PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Rabbi Michael Datz, Temple B’rith Sholom, Springfield, Illinois. Rabbi.
(Prayer by Rabbi Michael Datz)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of February 11th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam -- Madam President, you look simply marvelous presiding over the Chamber today. I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal… Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Committee Reports.
Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bill 43 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Viverito, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bills 51, 81 and 89 Do Pass. And Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bill 52 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 83, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. Senate Resolution 84, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. And Senate Resolutions 85 and 86, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
And Senate Resolution 87, offered by Senator Maloney. Senate Joint Resolution 19, offered by Senator John Jones. Senate Joint Resolution 20, offered by Senator Hunter. Senate Joint Resolution 21, offered by Senator Clayborne. Senate Joint Resolution 22, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Lauzen. Senate Joint Resolution 23, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Bivins. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 And Senate Joint Resolution 24, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Brady. They’re all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, Communications.
Yes. I have a letter dated January 29th, 2009. Dear Secretary Shipley - I am writing today to inform you of my decision to retire as the State Senator from the 51st Senate District. My resignation will be effective at midnight, February 16th, 2009. It has been my honor and privilege to represent the people of Central and Southern Illinois in the General Assembly since 1979. I leave with many wonderful memories and many wonderful friendships which will be a -- a great source of joy in the years to come. All the best to you, my colleagues in the Senate and the wonderful staff that I have been fortunate to work with the past thirty years. Sincerely, Frank Watson, State Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, Messages.
I have a Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 353. Passed the House, February 11th, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 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 adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 4. Adopted by the House, February 11th, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. It is offered by Senator Maloney, and it is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 353, offered by Senator Syverson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1429, offered by Senator Rutherford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1430, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1431, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1432, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1433, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1434, offered by Senator Sandoval. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1435, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1436, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1437, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1438, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1439, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1440, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1441, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1442, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1443, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1444, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1445, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1446, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1447, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 14 -- Senate Bill 1448, offered by Senator Jacobs. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1449, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1450, offered by Senator Dahl. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1451, offered by Senator Hultgren. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1452, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1453, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1454, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1455, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1456, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1457, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1458, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1459, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1460, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1461, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1462, offered by Senator Dahl. (Secretary reads title of bill) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 1463, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1464, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1465, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1466, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1467, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1468, offered by Senator Meeks. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1469, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1470, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1471, offered by Senators John Jones and Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1472, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1473, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1474, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1475, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1476, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1477, offered by Senator Noland. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1478, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1479, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1479, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1480, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1481, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1482, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1483, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1484, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1485, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1486, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1487, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1488, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1489, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1490, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 1491, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1492, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1493, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1494, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1495, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1496, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1497, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1498, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1499, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1500, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1501, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1502, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1503, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1504, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- 1505, offered by Senator Holmes. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1506, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1507, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1508, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1509, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1510, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1511, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1512, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1513, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1514, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1515, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1516, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1517, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 1518, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1519, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1520, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1521, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1522, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1523, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1524, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1525, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1526, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1527, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1528, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1529, offered by Senator Jones -- Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1530, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1531, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 1532, offered by Senator Cronin. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1533, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1534, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1535, offered by Senator Dahl. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1536, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1537, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1538, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1539, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1540, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1541, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1542, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1543, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1544, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1545, offered by Senator Meeks. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1546, offered by Senator Demuzio. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1547, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1548, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1549, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1550, offered by Senator Burzynski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1551, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1552, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1553, offered by Senator Rutherford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1554, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1555, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1556, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1557, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1558, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1559, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1560, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 1561, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
For point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your point.
I just wanted to introduce two helpers that I here today. Two of my kids are off school this week, Sam and Abby. So they’re here with me, as well, this week. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Would you please welcome Senator Steans’ children? You have a lovely family, Senator. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point.
First of all, Madam President, it’s lovely to see you up there in the Chair this morning. So, congratulations, again, and nice job. I would like to introduce a very important person in my McHenry County community. This is Jane Farmer. She is the Executive Director of the only domestic violence agency and shelter that serves McHenry County. And I would love for us to give her an extraordinarily warm welcome. She works endlessly 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 on behalf of our community. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Please welcome Senator Althoff’s guest. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point.
I just want to say you look great up there and you’re doing a great job. Congratulations, and keep doing a good job.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you -- thank you, Senator. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments will come to the President’s Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne -- Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Senate Bills 1336, 1337, 1413, Committee Amendment No. 1 to 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Senate Bill 36 -- I’m sorry, 38, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 139; refer to Appropriations I Committee - Senate Bills 1221, 1252, 1286, 1295, 1361, 1367, 1368, 1382, 1392, 1394 and 1419; refer to Appropriations II Committee - Senate Bills 1186 and 1197; refer to Commerce Committee - Senate Bills 312, 328 and 1417; refer to Consumer Protection Committee - Senate Bills 1278, 1371, 1402 and 1408; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bills 288, 323, 1275, 1289 and 1294; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bills 1276, 1293, 1391, 1412, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 123; refer to Elections Committee - Senate Bills 46, 283, 600 and 1370; refer to Energy Committee - Senate Bill 1397; refer to Environment Committee - Senate Bills -- I’m sorry, Senate Bill 296 and Senate Resolution 81; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 281, 284, 285, 324, 1271, 1282, 1296, 1342, 1345, 1346, 1365, 1406, 1420 and 1428; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Senate Bills 1332, 1355, 1376 and 1422; refer to Gaming Committee - Senate Bills 1266, 1298 and 1343; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bills 41, 325, 1373, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 77; refer to Human Services Committee - Senate Bills 275, 326, 1283, 1287, 1348, 1349 and 1395; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 1285, 1388, 1389, 1390, 1427, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 65; refer to Labor Committee - Senate Bills 322, 1350, 1369, 1415 and 1423; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bills 69, 385, 1267, 1284, 1339, 1384, 1421, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 290; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bills 1353, 1379 and 1414; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Senate Bills 1272, 1292, 1374, 1401 and 1416; refer to Public 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Health Committee - Senate Bills 321, 1254, 1335, 1351, 1381, 1393, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 178; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 271, 1255, 1277, 1356, 1366, 1377 and -- and Senate Bill 1418; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Bills 327, 1333, Senate Joint Resolution 16, Senate Resolution 80, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 27 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 40; refer to Transportation Committee - Senate Bills 1268, 1297, 1299, 1341, 1380, and Senate Joint Resolution 12. Senator James Clayborne, Chairman. February 18th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, may we please have your attention for an announcement from Senator Clayborne?
Actually, I have two announcements, Madam President. The first one, I’d like to remind -- this is very important.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Excuse me. May I have your attention?
I’d like to remind everyone that Friday is our deadline for introduction of substantive bills. Members must have their bills turned into the Secretary’s Office, Journal Room on the 4th Floor, by 12:30 p.m. Again, the bill introduction deadline is Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Journal Room. Thank you. And, Madam President, I’d like to also announce that it’s one of our 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 Members’ birthday today. And we want to wish him a happy birthday. And I was told that if you guess his age, he’ll give everybody fifty dollars. And that’s Senator Tony Munoz. Let’s -- let’s wish him happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Happy birthday, Senator Munoz. You look every bit of twenty-one. As a reminder, the bill deadline is on Friday at 12:30. Senator Noland, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President -- President. For the purpose of an announcement. The Criminal Law Committee will meet on Thursday, February 19th, at 9 a.m. in Room 212. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
I also rise on a point of an announcement. Elections will be meeting today at 1 o’clock in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement, Madam President. And that announcement is that the Senate Higher Education Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. today in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Frerichs, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your announcement. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009
I move to -- I rise to announce the Senate Agriculture Committee will be meeting at 1 o’clock in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Agriculture at 1 o’clock, Room 409. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the point of an announcement, Madam Chairman {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
The Health Committee will meet today at 1 o’clock in Room 212. And Human Services will meet in the same room, Room 212, at 2:30. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Just an announcement that the Local Government Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. You look wonderful in the Chair today, may I say. I’d like to -- point of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator, and state your point. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009
Thank you. I’d like to announce that the Judiciary Committee will meet today in Room 400 at 2:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of special privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point.
I, too, wanted to join my colleagues in stating how nice it is to see you in the Chair. It brings a new light to this Body. And you are doing one sensational job. And we’re very proud of you. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Viverito. I appreciate that much. Senator Garrett, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. It’s so nice to see you up there. You fit in so well. I am rising for a purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I’m honored to be introducing to you today CommunityHealth, Illinois’ largest and one of the nation’s largest free health care clinics. CommunityHealth is dedicated to serving the uninsured and 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 underinsured in Chicago and surrounding communities; providing, since it’s founding in 1993, upwards of seventeen thousand {sic} medical and education visits for more than thirty thousand uninsured men, women and children. Today, CommunityHealth provides medical and educational visits for more than seven thousand patients annually. Joining us today in the gallery is Dr. Arnold Widen, President; Judith Haasis, Executive Director; and Board Member Valery Gallagher. Please join me in welcoming CommunityHealth to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Would you -- will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Garrett, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you, again, Madam President. For purpose of an announcement. This is just to let the Environment Committee know that we are canceling our committee hearing tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Garrett. Environment Committee is canceled tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Senator Martinez.
Thank -- thank you, Madam Chairman {sic}. And I have to also congratulate. You look wonderful up there. You’re going to do a great job. The Licensed Activity {sic} (Activities) Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 2 p.m. in Room 409. Licensed Activity {sic} tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Martinez. Senator Jacobs, for what 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 14th Legislative Day 2/18/2009 purpose do you rise?
I just wanted to let the Body know that the Energy Committee will be canceled tomorrow -- tomorrow, as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Energy Committee will be canceled on Friday. Friday. Senator Rutherford, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I do not rise in regards to an announcement on a committee ‘cause you’ve got the other people that are going to do that. But I want to rise to say to President Lightford, it’s very good to see you in the Chair. You do an outstanding job. And when President Cullerton put together his team, I commend him for doing that. And I’m confident that your family, and particularly your little brother, would be very proud of you today, Madam President. So, congratulations.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you so much, Senator. I’ll pay you later. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10:30 a.m. on the 19th day of February, 2009. The Senate stands adjourned. 22