PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Jon Park, Korean United Presbyterian Church, here in Springfield.
(Prayer by the Reverend Jon Park)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, August 7th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. All Members -- all Members -- sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Chamber. We will be going to Floor action. All Members in their offices, please come to the Senate Floor. We are 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 proceeding to Floor action. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, -- reports a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 4 to Senate Bill 1400 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1566 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary- Criminal Law, reports House Bill 1972 -- Do Pass and a Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 274 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Joint Resolutions 11 and 55 Be Adopted, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Resolution 299 and a Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 211 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1926 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports a Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 858 recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Channel 20, Channel 17, Register -- Journal-Register, Chicago Tribune and WFLD-TV Chicago request permission to videotape or photograph. There -- there being no objection, so ordered. Can I have your attention? All Members -- sound of my voice, please come -- come down to the Senate Chamber. We are 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 going to further Floor action. All Members in their offices, please come down to the Senate Chamber. We are going to Floor action. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to the Supplemental Calendar No. 1, the very top. We are going to House Bill 1972. On the Order of House Bill 1972, 2nd Reading, Senator Sieben. Continuing, we are going to go on to the Order of Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions. Senator Brady, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, the resolution, please.
Senate Joint -- Senate Joint Resolution 11. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady, to discuss the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution simply is to work on the -- reducing unhealthy births in Illinois, and I’d ask for favorable adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Brady moves the adoption of resolution -- Senate Joint Resolution 11. All those in favor will vote {sic} Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Brady, on Senate Joint Resolution 55. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he will. Madam Secretary.
Senate Joint Resolution 55. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution is a resolution that I am joined by Senator Koehler on, as we both represent part of Tazewell County, which this highway is in. It honors the life of Ron Gebur, who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. I ask for your favorable adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 55. 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. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? On the question, there are 55 -- take the record. On the five -- there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And the resolution is adopted. Senator Hendon, what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I just wanted to point out to the Body on that last bill, Senator Brady, that -- how kind and benevolent you were and how all the Democrats voted for Senator Brady’s bill, how we supported him all the way - one hundred percent - because of our spirit of bipartisan cooperation. And even though it expended -- it calls for an expenditure of State funds, which is something that Senator Brady is normally against, that we supported him all the way and we were happy to do so. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Senator Hendon 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 for his kind and generous support and to continue to inform him that not only is Senator Brady, but all Republicans on this side of the aisle are willing to expend State resources for the good of the people of Illinois. In fact, we’re willing to do it today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
An inquiry, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your inquiry.
Madam President, I have an inquiry for those of you on the other side of the aisle who have controlled the decisions in this Chamber for the past five years, that’s a half a decade. I understand that -- today I’ve been asked a question by some members of the State staff about what they should do about not receiving a payroll check today. It’s been my experience that the ultimate disgrace in small business is missing payroll and bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is bad enough, but missing payroll is a very personal thing because lives depend on it. I’m -- I hear the reports from the Governor…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady -- I mean, Senator Lauzen, what is the question?
The question is, what is the recommendation from the ruling majorities and the Governor of this State, beyond go out and get a payday loan, about how they’re going to make their -- pay their 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 bills when they don’t get a check today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Lauzen, the question is in order. Since you’ve asked the question directly to the Members, I would just advise that you go ahead and speak directly to them and, we know, we will -- I think they will provide you with an answer. Senator -- Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Noland, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, to respond to my distinguished colleague from my neighboring district, who just simply asked…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator -- Senator Noland, we’re going to proceed with the order of business. What we’re going to -- that’s why I asked Senator Lauzen to please, if he has a -- a question for the -- for the Members, to please ask them directly, as opposed to doing it during the course of our business right now. So, we will just proceed on with the nature of our business today. And I’m going to move to the Supplemental Calendar. We’re going to go to Secretary’s Desk, Concurrence. Senate Bill 211. Senator Crotty. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill -- the motion.
I move to -- I move to concur with the House in the -- in their adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 211. Filed by Senator Maggie Crotty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Senator Crotty.
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Thank you very much, Madam President. This -- this bill now is going to allow the Village of Oswego to sell described lands that were already given to them, but instead of -- of using the property for public purposes, they are now asking if they could sell the property and use the money for public purposes. I would ask everyone for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? This is final action. The question is, shall Senate Bill -- shall the Senate concur with amendment -- with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 211. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, we have 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 211. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bomke, on Senate Bill 274. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 274. Filed by Senator Larry Bomke.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Bomke, to explain your motion.
Thank you, Madam President. It’s a concurrence with Senate Bill 274. The amendment amends the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that it is a Class 4 felony to knowingly attempt to possess, procure, transport, store, or 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 deliver anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container. When it left here, we would have made it a Class 3 felony. The House thought that penalty was a little bit stiff, so they have amended it to a Class 4 and I’m concurring with that motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? This is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 274. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The Senate concurs in Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 274. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator -- Maloney, on Senate Bill 858. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 858. Filed by Senator Edward Maloney.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Maloney, to explain your motion.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. This bill passed out of the Senate unanimously, the same in the House. It deals with the importance of preparing students for a higher education. This amendment simply changes the effective date to make it an -- immediate effective date upon signed by the Governor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 858. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, we have 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 858. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on Senate Bill 1400. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in -- in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 4 to Senate Bill 1400. Filed by Senator Mike Jacobs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Jacobs, to explain your motion.
Madam President, this is the budget bill we’ve been waiting for. No, no, a little early. This is a concurrence from the House. It passed 96 to 2. There’s some help for Bill Haine’s community, an extension for my TIF district. Passed out of committee with no opposition. I appreciate my friends on the other side of the aisle for helping Illinois move forward, and I ask for your affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Senator Rutherford.
Just curious if Senator Jacobs has Governor Blagojevich’s endorsement of this budget bill he’s presenting. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Jacobs.
Yes. It’s my understanding that the Governor and I have become very close.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Rutherford.
I stand in opposition to the… No. No, actually, Senator Jacobs, 1400 was a piece of legislation that was being worked on for wind farm tax assessment procedures. And just to verify that these amendments that we’re moving concurrence on have -- are not relevant to that, whatsoever, that this is a completely different movement and the legislation that you and I had been working on on the wind farm assessments is going to be appearing in another piece of legislation and is not any longer under Senate 1400. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Jacobs.
You are correct, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) There being no further discussion, this is the final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 and 4 to Senate Bill 1400. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, we have 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments No. 1 and 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 4 to Senate Bill 1400. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, on Senate Bill 1566. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1566. Filed by Senator Dale Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter, to explain your motion.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Amendments 1 and 2 were obviously added over in the other Chamber. I’m asking this -- the Senate to concur in those. House Amendment 1 is a technical correction. House Amendment 2 is a substantive amendment that adds some further procedural protections for the Illinois Department of Public Health before they are required to go forward with this expanded newborn screening. With these amendments, the Illinois Department of Public Health is a proponent of the bill. It passed out of committee unanimously. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Ms. President. To the bill. Will the speaker yield? Senator Righter, before I vote for this - and I’m -- I’m certain I probably will - will you please pronounce that word for me, please? 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter.
The pronunciation that most of the professionals that I’ve talked with, Senator Trotter, use is PKU.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
I take it that’s the spelling as well. Okay, thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, to the sponsor of the bill: You know, we worked very hard to get this finally out of Rules. I want to thank Senator Halvorson, Chairman of Rules, for letting it out and want to commend Senator Righter on his persistence, because he stuck it out to the bitter end. Even in overtime, he’s still swinging away and I wanted to give him his -- his propers for that. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further -- discussion? Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President. I also would like to add my voice to those who are commending Senator Righter. He’s done a wonderful job of taking this bill, modifying it, meeting with different people, and I think it’s a testament to his strong belief in this issue. And I very much appreciate the work, and I’m proud to be a cosponsor with him. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Senator Righter, to close. This is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1566. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1566. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
I want to show everybody here a tomato I have. This is a George Shadid tomato. It was picked this morning by former Senator George Shadid out of his garden. My wife and I also own a bakery in Peoria. I’m inviting everybody over to our office, at your leisure, any time today or tomorrow, to have a peanut butter and tomato sandwich on our homemade bread. So, a George Shadid tomato.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn to your regular Calendar, on page 35, bottom of the page. We are going to Secretary’s Desk, Resolution. With leave of the Body, we are going to go to Senate Resolution 299. Senator Garrett, do you wish to proceed? She indicates she does. Madam Secretary, please read the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 resolution.
Senate Resolution 299. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) …there any Floor amendment approved for consideration?
Yes, Madam President. I have Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Garrett.
Yes. Thank you very much. At the request of some of my colleagues and the petroleum industry, we made some minor changes to the resolution asking that the USEPA and the Illinois congressional delegation do more to review the dumping of ammonia and other substances into Lake Michigan by British Petroleum.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Resolution 299. All in favor will -- will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Garrett, on the resolution.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Really what Senate 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Resolution 299 does is send a message to the United States EPA and the Illinois congressional delegation, asking them to review and look into the dumping of British Petroleum, Whiting, Indiana facility and the expansion and the impact that that has to Lake Michigan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves to -- the adoption of resolution -- Senate Resolution 299. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Proceeding in the Calendar, please turn your booklet to page 32, middle of the page. Order of the House Bills 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we will go to House Bill 1876. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he will. Madam Secretary -- Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate -- House Bill 1876 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 House Bill 1876. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. The amendment becomes the bill. I’ll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 -- Floor Amendment No. 1 to 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Senate -- to House Bill -- 1876. 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, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, House Bill 1876. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1876. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This is -- this bill will be changing the way they will elect community college board members in the Kaskaskia Community College. They will be -- they are currently elected at large. This will create seven members -- districts. Beginning in 2009, one member shall be elected from each district. The terms of the board members shall be staggered: Three members will be appointed 2009, 2 members in ’11 and 2013. Each member will serve a six-year term. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Senator John Jones.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Sponsor indicates he will.
Senator Link, since this deals with Kaskaskia College, which is in my district, my question to you is, is that why would you be carrying such a bill as this? I think Representative Granberg maybe approached you about carrying this bill. Is -- is that a fact that Granberg came to you and asked you to carry this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator John Jones.
It -- it’s really disturbing to me that -- that in this district, this community college district of Kaskaskia College - it’s one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the State of Illinois and even in the nation the last few years - that there’s three State Senators that represents this college and three State Representatives that represents this college and only one of ‘em has a problem with the way the board is elected. So, what I want to ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle is, is that if this is a major problem, I, for the life of me, can’t understand why the people in that district, that college district, did not come to the other Legislators and say, “Hey, we need to change the way this board is elected.” I would hope that you would stand with the five Representatives and Senators that 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 is also representing this community college district that sees no problem with the way the district is -- is elected right now. You know, I’ve had letters from the community college board. I’ve had letters from the -- from the constituents that -- that is served by that community college. Not one of ‘em have asked me to support this bill. So, I’m wondering why in the world that Representative Granberg and you, Senator Link, think this is such an important issue here as we’re in overtime. We can’t get a budget, but yet we’re going to change the makeup and the election of the community college of Kaskaskia College. Have -- have you received any letters from anybody in the Kaskaskia College district saying we need to change this, other than Representative Granberg?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator John Jones.
Well, then, why don’t you just pull it out of the record and let’s reconsider what we’re doing here? Because here we go down a path of -- of trying to change something that is working great. And, you know, I would simply ask that you pull it out of the record and -- and reconsider here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link.
I -- I’m just proceeding with the bill, Senator, and at the 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 request of the -- one of the Leaders in the House who brought this bill to me and asked if I would do this as a courtesy to him and explain to -- this is not unique to the State of Illinois. We have other community college districts that are divided up into districts. This is not unique. This would not be the first community college that this is done to. So, I will proceed with the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Luechtefeld. I’m sorry, I’ll -- I’ll come right back to you. Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. Well, to the bill: You know, we -- we do have some other community colleges - I think maybe one or maybe two at the most - in the State of Illinois. There’s three? Okay. We have a tremendous amount of community colleges in the State of Illinois. But, you know, I think those other community colleges probably came to the Legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, that represented those districts and said, “We got a problem; we need to change it.” For some reason or other, they came to the General Assembly and talked to all the Members involved with that district. This is not the case. This is strictly a State Representative that has a problem with that community college district, with the president of the college and with the board, and saying, “I want to change it. I didn’t get my way last year. I want to change it.” And quite frankly, we don’t all get our way. We all know that right here. The Governor’s having a hard problem -- hard time right now getting his way. But I would ask you to stand with me and vote No on this bill. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senator Link, I -- I guess I -- I’m -- I’m disappointed and surprised that you would carry this bill, because I think if the shoe were on the other foot and you were the Senator from that district and this happened to you, you would be angry. This is a -- is a district that -- that -- they are happy with the way -- their -- their board is happy. The -- the citizens of that area are happy. This is -- is simply political. You know that. I know that. And -- and if I did this to you, or if we did this to you and we happened to be in the majority, you would be angry and you would say it’s not right and it’s something that shouldn’t happen. And that’s what disappoints me, that you’re going to carry this bill. There are three Senators who represent that district, think this is wrong. And -- and, you know -- these other districts that have gone to this sort of governance, basically many times chose this way. This board does not want that. This president does not want that. And I guess -- I guess I would appeal, certainly to the Members on this side and -- and above all to the Members on your side. This is one of those votes that just don’t go along with the party vote. This is wrong. It is wrong. And hopefully there are enough people on this side that -- on that side that see this and won’t go along with something that is totally political and is -- and is wrong. The people of that district don’t want it to happen and it is disappointing that you would carry this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Thank you. Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon. Senator Link, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. First of all, I -- I wish my colleague over there would have stood up when things were put against me for the six years that I was in the minority and, you know, bills were jammed down my throat in my district too, and I objected. But I don’t want to get into that. I am doing this for a Leader in the House that came to me as a Majority Leader in this house and asked me if I would carry a bill that pertained to a community college in his district. He -- explained to me what it would do and I said that I would carry it for him. If the other side wants to vote against it, that’s their prerogative. That’s why we’re here. If we want to vote for it on this side, that’s our prerogative. I think that this has been done. It’s in history of this State. As I said to Senator John Jones, we have history in this State where there is other community colleges that have gone to districts. I think it should be looked in in other community college districts of considering where the members are coming from so that there’s equal representation throughout, so that people can be heard throughout their whole community. So I would just ask for an affirmative vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The question is, shall House Bill 1876 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 32 voting Aye, 23 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 1876, having 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I request a verification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Jones has requested a verification. Will all the Members be -- please be in their seats? The Secretary will read the affirmative votes.
Bond, Clayborne, Collins, Crotty, Cullerton, DeLeo, Delgado, Forby, Haine, Halvorson, Harmon, Hendon, Holmes, Hunter, Koehler, Kotowski, Lightford, Link, Maloney, Martinez, Meeks, Noland, Raoul, Ronen, Sandoval, Schoenberg, Silverstein, Sullivan, Trotter, Viverito, Wilhelmi and Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Jones question the presence of any Member voting in the affirmative?
Madam President, Senator Forby.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Forby. Is Senator Forby in the Chambers? Senator Forby is in the Chamber. Any other Senator?
Senator Munoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz did not vote. …other Senator?
Senator DeLeo.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Senator DeLeo. He’s right there, sitting right side, on your -- on your side of the aisle.
Well, he’s -- at least he’s learning a little something. He needs to come over to this side more often.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any other Senators?
Well, looks like you’ve done a good job, Madam President, of getting everybody to the Floor. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Thank you very much. On a verified roll call, there are 32 -- 32 voting Aye, 23 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. House Bill 1876, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
It is my privilege again, for the second day in a row, to make an announcement that one of my -- one of our colleagues from downstate was born sixty-three years ago today. And I just hope that when I turn sixty-three twenty years from now that I will look as fit as this gentleman does and keep the smile on my face like he has every day regardless of what happens, and that is Senator William Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Senator Haine, happy birthday. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Wait -- wait a minute, Madam President. Yesterday, weren’t we, you know, acknowledging Senator Haine on his anniversary, his wedding to his lovely wife? And -- and today -- is this “Haine Week” or something? I -- the man is on a roll. Give him a bill or something.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your point.
I have a young gentleman here with me today, Michael Carlson. He is interning in my Macomb district office. He’s from Macomb. He’s also a senior at -- Loyola University, majoring in English and Theology. He’s going to be a senior. Goes back in a couple weeks here. I’d just like everybody to welcome him to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Welcome to the Senate. Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of inquiry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your inquiry.
24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Yes. I’m wondering if -- if it’s at all possible that we may celebrate Senator Haine’s thirty-eighth wedding anniversary here too, in this coming year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise? And happy birthday.
…you. I appreciate, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, these acknowledgements the second day in a row, and I -- I never thought I’d see the day I’d celebrate my birthday in -- in Session. And I do want to disclaim the rumor that I’ll do anything to get my picture in the paper. Thank you. Including stay married for thirty-six years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. A personal announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Yes. I’d like to let everyone in the Chamber know that my seatmate, Senator Reverend Meeks, celebrated his fifty-first birthday on Saturday. So, let’s give Senator Meeks, Reverend Meeks, a big hand.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Reverend Meeks, happy birthday. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I -- I -- Trotter said, did you get another 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 -- plane? Did your parishioners buy you a boat, a yacht? Are you going to, like, get a extra special blessing, like manna from heaven? I mean, Haine and you were born on the same day. Do miracles never cease, Pastor? Yeah. Can you pray for an adjournment?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Reverend Meeks, happy birthday. For what purpose do you rise?
Thank you so much, Madam President. No, I didn’t get a plane, but my parishioners did get me a “Get Out of Senate Free” card.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s return back to Supplemental Calendar No. 1. With leave of the Body, we are going to return to House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Sieben, on House Bill 1972. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the motion -- the bill.
House Bill 1972. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sieben. Oh! Madam Secretary, has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 3rd -- 3rd Reading. Senator Sieben.
Yes, Madam President. Thank you very much for moving the bill to 3rd Reading. I would like the attention of the -- of the Chamber for just a moment for purpose of a -- a very sad announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Can we please have it quiet for one moment here? Senator Sieben would like to share some information with us.
Especially like the attention of the downstate Legislators who may have been involved with rural electric cooperatives over the years. I just learned this morning that one of our good friends, the former director of the Illinois Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Earl Struck, passed away this morning after a very quick and short battle with brain cancer. He was just diagnosed with a brain tumor about two months ago and they were not able to operate and stop it. It was doubling in size about every week. So those of you who are friends, know Earl and Sherry Struck. Earl was a friend of all of ours. You remember back in the ‘90s, Earl’s wife, Sherry, was Jim Edgar’s personal secretary here at the Capitol. Great part of our family here in Springfield. And I don’t know any arrangements for the funeral. But Earl was, you know, a speaker of the third house and very active with the lobbying groups here in Springfield. So all of those who know and remember Earl Struck, I’d ask your prayers for Earl and for his family. The children are all there now. And he passed -- away very peacefully early this morning. So, ask for your prayers for the Struck family. Thank you, Madam President. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator Sieben. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes, please. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Rules Committee. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Senate Anteroom. The Rules Committee will meet in the Senate’s Anteroom. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 664 and Floor Amendment 6 and 7 to House Bill -- 556; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 689. Senator Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. August 8th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) …Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Revenue Committee will meet today at 1 p.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise? 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
Yes. Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Yes. State Government and Veterans Affairs will meet today at 1 o’clock in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to make an announcement. I would like to personally welcome my special friend from Chicago, one of Chicago’s finest, a -- a wonderful person in my life, my significant other, Edward Feliciano. Can you -- can the Senate please rise and say hi to him? The Senate will stand in recess in the -- to the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 689 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendments 6 and 7 to House Bill 556 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 664 recommend Do Adopt. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 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 concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 837, a bill -- together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 837. Passed the House, as amended, August 8th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. We’ve received a like Message on Senate Bill 837 {sic} (770) with House Amendment No. 1 {sic} (2). Passed the House, as amended, August 8, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1860, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Fox Channel 2 seeks leave to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. All Members of the Senate within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Chambers. We will be doing some business. Ladies and Gentlemen, by now, you should have received Supplemental Calendar No. 2, Secretary’s Desk, Concurrences. We will be going to that order of business. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Senator Viverito, on Senate Bill 689. Do you wish to proceed? On the Order of Concurrences is Senate Bill 689. Madam Secretary, please read the motion. Excuse me, Madam Secretary. Senator Demuzio, are… Senator Demuzio wishes to proceed. And, Madam Secretary, please read the motion. On the Order of Concurrence, Senate Bills, is Senate Bill 689. Senator Viverito wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 689. Filed by Senator Lou Viverito.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Viverito.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. We have a little bit of a dilemma here. But it originally was my bill, but apparently there has been some things added in the House, which all of a sudden that same bill didn’t sound exactly the way it started out. And I have such a respect for my colleague, Senator Demuzio, I would like very much for her to explain the new bill, and still being able to borrow between the municipalities. Senator Demuzio.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio, to explain.
Thank you, Madam -- thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Viverito. I love the fact that both of our names end in an O. So that’s probably why I have it. So, thank you. House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 689 basically amends the Municipal 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Code regarding the repayment period for municipalities when borrowing money from banks or financial institutions. And what it does is basically changes the length of time that a municipality has to repay money back from a bank or a financial - - to financial institution from one year to ten years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Madam President. Actually it’s Amendment 2, but I’ll go ahead and speak to it now anyway. I want to applaud Senator Demuzio for her work on this. We’re changing the name from the Illinois Medical District in {sic} Springfield to the Mid-Illinois Medical District because the district is -- provides a service area much broader than that of Springfield, so we felt the necessity to change the name. And I simply want to applaud - when she gets to Amendment 2 - applaud Senator Demuzio on her work on the behalf of the Medical District here in Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 689. 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 54 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 689. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 8/8/2007 Yes. Thank you, Madam President, but my switch did not come on. I -- so I’d like to be recorded as an Aye since my -- my name ends in an O. Okay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio, the record shall so reflect your intention to vote for 689. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m., tomorrow, August 8th -- 9th, whatever it is. Tomorrow, Thursday, August 9th. Senate stands adjourned. 33