PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) The regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Chaplain H. Scott Matheny, with the Chaplain’s Office of Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois.
(Prayer by Chaplain H. Scott Matheny)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Senate will stand at ease momentarily. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of March 12th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Senator Hunter.
Thank you. 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 SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Mr. Secretary. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 153, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Mr. Secretary, Consent Calendar.
And Senate Resolution 154, offered by Senator Hunter. Senate Joint Resolution 51, offered by Senators Stean and all -- Steans and Althoff. And Senate Joint Resolution 52, offered by Senator Meeks. They are substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
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 605. We have like Messages on House Bills 606, 607, 610 and 612. All passed the House, March 12th, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 2367, offered by Senator Sullivan. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 10, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 488, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 490, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 543, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 564, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 585, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 612, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. The lady from DuPage, Senator Pankau, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A matter of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. Over to my left, up in the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 gallery, we have Dr. S. Alan Ray and a group of thirteen that are visiting -- visiting us today from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. Would you please put your hands together, and I’ll ask them to rise, and welcome them to the Illinois Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? And let’s give them a warm Senate welcome. The gentleman from Jefferson, Senator Jones, for what -- John Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your point.
Up in the gallery, up here in the first row, I have some very dear friends, who is a retired school superintendent, was my basketball coach at one time. I served on the school board that -- when he was the -- the superintendent of the school. He and his wife -- Robert and Sylvia Lane, and their children and grandchildren - some of their children and grandchildren - with them today. So if you’d welcome them to -- to the Capitol.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Will our guests in the gallery please rise? And let’s give them a warm Senate greeting. The gentleman from Coles, Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, and happy St. Patrick’s Day to you. Inquiry of the Chair, if I might? 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your inquiry.
Thank you. Mr. President, it’s my understanding that the Senate President kind of likes to talk about, or fancies, his Irish background. So we -- those of us on this side of the aisle are wondering whether or not there is a rule today that any presiding officer in the Chamber must sport the color green in order to preside. Do you know anything about that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Well, Senator Righter, I have to admit something to you that I’ve never admitted publicly before. And that is, I’m color blind. I had a very hard time when we changed the score board from dots to the one that we currently have, because at least I used to be able to see on an angle and tell which were red and which were green. So in my view, I’m wearing green today and anybody who replaces me does so as well. And that’s a directive from Senator Cullerton. The lady from Cook, Senator Lightford, for what reason do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, on a point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your point.
Mr. President, in the gallery behind me is Reverend Jacques. He’s from the Village of Oak Park. He is a retired police officer and a current school board member. He has a church in the Village of Maywood and he has a guest with him on 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 today. I’d like for them to rise and be welcomed here in the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you, Senator Lightford. Will our guests in the gallery please rise? And let’s give them a warm Senate greeting. The lady from Cook, Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would also like to introduce a couple of guests that I have here today, Alejandra Moran, as well as Vincent Cordero, who is the general manager of Univision Television, which is a Spanish radio -- or a Spanish TV station in Chicago. So, Vincent and Alejandra.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Can we please give our guests a Senate greeting? They’re here on the Senate Floor on the Republican side as guests of Senator Radogno. The Senate will now stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments will please come to the President’s Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Senate will please come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 been assigned: Refer to the Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 325. Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) If we could have the attention of the Members of the Body please. Senator Hunter, for what reason do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your point. If we could give Senator Hunter our undivided attention, please.
Mr. President, I am asking for a moment of silence for the twenty-eight children who have been killed in the streets of Chicago this school year. Twenty-five of these children were shot with a gun. And in honor today, I would like to read their twenty-eight names. And every time, Mr. President, another child is killed in the streets of Chicago, I will read that name until the killings stop. Cory Hatter, Ordero Hillard, Marcus Washington, Andre Malcome, Arthur Tyler, Sameere Conn, Kianna Salter, Shaun Brown, Shaun Bowens, Daniel Calderon, Ernest Williams, Julian King, Brian Murdock, Quenton Buckner, Sergio Dukes, Devour Robinson, Dushawn Johnson, Isaih Stroud, Andre Stephens, Esteban Martinez, Itzel Fernandez, Johnel Ford, Racheal Beauchamp, Johnny Edwards, Kendrick Pitts, Raheem Washington, Franco Avila, and Gregory Washington {sic} (Robinson). Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. If we could all have a moment of silence for 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 the twenty-eight children who were victims of senseless violence. (Moment of silence observed) Thank you. The lady from McHenry, Senator Althoff, for what reason do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) State your point.
Thank you, sir. Seated directly behind you in the gallery is a very special guest, and his wife, of mine from McHenry County. I have John and Joan {sic} (Joanne) Blanchard. They’re here to help me get some legislation and have a meeting with Senator Sandoval. He is one of the best advocates in the State of Illinois for our veterans. And may we give him a warm Springfield welcome?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Will our guests in the gallery please rise? And let’s give them a warm Springfield welcome. The gentleman from St. Clair, Senator Clayborne, for what reason do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your point.
I have a Page with me and it’s my Assistant’s daughter, Aria Clemons {sic} (Bender). We’d like to welcome her to the Senate today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Welcome to the Senate. Let’s give her a round of applause. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 Senator Maloney, for what reason do you seek recognition?
For an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Higher Education Committee will meet at 1:40 p.m. in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. We have another committee announcement. The Agriculture and Conservation Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 409 of the Capitol. Agriculture and Conservation at 1 p.m. in 409 of the Capitol. We are now going to go to the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bills. Page 75 on your Calendar. Page 75 on your Calendar. Top of the page. Senate Bill 1293. Senator Clayborne. Senator Clayborne, please proceed. I’m sorry. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1293. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1293 is designed to address a problem that I have in my district. A long time ago, we -- throughout the -- the City of Belleville was a mining town and we have underground mines. And basically what has happened, this -- this middle school is -- 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 the school is actually suffering from mine subsidence. So basically what we’re trying to do is to give them the tools to exceed their -- their current debt limit so that they can issue bonds. Now this is subject to a referendum as well, on April 7th, 2009. So this is in conjunction to a referendum that the voters will decide whether they will support the building of this new school through tax -- public -- public support. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? The gentleman from DuPage, Senator Cronin, for what reason do you rise?
Thank you very much, my esteemed colleague from the County of Cook. In any event, I rise in support of this bill. Senator Clayborne has been a -- really a diligent and zealous advocate for his area and he presented this -- this matter to the Education Committee and it’s a -- it was very compelling and justified and I think it’s responsible. And I urge Members on my side of the aisle to support this good legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. The -- the gentleman for Jefferson, Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) The sponsor indicates he will yield.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 Senator Clayborne, I -- I rise in support of your bill, but just a -- just a quick question. The -- the school’s been damaged because of mine subsidence. I -- I assume, unlike Senator Gary Dahl, who has a school district in his district that we’re going to possibly be doing legislation on this year, because his school district’s in a flood plain, and -- and it’s had severe damage -- is this school district going to be repaired where it’s at or is it -- or -- or are we going to build a new school that’s on a site that is not been undermined by the mines?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President. No, it will built -- be built on a whole new site.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Clayborne, to close.
I want to thank the two gentlemen for their support and ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1293 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? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, we have 59 Yea, none Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1293, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. There being no further business to come 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour… Oh, I’m sorry. Senator Althoff, for a second time.
Thank you. I -- I know. I apologize. Thank you very much for the courtesy, Mr. President. But we do have a very special guest who is also sitting in the gallery directly behind the Republicans. We have Robert Enriquez, who is one of the members of our Illinois Human Rights Commission. So, again, I’d just like to make note that he is here and we should welcome him and thank him for his service to our State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Thank you. Will our guest please rise? And let’s recognize him for his service. Thank you. The gentleman from Cook, Senator Hendon, for what reason do you rise?
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I rise just to hear you call me “the gentleman from Cook”.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Another gentleman from Cook, Senator Kotowski, for what reason do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. How are you today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) I’m well, thank you.
Good.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 26th Legislative Day 3/17/2009 Thank you. My mother appreciates that. I -- hello, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It is my pleasure today -- I have a great -- two announcements to make - very significant announcements that I think everyone should pay attention to. My -- my colleague from Lake County, Senator Bond, it’s his birthday. It was his birthday yesterday. You know, Senator Bond is probably one of the -- well, the -- one of the more influential Senators at the age of twenty than anybody has been in the State’s history. But it’s his birthday yesterday and we’re going to be celebrating it tonight. And he’s a great human being. And give him a -- a wonderful birthday welcome. I also have somebody else I want to wish a happy birthday to, my seatmate, Senator Linda Holmes, who I believe is -- turned thirty-two yesterday. And she looks wonderful and beautiful as always. And she’s a -- a great colleague and a wonderful Senator. Could you please give them both a great, hearty happy birthday?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SCHOENBERG) Let’s give Senator Holmes and Senator Bond a very happy birthday greeting, especially since Senator Kotowski did not spring for cake today. Now there, seeing no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of -- till the hour of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009. The Senate now stands adjourned. 13