PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of February 27th, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 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.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 561, offered by Senator Emil Jones and all Members. Senate Resolution 562, offered by Senator Forby and all Members. Senate Resolution 563, offered by Senator Lightford and all Members. And Senate Resolution 564, offered by Senator Viverito and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We’re about 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 to go to substantial Senate action. Would all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor?
And Senate Resolution 565, offered by Senator Demuzio. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Demuzio, Committee -- I’m sorry. Senator Demuzio, Chairman of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bills 2023, 2311 and 2327 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 1850, 1930 and 2149 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bill 2301 Do Pass. Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bill 2070 Do Pass and Senate Bill 1878 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Bills 1923 and 1982 Do Pass. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Bills 1893 and 2187 Do Pass. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 1939, 1955, 2042 and 2288 Do Pass; and Senate Resolution 483 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Bill 2199 Do Pass and Senate Bill 1864 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Bill 1946 and 2098 Do Pass. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Bills 1925 and 2300 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Resolution 481 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Bills 2160, 2239, 2292 and 2321 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2033 and 2314 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Jacobs, Chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Community Affairs, reports Senate Bill 1979 Do Pass, as Amended. And Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law, reports Senate Bills 2118, 2135 and 2142 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Messages.
I have a Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 82. Offered by Senator Hultgren, and adopted by the House, February 20th, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. It is a substantive resolution, Mr. President. I have another -- I have another Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has accepted the Governor’s specific recommended -- recommendations for change, which are attached, to a bill of the following title, in the adoption of 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1279. Adopted by the House, February 20th, 2008. We’ve received a like Message on House Bill 4144. Adopted by the House, February 20th, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. And a final Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has bill -- 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 4536 and House Bill 4639. Passed the House, February 27th, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We’re about to go to substantial Senate action. Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the -- resolutions are adopted. Will all members of the Rules Committee please come to the President’s Anteroom? Will all members of the Rules Committee - - the Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Will all members of the Rules Committee please come to the President’s Anteroom? There will be a Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Senator Iris Martinez in the Chair. We’re about to go to substantial Senate action. Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? It is quarter to 3 and the Appropriations Committee still has to finish their business, so we’re going to go to substantial Senate action right now. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator DeLeo, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Senate Bill 2775, Senate Bill 2861 and Senate Bill 2906; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bill 2512, Senate -- Senate Bill 2575, Senate Bill 2638, Senate Bill 2858, Senate Bill 2864 and Senate Bill 2907; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Senate Bill 2547, Senate Bill 2567, Senate Bill 2639, Senate Bill 2640 and Senate Bill 2783; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bill 2546, Senate Bill 2754, Senate Bill 2755, Senate Bill 2757 and Senate Bill 2825; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Senate Bill 2513, Senate Bill 2856 and Senate Bill 2866; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bill 2603 and Senate Bill 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 2736; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Senate Bill 2566 and Senate Bill 2868; refer to Human Services Committee - Senate Bill 2531, Senate Bill 2552, Senate Bill 2830, Senate Bill 2851 and Senate Bill 2879; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bill 2534, Senate Bill 2544, Senate Bill 2595, Senate Bill 2845 and Senate Bill 2901; refer to Judiciary- Civil Law Committee - Senate Bill 2742, Senate Bill 2784, Senate Bill 2827 and Senate Bill 2872; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bill 2528, Senate Bill 2569, Senate Bill 2577, Senate Bill 2596, Senate Bill 2771, Senate Bill 2773, Senate Bill 2785, Senate Bill 2821, Senate Bill 2834 and Senate Bill 2855; refer to Labor Committee - Senate Bill 2814; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bill 2563, Senate Bill 2760 and Senate Bill 2870; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bill 2536, Senate Bill 2581, Senate Bill 2743, Senate Bill 2745, Senate Bill 2748, Senate Bill 2749, Senate Bill 2788 and Senate Bill 2823; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Senate Bill 2520, Senate Bill 2526, Senate Bill 2529 and Senate Bill 2565; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Bill 2734, Senate Bill 2849, Senate Bill 2857, Senate Bill 2860 and Senate Bill 2865; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bill 2584, Senate Bill 2622, Senate Bill 2643, Senate Bill 2820, Senate Bill 2854, Senate Bill 2859, Senate Bill 2873, Senate Bill 2882 and Senate Bill 2892; and refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Bill 2538, Senate Bill 2564, Senate Bill 2636, Senate Bill 2741, Senate Bill 2883 and Senate Bill 2887. Senator James Clayborne. February 28th -- I’m sorry. Senator James DeLeo, Chairman. February 28th, 2008. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? If you have a bill on 3rd, you need to come and -- we’re going to call them. We’re going to run through the Calendar as quickly as possible. So you need to be prepared if you want your legislation called today. Please turn your Calendar to the middle of page 2, on the Order of 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, on page 2, is Senate Bill 786. Senator Silverstein. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1106. Senator Trotter. Senate Bill 1863. Senator Schoenberg. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1863. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1863 is a supplemental appropriations bill that exclusively features the remaining payment due for the hospital assessment plan that we are currently under. We -- it’s essential that we authorize this spending today so that we can continue to provide accessible and affordable quality health care to the hospitals throughout the State. Very briefly, this is a spending authorization of 1.2 billion dollars. The money will be going primarily to academic medical centers with high Medicaid caseloads, safety net hospitals in underserved communities and rural hospitals throughout the State. In 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 addition to the money that’s being disbursed to the hospitals throughout the State, there is approximately one hundred and thirty million dollars that goes for other health care and human service related needs. If -- for the reference of the Members: Whatever your hospital has been receiving in the prior two years, this is what your hospital will be receiving as a result of this spending authorization. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will yield. Senator Luechtefeld.
Senator, if I’m right, we did this last year, I believe - didn’t we? - and it got held up someplace in a -- in an argument between the Governor and -- and Speaker Madigan. Is that -- is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
There have actually been several false starts on the spending authorization, to the point where all of the fiscal year 2007 payments were made using fiscal year 2008 appropriations. That leaves a year worth of appropriating that we still need to do. The money’s been borrowed. It’s in the fund and ready to be disbursed. So it’s ready to go. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Luechtefeld.
Is there any indication -- or do you have any indication that -- that this won’t get stepped on again, either over in the House or -- you know, have you had any talks with anyone that this is going to make it through? ‘Cause we really do need to do this. This is just not right…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Senator Luechtefeld. Senator, Majority Leader Barbara -- Barbara Flynn Currie had filed her own version of this. We have conferred and agreed that this was on a quicker track, and this is the one that’s going to go to the House for its timely approval and then be signed into law so that the money can be disbursed to all these hospitals which are desperately waiting for it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1863 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1863, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 2, Senate Bill 1872. Senator Harmon. 1872. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1874. Senator Forby. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
Senate Bill 1874. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
Thank you. This is Senate Bill 1874 that gives a supplement appropriation for twenty-one million dollars to schools on special education. This is a bill that we passed a hold harmless bill, 4148, that everybody voted for it, and now we have to have an appropriation bill for the funding. And this bill provides reimbursement for two hundred and fifty-five schools and sixty counties. This bill passed through the House, same bill, a hundred and five to nothing. And this is the bill, last year, that I put an amendment on this bill and amendment didn’t -- made this bill go down. Today, there will not be an amendment on this bill. And this bill stands alone and I urge for an Aye -- Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1874 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1874, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1920. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1920. Senator Garrett. Out of -- Senate Bill 1920. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Madam Secretary - 1920 - please -- Senate Bill 1920, out of the record. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1927. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1927. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1927’s a -- this is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Ag and the Illinois Seed Trade Association. It defines “cool weather grasses”. Also expands the time in which the seed can be sold, as far as the shelf life. And -- the legislation is necessary to match federal law. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1927 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. And 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1927, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1990. Senator Sieben. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1990. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sieben, my friend, my esteemed colleague on his last day, I understand, in the Senate. Senator Sieben.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This legislation would establish an exemption for the Galena Territory’s Home Owners’ Association…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Excuse me, Senator Sieben. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this might be the last opportunity we have to hear this eloquent speaker present a bill. So I demand that we give him your full attention. Senator Sieben.
Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. I appreciate your courtesies here. And without doubt, this, I’m sure, will be the last time that I’ll present legislation on this Senate Floor. This legislation is introduced on behalf of the Galena Territory’s Home Owners’ Association. It would create an exemption for village incorporation that would allow them the opportunity to consider the question of incorporating the Territories in Galena as a village. Under current law, it stipulates that that area must be no larger than two square miles. If you’ve been to the Galena Territories, you know that it’s about twelve square miles. That creates the exemption. We had a great discussion in committee. We have received assurance and a written letter to the Municipal League from the Village of Galena stating they have no opposition to this. So there is no 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 objection to the legislation and I would appreciate your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Crotty.
Thank you, Mr. President. And I just wanted to let everyone know that, as Chairman of Local Government, this bill came out of committee unanimously because of all the hard work and dedication of this fine Senator, Todd Sieben. Wish you luck.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Senator Lightford.
…you, Mr. President. I rise to say I -- I don’t have opposition to the bill, but I do have opposition to Senator Sieben leaving us. You’ve been a fine legislator. I appreciate all the support that you’ve given me over the years. And as you say, you’ve watched me grow here. And I’m sure many of us have seen that growth, but not from first day. And so, it’s like so many legislators that were open arms to me are beginning to leave. It’s either showing that you’re starting all over, getting younger, or I’m getting older. I don’t know. But I just wish you nothing but blessings. And I’ve enjoyed your work and this is a great example of you, leaving, still working hard for your district. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there further discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for a 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 question or two?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will. Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Sieben, I’m -- I’m a little bit -- is this your first bill or your last bill? I just was kind of curious.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sieben.
Thankfully, this is my last bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, I was going to ask you if you could define what the Galena Territories really are and -- and, you know, what that consists of, but I think what I’ll ask you instead is, if this bill goes down in defeat today, will you stay in the General Assembly long enough to pass it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sieben.
Well, those are very challenging questions and that -- that decision’s been a challenging one since last August. But, no, this will be my last effort for sure. So I -- I hope the board doesn’t go too red too long as you extend the courtesy to me of a final bill, as many of you have had that experience of a first bill. So I -- I look forward to watching the board here shortly. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Are you sure? Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just wanted to say that I rise in support of this legislation, and I also rise in support of Senator Sieben. It’s been an honor to serve with you and to learn from you. You’re a person of great integrity. I came here as a freshman, a lot of us here came as a freshman, and you’ve taken the time to -- to talk to us and educate us and show us by example what it takes to be a great State Senator. I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss talking to you. And I wish you the best.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to commend the sponsor, but also to acknowledge -- as well as a lot of my colleagues that have already spoken, that it was indeed an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to serve with you, Senator Sieben. I remember, as well, when I came in as a freshman, you were my seatmate. You sat in the seat that Senator Holmes now occupies, and you were always ready to mentor, to guide, and give advice on legislation or just policies in general. So I just wanted to stand to recognize you and to laud you for your dignity and your dedication to public service. You exemplify what it really means to be a statesman. So I thank you for your fellowship and your friendship. And I wish you the best in your new endeavors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
Thank you very much, Mr. President. You know, Senator Sieben and I came in together. It’s been a long twenty years that we’ve been here. And we’ve been on both sides of the majority and the minority. And when I was in the minority and he in the majority, and -- and vice versa, this gentleman - and he is certainly that - has always looked at the issues in a nonpartisan way and for the good of the State. I remember when I first came over to the Senate and we were in the minority and I wasn’t getting too many votes, but I did get Senator Sieben’s vote and he reminded that -- he said, “Hey, we’re here for the good of all the people of the State of Illinois. Good legislation’s going to get my vote.” And that’s how I started and that’s certainly how it’s going to end - you’re going to get my vote on this good legislation, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) I was supposed to go to the final speaker, Senator Garrett, and then Leader Watson. Final two speakers.
I just want -- thank you. I just want to add to the remarks that my colleagues are making. What I remember most about -- or what I will remember most about Senator Sieben is that he cares very much about his local issues and his local community, and especially when we had the debate about wine and how it should be distributed, whether or not there should be any imposition to our local wineries. And I know that you were an outspoken critic of that bill, and you stood up and you were very articulate about why Galena’s winery should be protected. So it makes perfect sense that, here we are, your last bill, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 you’re still working toward your district on something that’s very important to your community. Good luck in your future endeavors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Final speaker, Leader Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. And I -- I truly appreciate Senator Kotowski and -- and Senator Collins’ comments about the communication and leadership that Todd has -- has given them as they’ve gone through this process. It’s just a darn shame you just didn’t listen to him. I mean… We’re going to have Todd back. We were going to do this next Tuesday, but unfortunately Session has been canceled. And as -- Todd will be leaving shortly after that. He’s agreed to come back. And April 2nd is the Sportsmen’s Caucus - might as well announce that; that’d be a good thing to do on your final day here. Sportsmen’s Caucus will take place and Todd will be here for that. And we’ll have -- an opportunity to -- to express our appreciation for his friendship and his hard work and the representation he’s brought to his district at that -- at that time, if that’d be appropriate, Mr. President. And, Senator Sieben, obviously you’ve done a lot for us on this side and we appreciate it and we’re going to miss you, but -- but we’ll have the opportunity to see you again. All right. Very good. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) No finer gentleman has the Senate ever seen. Senator Sieben, to close.
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Thank you very -- thank you very much for those kind words and for your offer to support this legislation. It -- it is important, again, to people in my district. That’s why I picked it up this year to -- to move this forward. And to all of those who -- one of the things -- I -- I guess I’ve been here long enough -- and I know we’ll have an adjourn -- or, a retirement resolution in a few weeks -- but the comment about seatmates - I have been here long enough that I’ve sat in just about every row on this side of the aisle, so just about everybody here has either been a seatmate to my right, to my left, behind me or in front of me. And that’s what you really treasure in this experience, is the people that you’ve gotten to know. And as Lincoln said, you know, the best part of one’s life consists of his friendships. And I certainly value the friendships of everyone I’ve met here and I appreciate your willingness to support my final bill in the Illinois Senate. Thank you all very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1990 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. And 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1990, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Congratulations, Senator Sieben. Moving on. Bottom of page 2 is - we’ll be out in a few - Senate Bill 1992. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2045. Out of -- 2049. Out of the record. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Make your announcement.
Immediately upon adjournment, we’re still meeting in Room 212, Appropriations I. If the Members can come down there quickly, we can have our hearing and all go home. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Approp I will be meeting in 212 immediately following adjournment. 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 adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 110. Offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads HJR No. 110) Adopted by the House, February 28th, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Resolutions. Senator Sullivan moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 110. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Sullivan now moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 110. All those in favor will say Aye. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 132nd Legislative Day 2/28/2008 Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. And the House Joint Resolution 110 is adopted. Pursuant to House Joint Resolution 110, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of Wednesday - not Tuesday - 12 noon on March 5th, 2008. The Senate stands adjourned. 20