PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will the guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Greg Busboom of St. John Lutheran Church, here in Springfield. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Greg Busboom)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney, to lead, sir.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal, please.
Senate Journal of May 13th, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 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 DeLEO) Thank you very much. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. …Secretary, Resolutions, please.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 Senate Resolution 703, offered by Senator Righter and all Members. Senate Resolution 704 and 705, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. And Senate Resolution 706, offered by Senator Meeks and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Resolutions Consent Calendar, Madam Secretary.
And Senate Resolution 707, offered by Senator Jacobs. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Clayborne -- Clayborne, Chair -- Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports House Bills 1842, 4838, 5086 and 5930 Do Pass; and House Bill 3733 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports House Bills 1351, 1533, 4199 and 5318 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5729 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Sullivan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports House Bill 1768 Do Pass; and House Bills 4549 and 5776 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Communications, please.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 Yes. I have a -- a letter dated May 7th, 2008. To the Honorable Members of the State Senate…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, that last communication out of the record, please. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading, please.
House Bill 5151, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5621, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 5901, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Risinger, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a Page with me today, Breck Gambill. She’s a student at Peoria Christian School. And her father, Blair Gambill, is in the back of the Assembly. I wish you’d give ‘em a warm welcome here in Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Would our guest please rise in the gallery and be recognized? Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? We will be going to House Bills 2nd Reading. We’re going to page 15 of your printed Calendar. Page 15 of your printed Calendar. House Bills 2nd Reading. If you have amendments, Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d ask you, please be prepared to present your 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 amendment and move your bills from 2nd to 3rd Reading. We’re going to House Bills 2nd Reading. And those that have amendments, please be prepared to present them when your bill is called. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition, ma’am?
Point of personal privilege on two counts, sir -- Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Let’s start with count number one, ma’am.
Thank you. I have several guests visiting Springfield today. I’d first like to recognize Alden-Hebron High School students and two of their teachers, who are in the Republican gallery back here. Can we welcome them?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests from -- please stand and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Now, isn’t that the -- the village that has the -- the water tank like a basketball? Am -- is that -- is that…
Very good. Thank you. And…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator -- Senator Althoff.
And also, I’d like to recognize Sharon Dieball and her mother, Shirley McCoy, who are excellent residents of the City of Crystal Lake, also located within my district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 Would they please rise and be recognized? Welcome to Springfield. Isn’t that where that beautiful lake is? Crystal Lake, Illinois, isn’t it? Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s go to House Bills 2nd Reading. On the top of page 15 is House Bill 230. Senator Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 271. Senator Burzynski. Senator Burzynski. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
House Bill 271. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 314, sir. Senator Kirk Dillard. Out of the record. Senator Halvorson, on House Bill 773, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Hendon, on 1361. Senator Rickey Hendon. Out of the record. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 1998, sir. Senator Dillard. Out of the record. Senator Clayborne. Senator James Clayborne, on House Bill 2133. Out of the record, Madam Secretary. Senator Burzynski, on 2825, sir. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate {sic} Bill 2825. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Leave of the Body, we will skip 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 2859. We’ll come back to it. Senator -- Senator Millner, on -- House Bill 2862, sir. Senator Millner. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 2913, ma’am. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
House Bill 2913. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 3416, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Lightford, on House Bill 3446, ma’am. Senator Lightford, on 3446. Out of the record. Senator John Jones, on House Bill 4132, sir. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on House Bills 2nd Reading, we’ll go to the top of page 16. On the top of page 16 is Senator James Clayborne. House Bill 4174, sir. Out of the record, Madam Secretary. Senator Garrett. Senator Susan Garrett, on House Bill 4175, ma’am. What is your desire? Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on House Bill 4196, sir. Senator John Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman's bill.
House Bill 4196. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law adopted Committee Amendment No. 1 {sic} (2).
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Has there been any Floor 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Rutherford, on 4201, sir. Senator Rutherford, on House Bill 4201, sir. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on 4207, ma’am. Senator Iris Martinez, on 4207. Out of the record. Senator Brady. Senator Brady, on 4251, sir. Senator Brady. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4251. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on 4255, sir. Senator Terry Link. 4255. Out of the record, Madam Secretary. Senator James Clayborne, on 4283, sir. Senator Clayborne, on 4283. Out of the record. House Bill 4353. 4353. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Link, on 4378, sir. Out of the record. Senator Dillard. Senator Kirk Dillard, on House Bill 4402, sir. Senator Kirk Dillard. Out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 4455 -- excuse me. Correction. 4450, sir. Senator Hultgren, on 4450. Out of the record. Senator Link, on 4536, sir. Senator Link, on 4536, sir. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on 4556. 4556. House Bill 4556. Out of the record. Senator Dillard. Senator Kirk Dillard, on House Bill 4736, sir. Senator Kirk Dillard. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 turn your printed Calendar to House Bills 2nd Reading on the top of page 17. On the top of page 17, House Bill 4754. Senator Susan Garrett. Senator Garrett, on House Bill 4754, ma’am. What is your desire? …Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
House Bill 4754. (Secretary reads title of bill) The Committee on Transportation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
2nd Reading of the bill. And no further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 4869, sir. Senator Kirk Dillard, on 4869, sir. Out of the record. Senator Martinez. Senator Iris Martinez, on 4879, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Wilhelmi. Senator Wilhelmi. Senator Wilhelmi, on 5082, sir. House Bill 5082. …record. Senator Murphy, on 5101, sir. Senator Murphy. Out of the -- out of the record. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 5195, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Terry Link, on 5494. 5494, sir. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senator Syverson, on 5585, sir. Senator Syverson, on 5585, sir. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 5586, ma’am. Senator Althoff. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
House Bill 5586. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 5596, ma’am. On 5596. Please read the lady’s bill.
House Bill 5596. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. 5603. Senator Dillard. Out of the record. Senator Bivins, on 5653, sir. Out of the record? Out of the record. Senator Crotty. Senator Crotty, on 5729. Okay. Out of the record. Senator Jacobs, on 5760. Senator Jacobs, on 5760. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
House Bill 5760. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 5768, sir. Out of the record. House Bill 5909. Senator Righter. Madam Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
House Bill -- House Bill 5909. (Secretary reads title of bill) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Hendon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Mr. President, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
Today we have a very special birthday of one of our Members of the Senate. He turns the ripe old age of forty. 4-0. And that’s A.J. Wilhelmi. So, everybody, please help welcome -- or say happy birthday to Senator Wilhelmi.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Happy birthday, young man. Senator Koehler, did you say forty or four? It was forty. Okay. Senator Koehler.
I said 4-0, and he was lamenting the fact of how his years were slipping away. But there are cupcakes in his office over there. We’re not going to bring ‘em in here ‘cause I know there’s a cake ban in the Senate. But, please stop by for cupcakes. Room 311.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) At -- at his age, cupcakes are appropriate. With leave of the Body, we’re going to return to page 15 of your Senate Calendar. On 2nd Reading is House Bill 2859. Madam Secretary, 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 read the bill.
House Bill 2859. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Actually two points, Mr. President. The first is in direct reference to Senator Wilhelmi’s birthday. I know that when I turned forty years old, I started keeping track of the number of Major League Baseball players who were still active who were older than me. I mention this because the last of those players, Julio Franco, has just retired from the Mexican League. He was listed as forty-nine. Everyone believed he was in his early fifties. So you should enjoy this time in your life while 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 you can, but keep track and mark time by those players who are still active. Because, trust me, with each season, there’ll be fewer and fewer of them. Now, more to the…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) And -- and your real reason you stood up.
And the real reason I stood up, Mr. President, is that it’s my privilege to be joined today by my Page for the Day, Nate Bennett. Nate lives in Wilmette. He’s an eighth grader at the Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, in Senator Garrett’s area. His interests include baseball - which is the bridge I built from one thing to the next - his interests include baseball, politics, writing for his school newspaper. His favorite television show is The West Wing. So, I could be grooming my successor and not even know it yet today. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please welcome Nate and his parents, Liz and Barry Bennett, who are in the gallery, and give them a warm Senate welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would Nate and his parents please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome. Welcome to Springfield. Senator Jacobs, are you recognition, sir?
Point -- point of personal preference.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
I would just say, since we’re talking about Senator Wilhelmi’s birthday, that I’d like to mention that I think he 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 should be nominated as the State fossil.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to introduce to the Senate today our Page. Bridgette Couillard is a freshman at Addison Trail High School. She is with her grandmother, Louise Salas; Eileen -- her mom, Eileen Colella; Michelle Marino, who’s an aunt; Gianna Marino, who’s a cousin; and Nikko Marino, who’s also a cousin. And they’re sitting -- they were sitting right up here. If they would stand…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sound like they’re cousins of mine. Would our guests please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Thank you for joining us today. Senator Luechtefeld, you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Members of the Senate, I -- I have a -- a group of -- I have a group of young men today from - - Southern Illinois University who are very -- have a very special accomplishment. They are the national champions of the National Parliamentary Tournament in -- in debate. That’s quite an accomplishment. Of all the universities in this country, they are the national champions. They’re -- they’re here today with their -- their coach, Dr. Todd Graham. And I would like to introduce them and hopefully you will give them a very, very warm welcome for their accomplishments. It’s -- as I said, this is -- this is no easy task. First of all, Kevin Calderwood, Kyle Dennis, and -- and Nick Deml are here this -- this -- this 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 afternoon. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Luechtefeld, could we ask the coach -- could we ask the coach and the members of that team to join us in budget negotiations? We could use some great talent like that and -- to close this Session out. Senator Brady, are you seeking recognition, sir?
I am, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege. I’d like the Senate to welcome my Page for the Day, Beau Adams, from Normal, Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please rise and be recognized. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Make sure you get tipped there. Senator Kotowski, you seeking recognition, sir?
Yes. A -- a point of personal privilege and clarification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
It was my understanding, when making a joke -- it’s my understanding, when making a joke, that it had to be funny.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) That is a rule here. That -- that is -- that is…
That’s the rule? So, the -- the consequence -- what is the consequence…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator, that is the Senator Cronin rule. That is correct. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008
That’s the Senator Cronin rule? I just want a point of clarification, ‘cause I heard something before, which I know was an attempt at a joke, about my dear colleague Senator Wilhelmi, who still possesses a great amount of hair and doesn’t seem to be close to being -- resembling any kind of a fossil. Just want to make sure, if we tell a joke and if it’s not funny, what are the consequences here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) We can invoke the Senator Cronin rule and we can have his microphone turned off indefinitely.
Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Rutherford, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege. Thank you…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Could you give the gentleman your attention, please? Senator Rutherford.
Ladies and -- thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you’d welcome today my Page for the Day. His name is Troy Watson. Troy is fourteen years old and he’s in eighth grade. He is at Pontiac Christian School, and if all goes well, this Thursday he’s going to graduate and move on to high school. And he’s joined here today by his mother, Lisa Watson. So, Mr. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 President of the Senate, if you’d welcome Troy, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Troy, welcome to Illinois State Senate. Would your mother please rise and be recognized in the gallery? Thank you. Welcome. Senator Hendon, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
A point of personal privilege. And could I get some -- some decorum in the Senate? This is extremely important, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Ladies and Gentlemen, could we give your attention to the speaker, please?
As all of you know, the annual House/Senate softball game is tonight. Now, we have lost to the lower Chamber the last few years. No fault of our own - the umpires were clearly paid off by the Speaker of the House. Every call went against us. But this year -- this year, my brothers and sisters in the Senate, we’re going to have on red - Cardinal red, but red - and we’re going to show those minions in the lower Chamber that we are the House of Lords, they are the House of Commons. We will be victorious tonight. On that side of the aisle, I need you to encourage my friend Senator Brady, who has almost been above the game - probably ‘cause he was running for Governor at the time; but he’s a heck of a ballplayer - to be on time. On this side, we need Senator Sullivan. And we will crush the House. Now, we have these shirts. We will be ready. I’m going to give ‘em out today. Ballplayers first. We have plenty for the fans. So if 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 you’re too old to play, if you’re too tired to play, you can still suit up and at least come out there and cheer. But we in the Senate will prove once and for all that we deserve the title of House of Lords. King of kings. Rulers of the world.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank -- thank you -- thank you -- thank you, Senator Hendon. For those of you that didn’t hear him, tonight’s annual softball game between the House and the Senate is at Lincoln Park at 5:30 - for those that did not hear the announcement. And truly, truly, all the money that’s raised, in the last twenty-some years, goes to a local Springfield charity. And we ask everybody, please, to participate in this very wonderful event because the money raised tonight does go to a Springfield charity. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Hendon, for that quiet announcement. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, for purposes of an announcement. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Ask all members of the Rules Committee, please adjourn to the Anteroom for a Rules Committee meeting immediately. The Senate will stand at ease for just a moment while the Rules Committee meets and we’ll be returning back to Senate business very, very shortly. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Education Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1141, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4180 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5077; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to -- House Bill 4726, Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3106 and Floor Amendment No. 8 to House Bill 824; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5614; and refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5368. Senator Rickey Hendon, Chairman. May 14th, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
Just for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Silverstein.
The Senate Executive Committee will meet at 1 o’clock, but we will not hear the amendment that was just released from the Rules on House Bill 824 until about 1:55/2 o’clock.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) And that is in Room 212, sir? Chris Brooks of WICS-TV requests permission to videotape the proceedings. Leave is granted. Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir. Can we have some decorum, please? That trophy looked very rusty. Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
I have two young ladies that I’d like to introduce to you, and it -- it’s sort of unique. They -- it goes -- it’s -- it reminds you of the olden days a little bit. They go to a little grade school in southern Illinois called Christ Lutheran School. There are thirty-seven students in the school and the entire eighth grade is here today as Pages, and there are two of them, Virginia Smith and Rachel Rockey. Would you introduce them, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to Springfield. Welcome, the graduating class. Senator Luechtefeld, in Senator Hendon’s district, there was thirty-seven children at the bus stop waiting to go to school. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, all further committees that are printed and scheduled for today in the Calendar will -- we will stay to the schedule. All printed scheduled committees will start on time. They’re in your printed Calendar. And Chairman Silverstein announced that the Executive Committee will start at 1 o’clock in Room 212 and the amendment that was just recently released from Rules Committee will be heard at the hour of 1:55. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 156th Legislative Day 5/14/2008 Senate will stand adjourned until the hour of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15th, the year 2008. The Senate stands adjourned. 20