PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their seats? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Rick Fleenor, New Salem Assembly, Petersburg, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Rick Fleenor)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of May 21st, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 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 CLAYBORNE) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journal just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Crotty, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Human 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Services, reports House Bills 4573 and 5192 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Sullivan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports House Bill 4605 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 970 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports House Bills 4622 and 5773 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Joint Resolution 93 Be Adopted; and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1842 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Silverstein, Chair -- Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports House Bills {sic} 5141 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5494 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports House Bill 4548 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment No. 2 to - - Senate Bill 804 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Resolution 574 Be Adopted; and Senate Resolution 589 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports House Bill 4374 Do Pass; House Bills 2210 and 5338 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5077 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports House Joint Resolution 36 Be Adopted. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports House Bills 4379 and 5595 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 872 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4602 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 and Economic Development, reports House Bills 4470 and 4553 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4216 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations III, reports Senate Bills 1130, 1131, 1133, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1141 and 1142 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 1129 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Schoenberg, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations II, reports Senate Bills 1116, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127 and 1128 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 1115 Do Pass, as Amended. And Senator Trotter, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations I, reports Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1102 recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam -- 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 2474. We’ve received a like Message on Senate Bill 2879 with House Amendment No. 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 21st, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. And a second Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4699. Passed the House, May 21st, 2008. We’ve received like Messages on House Bills 5126, 6347, 6348, 6349, 6361, 6377, 6378, 6380, 6415, 6421, 6429, 6433, 6455, 6485, 6516, 6519, 6520, 6521, 6523, 6524, 6526, 6542, 6543, 6544, 6545, 6546, 6547, 6561, 6565 and 6566. All passed the House, May 21st, 2008. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam -- Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1362, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- I’m sorry, 4425, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4699, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4126 {sic} (5126), offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6524, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 6526 {sic} (6546), offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills. I have a correction to a House Bill: House Bill 6526 is not in the record; it’s House Bill 6546, offered by Senator 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, if I may, I’d like to make a special announcement. One of our very young colleagues is celebrating his birthday today. A man who has really distinguished himself and it’s no other than our great Ed Maloney, the great baseball player. How about a happy birthday for Ed Maloney?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Happy -- happy birthday, Ed Maloney. Happy birthday. Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Purpose of announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Thank you for the acknowledgement of my birthday. We have treats down in my office if anybody’s interested in coming down for some -- some goodies. And this -- I’m -- I’m looking forward to my reelection, because three years from now, I want to be the first senior citizen outfielder in the Senate history.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Please state your point.
It is my very distinct honor to welcome to Springfield Tommy Farnsworth from Schaumburg. Tommy’s here with his mother and father today, Gregg and Sue Farnsworth, as well as Andy Farnsworth. Please stand up in the gallery and give them a round of applause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and be recognized. Thank you for coming to Springfield.
A couple -- a couple things about Tommy. Tommy’s ten. He loves to play video games and his favorite baseball team - I’m sorry to say this to Ed - is the Chicago Cubs. So, please give him a great Springfield welcome, because he’s a terrific young man and he supports the right baseball team.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you for coming, Tommy. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Mr. President and Members of the Senate, I would like to introduce -- I’d like to introduce four friends from back home. Edward and Catherine Shilka, from Batavia, Illinois, are with me today as Pages for the Day. Edward here is in eighth grade. He swims, runs and plays baseball. He enjoys reading history and 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 someday wants to be a movie director. Catherine, his sister, is a junior in high school. She swims. She -- she swims a twenty- nine second five -- or, five-hundred-meter freestyle, likes to read and write, and acts in musicals, and has qualified for the national debating tournament. They are with their parents, Roxanne and Wayne Shilka, from Batavia, Illinois. They are Ed and Catherine’s first and best teachers. So I’d like them to -- I’d like you to extend a welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Please stand and be recognized. Thanks for coming to Springfield. Senator Cronin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Mr. President, I have some very, very special people I want to introduce to you and all the Members of the Senate here today. I’m joined by an old pal of mine from law school, Nick Christy, and his son, Themio. And they’re great guys, great friends. They’re from the old 10th Ward. And those of you who are from that area or familiar with that old southeast area, you may have, somewhere along the line, gotten a hamburger at Harmony Hamburgers. How many people have had a hamburger there? Well that’s Nick Christy’s family business. Nick is here with his son, Themio. They’re great Americans. I ask the Senate to give ‘em a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Thank you for coming to Springfield. Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Bond has a special guest that will address us very shortly.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. We have a very special guest here today. We have Mr. Bill Cartwright, a three-time World Champion of the Chicago Bulls. Mr. Cartwright retired from the American NBA basketball player {sic}. He’s a seven foot one player who played sixteen seasons for the New York Nets -- Knicks, the Chicago Bulls, the Seattle SuperSonics. Helped the Bulls capture consecutive championships in 1991, ’92 and ’93. Attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. Played college basketball at the University of San Francisco. Is currently coaching the New Jersey Nets. And today Bill is here as a trustee on behalf of Allendale Association in Lake County. Allendale is a hundred- and-ten-year-old, non-for-profit social service agency dedicated to troubled youth. Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s my honor and privilege to introduce to you, Mr. Bill Cartwright.
(Remarks by Mr. Bill Cartwright)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
It’s ironic that we have Bill Cartwright from the famous 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Chicago Bulls with us today. We know they were champions, but we also have behind the Republican Senators another championship team. It’s the Pleasant Plains Middle School Redbirds, the IESA Seventh Grade 3A State Basketball Championships {sic}. Bill, you might want to pay attention; they might play on a team you have. Twenty-four and one season - almost as good as the Chicago Bulls - coached by - and incidentally he coached my son a number of years ago - Head Coach John Barrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you and welcome -- welcome to the Senate. Thanks for being here today. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Appropriations II Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1116; refer to Appropriations III Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1130. Senator Rickey Hendon, Chairman. May 22nd, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, for purposes of an announcement. The 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Appropriations II Committee will meet at 11:45 a.m. in Room 212. Appropriations II, at 11:45, in 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For the purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
The Appropriations III Committee will be meeting at -- at 12:15 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator Lightford, what -- for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Education Committee will convene immediately, in Room 212, upon recess. Senate Education Committee, in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Please state your -- your -- your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like the Senate to welcome Miriam Schiller, the President {sic} (Principal) of Akiba- Schechter, the school in Senator Raoul’s district and the school that my children go to in Chicago. I wish the Senate would give ‘em a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to the Senate. Thanks for being here. Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It is my pleasure to announce today -- or to introduce you today to a young man from Chicago-Kent College of Law, which is my alma mater and Kwame Raoul’s alma mater and Randy Hultgren’s alma mater. He’s going into his second year next year, and this summer, he’ll be an intern in my district office. Please give a warm welcome to Mr. Mike Elliott from the City of Chicago.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to the Senate, Mike. Thanks for being here. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committees, we will come back around 1 o’clock. The Senate will reconvene for -- for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 The Senate will come to order. Those -- all those Senators within the sound of my voice, please come to the Floor, because we are going to take action. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair -- Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendments -- Senate Amendments 1 through 6 to Senate Bill 2288 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Schoenberg, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations II, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1116 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations III, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1130 recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Communications.
I have a letter dated May 26 {sic} (22), 2008. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 2-10, I hereby establish May 31st, 2008, as the 3rd Reading deadline for the following Senate Bills: 788, 862, 871, 872, 874, 880, 881, 944 and 2090. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. I have three dear friends from back home with me today. They are in Springfield for the Veterans’ Legislative Day. They are former Senator Bob Mitchler, from Oswego, Illinois; Al Stramel, from Aurora, Illinois; and Bob Moga, my favorite Romanian, from Big Rock, Illinois. If you could welcome them to the Senate, I’d appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to the Senate. Thanks for being here. Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Mr. President, Members, seated in the gallery on the left side there is a contingent of American Legion from Dixon, Illinois, led by my father-in-law, Al Tieken. Please welcome them to the Illinois State Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and be recognized. Welcome to the Senate. We will now proceed to page 2, Senate Bills 2nd Reading, on those Senate bills who -- that have not expired, starting with Senate Bill 751. Senator Cullerton, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 751. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1102. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1102. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Are -- are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Trotter, explain your amendment. Senator -- Senator Trotter, explain your amendment.
Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. President. I thought we were going to take this to 3rd. Essentially the amendment incorporates various agencies into Senate Bill 1102. Those agencies are inclusive of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Department of Financial and Professional Regulations {sic}, 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Historic Preservation Agency, Illinois Law Enforcement Training, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Public Health, Sports Facilities Authority, State Fire Marshal, Violence Prevention Authority, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These -- this represents a portion of our final budget bill, which we hope to complete by tomorrow.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Trotter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1102. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment has been adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1103. Madam… Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1103. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1104. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1104. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1108. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1108. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1111. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1111. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1112. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1112. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1113. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Senate Bill 1113. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …state -- please state your point.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I’d like to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in welcoming some students from my district. There are some students of State government, here on the Republican side of the aisle, from Urbana, Illinois. They have a very good teacher with them today. Former Representative Helen Satterthwaite, who served eighteen years in the House of Representatives, is here to give them some instruction on State government. And I think they’re enjoying their lesson so far. So if you could join me in welcoming…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please -- please stand and be recognized, and welcome to Springfield. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
I have visiting me, in the -- in the balcony, one of the elementary schools in my district that I represent, in the Englewood -- the greater Englewood community. They are from Henderson Elementary School and they are accompanied by Mr. Richardson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Would you please stand and be recognized? Welcome to Springfield. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 should have been distributed to all the Members and we’re going to proceed to that order of action at this point in time. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1115. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1115. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Appropriations II adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. For the point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Please state your point.
I have with me today the combined Veterans of Foreign Wars of Berwyn. They are in Senator Sandoval’s district, but Senator Sandoval is not here today and I am a member of their great organization. They are standing right here in the President’s gallery. With them, Frank Amaro, is their Director of Legislative Affairs. If we can welcome them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and be recognized. Welcome to Springfield. Senate Bill 1116. Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1116. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments approved.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Trotter, please explain your amendment.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Can I have your attention, please? Senate Bill 1116, as amended, is a portion of the budget which includes the Constitutional Officers. It has the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Office of the 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 State Comptroller, Treasurer, Auditor General, Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, the General Assembly’s budget, Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, Legislative Information System, Legislative Audit Commission, Legislative Printing Unit, Legislative Research Unit, Legislative Reference Bureau, Legislative Ethics Commission, Architect of the Capitol, Joint Commission on -- Committee on Administrative Rules, State Appellate Defender, and the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you, Senator Trotter. Could -- could everyone please take their conversations off the Floor so we can hear? Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Trotter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1116. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Has there -- have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1117. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1117. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd -- 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1118. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1118. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1121. Madam Secretary -- I’m sorry, 1119. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1119. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1121. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1121. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1122. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Senate Bill 1122. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1123. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1123. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1124. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1124. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1125. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1125. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1126. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1126. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1127. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate -- Senate Bill 1127. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 1128. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1128. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 1129. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1129. (Secretary reads title of bill) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Appropriations III adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there -- have there been any Floor amendments for -- approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senate -- Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1130. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1130. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) There -- have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Trotter, to explain the -- the Floor amendment. Senator Trotter, to explain the amendment.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 1130, as amended, will include the various budgets from Higher Education. It has the Board of Higher Education, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Math and Science Academy, Illinois State University, Illinois Student 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Assistance Commission, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, State University Civil Service System, Employment Security, Military Affairs, Central Management Services and the Art Council. These reflect parts of the budget that we’re crafting so we can get out of here by the 31st of this month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Trotter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1130. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1131. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1131. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1133. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1133. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1135. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1135. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1136. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1136. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1137. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1137. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1138. Madam 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1138. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1139. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1139. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd -- 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1141. …Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1141. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 1142. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1142. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Will the staff please retire to the back of the Chamber? Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution No. 728, offered by Senators Watson, Emil Jones, Jr., and all Senators.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Mr.… Would everyone please take their seats? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
(Secretary reads SR No. 728)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Watson moves to suspend the rules for purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 728. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Discussion? Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’ve known Todd before he became a State Rep. My seatmate in the House was Tom McMaster, and one day, over twenty years ago, this young good-looking guy came in with Tom and he said, “I want you to meet Todd Sieben. He’s going to run for my seat. I’m retiring from the Legislature.” And from there, we had a great friendship and partnership. In 1992, we came to the Senate together. We were office mates together, and not too long ago, I was his landlord for a couple years here in Springfield. So, we could say it was a pretty close relationship. I learned more about agriculture than I ever wanted to know. He has certainly been a great spokesman 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 for the Ag industry. I met many people throughout the area and also with the Sportsmen’s Caucus, which he championed through the years, which we all have enjoyed participating in. It was kind of ironic; I had decided not to run for reelection and never heard anything from Todd. I said, “Well, I’m not going to run. Going to make an announcement.” And all of a sudden, about a month or two later, Todd said, “I don’t think I’m going to run for reelection either.” And then not too long after that, he said, “I think I’m going to resign.” I said, “I’m the one who was supposed to be phasing out gradually and you’re going one, two, three, and out the door.” I miss Todd. We had a great relationship, talked about many things here in Springfield. I know his family well and I know he has a lot of time to spend now with his grandchildren that live in the area and he also has grandchildren down in Florida. Convenient, right? Free room and board. But anyway, Todd, wherever you are, we’re going to miss you and you’re already missed, but we certainly will call on your expertise in the -- in the Ag area to -- to help us out through our terms here in the Legislature. Godspeed and we wish you well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Radogno.
Thank you. It’s kind of funny that Todd is sitting right next to me right now on my right side, because that’s exactly where we started out. If you remember, when -- when Todd left, he talked about how you get to move around and you have different seatmates and how you get to know people. And Todd was not only was my seatmate, but he was that all-important 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 first seatmate. So when you get here and you’re green and you really don’t know anything, it’s important who you’re sitting next to. And I remember the first thing Todd said to me when I sat down and that is, “Do you know anything about agriculture?” I’m thinking, oh, my gosh, I’m like a suburbanite. This is the first job I’ve had in sixteen years. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. “No, I know nothing about agriculture.” And he said, “Oh, don’t worry; if you eat, you’re part agriculture. So, don’t worry, we’ll get through this.” And at that time, the issue that was facing all of us was the siting of mega hog farms, which I think is probably one of the more controversial issues that’s -- in agriculture that’s come up in many, many years. But Todd got me through that, but just not through that. I mean, he’s a wonderful, warm, caring person, endlessly patient. It took me a while to catch on to things, so when I asked him for the fifteenth time, “What is it we’re doing now? Second Reading? I don’t get it.” You know, he would always walk me through it, explain it. So by the time I finally got a new seatmate, he had adequately trained me and it was a totally painless process. But it was true, I got a chance to really get to know him and what a warm and caring individual he is and what a good heart he has and he always, always, always had the best interests of his -- of this State and his district at heart. And if we could all be more like Todd Sieben, this would be a much better place. So, Todd, we will really, really miss you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When I heard that Todd Sieben 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 would be back today - and we didn’t get a chance to speak with him - I immediate ran out and -- and got some Journals, because I know that there might be a chance to take a picture and -- and Todd always needed to stand on some Journals so that he could see -- you could see him over the back -- the back of his chair. But, to me, Todd never needed Journals to stand on, ‘cause he stands tall. He’s one of those guys that are -- it -- it was truly a joy to serve with. I guess maybe they assigned him to all of the shaky Senators when we first came. Because in 2003, he was my seatmate and assigned to me to make sure that I didn’t do something stupid, and that was quite a chore. But Todd is one of those guys that whenever he had a bill, it was certainly researched out. It was important to his constituents or the State of Illinois. It was something that he enjoyed doing and you could tell whenever he got up to speak that he meant what he was saying. He -- he never moved forward on things that he didn’t really feel was in the best interest of -- of the constituents and the citizens. So, we do miss Todd being here in the Senate. There’s a time for everything. We wish him well. I see that he has a smile on his face, so I’m sure that he’s already having a good time with those grandkids. But, Todd, we do miss you, but good, good, good traveling, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, what words come to mind when you hear the words, Todd Sieben? You know, you think of agriculture. You think of conservation and natural resources. You think of a classy guy, a decent man, honest, a man of his 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 word, just an all-around good guy. And I tell you what, I don’t know how better of a tribute anybody could give to an individual if those words came to mind and those are the words that come to mind, Todd, when I think of you. The -- I just want to say, simply, that I know you’re going to enjoy your grandchildren. I know you’re going to spend time hunting and fishing a lot more than -- than you have had chance to in the past and I’m jealous of that. But I know you’ll have a lot of good stories. I want to thank you for your friendship. And even though we’re on different sides of the aisle, you and I know that agriculture and conservation are issues that we’ve been able to work on together and we’ve done a lot of great things and I appreciate your leadership on that over the past years. I’ve enjoyed your friendship, especially with regard to the Sportsmen’s Caucus, and my hat’s off to you and congratulations.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, I had the opportunity to serve with Todd in the House of Representatives as well. And I think the year we all came over here, in 1993, there were about thirteen of us, and I think there are just a handful left and we’re diminishing, we’re dwindling very, very quickly. And I can tell you when Senator Sieben said, “I’m not coming back, or I’m going to resign. I’m going to retire early.” It was almost like a load of bricks had been dropped on me, because I certainly think the world of Todd, always have, and have always appreciated everything that he does for all of us here in the State of Illinois, as well as for his district. We’ve heard a 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 lot of words and descriptions of Todd - gentleman, he is a farmer, classy. Now, Todd, I got to tell you, I don’t often equate classy with Geneseo farmer, but that works, you know, that -- and he is. Classy is a good way to say it. I’ve always thought of Todd as being the calm voice of reason as well. He seemed to be able to reach across the aisle, trying to talk to each other, trying to find compromise sometimes when we thought there might not be compromise that’s out there. Todd was a veteran; a successful businessman. He was a -- successful legislator; certainly, a great husband, according to Kay, father, and more importantly now, a great grandpa to all of those grandchildren that he has. Now, in addition to all of those things, one of the things you all might not know is that Todd is an accomplished writer and a published writer. I ran across an article about the time that Todd retired from the Southeastern Electric Co-op down in southern Illinois. And it’s Illinois Country Living and it’s talking about Todd Sieben, and the title of the article is “Just North of Geneseo”. And it is all about Todd’s background and how he relates that to being a successful legislator. So if you’ll bear -- bear with me just for minute. “Growing” - and this is a quote of Todd’s - “Growing up in a small rural community also instilled certain character qualities that are essential to good public service. We grew up understanding the value of family, friends and our faith. We knew that it was important to look out for your neighbor, and if someone had a serious problem, the neighbors were always there to help take care of it, spiritually as well as materially. We also learned the value of keeping commitments and the age-old truism that your word is your bond.” That sums 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 up Todd Sieben - a good man, a great legislator, certainly a man of spiritual character - and for that, Todd, I miss you already. We got a great man here as a replacement, but you will always be missed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, would like to rise in honor of Senator Todd Sieben. I want to thank his wife and his family. Everyone understands that public service is difficult. Not only has Senator Sieben given of himself, but his family as well. I also want all the young Members to take a real good look at -- at Todd Sieben, because in the days of partisanship, Todd Sieben was someone who understood you had to work on both sides of the aisle and that Illinois had a place that we needed to go to that didn’t -- that wasn’t about one side being here and on the other side being here; it was about us finding middle ground and making this a better State. I also, you know, will note that Senator Sieben is from Geneseo and that he is a Republican. But I will tell you, Senator Sieben also brought something else to the -- to the State of Illinois that I learned a great deal from, and that is that just because you don’t live in a district doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to what’s going on. We all have parochial interests. That’s our business and that’s our job to represent our voters. But I can tell you there’s been countless times when Senator Sieben has reached out and helped my community and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. And I also want to close by saying that the thing that I’m most impressed with, Senator, is that you 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 knew when to leave. Public service is -- is like a -- a bad drug sometimes. We keep going back to it, we keep going back to it, we keep going back to it. But Senator Sieben has shown himself a true leader by walking away from a very gratifying life and I want to thank you for that. It’s as important to know when to leave as when to -- when to show up. I thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- you know, I’ve -- we’ve all heard a number of these, recognizing a Member who’s going to leave, and most of the time a lot of good things are said. Many times I -- I don’t recognize the person that they’re talking about. But I think today, on both sides of the aisle, we all recognize who -- who -- who this guy is. We probably all pretty well agree that this man is what people are saying. Obviously, a -- a -- you know, I miss him a lot. He is -- he’s a good man. He’s a respected man. He’s one of those few people who can disagree with you, get up on the Floor and speak, and when he’s finished, you -- you still like him. You still think he’s a good person. You still think he’s honest. Obviously, a very good family man. The kind of person actually that -- you know, often -- I -- I run into people from time to time and people will come into my office and on many times -- you know people that you say, “You know, if -- if everyone lived like he did or she does, we really wouldn’t need a police force. We wouldn’t need to -- to police the -- the country, because they would be doing the right thing.” Todd always seems to do the right 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 thing. You know, a credit to this business and -- and certainly we don’t -- you know, obviously, a lot of people don’t have a real good attitude towards politicians. But I guarantee you that if everybody was like Todd Sieben, we’d have a much better reputation than what we do. So, miss you, Todd. I hope you have a great retirement. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would be remiss if I didn’t stand to acknowledge what the contribution I feel Todd Sieben has been to this General Assembly. Many of the sterling attributes have already been articulated by many other Members - character, commitment, courage, conscience, compassion. But I would like to also add intellect and integrity, which is a combination of the head and the heart. What I remember about serving as the Chair of the Senate Financial Institutions, it was a pleasure and an honor to have Todd Sieben, Senator Sieben, as one of my members, because he does bring to the table a willingness to work beyond and -- and over the philosophical barriers that prevents us from moving forward. And so I just want to also acknowledge that as a freshman I came in with Senator Risinger and when I came in, Senator Radogno, Todd was also my seatmate -- I’m just -- on the other side. I was just to his left and he was one of the very first Members of the Senate to come over to welcome me to this august Body. And, Todd, I just want to say, I want to thank you for your faith, your friendship, your fellowship, and your generosity of spirit. I will miss you and God bless you. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Bivins.
Thank you, Mr. President. Todd Sieben gave me some good advice. He said, “You know, it’s really rough in Springfield.” He said, “Don’t let ‘em beat down.” He said, “As a matter of fact, it’s so rough, when I started,” he said, “I was as -- tall as you are.” What a tribute. I did -- I have Todd Sieben’s office. I have his old room in -- at Senator Peterson’s condo, and aside from the bed being a little short, it’s -- it’s -- it’s a great place to be. One other thing I noticed, Senator, you forgot a couple things in the office, looking around through the desk and the drawers there. There’s a stale bag of pretzels and a bottle opener and, unfortunately, no bottle. So, thank you. What a tribute to a fine Senator, and I can tell you, being from the Forty-fifth District, I have never heard a bad word spoken about this man from either side. Just as I -- as today, that he is -- has great integrity. He’s referred to as a statesman. He is, as been mentioned, a -- was a lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. And it’s only fitting that he be honored today on Veterans’ Legislative Day and we’re proud to have him here. And I just am so thankful to have a -- a person such as he as a mentor, as a friend, and as a good friend not only to me, but everybody here. And he is recognized not only in the Forty-fifth District, but throughout the State. In my travels, people know Todd Sieben and know him as a statesman and a -- a man of great integrity. And, Senator, I wish you the very best in retirement. I know you’re enjoying yourself and -- and your grandkids and -- and Godspeed and God 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I can’t add to the many fine remarks about Senator Sieben with my short speech here today. I do want to call attention to his service on the Insurance Committee. The Insurance Committee is a place that I sometimes refer to as that contentious room where compassion meets reality. And it’s difficult some days. And Todd was there every meeting, every day, offering a calm, civil approach to complicated legislation, things which could have unintended consequences, and he maintained - as Senator Collins pointed out, Senator Sullivan, on their -- their committees - he maintained this unfailing courtesy to everyone. He had a clarity of speech that was rare for a political figure. He would have done well to practice law. He would have been a gift to that great learned profession as he’s been a gift to us. And I offer my sincere thanks for his service - his service to his country, his service to his family, to his district and to the Illinois Senate - and Godspeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Munoz.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, rise, Senator Syverson {sic}, and echo all the comments that my colleagues have made. Since I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you to have a bad day, and if you did, you cover it very well. So I just want to say, I 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 wish you the best, enjoy your retirement, spend time with your family. You truly deserve it. Thank you for serving our country, and most of all, thank you for being a good friend. God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Watson, to close.
Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I appreciate that. Senator Haine’s correct. The public opinion of lawyers would have certainly gone up if Todd Sieben would have gone into legal practice. And God knows they need it. I was telling Todd that you guys do fabulous work up there when you research and go through the -- make these -- draft these resolutions. Our staff does a great job. I mean, when we sit here and listen and -- and, you know, as Todd’s been sitting here with me, and we listened to the resolution and all the good things that -- and work that you’ve done through all the years of service to the people of your district, I mean, we really do a lot of good things here and -- and sometimes we forget that. We lose sight of that. And -- and -- and it’s good to be reminded of the things that -- that we have accomplished, individually and collectively, either in the House, in the Senate, or as a collective Body in the -- as good for this State. And that’s what Todd’s done. It’s not been a personal thing with him. There’s never been an agenda for him. It’s always been about what’s good for people of the State. Just the kind of guy he is. And he was over and spoke to the veterans today - we had a Veterans’ Day and we still have a few of ‘em here with us. And we’re proud to have you with us here, gentlemen, and thank you 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 for being here. And Todd spoke as a former naval veteran and served in Vietnam. And he participated in our Memorial Day presentations and -- which were -- which Adeline Geo-Karis actually started here and let every Member speak about their -- their activity and their involvement in the war, at whatever level it might have been, in whatever war. And -- and to -- to hear -- and to -- those types of stories and the self -- the -- the sacrifice that -- that individuals give, not only in the service, but, as Senator Jacobs mentioned, when you come down here, this is public service. The military’s another type of service, obviously, but this is -- this is sacrifice. And when you get people like this to do it and stand up, these are -- we’re very fortunate. This State’s fortunate to have someone like Todd Sieben. And it’s sad to see people like him leave and I -- because it’s really -- and you said, Scott, and you emphasized when you said “class”. You did. I don’t know if you realize that or not, but you did. And that’s what we’re -- we got here, is a real classy guy. And I’ll tell you, when I -- when I had the opportunity to take this Chair, one of the first people that I went to - if you recall this - I went to Todd and I said, “I need your help.” And I didn’t know what I was doing. Things happened quickly at that point in time and Todd said, “Whatever you need, I’ll do it.” Now you don’t -- I don’t forget that. You don’t forget those kinds of commitments. And that’s the way he was in my leadership team. And somebody said, calm and civil approach. That was a good comment, too, because he did try to bring me down when I needed to be brought down on -- and -- and you all know that, that there’s times when Frank gets a little excited, and here’s a steadying influence - calm 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 and civil approach. And he’d take me aside, say, “Look, you know, maybe we ought to take a different direction.” And he always had a way to plan things, how to start out on the path and get to the ultimate goal in the end. And it was a very simple plan and every -- just all you had to do was implement it and it was amazing how things could get done. So I -- I owe him a great deal. And I -- I’ll never forget. And we don’t want to say goodbye to people like this and we’re not. We’re going to have the opportunity to be with him in a few days when we -- some of us are going go out on a golfing trip. Todd is going to go with us. We want to keep those kinds of friendships kindling and keep people -- good people that prevail here in Springfield, keep ‘em involved, because this one’s going to be missed and this one brought an awful lot to this process. So, thank you for giving him the opportunity today, since it was -- this is veterans’ weekend and we did have the Veterans’ Day over at the -- the Secretary of State’s Office building and appreciate Todd’s participation in that also. So, you’re going to be missed. Enjoy your grandkids. Gosh, I’ve got one now that’s three months and four days and they’re a wonderful, wonderful commodity. They are truly amazing and he’s got seven of ‘em. And we -- I know you’re going to enjoy ‘em and I know that was a big reason why you decided to do what you did, ‘cause you wanted to spend more time. I tell you one story, when Todd came to me and he said, “I think I’m going to leave.” I go, “Aw, man, we don’t -- no, don’t do this.” He said -- as we all get a little tired here over the -- especially last year and we --hopefully this isn’t going to go through -- be the same thing this year - Todd said, “When I got a” -- “I told my grandson I was going to 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 take him fishing and I got a phone call that we were going into Session…” - isn’t this -- isn’t this accurate? - he said, “That’s when I decided, this isn’t worth it. This isn’t worth it.” So that’s a message to all of us. That’s a message to the President. That’s a message to the Speaker. That’s a message to the Governor. The strain that goes on in families throughout this State, our families, and decisions we make based on what we do here. Calm, civil approach. Sit down and work it out. How difficult could it be? This man would have done that. He would have been right in the middle of it. Todd, we’re going to miss you. We wish you well. Look forward to seeing you as many times as we can, renew our friendships and hope you enjoy those seven grandkids and Kay and spend some time, a great deal of time, with them. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Watson now moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 728. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please rise. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 728 be adopted. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is -- is adopted unanimously. Congratulations. Congratulations. Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Mr. President. I am Todd Sieben and I approve this message. You-all, that was very good. As Larry the Cable Guy says, “That there was real good.” You did a good job. Thank you very -- thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate it and it’s -- I guess you know all there is to know about me, between the resolution and the things that the close friends shared about some personal experiences. You know, my life here 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 and -- and my heart’s an open book, and you know all there is to know about me. Truly was an honor and a privilege to serve in the General Assembly, both in the House and the Senate. I came back today and it was nice that I was able to still park right out in front of the Capitol today, but it was actually on Monroe Street and it cost me a dollar for two minutes and my meter runs out at 3 o’clock, so I’m not going to talk very long. But thank you very, very much for all the kind words and the things that were said. Certainly I will treasure the resolution that -- that was read. Scott, thank you very much. Most of all, I think I will ask the person in that transcription room up there to -- type up a transcript of the comments that were made, because I know those were heartfelt and genuine experiences and -- and feelings that each of you had about our relationship here in the General Assembly. But I notice, in the few hours that I’ve been here today, that not a whole lot of things have changed and I’m most troubled and concerned now about the talk I hear about the possibility that you may not be able to fund the pensions this year. And that really makes me nervous since I’m now on fixed income and my -- my salary’s been reduced to eighty-five percent of what it used to be. You know, times are tough. Gas prices are high and, you know, it’s -- food prices are high, and it’s really tough out there, so be careful what you do with that budget. I do hope you get an agreement reached by the end of next week and you adjourn on time and spend the rest of the summer home with your families and your loved ones doing a lot of -- a lot of campaigns. And for those of you who are up for reelection, good luck in your campaigns next November. When I thought for a few minutes, you know, what 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 would it be that I would say, knowing that this event was going to happen, and as it was, I think, going to happen about two or three times before this - and so I’ve had a lot of time to think about it and agonize - I thought, you know what? Everybody likes to do these Top Ten Lists, so here’s my Top Ten List of the things that I miss about Springfield, because a long, long time ago, I used to serve here, and it’s amazing how long ago two months seem after you’ve retired. So, first of all, thank you to President Jones for the courtesy today to spend a few minutes out of the schedule of the Senate to do the resolution. I appreciate that. And, Leader Watson, thank you for your support and your friendship and the opportunity to serve with you in Leadership. Number ten on my list that I miss about Springfield, Rich Miller and Capitol Fax. Number nine, golf at the Rail. When you’re in the minority, you have more time to play golf. So number nine is golf at the Rail with a lot of the guys sitting around here on this side of the aisle before Session got started, ‘cause we knew it wouldn’t be at nine o’clock or it wouldn’t be -- it’d be an hour or two later than that, so golf… Number eight, dinner -- dinner with the Senate Insurance Committee, Senator Haine. Dinner with the Senate Insurance Committee, ‘cause it was always the full committee, Republicans and Democrats, out at the Illini Country Club, hosted by Mr. Larry Barry - always a treat. Number seven, biking to Rochester and Chatham early in the morning with Senator Maloney, Representative Nekritz, trying to keep up with those two fast-paced bikers - enjoyed that. Along with the missed -- Senator Cullerton was here a few minutes ago, and prior to doing the biking trips, we used to meet over at 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Washington Park about 5:30 in the morning and jog around Washington Park. So miss those early morning exercises. Number six, I miss our pre-committee meetings with our wonderful staff. And I’m sure it’s the same on your side of the aisle. We have some incredibly dedicated and loyal staff people who brief us prior to those committees and explain all that background about the bill so we show up in committee and we have some sense of what it is we’re supposed to be talking about. So, miss the staff, especially. Number five, receptions at the Sangamo Club - those big shrimp and all the good things you got to eat there. And as you’ve noticed, I’ve lost a few pounds and I think that’s directly a result of not going to all those receptions at the Sangamo Club. Number four, I miss the Ag and Conservation Committee, John. Of all the committees here in the Senate, I think it’s probably the least partisan and I think it’s a committee where we really did the right things for the farmers of this State and the agricultural industry of this State, our number one industry. And we did the right things for the right reasons for the sportsmen and the hunters and the trappers and the fishermen and the people that love -- love the outdoors here in Illinois. So I miss that Ag and Conservation Committee. Number three, I miss my longtime office mate, Bill Peterson. When you spend as many years as we have together, you miss people like Bill and our longtime secretary, Carrie Huggins. You know, these people become like your family. So that was number three. Number two - and I saw it today when I was here - miss all those kids that come down here from my district, from the schools or from the 4-H Clubs or to put on an exhibit for the TECH 2008 or whatever, all those kids that come to 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Springfield with the big eyes and impressed with this place and just can’t wait to get your picture taken with them or to have your -- an autograph from you. I just really miss all those kids that are there. And then number one, I miss each and every one of you, especially those people who have been seatmates over the year, for your friendship and your courtesy and for the -- the honesty and integrity that I’ve come to know, that you take this job seriously to represent the people of your district. So, God bless you all and may all of you be a blessing to those people whose lives you touch every day. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Today I have a special guest with me. This young gentleman here is a Marine. It’s Sergeant Staff {sic} Timothy O’Brien, who joined the Marines in 1996. He has traveled across our country, South America, California, Iraq, and North Carolina. He also has done -- his occupation specialty is infantry. He’s been trained as a sniper team member and he also has received the Navy Commendation for -- for Valor for repelling an ambush during street fighting. He was injured in the battle and he -- and he was ambushed by insurgents. He has also -- he has fought and been in Fallujah, done a lot of great work there. He is part of the Quick Reactionary {sic} (Reaction) Force in Fallujah, which operates with Special Forces and aiding the soldiers. And I just want everyone to welcome this great, heroic serviceman from the Marines, our Sergeant Tim O’Brien.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Welcome to the Senate. Thanks for being here. We will now proceed to the bottom of page 3, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 788. Out of the record. Senator -- Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
I’d like you to welcome my Legislative Assistant, Julie Hayes, and her daughter, Courtney, who are in the gallery, and give them a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to the Senate. Please rise. Welcome to the Senate. Senator Garrett, on Senate Bill 804. Do you wish to proceed? Madam -- Senator Garrett seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 804 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 804, Madam -- Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to explain the amendment.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Basically what this does 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 is allow veterans to have a homestead exemption if they don’t -- own their own home and return from their military duties after January 1st.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 804. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to explain the amendment.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Really what this does is make it more specific and says that if a veteran does not own a home and returns from active duty before January 1st, they’re entitled to have their homestead exemption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to -- to Senate Bill 804. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 804. Senator Garrett, do you wish to proceed? Senator 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Garrett, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 804. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to the bill.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill came from the Lake County veterans who are interested in -- in making sure that veterans who are on active duty and return home, have not purchased a house, have purchased a house after January 1st of that year, are entitled to receive their homestead exemption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to commend the sponsor for her work on this legislation. It -- it enjoyed unanimous support in the Revenue Committee and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to close.
Yes. Thank you. I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The question is, shall Senate Bill 804 pass. All those in favor will say 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 the question, there are 55 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 voting Yea, none Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 804, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 813. Senator Raoul. Senator Raoul. Out of the record. Senate Bill 862. Senator Collins. Out of the record. Senate Bill 871. Senator Haine. Senator Bill Haine. Senator Bill Haine. Senate Bill 871. Out of the record. Top of page 4. Senate Bill 872. Senator Haine. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 872. Senator Haine seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 872 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 872. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1 is offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine, please explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Division of Insurance and its director. It requires every property and casualty insurance company to annually submit the opinion of an appointed actuary, which will be called an actuarial opinion, and it shall submit this opinion with the -- the necessary underlying workpapers to support what they consider to be the financial solvency of the country -- of the company. The Division of Insurance has to have this bill to keep its accreditation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. It must be able to obtain the information of the insurance carriers to -- to do so. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 These underlying workpapers are absolutely necessary to provide a basis for the regulation by the Insurance Division.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 872. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 872. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 872. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine, to the bill.
The amendment became the bill. And, again, this is a -- a -- an initiative of the Director of Insurance. This is necessary to keep our accreditation with NAIC. It allows them to regulate these property and casualty carriers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Senator Brady.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just stand in support of the 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Senator’s bill. Ask my colleagues on this side of the aisle to support it as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Seeing no further discussion, the -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 872 pass. 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 the question, there are 57 voting Yea, none Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 872, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 874. Out of the record. We have leave of the Body to return to Senate Bill 876, 879 and 880, also 881. Senator -- Senator Kotowski, on Senate Bill 944. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on Senate Bill 970. Senator Frerichs seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 970 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 970. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Frerichs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Frerichs, to explain Floor Amendment No. 3.
Floor Amendment No. 3 creates a new Act and amends several Acts to create the Institute of Natural -- Sciences and Sustainability at the University of Illinois, and I think this completely changes the bill. I’ll be happy to speak to it on 3rd Reading. 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Frerichs move -- Senator Frerichs moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 970. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 970. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 970. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Frerichs, to the bill.
Thank you much, Mr. President. As I said, this Floor amendment creates the Institute for Natural Sciences and Sustainability at the University of Illinois and to include in the school the four Illinois Scientific Surveys - Geological, Natural History, Water, and Waste Management and Research Center. The surveys will be under the new institute beginning next year, making it easier to forge collaborations and tap academically oriented, outside funding sources, which the Surveys currently do not utilize. Moneys currently used to pay the salaries of Survey employees will be transferred from GRF to 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 the University of Illinois. The bill is effective this July 1st or the date of transfer from the GRF to the University of Illinois Fund is made. Both the University and the Department are supportive of this move, in addition to several other groups and organizations throughout the State. I’d appreciate your support on this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 970 pass. 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. There are 54 voting Yea, 1 Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 970, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 1029. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we’re going to skip to page -- top of page 5. Senate Bill 1867. Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 1941. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 1972. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 1988. Out of the record. Senator Garrett, on Senate Bill 2090. Out of the record. Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, on Senate Bill 2097. Out of the record. Leave of the Body to return to Senate Bill 2105. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 2138. Out of the record. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 2155. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Senator Risinger, on Senate Bill 2158. Out of the record. Senator Millner, on Senate Bill 2166. Out of the record. Leave of the Body to return to Senate Bill 2181. Top of page 6. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 2114. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Senate Bill 2305. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 2358. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 2397. Out of the record. Leave -- with leave of the Body to return to 2653. Skip 2653, 2654, 26… I’m sorry, Senator Link, on Senate Bill 2654. Out of the record. Senator Link, do you have an amendment? You have an amendment on Senate Bill 2654? Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 2654 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 2654. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Senator Link offers Floor Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link, to explain Floor Amendment No. 3.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is just an amendment that - - measures the State, if local government hasn’t adopted a minimum building code. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 2654. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 2654. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2654. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link, to the bill. Out of the record. …leave of the Body, we’re going to skip from 26 -- Senate Bill 2655 to -- to 2719 on page 9, bottom of page 9. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett seeks leave of -- of this Body to return Senate Bill 2719 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 2719. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments -- are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1.
Yes. The amendment becomes the bill. It was a technical amendment at first, but we actually deleted everything and made it become the bill. And I’d be happy to discuss it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2719. All those in favor, vote -- will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 2719. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2719. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Garrett, to the bill.
Yes. Thank you, again, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2719 creates the domestic violence surveillance program, requiring the electronic surveillance of persons convicted of violating orders of protection as a condition of parole, mandatory supervised release, early release, probation, or conditional discharge, and allowing the electronic surveillance of persons subject to orders of protection and of persons charged with violating orders of protection as a condition of bail.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy.
To -- to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …bill.
57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 I’d like to -- I’d like to commend the sponsor and also my State Representative, Suzie Bassi, who worked extremely hard on this in the House. The -- the lady who was murdered, who most recently inspired this bill, is the sister of a man I’ve known since I was a boy. And it was a -- yet another horrific example of what goes on when we don’t pay close enough attention to domestic violence and the purveyors of it. So, again, I want to commend the sponsor for her excellent work on this bill and urge everybody in this entire Chamber to support this necessary piece of legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2719 pass. All those in favor, 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 the question, there are 56 voting Yea, none Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2719, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Leave -- leave of the Body, we’ll skip to the middle of page 10 to Senate Bill 2736. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2745. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2750. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Senate Bill 20 -- 2865. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. We’ll stand at ease for a minute. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) House Bills 2nd Readings. Page 14. Senator -- this is the last time that we’re going to go to this Order of House Bills 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 2nd Reading, so you all need to be on the Floor and be prepared. This is our last time going through this particular order. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 230. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 230. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Delgado.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Delgado, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 230 retains House Bill 230, as amended, by Committee Amendment No. 1. It makes the Department of Employment Security responsible for providing the job training and continuing education for the wrongly imprisoned and allows the Department to use existing programs provided through its partner agencies to provide these services. And I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Delgado moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 230. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Halvorson, on House Bill 773. Senator Halvorson. Out of the record. Senator Hunter, on House Bill 1040. Mr. Secretary, please read -- read the bill.
House Bill 1040. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on House Bill 1141. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to House Bill 1141. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1141. (Secretary reads title of bill) The Committee on Education adopted Amendment No. 1. 2nd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 1432. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1432. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Inquiry of the Chair, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) You may proceed.
Mr. President, there’s some concern on this side of the aisle based on the announcement that this will be the last time that we go through 2nds. Specifically, there have been some commitments made by the Chair of the Senate Rules Committee - 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 commitments which we have no doubt will be kept - that there are some pieces of legislation yet to come out of the Rules Committee for our Members. If they come out and they go on 2nds, and you’re not going back to 2nds, then do you have an answer for us about how we’ll move those bills off of the Calendar to 3rd Reading and out of the Chamber?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) I’m not able to speak for the Chairman of Rules Committee. Senator Righter.
I beg to differ, Mr. President. I think you are able to. I think you’re not willing to and that may be smart on your point. But we would be very interested in an answer very soon about how we are to deal with this issue. Because, obviously, moving them out of the Rules Committee is relatively meaningless, if we then can’t get ‘em called for a vote here on the Floor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. You know, you could always speak for me if you wanted to, but that doesn’t mean that you would know what’s on my mind. But you certainly have my permission to speak for me, but I certainly can speak for myself. Senator Righter, you know that I’ve been honest in -- in -- in every step of the way with you and others and there are a number of bills that we are letting out of Rules. There’ll be another Rules Committee in about thirty minutes to take -- take care of things like Senator Jones’ issue and Senator Risinger’s 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 issue, and we intend to try to -- to do that. The President has let you know what the order of business is today. But I would like to reassure you that we do intend to move some of those bills, whatever we have to do in order to do that. So the President is being honest with you, as I have, so just show a little patience. I was just over there a minute ago to let Senator Luechtefeld know that we worked out an issue for him. And we’re doing it, honestly, and we intend to get it done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, and I’ll reiterate as I said in my opening comments, we have complete faith that the Chair of the Rules Committee is going to keep his commitment. I said that earlier. We were surprised -- we were taken a little off guard by the announcement this would be the last time we went through 2nds. I assume that meant for the Session, not just for today. And maybe you can put in context that announcement. Is that just -- is this just the last time we’re going to go through 2nds today? And if we’re going to return to 2nds tomorrow, that’d be fine, otherwise we hope that there can be some kind of agreement worked out for an extension of the deadline or some other mechanism by which we can get these bills moved. So, thank you very much for your consideration, Mr. President, as well as the Chair of the Rules Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator -- President Jones.
Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. In listening to the 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 comments from the esteemed Senator on the other aisle -- other side of the aisle, I just want to remind everyone that the -- the schedule was printed way back in January and the -- and the deadline date, which is tomorrow, had been printed quite some time ago and -- even though Members on both sides of the aisle are constantly -- come to the Rules Committee or want certain bills extended, and we’ve done that. So, the -- the Chair is proper in indicating that this is the last time around, otherwise we’ll be here in July trying to get things done. And that’s why the deadline was given to you quite some time ago. I’m quite certain you are a very good reader and sometime we even extend things, you know. So -- but don’t -- the Chair is not being arbitrary. It’s just following the rules that’s already been set forth in the schedule that had been laid out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I guess I have a question of Senator Hendon. I thought he said that he had worked out -- I -- I know he promised me probably a week ago that a bill that I have that’s not really very controversial would get out of Rules. It has not done that. He has now just said that he’s taken care of that problem. I -- I hope he doesn’t mean that -- that it will be out of Rules, but it will never be called in 2nd Reading. Again, I -- I guess I’d like to have that clarified. Has the -- has the President of the Senate just basically said to me, no, that’s not going to happen, your bill is dead? Would you please clarify that, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I believe my esteemed colleague is talking about 4727. 4727, as I gave you my word, is on the Rules report, which we’re -- we’re going to be meeting in about twenty minutes now and President Jones, being the courteous person that he is, will allow us to extend some deadlines on certain bills. It won’t be all the requests, because, as President said, I’ve been bombarded with requests from Members who want a thousand bills out of Rules, and we simply can’t do it. But 4727, Grayslake, and Senator Risinger’s bill and some others, which were the priorities given to me by the Members of the Republican Party who are on Rules, we are going to take care of that manner of business for you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator -- Leader Watson.
Well, I’m just kind of watching the -- the debate, looked like, taking place over there. I’m not so sure we’ve got a straight answer yet. I -- the -- and I’ve been directly involved in this and I’ve talked to Senator Hendon and -- and Senator Jones about this. So we know what the Calendar is. We know the deadlines. We -- we -- we’re to follow that. We understand that. The problem is, there were commitments that have been made - not today, not yesterday, but last week. And we’ve had Rules Committees. We’ve had opportunities to get those bills out of Rules into the committees and let ‘em be heard. Now, if this is just a fallacy we’re about to go through here in letting those bills out, as Senator Luechtefeld said, 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 with no understanding or no agreement that there’ll be any opportunity to call ‘em, then this is -- this is not right. So I don’t think we’ve got a clear answer yet.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Hendon.
Let me make it clear. Commitments made are commitments kept. I would appreciate if you would let it go. I will have a conversation with -- with the Leader, Senator Righter, and Senator Radogno in a few moments, but we need to just let it go so that we can handle our business. If you keep harping on it, then I might have to take some reverse action that I don’t want to take. So, please, Leader Watson, let it go and let it -- let us handle our business in Rules. We’re going to take care of it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) House Bill 1768. Senator Frerichs. …Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1768. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill -- 1842. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1842. (Secretary reads title of bill) 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Cullerton, explain Floor Amendment No. 2.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This reflects an agreement among three parties: the -- the Home Builders, the Municipal League, and a number of -- coalition of environmental groups. It would require that existing energy efficiency codes that we currently have for commercial buildings would be extended to new residential and commercial buildings and would prohibit local governments from adopting residential building energy standards that are more or less stringent than the standards under this Act. As I said, it’s an agreed amendment, and be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye -- its -- its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to -- to House Bill 1842. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Millner, on House Bill 2862. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2862. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on House Bill 3286. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3286. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Top of page 15. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 3416. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 3441. Senator Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3441. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on -- on House Bill 3679. Senator DeLeo. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3679. 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on Senate -- I mean, House Bill 4132. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4132. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on House Bill 4147. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4147. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Murphy, on House Bill 4167. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4167. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on House Bill 4175. Mr. 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4175. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 4207. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4207. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Martinez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Martinez, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 retains House Bill 4207 and clarifies that the provision applies to leasing a residential unit in the same building in which a child sex offender resides. It also clarifies that House Bill 4207 applies only to rental arrangements entered into after the effective date of this Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Martinez 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4207. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 4556. Out of the record. Senator Millner, on House Bill 4578. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4578. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 4628. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4628. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 4694. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 4723. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 4879. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4879. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 5069. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5069. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. On the top of page 16, House Bill 5101. Senator Murphy. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5101. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Murphy, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1 just adds some language with regard to the State Victim Notification Act at the request of the Attorney General.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Murphy moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5101. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on House Bill 5159. Senator Haine. Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, please read the -- read the bill.
House Bill 5159. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Have there been any -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 5195. Out of 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 the record. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to House Bill 5196. Senator DeLeo, on House Bill 5204. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 5238. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5238. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 5251. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5251. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted amendment -- Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 5288. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5288. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Millner, on House Bill 5524. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5524. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on House Bill 5585. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5585. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Bond, on House Bill 5618. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5618. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Bivins, on House Bill 5653. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5653. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on House Bill 5768. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5768. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, to take over the Chair. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we will return to the middle of page 16, House Bill 5196. Senator Clayborne. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5196. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to Supplemental Calendar No. 2 that has been properly distributed on your desk. We’re going to House Bills 2nd Reading. With leave of the Body, we will return to House Bill 2210. And with leave of the Body, we’ll return to House Bill 4374. With leave of the Body, we will return to House Bill 4379. Senator Kotowski, on House Bill 4470. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4470. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 3rd Reading. Senator Peterson, on -- on House Bill 4548. Senator Peterson. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4548. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter. House Bill 4553. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4553. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Collins. House Bill 4573. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4573. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan. House Bill 4605. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4605. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and Conservation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks. House Bill 4622. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4622. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment and Energy adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford. House Bill 5141. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5141. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of -- 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Collins. House Bill 5192. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5192. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett, on House 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Bill 5338. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5338. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Has there been any Floor amendments for approved consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty. House Bill 5595. Senator Crotty.
House Bill 5595. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Halvorson. House Bill 5773. Senator Halvorson. Senator Clayborne, on House Bill 4379. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 House Bill 4379. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) With leave of the Body, we will return to House Bill 2210. Senator Martinez. Mr. -- Mr. -- Miss Secretary -- Madam Secretary, would you please read the bill?
House Bill 2210. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) …there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 4374. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 House Bill 4374. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. There will be a Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Anteroom. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Education Committee - House Bill 4727; refer to Executive Committee - House Bills 2651, 4137, 4653 and 4758; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - House Bill 4461; refer to Higher Education Committee - House Bill 5059; refer to Human Services Committee - House Bills 953, 4212 and 4449; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - House Bills 2748, 2769 and 4668; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - House Bills 4249, 4673 and 4778; refer to Local Government Committee - House Bill 4545; refer to Revenue Committee - House Bill 4179; and Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 836. Second Rules Report. Senator Rickey Hendon, Chairman. May 22nd, 2008. Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1768; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1842; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3106 and Floor Amendment No. 9 to House Bill 824; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 5595; refer to Judiciary- Civil Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 4196; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 2862, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4879 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5653; refer to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4583; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 836; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 2090; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 788; and refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendments 3 and 5 to House Bill 5288. Third Rules Report. Senator Rickey Hendon, Chairman. May 22nd, 2008.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Communications, Madam Secretary. Sorry about that. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Finally. Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Yes. The Senate Executive Committee will promptly, promptly, meet at 5:30, promptly, in Room 212. 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Revenue Committee will meet tonight at 5:30 in Room 400. And in the absence of Senator Cullerton, I’d like to announce that the Senate Judiciary Committee on Civil Law will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Also on an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) State -- please state your announcement.
Local Government will be meeting today at 6:30 in Room 409, promptly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Committee announcement, Mr. President. The Ag and Conservation Committee will meet at 6:15 this evening in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Forby, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008
Labor Committee. Labor Committee today will meet at 6:45 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A point of information, Mr. Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Mr. Chairman, the -- the Environment and Energy Committee, chaired by the distinguished President of the Senate, James Clayborne, Esquire, will meet promptly at 6:15 p.m. in Room 212. And the Insurance Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 400. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Thank you. The Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee will meet this evening in Room 212 at 5:45.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Kwame Raoul, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Mr. President, I rise for the purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
My announcement is that the Committee on Pensions and Investment will meet promptly and briefly today at -- this evening at 6 p.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator Michael Bond, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For purpose of announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Transportation Committee will meet at 5:45 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you. Senator Link, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
I just wanted to stretch, Mr. President. But, seriously, I would ask for a Democratic Caucus immediately upon adjournment, before committees, for about, approximately, a twenty-minute caucus in the President’s Office.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Communications.
I have a letter dated May 22nd, 2008. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 160th Legislative Day 5/22/2008 Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 2-10, I hereby establish May 31st, 2008, as the 3rd Reading deadline for Senate Bill 836. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. And another letter dated May 22nd, 2008. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 2-10, I hereby establish May 31st, 2008, as the Committee and 3rd Reading deadline for the following bills -- House Bills: 953, 2651, 2748, 2769, 4137, 4179, 4212, 4249, 4449, 4461, 4545, 4653, 4668, 4673, 4727, 4758, 4778 and 5059. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd, 2008. The Senate stands adjourned. 88