be Adopted, as -- as 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Amended; House Joint Resolution 61, 66, 74, 75, 77 and 83 Be Adopted; and House Joint Resolution 15 Be Adopted, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) State your point.
We have in the -- in the balcony, in the -- in the gallery, guests from Dongola Unit #66 School, located in -- Dongola, Illinois. These students worked for the Jane Addams Commemorative Day. And I also would like to recognize their teacher, Miss Cindy Vines, who recently retired, but they have worked extremely hard on making the Jane Addams Commemorative Day possible, which is Senate Joint Resolution 75 {sic}. Will you please stand and be recognized by the Senate? And will you please give them a -- a warm welcome, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 82, offered by Senator Lightford. And Senate Joint Resolution 83, offered by Senator Emil Jones and Watson. They are both substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution No. 80. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 House Bill 2012, offered by Senator del Valle. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2197, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2317, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3126, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4370, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4396, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4853, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5416, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5429, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5478, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 5506, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to announce that Senator Meeks will not be present today because of personal business, Senator Shadid will not be here because of district business, Senator Ronen will not be here because of district business, and Senator Silverstein won’t be here today because of illness.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator. The record will so reflect. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Antechamber. Rules Committee meeting immediately. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairperson of the Committee on Rules, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 reports that the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Agriculture and Conservation Committee - House Bill 5407; refer to the Education Committee - House Bill 5416; refer to the Environment and Energy Committee - House Bill 1620, 4714 and 5578; refer to the Executive Committee - House Bill 4377 and 5305; refer to the Health and Human Services Committee - House Bill 4404, 4447, 4999, 5245 and 5301; refer to the Higher Education Committee - House Bill 4406; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - House Bill 4342; refer to the Insurance Committee - House Bill 4125; refer to the Judiciary Committee - House Bills 2067, 4203, 4238, 4527, 4688, 4715, 4785, 5256, 5267 and 5342; refer to the Local Government Committee - House Bill 874, 2734, 4217, 4286 and 4805; refer to the Pension and Investments Committee - House Bill 4463, 4317; refer to the State Government Committee - House Bill 5260; and refer to the Transportation Committee - House Bill 2497, 3126, 4314, 4657, 4699, 4746 and 4835. Signed by Senator Viverito.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be going to the Supplemental Calendar and some of the resolutions on that Supplemental Calendar will require a vote. So, we ask all the Members to please come to the Floor. We will be taking action. Please come to the Floor. Senator Sieben, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For the purpose of -- of an introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Make your introduction.
It’s my pleasure today to introduce to the Members of the -- of the Illinois Senate the Mayor of Freeport, Illinois, who’s in the gallery on the Republican side, Mayor George Gaulrapp, from Freeport, Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Will our guest in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Hunter, what do you rise for? 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
I rise for point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Granted.
In recognition of the National Girls {sic} HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and Black Church Week of Prayer for the -- for the Healing of the AIDS, I want to recognize two important events taking place this week that are of critical importance to all of us in the State of Illinois. First, on Thursday, March 10th {sic}, which is tomorrow, we will celebrate the National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day. Around the country HIV and AIDS is having a devastating impact on the -- on women and girls and it is also the leading cause of death among African-American women ages twenty-five to thirty-four. Also, I want to make sure that you knew about the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, which is also taking place this week. As you know the church is -- is central to the lives of African-Americans and it is also -- and it is so, in so many communities. Black Church Week of Prayer encourages black churches to attack HIV/AIDS epidemic among African-Americans through five specific steps I’m not going to go through, but most of it is educating and -- and dissemination and distributing information. So, thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Ladies and Gentlemen, you should have before you the Supplemental Calendar. On the top of the Calendar, Joint -- Senate Joint Resolution 53. Senator John Jones, do you wish your resolution considered? Madam {sic} Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 53. There are no committee or Floor amendments, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 53 designates that the U.S. Route 50 Fox River Bridge, west of the City of Olney in Richland County, be named the Robert Ridgway 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Bridge. The Illinois Department of Transportation has requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name, and copies of this resolution are to be delivered to the Secretary of -- of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Mayor of the City of Olney and the Richland County Board.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Jones moves the adoption of Resolution -- Senate Joint Revolution {sic} 53. It is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds and therefore a roll call vote must be taken. Those in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 53 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The -- the voting is open. Have all who voted a wish? Have all who voted a wish? Have all who voted a wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 50 Ayes, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 66. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senate Joint Resolution 73. Senator Risinger. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 73. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Risinger explains.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 73 urges the Department of Transportation and the appropriate local agencies to erect, at suitable locations consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate signs giving notice of the Galena and Coach Trail. I have signoffs from all the local agencies agreeing to put those signs up if this resolution passes and the Department signs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Senator Risinger moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 73. State funds -- it is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires the expenditures of State funds and therefore a roll 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 call vote must be taken. Those in favor of Resolution -- Senate Joint Resolution 73 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 51 Yeas, none voting none -- Nay, none voting Present. This resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 74. Out of the record. Senate Joint Resolution 75. Senator Sandoval. Joint -- Senate Joint Resolution 77. Senator Sandoval. Madam {sic} Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 77. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 77 simply urges Congress to enact the Employees Free Choice Act. Even though the nation’s workers ostensibly have -- have the freedom to form a union, in reality they are routinely denied that right. Each year, twenty thousand of America’s workers are illegally threatened, coerced, and terminated for attempting to form a union. Most violations of workers’ freedom to join a union occur behind closed doors, and each year millions of dollars are spent to frustrate workers’ efforts to organize. Often companies hire expensive consultants in campaigns to intimidate workers and keep them from supporting a union. Employers… Mr. President, I would at this point like to take it out of the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Thank you. Out of the record. Senate Joint Resolution 78. Senator Demuzio. Madam {sic} Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 78. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Mr. Secretary. Senator Demuzio. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 78 creates the -- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day. It declares October the 15th, 2006, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. If a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is created to recognize the grief of the families and to remember all of the pregnancies and infants lost, this will help and comfort the families in a time of pain and heartache and give the families hope for the future. According to -- to a 1996 study by the Centers of Disease Control, sixteen percent of over six million pregnancies ended in either a miscarriage or stillbirth, and of those over six million pregnancies, sixty-two percent ended in live birth and twenty-six thousand seven hundred and eighty-four thousand of those births ended in death of infants eleven months and older -- or, younger. It is essential the public is informed and educated about pregnancy and infant loss in order to respond with compassion to the affected families. And a copy of this resolution will be given to the Springfield chapter of Share, a pregnancy and infant loss support group.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Demuzio moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 78. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 514. Senator Wilhelmi. Out of the record. Senate Resolution 515. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Resolution 523. Senator del Valle. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 523. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution encourages the United States Congress to take action on federal immigration reforms, which would provide for family unification as part of a comprehensive reform. The resolution also strongly recommends 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 that Congress adopt House Resolution 3856, which is known as the family unification bill, special bill that affects thirty-five families that are in danger of being split up if -- if Congress doesn’t take action. I’ll be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Sponsor will yield.
Senator, the bill -- or, the resolution specifically enumerates twenty, twenty-five people. Can you tell us what -- what the situation is? I mean, is there a reason that they’re -- they’re named specifically? ‘Cause we -- we don’t know anything about these people. So, there’s kind of a reluctance to give an imprimatur of approval on individuals that we know nothing about. Is there any thought to a more general resolution that asks the Congress to take on the issue of family resolution -- or -- or, of family containment? I’m struggling for the right word, but you know what I’m trying to say, rather than specifically listing particular people that, you know, we don’t know really anything about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Senator Roskam. But there is a bill, a private bill, that is sponsored by Congressman Bobby Rush that is -- that is pending now. And this resolution asks for support of that, and in the bill, the families, the individuals are listed. This bill has been around since September, so the names are -- are very well known. The families have united in -- in a campaign to keep -- keep these families together. These are families that are -- in some cases, the parent is facing deportation, and there’s a special effort being made to keep these families -- these parents from being separated from the children. In all -- in almost all these cases, the children were born here in the United States. The children are U.S. citizens. And what we’re saying is that - two things - one, we want to be in support of 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 this effort, this La Familia Unida campaign, and this particular piece of legislation that’s pending; and number two, as Congress deliberates over what we’re going to do with immigration, that as we do immigration reform that we keep in mind that we need to keep families together in the process. And that’s what the resolution does.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Briefly to the bill: I respect Senator del Valle’s sentiment and understand that he’s referencing a particular bill. I guess my preference would be that we deal with this in the form of a resolution that deals more generally with the topic of family unification and that -- that’s -- that’s something that I’m sympathetic toward and understand because we don’t want families to be torn asunder through -- through no fault of an innocent, basically. But I’m - - I, myself, am reluctant to vote Yes on behalf of particular names of individuals who are referenced here. So, Mr. President, I would respectfully request a -- a roll call vote on this, because I don’t want to be recorded as Yes on folks that I don’t know anything about. And I’ll leave it to Senator del Valle to close and to convince the rest of you to -- to vote along with him. But I’m -- I’m concerned about voting in favor of people that I -- I know nothing about, frankly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) That request is in order. Senator del Valle, would you like to close?
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Senator Roskam. This Familia Unida campaign is a very well-known campaign not only in Chicago and the State of Illinois, but throughout -- out the country. And it has developed as a result of the need to ensure that federal immigration reform measures are sensitive to the need to -- to keep families together. These are hardworking, responsible families where children are directly affected by what is going on with -- with their father or mother. And so I ask this Body to send a message to Congress that we believe in family unification. I don’t think that by sending that message we’re 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 saying that we are supporting one particular individual. Basically, we’re supporting a cause here. And this is an important cause, because if you believe in keeping kids with their parents and families together and if you believe in sensible immigration reform, then you’ll vote for this resolution. And I hope that you will join me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Thank you. Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Resolution -- Senate Resolution 523. Those in favor of Senate Resolution 523 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all who voted a wish? Have all who voted a wish? Have all who voted a wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 29 Yeas, 4 Nay, 9 voting Present. The resolution… The resolution has failed. Senator del Valle.
Mr. Chairman, on inquiry of the Chair. How many votes are needed for the passage of the resolution?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) One minute, Senator. We’ll check for sure. We’re looking at the rules. It’ll be just a minute. Senator DeLeo, what -- oh, del Valle.
Mr. Chairman -- Mr. Chairman, can we put the resolution on Postponed Consideration, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) We believe we can. Senator del Valle requests that Senate Resolution 523 be postponed. The bill {sic} will be placed on the Order of Postponed Consideration. Senator Sandoval, what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Your point.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Illinois Senate. I have the distinguished honor today of having the representative of the Country of Mexico, the Honorable Carlos Sada Solana, who is the General Consul of the Country of Mexico. He is considered -- he is the longest standing general consul to serve Mexico in 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 the United States. He is also the Dean of the Consul Corps in the Midwest. I’d like to honor and welcome him to the Illinois Senate Chamber on this historic moment as we are passing and discussing resolutions on family unification. I’d like to give a strong welcome to General Consul Carlos Manuel Sada Solana.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Let’s give him a warm welcome everybody. Welcome to the Senate, Mr. Presidente. Senate Resolution 563. Senator Haine. Senator Haine. Oh. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 563. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This resolution designates the month of January as Blood Donor Month. Encourages those eligible to donate blood, since it is so necessary for the survival of so many. And it pays tribute to those who do so for others in need. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) The sponsor will yield. Senator Haine {sic}.
Well, Senator, we’re looking for political advice over here because you’ve singled out January. Now, what do we tell the February through December people? Can you help us out with how we write the press release when this goes out at home?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) Senator Haine.
This is just a special month, Senator. It’s a special month. And I appreciate the question. I also want to have a legislative intent, that this does not create a cause of action for anyone who donates blood. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR VIVERITO) All right. Seeing no further discussion, Senator Haine moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 563. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senate Resolution 578. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senate Resolution 594. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 594. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine.
Yes, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a -- a resolution similar to the last resolution, which designates a week in January to honor the nurse anesthetists. And as I said last year, I have a special bond with them, because my speeches also put people to sleep, and that’s what they do. They’re the last people we see before we go into surgery. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for one brief question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
Thank you. Senator, what do the anesthesiologists think about this, the doctors?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine.
I have no idea. I mean, I -- I have no idea that they’re -- I have no knowledge that they’re opposed to it. It could be they didn’t know it was on today’s schedule. They -- pardon the pun, 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 they were asleep at the switch.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
Senator, there’s a January pattern that’s developing in your legislation. Will you raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I solemnly swear that I’ll tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?” Thank you. That’s implied consent. Senator, let me ask a question. When’s your birthday, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine.
It’s in August.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine, to close. Or, Senator Roskam, another question?
Well, thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. You know, Senator, there’s a theory over here that’s developing about why you’re so sympathetic to January, and some of us think that you may have been conceived in January and that’s why this is such an important month for you. But apparently the math is off a little bit. But we’re -- we’re watching you closely for potential conflicts. Our eyes are on you, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine, to close.
Mr. President, I want to remind the Senator that January is named for the god Janus, who looks both ways, similar to many Members of this Body. And I appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 594. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Crotty, on Senate 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Resolution 630. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 630. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Crotty.
Thank you. Senate Resolution 630 urges Congress to enact a drug benefit for senior citizens that is run by Medicare program itself. The Medicare prescription drug benefit recently took effect on January 1st, 2006. Private companies are allowed to sell this drug benefit plan, but under this plan there can be a change or a switch in the drug approved list, and as a result, many seniors are faced with the possibility that that drug that they use is no longer covered by the plan. The drug plans will bargain with the drug companies for lower prices, but instead of being required to pass the discounts on to seniors, they’ll be allowed to use the savings for advertising and overhead costs or to increase their profits. These plans, the private drug plans, will be unable to bargain effectively because the Medicare market will be divided among hundreds of plans, diminishing the negotiating power of the huge Medicare population. A recent study conducted by Families USA in September found that the lowest drug prices negotiated by private sponsors of the 2004/2005 Medicare discount cards far exceeded the low prices routinely negotiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the nation’s veteran population. A drug benefit that’s run by Medicare program itself, rather than private insurance, could be given the authority to negotiate prices on behalf of all forty-four million beneficiaries, resulting in enormous buying power and the ability to get the lowest prices possible. Allowing Medicare to run the -- the drug program. Allows Medicare to negotiate directly with the drug companies on behalf of its millions of beneficiaries in order to achieve the lowest prices. And a copy of this resolution would be given to the President, the members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the United States Senate. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Crotty moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 630. All those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator -- Senate Resolution 660. Out of the record. House Joint Resolution 15. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 15. The Committee on State Government adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Are there any Floor amendments?
No Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a resolution which honors the late United States Senator and Lieutenant Governor and State Senator Paul Simon, a person that I admired during his entire life. In fact, I hold the seat that he held for six years as a Member of this Chamber. Paul Simon was a resident of Troy, began his career as a crusading newspaper editor in Troy. And this designates a portion of the highways coming into Troy, 270, 55, 70 and 55/70, just for a period of two miles, to be dedicated to former Senator, the late Paul Simon. Paul Simon’s career was marked by an unquestioned integrity. He was responsible for many pieces of -- of legislation that are now the law. The Open Meetings Act comes to mind. His brother was a Lutheran minister and missionary. And Paul, himself, in many ways in his political life had the same missionary ethic. He lived a very spartan life, frugal, and he was dedicated to the principle that the government should be honestly run for the common good. And I would ask for an Aye vote, naming the short sections of these highways in honor of this late and great statesman of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 15. In the opinion of the 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Chair, this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, and therefore a roll call vote must be taken. Those in favor of House Joint Resolution 15 will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. The resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 61. Senator Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution No. 61. No committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Last year we passed a bill establishing the Diabetes Research Check-off Fund and declared in that law that the Department of Human Services make grants to public or private entities for diabetes research. This resolution, which is sponsored by Representative Cross and obviously passed the House, calls for and urges the Department to split the money between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which is responsible for funding research on diabetes that affects children, and the American Diabetes Association, which provides support for basic and clinical research for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a particular concern in Illinois. We’re ranked second to Mississippi with regard to our diabetes problems. And this check-off fund will help send money for research and this resolution will indicate where we think the money would best be spent. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 61. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 66. Senator Halvorson. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution No. 66. No committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Joint Resolution 66 will name the Court Street Bridge across the Kankakee River the Dr. Gerald L. Downie Bridge. Dr. Downie died in 2000, having served as a physician in Kankakee, and is a very popular man in that part of my district. I would hope everybody would agree with me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Halvorson moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 66. In the opinion of the Chair, this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds and therefore a roll call vote must be taken. Those in favor of House Joint Resolution 66 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Resolution -- Joint Resolution 66 is adopted. House Joint Resolution 74. Senator Winkel. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution No. 74. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Winkel.
Thank you, Mr. President. What this resolution would do, it’d recognize the life of Ryan Katcher and all other missing persons in the State of Illinois. On November 5th, 2006, that would be declared as Missing Persons Day in the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Winkel moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 74. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 75. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006
House Joint Resolution No. 75. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Joint Resolution 75 directs the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the -- the Illinois Department of Corrections to jointly prepare a report assessing the cost and possibility of providing monthly video conferencing visitation to children in State care whose parents are incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The proponent is the Cook County Department of Defenders -- Public Defenders, and there are some states that are currently operating this program. Pennsylvania has been operating this program for five years for mothers and North Carolina has a federal facility for fathers. Eighty percent of the twenty-eight hundred women in Illinois -- in Illinois prisons are mothers. With more contact, it is likely that these parents will {sic} reenter the penal system and less likely that their children are involved in delinquent behavior. And I’ll ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Hunter moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 75. It is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds and therefore a roll call vote must be taken. Those in favor of House Joint Resolution 75 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Joint Resolution 75 is adopted. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) State your point.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Thank you. To my colleagues, we have a guest with us on the Senate Floor here. He’s certainly no stranger to -- to all of us here, but a strong voice for agriculture. I’d like to recognize the Director of the State of Illinois for the Department of Ag, Chuck Hartke, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Welcome, Director Hartke. Senator Raoul, on House Joint Resolution 77. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution No. 77. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the -- of the Senate. House Joint Resolution 77 joins the State of Illinois in the -- in the campaign of ONE, a campaign to make poverty history, and proclaims Illinois as A State of ONE and encourages everyone to recognize the devastating impact of poverty and AIDS throughout the world.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Raoul moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 77. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Demuzio, on House Joint Resolution 83. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution No. 83. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Senate. House Joint Resolution 83 extends the work of the Joint Task Force on Rural Health that was created by House Joint Resolution 5 back in ’05 from 1-1-06 to 12-31-06 and also changes the name of the task force to the Task Force on Rural Health and Medically 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 Underserved Areas.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Demuzio moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 83. It is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, and therefore a roll call vote must be taken. Those in favor of House Joint Resolution 83 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Joint Resolution 83 is adopted. With leave of the Body, we’ll -- we will return to Senate Joint Resolution 79. Senator Viverito. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 79. There are no committee or Floor amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Viverito.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 79 calls for the transformation of the existing case management system for providing services to the elderly adults into an enhanced comprehensive care coordination system. This will certainly keep grandma and grandpa in their homes for long periods of time, rather than going into a nursing home. This is one bill that we can all be proud of and I certainly appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Viverito moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 79. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Just kind of an update on Senator Geo-Karis, if I might. Contacted Senator Geo-Karis and she’s still in the hospital. She has a slight fever so she’s not going to be going home today, hopefully tomorrow. She’s out of intensive care. I do have the address for her, and if -- if you 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 so wish. I’m -- what I think I’ll do is just have my secretary, Nancy, e-mail this around to each of you, and if you’d like to drop her a note, I know she would probably appreciate that. So, sounds like things are getting better for her. And we all certainly wish her well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator. And we all wish her well. Our prayers are with her. Thank you. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to join Leader Watson in his wishes of best of health for Adeline Geo-Karis and I -- I hope that she is able to get up and come out of there running and repel those who -- who don’t think she deserves to be here, because I know she deserves to be here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator Hendon. With leave of the Body, we will proceed to Senate Bills 3rd Reading on page 3 of the Calendar. Senate Bills 3rd Reading on page 3 of the Calendar. Senator Garrett, on Senate Bill 880. Senator Garrett seeks leave of this Body to return Senate Bill 880 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 880. Senator, let’s -- let’s adopt this amendment, then I’ll -- I’ll get back to you. I’ll recognize you. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 880. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Garrett, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment deletes the bill and I’d be happy to talk about it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Watson.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I -- not to speak to this amendment or to this effort here, it’s just that we were not 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 informed. We just found out, I guess. I just -- my Chief of Staff just told me that your Chief of Staff came over and told us that we’re going to 3rd Reading. Traditionally, we are at least given some notice and this was not proper notice, as far as I’m concerned. So I guess the people just need to hear that. We -- I know you run the place and you run it with a heavy hand, but every now and then you need to just kind of understand the responsibilities of being in the majority and -- and give us some consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Jones.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. In -- in response to the Minority Leader, it had not been our intention to go to this order. However, the -- the sponsor asked could we go to this order. And I believe my Chief indicated to me at the time that she was going to go over and talk with you about going to this particular order -- order of business. We try not to use a heavy hand. I believe when Senator Hendon is in the Chair, I always thought he uses something like a velvet hammer. But -- but out of -- but out of -- out of courtesy, as relate to this particular issue, the sponsor of the bill asked could we go to that order and I believe my Chief indicated she had to check with you guys so that you-all wouldn’t think that we were attempting to be over hammer. But it’s something that came. We tried to respond to the Member. That’s all that is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Watson.
Yes. The -- the President is correct. Chief of Staff, Jill Rock, came over and did talk to my Chief of Staff, Brian. But it was just in the last several minutes and our conversation on the phone, Mr. President, didn’t indicate that we’d go to this order of business. We don’t -- we don’t object to Senator Garrett and what she’s doing. It’s just keep us informed. That’s all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator Watson. We’ll certainly keep that in mind. Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 880. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 880. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 880. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I do want to apologize to Leader Watson. I’m asking to do this because I will not be here tomorrow and I missed this bill when it came up last -- last week, and I’m just trying to take care of the schedule. Basically what this bill does is create a new grant program to help fund collaborations between community colleges and four-year institutions for the offering of upper division courses and bachelor’s degree programs at a location that is convenient for the community college population. This came forward from the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities. Somebody just pointed out to me that they thought this had to with something regarding Harper Community College. It has nothing to do with Harper Community College at all. This came forward from the Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities. I’d be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any -- is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to the bill very briefly: We had this bill in Higher Education last week, I believe, and we talked a lot about it and I’m -- I’m going to vote in support of the bill. So, I want you to know that, Senator. However, I think that there are some concerns that are legitimate concerns that we need to talk about, or at least make sure people are 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 aware of. First of all, this is a program that’s not only for…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Gentlemen, we have Senator Burzynski presenting a bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. But anyway, first of all, this is a bill that was brought forward by the Independent Colleges and Universities in a collaborative effort to be able to provide, my understanding, baccalaureate degrees -- or, baccalaureate or additional education with community colleges, cooperative efforts. Excuse me. Not only does it affect or allow independent or private universities to do that, but it also deals with our public universities. They, too, would be -- eligible for the grants. Now, I think it’s a great idea because it shows some collaborative effort. It helps our students continue their education in a -- in a setting which might be better for them. My concern comes with some of the vagueness of the bill, and that is the fact that there’s very little detail in the bill at all, rather than just the basic concept, which is a great concept. I’m thinking that the sponsor is probably going to see some new language over in the House that will do that. But I want to point out to the Body, my concern is simply based on the fact that, in the last couple of years, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of legislation go from this Body, this legislative Body, with the thought being that, “Oh, well, we’ll address all of the details, all of the basic parameters, through the rules-making process.” And I can tell you, folks, as a member of JCAR, that’s getting old. And so we really need to make sure we put some detail in these bills to give JCAR something to work with when a bill comes to us. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Garrett, to close.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to respond to what Senator Burzynski said. The Board of Higher Ed is going to be working on the rules with this, and that will happen. I think Judy Erwin has been very clear that this is one of the priorities that they have. So, there shouldn’t be any misunderstanding that we haven’t thought it out. It’s -- the amendment really spoke to the fact that the State Board of Higher Ed has to put the rules 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 together for this. So, I would ask that you give this a favorable vote. I know there aren’t -- not everybody is here, so I’m taking a chance, but it’s a very important program for community colleges and four-year universities. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) The question is, shall Senate Bill 880 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 880, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Make your announcement, please.
Thank you. The Appropriations II Committee will meet today at 4 p.m., in Room 212. Appropriations II, 4 p.m., 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Purposes of an announcement. The Executive Appointments Committee will be meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m., Executive Appointments will be meeting tomorrow. We will be approving everyone except Senator Link’s people. So, if you want to see a good show for all of Senator Link’s nominees, they will be going down. But it will be at 8:30 tomorrow morning, in Room 212, Executive Appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of announcement. We would request a Republican Caucus immediately upon adjournment today in Senator Watson’s Office. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hendon. The committees will meet as planned and the Republican Caucus should be completed in 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 85th Legislative Day 3/8/2006 time for committee meetings. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9:30 a.m., March 9th. 9:30 a.m. Senate stands adjourned. 27