The regular Session of the 94th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Brandon Boyd, Loami Christian Church, Loami, Illinois.
(Prayer by the Reverend Brandon Boyd)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
Senator Collins.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal of Thursday, March 16th, 2006, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Collins move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Messages.
Communication from the President, dated March 21, 2006. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule -- Senate Rule 2-10, please be advised that I am canceling Session March 22nd, 2006. The Senate will convene at 12 o’clock noon on Thursday, March 23rd, 2006. Signed by Emil Jones, Jr., Illinois Senate President.
Mr. Secretary, any other Messages?
Communications from the President, dated March 23rd, 2006. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-5(c), I hereby appoint Senator Don Trotter to replace Senator Rickey Hendon as a member of the Rules Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Signed by Emil Jones, Jr., President. Further Messages from the President, dated March 23rd, 2006. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Kwame Raoul to temporarily replace Senator Kimberly Lightford as a -- as a member of the Senate Education Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Signed by Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. Mr. President, I have like Messages from the President, dated March 23rd, 2006, replacing Senator Lightford with Senator Jacobs on the Labor Committee, replacing Senator Lightford with Senator Harmon on the Higher Education Committee, replacing Senator Lightford with Senator Martinez on the Financial Institutions Committee, replacing Senator Hunter with Senator Crotty on the Housing Committee, and replacing Senator Hunter with Senator Crotty on the Pensions and Investments Committee, and replacing Senator Hunter with Senator Martinez on the State Government Committee, and replacing Senator Hunter with Senator Collins on the Health and Human Services Committee.
Mr. Secretary, House -- House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4828, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4845, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4965, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 5233, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
Senator Crotty, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Thank you. Page for the Day is Sydney Turner, who is a second grader at Morgan Park School out in your district and also with Sydney is her mom and dad, John and Valarie Turner, both judges in the Markham Courthouse. So, welcome all of them to 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Springfield today.
Will our guests rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Risinger, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
Mr. President, Senator Shadid and myself would like to remind this Body that the Bradley Braves from Peoria are still in the NCAA tournament. They’ll be playing tonight at 6:30 out in Oakland, California. They’ll be playing against the number one seed, Memphis. Bradley is the number thirteenth seed. If they win this game, they’ll be the only thirteenth seed ever to win at this level. And I would like for all of you to join us in wishing the Bradley Braves success in their adventure to get -- be number one in the nation. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Burzynski, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For purposes of announcement. Would like the record…
Proceed.
Thank you. Would like the record to reflect that Senator Millner will be absent again today due to an illness in his family. Thank you.
The -- the record shall so reflect. Will Senator -- Rutherford kindly come forward. He has some introductions he’d like to make. Senator Rutherford.
Mr. President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we’re very honored today to have a special -- a special guest and a part of royalty, which is nice. The Illinois County Fair Queen, Heather Miller, is from Bloomington. She represents McLean County in the annual pageant and -- which was 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 held in January 2006. She’s the forty-seventh Illinois County Fair Queen. She will be the official host for the Illinois State Fair and for the DuQuoin State Fair. She’s going to travel throughout the State of Illinois promoting agriculture, our county fairs and so forth. She’s the daughter of Robert and Kathi Miller. She’s currently in her third year at Tri-Valley High School. She’s going to graduate in May. She’s going to attend Illinois College, and during her years in high school, she’s been named to National Honor Society, student council, the golf team, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and water skiing. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the Illinois County Fair Queen, Heather Miller. 2006 ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR QUEEN HEATHER MILLER: (Remarks by 2006 Illinois County Fair Queen Heather Miller)
Will the Rules Committee members kindly convene in the Antechamber? All the Rules Committee members kindly convene in the Antechamber. We have another announcement to make. Senator… what is your name? Senator Sieben has the podium.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I have a special privilege today to make another introduction to the Members of the Senate. I think if you look around today, you quickly recognize that this is Ag Day in the General Assembly and you’ve noticed some young men and women in blue coats -- or blue jackets that represent the FAA students around the State of Illinois. Well, you might have wondered who’s in charge of all these students - who leads these students. Well, it’s my pleasure today to introduce the State President of the Illinois FFA from my district, from Amboy, Illinois. His name is Jake Bonnell, and Jake is currently serving his term this year as President. Graduated from Amboy High School last May and plans to attend Western Illinois University next year. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Jake Bonnell, State President of the Illinois FFA. Jake.
(Remarks by Illinois FFA President Jake Bonnell)
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Education Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 2012 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5416; refer to the Executive Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4829; refer to the Health and Human Services Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4135, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4186, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5259, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5348 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5385; refer to the Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4342 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5299; refer to the Judiciary Committee - Committee Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 1299, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 2067, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 2946, Committee Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4203, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4297, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4446, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4606, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4711 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4715, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5342; refer to the Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment Nos. 1 and 2 to House Bill 4173; refer to the Revenue Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4789; refer to the State Government Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4137; refer to the Transportation Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4521, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4727 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4835. Signed by Senator Viverito.
Senator Halvorson, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
On Monday, which was March 20th, one of our colleagues had a birthday and I think it’s very important. I’m sure it won’t be 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 difficult to pick him out. He turned twenty-nine on Monday. It’s our own Senator Terry Link. He’s got a cake here in the Well. I hope you all enjoy. But Terry Link’s birthday was Monday - and I’m choking because God’s doing this to me because I said he was twenty-nine - but anyway, if we could all wish Terry a Happy Birthday. Terry Link.
Yeah, Happy Birthday, old man. Senator -- Forby, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Today I am proud to have my nephews with me here today in the General Assembly. The little one here is Zack Forby and the other is Jake Forby. Will you please stand up? These guys - I’m really proud of them. They’ve -- something that -- we’ve -- me and my brother has always looked forward to we’ve always played basketball and football. These two guys hasn’t followed our lead - they’re karate experts. They both got brown belts and this one here is getting ready to go for his black belt. So they work at it really hard and his State Senator -- they have a great State Senator, too. They’re -- they’re in James Clayborne’s district here today and their mom is sitting up in the audience today, Vickie, so I wish Vickie would stand up and give everybody a nice welcome to these guys.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Demuzio, what purpose you rise?
Yes, Mr. President, purpose of an announcement. Education will be meeting today at 12:30 in Room 212. Tomorrow -- also, tonight, State Government will be meeting at 6:30 in Stratton Building at A-1. And tomorrow morning Licensed Activities will be meeting at 10 o’clock, also in the Stratton Building.
Senator Maloney.
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I’d like to make a point of personal privilege and introduce my youngest son, Marty, who’s with us today and ask the Senate to please welcome him.
Welcome.
And then I -- I have an announcement to make. Higher Education Committee -- Senate Higher Education Committee will meet in Room 400, tomorrow morning, 11 a.m. Thank you.
Senator Collins, what purpose you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Financial Institutions Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 9 in Room 400.
Senator Munoz, what purpose you rise?
For the purpose of announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Transportation Committee will meet at 2 p.m. today in Room 400.
Senator Harmon, what purpose you rise?
For purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
I have two announcements. First, the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet today at 2 p.m. in Room 212. And second, the Senate Revenue Committee will meet today at 6:30 p.m. in Room 400.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 Senator Haine, what purpose you rise?
Mr. President, purpose of announcement.
Proceed.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Insurance Committee will meet at 12:30 p.m. today in Room 400. Thank you.
Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have an announcement and a point of personal privilege.
Proceed.
First of all, the Ag and Conservation Committee will meet at 5 o’clock this afternoon in Room A-1 in the Stratton. And also I know that the FFA organizations and counties are here today. I’d like to also introduce my local Schuyler County FFA organization. They’re above me in the gallery. If you gentlemen and ladies would stand. They are under the supervision of their Ag instructor, Mr. Morris McClelland, and it’s great to have them here. If you notice the guy on the end there, he has a resemblance to me. So, that’s my son, Luke. Thank you.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Crotty, what purpose you rise?
For a point of an announcement.
Proceed.
Local Government will be meeting at 12:30 in the Stratton Building, Room A-1.
Senator Martinez, what purpose you rise?
For the purpose of three announcements. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
Proceed.
The Housing and Community Affairs Committee will meet today at 2 o’clock in Room A-1 in the Stratton Building. The Pension and Investment Committee will meet today at 3:30 in Room 400, and at 5 o’clock we’re going to have a subject matter hearing first for Health and Human Services, at 5 o’clock, followed by the regular committee at 5:15 in Room 400.
Senator Silverstein, what purpose you rise?
Announcement to -- that the Senate Executive Committee will meet at 6:30 in Room 212.
Senator Viverito, what purpose you rise?
Mr. -- Mr. President, announcement to be made.
Proceed.
The announcement is that the Executive Appointments will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Room 212.
Senator Forby, what purpose you rise?
Point of an announcement.
Proceed.
Tomorrow at 10 o’clock, Labor will meet in Room 400. 10 o’clock, Room 400 tomorrow.
Senator Trotter, what purpose you rise?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. For point of an announcement.
Proceed. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006
Yes. I’d like to announce that Appropriations I will meet at 3:30 this afternoon in Room 212.
Senator Clayborne, what purpose you rise?
For point of announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Environment and Energy will meet today at 5 p.m. in Room 212, and also tomorrow Approp II will meet at 10 o’clock in Room 212 as -- and as well as Approp III will meet tomorrow at 11 o’clock in Room 212.
Senator Link, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
Proceed.
On March -- on March 17th, came into this world a little bit of excitement for our youngest, best-looking, newest grandmother. Our Majority Leader, Deb Halvorson, was blessed with her first granddaughter on St. Patrick’s Day and we would all like to extend her and her daughter, Stephanie, an -- extreme blessed arrival.
Yeah. Debbie looks like a grandma, huh? Senator Lauzen, what purpose you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
Thank you. State your point.
Thank you, sir. I’d like to introduce three sets of friends: Tim Davis is here today from Elgin, Illinois, Ann Bachman-Thomas with friends from North Aurora, and then above me in the gallery here, I’d like to introduce Joe Steffen, who is a 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 wonderful teacher, and thirteen FFA students from Newark High School in Newark, Illinois. If you would welcome them to Springfield, I’d appreciate it.
Would our guests in the galleries please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator…what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
In the gallery today, we have members of the Lincoln Foundation, which is an excellence -- a performance excellence- based initiative, and with them is two of the recipients and they happen to be from St. James Hospital. I just would like the Senate to recognize the importance and -- the people that we have here from the Lincoln Foundation. So, if we could have them all rise, they’re in the gallery behind me.
Will our guests in the galleries please rise and be welcomed by the Illinois Senate? Senator Peterson, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, would like to congratulate Senator Link. I don’t know if he can hear me now that he’s aged, but I have a Medicare D application here for you, Senator, in case you’d like to fill it out. Congratulations on your birthday.
Senator Crotty.
I have a point of an announcement, also. I remember… oh, I’m sorry. I remember one time when I was taken by surprise with a -- an announcement very similar to the one that I’m going to state now. But on Friday, one of our colleagues, Senator Debbie Halvorson, became a grandmother of a beautiful granddaughter named Ellissa. So, I want to congratulate her, along with the rest of the Senate, to welcome another grandparent on the Floor. Congratulations, Debbie.
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/23/2006 In -- in talking to the -- Minority Leader earlier, I indicated that we pass -- we would go to 2nd Reading, but we’re running a little late, so therefore we’re not going to 2nd Reading. We’re going to adjourn so that our committees that was scheduled to begin at 12:30 can convene. So, with that, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate will -- adjourned -- stand adjourned to the hour of 12 noon, Friday, March 24th. So the Senate stands adjourned. 12