The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will our Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Scott Poling, Harvest Baptist Church, Oswego, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Scott Poling)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Friday, April 20th, 2007.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journal just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 150, offered by Senator Clayborne and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Members. It’s a death resolution, Mr. President.
Resolution Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary.
Senate Resolution 151, offered by Senators Forby and Althoff. And Senate Resolution 152, offered by Senator Althoff. These are substantive resolutions, Mr. President.
Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 290. We’ve received like Messages on House Bills 291, 556, 822, 948, 1124, 1235, 1327, 1359, 1529, 1580, 1717, 1752, 1753, 1835, 1872 and 1911. All passed the House, April 20th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. I also have a Message -- 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 resolutions {sic}, in the -- in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 House Joint Resolution 26. Offered by Senator Munoz. Adopted by the House, April 19th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Mr. President. I have a Message from the Office of the State Treasurer, dated March 19th, 2007. Honorable Members, Illinois State Senate, 95th General Assembly - I am nominating Benjamin Ghess to the State Treasurer’s Personnel Review Board. I respectfully ask concurrence in and confirmation of this appointment by your Honorable Body. Sincerely, Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois State Treasurer. I also have a Message from -- for the Governor by Joseph B. Handley, Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs, dated April 20th, 2007. Mr. President - The Governor directs me to lay before the Senate the following Message: To the Honorable Members of the Senate, 95th General Assembly - I have nominated and appointed the following named persons to the offices -- enumerated below and respectfully ask concurrence in and confirmation of these appointments of your Honorable -- Honorable Body. Rod Blagojevich, Governor.
Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 129, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 290, offered by Senator Sullivan. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 291, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 419. (Secretary reads title of bill) Offered by Senator Dillard. House Bill 556, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 572, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 576, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 622, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 652, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 663, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 948, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1529, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1555, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1684, offered by Senator Hultgren. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1717, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1759, offered by Senator Collins. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1832, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2858, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3374, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3383, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
We are honored today to have special guests with us. These special guests have done something no high school basketball team has done in the history of the State of Illinois. Will Senator - - Collins please come to the Podium?
Good morning -- good afternoon. Today, we -- today, we have the honor of being joined by the champions of the Illinois High School Association Basketball Tournament. The Wolverine Varsity Basketball Team of Simeon Career Academy is located in my district and is led by Coach Robert Smith. They are joined by their Assistant Principal, Dr. Lusbourgh. Now, some of you are probably thinking that you recognize this team from somewhere else, and I’ll tell you why. They won the same tournament last year, making Simeon the first back-to-back State Title Champions in the one-hundred-year history of the Illinois High School Association Tournament. I -- I am so proud of their hard work, sportsmanship and dedication of these young men. Many of these students will -- head to college this fall and I just want to 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 wish them the best of luck as they pursue their academic and basketball careers. I would now like for Coach Smith and Dr. Lusbourgh to join me in introducing the members of the team.
(Introductions by Coach Robert Smith)
(Remarks by Assistant Principal, Dr. Lusbourgh)
We do appreciate the great works of this Simeon basketball team for winning back-to-back AA Championships here in the State of Illinois. We -- we’re so glad to have you and welcome you to the Illinois Senate, where we do many, many things. So keep up the good work, all of you. And during your college career, be the best that you can possibly be, and one day we look forward to you -- perhaps one of you serving in this Chamber or perhaps doing other great things. Keep up the good work. God bless each and every one of you. Will the Members of the Rules Committee please come to the Podium and meet -- have a meeting in the Anteroom? All the Members of the Rules Committee, kindly come to the Anteroom. There will be a Rules Committee meeting. Debbie {sic} (Dana) Ross of the HealthiNations {sic} (HealthiNation) wish to take photographs of the proceeding. Does she have leave? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Halvorson in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Refer to Education Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 816; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 260, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 281, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 722, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 845 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1293; refer to Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 924; refer to Public Health Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 653, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 732 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1058; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 32 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 668; refer to Transportation Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 654 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 903. Senator Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. Dated April 24th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated February 8th, March 2nd, March 8th, March 15th, 2007, and the Message from the Secretary of State dated February 28th and March 1st, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated February 8th, March 2nd, March 8th and March 15th, 2007, and in the Messages from the Secretary of State dated February 28th and March 1st, 2007. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of March 8th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of March 8th, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommend that the Senate do advise and consent: To be Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for a term commencing March 5th, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: Andrew Velasquez. To be Director of the Department of Employment and {sic} Security for a term commencing March 5th, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: James Sledge. Madam President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of March 8th, 2007, I now seek leave to -- to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of March 8th. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none 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.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of March 15th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of March 15, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments to which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be Assistant Secretary of the Department of Human Services Board {sic} for a term commencing March 19th, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: Catalina Soto Jones. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of March 15th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of March 15th. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 56 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And the majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry of the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point, Senator.
Is -- is -- my inquiry, Madam Chair, is with regards to the Governor’s Message dated March 15th on non-salaried appointments. I want to confirm that there is a motion on file to divide the question. That motion should have been filed last week.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Yes.
Okay. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) That request is on file, Senator.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We are planning to divide the question.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 8th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 8th, 2007, 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 University of Illinois Board of Trustees for terms commencing January 17th, 2007, and ending January 14th, 2013: Lawrence Eppley and James Montgomery. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 8th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry of the Chairman of the Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 State your inquiry.
Thank you. Senator, just a -- a couple of quick questions, if you don’t mind. It’s my understanding that -- and I don’t serve on the Executive Appointments Committee, but in a former life I did Chair that Committee, many years ago - ‘93 and ‘94. It’s my understanding that we had Members ask to have these individuals appear in front of the Executive Appointments Committee, and I guess I’m asking, did they appear, and if not, why didn’t they appear?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Senator, even though you don’t sit on that Committee now, I must tell you, your two years as Chairman of that Committee, I sat on it and it was one of the most wonderful times I’ve had in my entire life. I couldn’t think of a better Chairman, other than myself, than you were, sir. Now, to your question, having set you up with those kind words, no, they were not allowed -- they were not -- they did not appear. The majority of the members on the Committee waived their appearance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I -- I -- I’ll take your word on that, that the majority waived. But I would just indicate, I think that, you know, when any Member of this Body requests the opportunity to ask questions in public of any of the appointees that we have in front of us, that we should do due diligence, 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 that we should have the opportunity to ask those questions - in a respectful way, Senator, and I know that’s what you would want in your Committee - and in a respectful way, just to really find out exactly why we should, or perhaps shouldn’t, confirm those particular appointees. So, I -- I have some reservation just knowing that we do have Members that had concerns that wanted to address those with these individuals in a public setting, and I would just encourage you, Senator, that in the future, should we have those requests, that perhaps they -- they be honored and that respectfully the rest of the Committee buy into that process as well, because I think it’s important to the legislative process, it’s important to the responsibility that we have as Senators, to fully vet people that come before us. So having said that, thank you very much, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you -- thank you -- thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senator, we’ve discussed this already again -- or, this morning again. I -- I -- you have a letter on your desk that we’ve asked to -- you to hold these for a week. We would like to -- maybe send a questionnaire to the Members of the Board of Trustees, University of Illinois, if you would give us some time to do that. I take it that that request is still denied. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Senator, because of the narrow area of questioning that was 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 indicated to me that the Members wanted to question these trustees about, that is the reason why I made the decision that their appearance will remain waived. If it had been indicated to me that there was something other than this to discuss - other than the Chief, which has already been settled - then I would have granted your request, and I intend to grant your request in the future. But, yes, you’re correct, the -- holding these -- I do -- I am in receipt of your letter. It was given to me timely, but we are going to proceed today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.
Well, first of all, Senator, I -- I -- I’m not real sure where you got the impression that the only thing we were going to talk about was the Chief. You know, these people deal with a billion-dollar budget a year at the University of Illinois - one of the largest budgets in this State. And, you know, I think we had obviously the right to question these people and I -- I hope you do too. One of the problems that -- that I would like to mention to the -- the full Senate - it’s the matter of process. You know, there are certain respect -- a certain amount of respect that I think both parties should have, whether you are in the minority or the majority. We think that - and I hope you agree - that we would -- should be able to question anyone we would like to question if we request that. We did make that request. Now, it has been said, by you and by others, that in the past, this did not happen when the Republicans were in the majority. If that is the case, I’m not aware of it and you could be right, but I think you would agree that even if we did it, 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 it’s wrong. And for you to come back and do it, I hope you agree that -- that this is wrong. This should not happen. And -- and -- and again, you cannot just selectively decide who -- who will be asked and who will be asked to answer questions and who will not. And that is exactly what has happened in this case. The -- you know, these people may be fine people, but what you do, is you put us on a spot of should we vote for someone and approve all this, because this is not the right process. I hope you know that. I think you know that. And -- and again, we could say, “Well, it’s not going to happen again.” But we know that it has happened whenever you or -- or your leader decided to make it happen. Whether it will happen again -- will it -- will that be the case next time? I don’t know. We’ll see, but it -- it is wrong what is happening right now. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Friday was a historical day around here. Never in my twenty years of -- of being a staff member to this Chamber or a Member of this Body had I ever seen both the majority and the minority trampled procedurally like it was on Friday. To these two appointees, I don’t have any questions or concern about Chief Illiniwek, but I do have a tremendous concern about what has always been the historic prerogative of any Senator in this Body to request, for a reasonable period of time, the appearance of someone who is appointed by an Executive to a board or commission. And it could be a majority Member. It could be somebody in the majority that at some point in time wants to ask questions about an appointee. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 In fact, I’ve seen it happen a lot more often where it’s a Member of the Majority Caucus, regardless of whether Senator Rock was the Senate President, Pate Philip or Senator Jones, that asked for a particular member to appear before the Executive Appointments Committee. And for those of us who are rank-and- file Members, I think giving up this tradition - one small scintilla of our power, if you will - is a terrible, terrible, terrible precedent. Senator Luechtefeld alluded that the University of Illinois has a one-billion-dollar budget. I, for one, would like to ask the Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, should he have appeared, is he satisfied, in a year when Governor Blagojevich has proposed to increase State spending by twenty-five or thirty percent, with just a 1.9- percent increase in the flagship institution - the State’s most important asset - the University of Illinois’ budget? So, there are legitimate reasons beyond Chief Illiniwek for having the most important Board of Trustees, other than the State Board of Education, appear before the Senate’s Executive Appointments Committee. Mr. Eppley is a personal friend of mine, and I like Larry and I certainly would be in favor of his reappointment by Governor Blagojevich. Jim Montgomery is one of the finest trial lawyers this State and the City of Chicago has ever produced. So these are very fine appointments by Governor Blagojevich, as far as I’m concerned. But I do have real problems with giving up the right of any one of we fifty-nine Members to ask for someone to appear before this Executive Appointments Committee of the State Senate. And it is just a real, real, real problem, especially on top of what happened when the will of thirty-three members of the majority, on an amendment by a Majority Caucus Member, was also 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 steamrolled on Friday. So, you know, I support Mr. Eppley and Mr. Montgomery. I’m going to vote No as just a protest vote to this process, which I think takes this Chamber away from a historical precedent that has always protected the rights of any of the fifty-nine of us.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Righter. I’m sorry, Senator Righter. Before that, Senator Hendon would like to comment. Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. Very briefly, in the past -- and Senator Luechtefeld brought it up; I didn’t want to bring it up because we did change the protocol under Senator Burzynski and -- and -- and now the Honorable Judge, Judge Petka. But before them, this was done to us an awful lot, Senator Dillard, an awful lot. And in your other life, your previous life before becoming a Senator, when you were in the administration, you know it was done to us. I don’t intend to do this in the future. This is a one-time occurrence. Those questions that you have as -- as they relate to the monies and the billion-dollar budget can be asked in Appropriations. So we did not deny you the opportunity to ask those questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry for the Chairman of the Committee, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Proceed. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007
Thank you. Senator Hendon, since you’ve raised that point, and I don’t think there’s a Member on this Floor who raises that issue more than you do, can you give us a name? I mean, I wasn’t here while the Republicans were in the majority, but I’d like a name of a nominee for which what you did last week happened. Give me one, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
The -- the list was quite long. We made requests. I sat on this Committee, I’m sure you know, since I got here, since I -- came here as a Senator. There were a number of administrative appointees who were department heads that we wanted to -- to -- to question that we simply were not able to question. The Senator who was Chairman at that time - I saw him the other day - he’s a friend of mine and not in the best of health, so putting his name into this discussion is not something I’m willing to do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
To the message please, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Proceed.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I think that says it all. It’s a long list, but we can’t come up with one name. I approach this not just from a procedural or process issue, because I’m a member of the Committee and I had questions for the nominees. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 The University of Illinois is the largest institution of higher learning in this State. It consumes an incredible amount of our constituents’ dollars and there are a long list of legitimate questions to be asked of them, and we were denied that. Now I appreciate that there will be a number, if not most of you on the Democrat side of the aisle, who will say, “You know what? That’s a Republican problem.” That’s a problem for a caucus that’s got twenty-two. We got thirty-seven. That can’t be a problem for us. Well, for those of you who believe that you are carefully and comfortably ensconced and protected in your status as the majority, I would simply remind you what happened on this Floor Friday. For any of you who think that your party affiliation provides you immunity from being denied your right to represent your constituents and ask questions, I think you should rethink that and just recall your memory back to last Friday. Ladies and Gentlemen, a lot of people in my district send their kids to the University of Illinois. And everyone, regardless of where you represent, all our taxpayers pay for the University of Illinois and we have a right to ask those people questions. I regrettably say, Madam President, that I’m required to vote against the nominees, as I don’t have the answers to questions that I think that we are entitled to. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Hendon, do you wish to close?
Yes, Madam President. First of all, I chose not to name the names. I -- I could have named names. I chose not to. I chose not to name my esteemed Republican colleague who was Chairman at 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 the time, because I said earlier - he was over here in the Senate the other day - he is not feeling well. Why drag his name through something that happened in the past? This has absolutely nothing to do with the vote on Friday. President Jones is very sensitive to the rights of the minorities, but there was an election that gave us thirty-seven and we’re going to use all of our constitutional authority and rights as is necessary to get this done. Now, let me say this and I’ll be done. If the Members of the minority had said to me that you wanted to question those trustees on any other issue other than the Chief, the Chief, the Chief. That’s all I got - Chief Illiniwek. What -- what happened with the Chief? What happened with the mascot? That’s old news. That is settled. That is why we did not allow it. The UIC budget will be heard on Thursday in Senator Hunter’s committee. I recommend that if you have these questions, that you attend, and I urge an Aye vote on these nominees.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 8th. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 34 Yeas, 19 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just made. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 March 2nd, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
…President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of March 2nd, 2007, I will read the non-salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Health Facilities Planning Board for a term commencing February 26, 2007, and ending July 1st, 2010: John Penn. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of March 2nd, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of March 2nd. All those in favor 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 that question, a majority of the Senators elected -- there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of March 15th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
…President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of March 15th, 2007, 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 State Medical Disciplinary Board for a term commencing March 12th, 2007, and ending January 1, 2011: Rohit Danak. To be a member of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board for a term commencing March 12th, 2007, and ending January 1, 2008: Mehul Shah. To be a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees for a term commencing March 9th, 2007, and ending January 17th, 2011: Carlos Azcoitia. To be a member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees for a term commencing March 9th, 2007, and ending January 14th, 2013: Robert Vickrey. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of March 15th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 A motion has been filed, requesting that a separate vote be taken on the appointees to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Being supported by the required number of sponsors, that motion is in order and a separate vote will be taken on the appointees to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. In the matter of the appointment of Robert Vickrey to be a member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, is there any discussion? Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senator, again, for the same reasons that we’ve given before, we would ask that people not vote for this particular appointee. I would like to mention one thing, though, that I think you’re wrong on, and that is, these people would have been called if we would have given you some indication that -- that the only thing that was going to be talked about was the Chief. Now that -- I never mentioned that to you certainly. It was not in the letter that that was the case. Now you may have heard that or someone individually may have said that, but I -- I -- I’m sorry, I think if you’re honest, you’ll admit that this would not have happened - no matter what we would have asked for, these people would not have come before this Committee, and that’s wrong. And -- and, you know, and you’ve said this to me before and that’s fine, and -- and you’ve -- you’ve admitted that and that’s good and I appreciate that. You know, I -- I certainly do appreciate that, but please don’t say that the reason they’re not here is that we didn’t ask for the right things. I -- I don’t think that’s a fact. No matter what we’d have asked, we would not have had these people before this Committee and I think you know that. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Senator Luechtefeld, if I have anything in this Senate, it’s that I am blunt and honest. Sometimes I am too direct and too blunt and honest. Okay? You are correct. It was not in the letter, but individuals on the committee, when I asked them what was the -- this -- is all about, that’s what was told to me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator -- Senate President Emil Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of the nominee, which really is a Republican appointee which is a reappointment to this committee. There have been questions raised about the appropriation and etcetera, and I understand the Appropriation Committee will be -- be meeting. The Board of Higher Education sets the appropriation for the colleges and universities across the State of Illinois, not the trustees of the -- of the various universities. If there are questions to be raised regarding the appropriation, I think the appropriate place that that be done is in the Appropriation Committee. I’m quite certain this appointment is a appointment that has -- has been there. He’s a -- he is a Republican. And I’m not always in favor of Republicans, but we should not politicize this particular issue. The rules that govern this Body are rules that we adopted from the previous administration with a few minor changes, and we operate under rules. If you’re not familiar with the rules which you voted for, then you should have indicated that we do not like certain provisions in the rules. There is 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 nothing new. At least -- I do appreciate Senator Luechtefeld, who said if we did that to you in the past, it was wrong. But the time, Senator, for you to say it was wrong is when it happened, not to sit silently and say nothing. The respect for the Minority Leader to be heard or given the opportunity to speak is not in the rules. It is a courtesy. But I recall the days that when you were in the Chair, some of you on the other side of the aisle, you refused to recognize that individual. We have not done that, Senator Dillard. We have not done that. But for you to sit silently while it happened, and all of a sudden you’re going to say what happened here Friday. All we did Friday was give a Member the right to file their motion, which in turn could be heard at any time or any day. So it’s nothing new. But don’t -- don’t play those -- those silly political games. I know in the constitution of the Republican Party of the State of Illinois, there’s a -- a provision, which I determine is discriminatory against Native Americans - discriminatory against Native Americans. That’s the politics that you are playing with this appointment and you shouldn’t do that. I think Vickrey is a fine young man, as the Chairman is and as the new appointment is, and it’s foolish for you to play politics with the appointment because you like the discriminatory language in your constitution of the Republican Party and you want to use that to attack these fine men who serve as trustees University of Illinois. That’s the problem and we will not permit that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Since my name was used in 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 debate, I just want to clarify the record. You know, I’ve never sat in -- or, had the privilege of sitting where you are, Madam President. So, certainly wasn’t me that never recognized a Member of the Democratic Party when the Republicans controlled this Chamber, ‘cause I’ve never held the gavel of this particular Legislative Body. Again, on this particular appointee, Bob Vickrey has been my friend. He’s been a business leader in the LaSalle/Peru Area for twenty-five years. I’m delighted that Governor Blagojevich has reappointed him. But again, it just goes to the process and I know full well and appreciate -- in fact, I even smiled and joked around, Madam President and Mr. President Jones, with your Chief of Staff about, you know, I knew the -- what the rule was on Friday when you wouldn’t let Senator Forby put on his amendment, even though it had thirty-three votes, and I smiled and said, hey, that’s a good -- good maneuver, good -- good strategy on your part, at least tactically, although I didn’t agree with it. So I’m a big boy. I know what the rules are around this particular Chamber, and it was a good move in some people’s eyes to do that on Friday and, you know, I -- I did not have a problem with it. But I do have a problem, even though it’s not in the rules, that the individual Legislator’s prerogative, of holding a -- a request, to have someone appear before the Executive Appointments Committee is not honored. So, I just wanted to clarify, since my name was used in debate, that I have never sat in the Chair and refused to recognize any Member of this particular Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, to close.
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Thank you, Madam President. Well, let me just say that, first of all, the rules that we adopted when we took the majority were the -- same rules that you all put in place. We adopted your rules. And I remember standing on this Senate Floor and Pate Philip was sitting right over there. He’s a great friend of mine - will always be a friend of mine - but he was a hard, tough guy. And when he said no, none of you said “That’s not right.” None of you stood up for the rights of the minority. All of you sat there, and when Pate put that hammer down, you were with him lock, stock and barrel. And, Senator Dillard, maybe you weren’t up in that Chair, but you were in a position of power. I remember clearly, you were in a position of power. You could have said it was wrong then. And I warned you. I stood up on this Floor and said “Be careful about the rules you make today, because you might have to live with them tomorrow.” Well, tomorrow has come. And it’s great to know that you love Senator Forby so much. I hope when he’s up for reelection, you go down there and campaign for him. In fact, we’re going to take your words on this Senate Floor and put ‘em in his mailer. You’d probably love Susan Garrett if it served your ends. So we know what game you’re playing. I ask for a Yes vote for this fine nominee who happens to be a Republican and a doggone good Republican at that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 39 Yeas, 13 Nays, 3 voting 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment of Robert Vickrey as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. In the matter of the appointment of the other salaried {sic} appointees named in the Governor’s Message of March 15th, is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of March 15th. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was -- referred the Secretary of State’s Message of February 28th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Madam President, with respect to the Secretary of State’s Message of February 28th, 2007, 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 Executive Ethics Commission for 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 a term commencing March 31st, 2004, and ending June 30th, 2008: Maria Kuzas. That -- which was a correction on the date. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Secretary of State’s Message of February 28th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put our question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Secretary of State’s Message of February 28th. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And a majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Secretary of State’s Message of March 1st, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Madam President, with respect to the Secretary of State’s Message of March 1st, 2007, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member and Chair of the Secretary of State’s Merit Commission for a term commencing March 1st, 2007, and ending June 30th, 2013: Ferdinand Serpe. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Secretary of State’s Message of March 1st, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Secretary of State’s Message of March 1st. All those in favor 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 that question, there are 56 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent for the appointment just read. Senator Hendon.
Madam President, I move the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be turning to page 38 of your Calendar, Senate Bills 3rd Reading, where we left off on Friday. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. I’d like to take this opportunity for a point of personal privilege, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point, please.
Yes, thank you. I’d like for the -- the Body to welcome Hispanic Republicans from the Illinois Republican National Hispanic Association and the Hispanic Republican Organization for the Republican Senate Hispanic Legislative Day we’re hosting today, and they’re in the gallery here on our side of the aisle. If they would stand and be recognized, and we’d certainly welcome them to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, for an -- an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
The Senate Ag and Conservation Committee that was scheduled for -- for today is canceled.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Sullivan. For those of you who may have not have heard, the Senate Ag Committee has been canceled for today. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. One more point.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 …got it. Go ahead.
Okay. I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce a couple of guests here to the Illinois Senate. One is a former Senator - a State Senator from Maryland, Don Murphy, who’s sitting in the back -- back in the back here. And also…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guest rise? Welcome to -- Springfield, Senator.
Also, we have Representative Penny Bacchiochi - Penny Bacchiochi right here, from Connecticut. She’s from -- State Representative from Connecticut.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. Great. Welcome to both of you. Senator Sullivan, is this like ping-pong between Chambers here? Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. Actually, the Senate Ag and Conservation Committee is canceled for tomorrow, not today. The committee is -- was scheduled for tomorrow. It has been canceled. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you for clarifying that. I apologize for the mistake. It’s canceled for tomorrow. It was always canceled for today. Senator Schoenberg, on 1617. Senator Schoenberg seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1617 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 1617. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration? 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007
Yes, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 establishes the Finance Authority as the fiscal agent for administering the Revolving Loan Fund to -- for communities to deal with the emerald ash borer versus the Department of Agriculture. There’s no opposition. I urge its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Senator Schoenberg moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1617. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1617. Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1617. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. There is a growing crisis in Illinois that is unparalleled with respect to the emergence of a very small, yet very devastating pest known as the emerald ash borer. And that - - that small bug has the ability to create considerable damage and potentially eradicate a whole ash -- ash tree populations within our communities. If we look at what happened in Michigan, Indiana, we’ve seen how millions of trees have had to be replaced. In any event, Senate Bill 1617 establishes a revolving loan fund so that communities impacted by the emerald ash borer - and right now, it’s -- the quarantine area is north suburban Cook County and portions of Kane County - that those areas, as well as others, where the ash trees have to be replaced, have to be taken down and destroyed, this low-interest loan - revolving loan fund - will enable those communities to replenish and reforest their ash trees in their respective communities. There’s -- this has broad support. There’s no known opposition, and I’d urge your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Now that the horrors of Friday are behind us, I’m going to get us back on a bipartisan track here, I hope. I rise in support - strong support - of Senator Schoenberg’s bill. I have my own emerald ash borer bill in that I’ve spoken to the sponsor of this measure. Goes hand in glove with mine. But the emerald ash borer, for those of us who live 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 in northeastern Illinois, is -- is a very major threat and about twenty percent of the trees of this State might be affected by this. And as I do on many of Jeff’s bills, I rise in support of this and hopefully we’re back on a bipartisan cooperation kick for the time being.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1617 pass. Those in favor 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 that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1617, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, on 1618. Senator Schoenberg seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1618 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 1618. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 is a technical cleanup amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …there any discussion? Senator Schoenberg moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1618. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1618. Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1618. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1618 is a collaborative effort between several of the key players in ensuring that the survivors of sexual assault will have improved access to the critical health care in -- in the emergency department and after their emergency department visits. Under the bill, the follow-up health care that’s provided to sexual assault survivors by a wide -- range of providers will be reimbursed, which in turn increases the likelihood that they will receive this important care. It also ensures that the uninsured survivor will not be required to pay for any of these services. This enhances the -- hospital emergency treatment for survivors and improves their access to follow-up health care. This is a collaborative effort of the Department of -- of the -- the Illinois -- it’s a major 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 initiative of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, along with the Hospital Association, the Medical Society, the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Family -- Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Public Health. And there’s no known opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1618 pass. Those in favor 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 that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1618, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, on 1619. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1619. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1619 is an initiative of the Procurement Policy Board - our watchdog on procurement-related issues. It requires notice of real estate purchase contracts to be published in the Procurement Bulletin within seven days after that contract is executed. The information that’s included is identifying the -- the parcel purchased, the names of all the parties in the contract, the value of the contract, and the effective date of 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 the contract. Right now, the Procurement Code has a list of exceptions that includes the purchase of real estate, and public disclosure is not required. This closes that loophole. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1619 pass. Those in favor 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 that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1619, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, on 1620. Senator Schoenberg, on 1621. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1621. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Here is another good government initiative of the Procurement Policy Board. It allows the State to renew or extend a lease without using the request for information selection process if it’s in the State’s best interest and Procurement Policy Board doesn’t object to the extension or renewal when the lease was -- effect before July 1, 2002. What this bill does, it removes that date limitation so that this is applicable to every 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 single lease that we have. I -- there’s no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1621 pass. Those in favor 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 that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1621, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Ronen, on 1625. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1625. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill has to do with alcopops, which if you don’t know what they are, are drinks that are marketed to young people - Mike’s Hard Lemonade, things like that. They’re -- it’s -- I -- I like to call this kind of the “Joe Camel” of alcohol. They’re using advertising techniques, just as the tobacco industry used “Joe Camel”, to make it seem that these drinks are harmless and, you know, in some cases, even healthy. And the worst part of it is, they’re targeting not only to young people, but to young women. This bill would say that they are not allowed to use advertising in venues where children will be, within five hundred feet of schools, amusement parks and things of that nature. I know of no 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 opposition, and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1625 pass. Those in favor 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 that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1625, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 1653. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1653. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1653 embraces international investment for funds and it increases the total value of -- stocks that the -- Sanitary District Employees’ and Trustees Annuity Benefit Fund may hold in stocks and convertible debt from sixty-five to seventy-five percent. It provides that retirement and surviving spouse annuity payments be paid for the full month if the annuitant was alive on the first day of that month. It also authorizes a ten-dollar-per-month child’s disability benefit for employees receiving duty disability benefits who were in service before June 13th, 1997, and clarifies employee contribution rates and designates the line of succession in refunding payments for 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 an annuitant’s death. I know of no known opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Brady.
Thank you, Madam President. I stand in support of the gentleman’s legislation. It came through the committee. And it’s a good bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1653 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have -- have all -- the voting is open. We’re having slight technical difficulties. We’ll be with you momentarily. Okay. We’ll be doing an oral roll call on this bill. Secretary will take an oral roll call on Senate Bill 1653.
Althoff. Althoff votes Yea. Bomke. Bomke votes Aye. Bond. Bond votes Aye. Brady. Brady votes Aye. Burzynski. Burzynski votes Aye. Clayborne. Clayborne votes Aye. Collins. Collins votes Aye. Cronin. Crotty. Crotty votes Aye. Cullerton. Cullerton votes Aye. Dahl. Dahl votes Aye. DeLeo. DeLeo votes Aye. Delgado. Delgado votes Aye. Demuzio. Demuzio. Demuzio votes Aye. Dillard. Dillard votes Aye. Forby. Forby votes Aye. Frerichs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Excuse me, Madam Secretary. We cannot hear what people are saying. Please let us get through this oral roll call. Please proceed, Madam Secretary.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 Frerichs. Frerichs votes Aye. Garrett. Garrett votes Aye. Haine. Haine votes Aye. Halvorson. Halvorson votes Aye. Harmon. Harmon votes Aye. Hendon. Hendon. Hendon votes Aye. Holmes. Holmes votes Aye. Hultgren. Hultgren votes Aye. Hunter. Hunter votes Aye. Jacobs. Jacobs votes Aye. John Jones. John Jones votes Aye. Koehler. Koehler votes Aye. Kotowski. Kotowski votes Aye. Lauzen. Lauzen votes Aye. Lightford. Lightford. Link. Link votes Aye. Luechtefeld. Luechtefeld. Luechtefeld votes Aye. Maloney. Maloney votes Aye. Martinez. Martinez votes Aye. Meeks. Meeks votes Aye. Munoz. Munoz. Munoz votes Aye. Murphy. Murphy votes Aye. Millner. Millner votes Aye. Noland. Noland votes Aye. Pankau. Pankau votes Aye. Peterson. Peterson votes Aye. Radogno. Radogno votes Aye. Raoul. Raoul votes Aye. Righter. Righter votes Aye. Risinger. Risinger votes Aye. Ronen. Ronen votes Aye. Rutherford. Rutherford votes Aye. Sandoval. Sandoval votes Aye. Schoenberg. Schoenberg. Schoenberg. Aye or Nay? Schoenberg votes Aye. Sieben. Sieben votes Aye. Silverstein. Silverstein votes Aye. Sullivan. Sullivan votes Aye. Syverson. Syverson. Trotter. Trotter votes Aye. Viverito. Viverito votes Aye. Watson. Watson votes Aye. Wilhelmi. Wilhelmi votes Aye. And, Mr. President. Mr. President votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1653, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, just for your information, all committees will be postponed for about one-half hour. All committees postponed by one-half of an hour. There being no further business to come 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 30th Legislative Day 4/24/2007 before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m., tomorrow, April 25th, 2007. The Senate stands adjourned. 43