PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 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 Pastor Jon Morrissette from Lakeside Christian Church, in Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Jon Morrissette)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs, to lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we have some special guests to recognize this morning. I’m going to yield the rostrum to President Cullerton for purposes of an introduction.
Like to ask the St. Francis High School football team to come out from the Anteroom and have you all meet them. And Senator Hultgren is going to also be here with me. Come on out, guys. Thank you very much. Senators, I’m joined by Senator Hultgren and myself. Senator Hultgren has St. Francis High School in Wheaton in his district. It’s where I attended high school. In fact, my sister, Trish Cullerton-Lynch, is here today. She works at the high school. And St. Francis is the Class 5A State Football Champs for the first time in the history of St. Francis. So please welcome them. And I’d like to -- I’d like to ask the Coach, J. Greg Purnell, to introduce the -- the 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 team.
(Remarks and introductions by Coach J. Greg Purnell)
Thank you -- thank you very much, Coach. Thanks, you guys, for coming down. Good luck in college next year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senator Haine seeks leave of the Body to introduce a guest from the podium. Senator Haine.
Thank you very much, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It is my distinct honor to introduce to you three individuals from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department: the Sheriff of Madison County, Bob Hertz; Captain McLemore; and Deputy Kyle Doolen. Kyle Doolen was given the Law Enforcement Valor Award this past few months as the result of his intrepid devotion to -- to duty in which he engaged three people who had committed an armed robbery and a theft of guns. And he -- they were on their way to more crimes. Deputy Doolen pursued them, engaged them in a gun battle. He was wounded himself and drove them to the point where they abandoned the vehicle and they were arrested. One of the individuals is now in a psychiatric hospital. We -- we -- it’s -- it’s difficult to comprehend the damage these people could have done but for this deputy sheriff pursuing his lawful duties. This deputy sheriff and these other law enforcement officers are the typical police officer in Illinois. We hear stories about some who go bad, some who are over -- who do not perform their duties according to law. But 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 the typical police officer is represented in Illinois by Kyle Doolen, Sheriff Hertz and Captain McLemore. I would ask Sheriff Hertz to say a few words to the Senate of Illinois about this matter and then introduce Kyle Doolen.
(Remarks by Sheriff Bob Hertz)
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Deputy Doolen. Kyle Doolen.
(Remarks by Deputy Kyle Doolen)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Haine, Sheriff, Captain and Deputy. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of March 18, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 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 HARMON) Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I rise for two points. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, if -- if you do not have objections to the 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Journal, if we could return to you for your point of personal privilege after we’ve approved the Journal.
Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise?
First, on a point of personal privilege. I’d like to draw attention to the gallery and welcome John Sullivan to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sullivan, please rise.
And -- and a question of the Chair. Yesterday, it is my understanding that during Governor Quinn’s speech that one of our Members was so moved by the progressive nature of his taxation plan that the gentleman fell out of his chair. And I want to check and see how Senator Matt Murphy is doing today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Murphy is standing on the Senate Floor and appears to be avoiding chairs for the day. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Frerichs, Chairperson on the Committee of Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1538 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Elections, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 reports Senate Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 80, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 146 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1662 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 133, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 134, Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 270 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1736 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Bill {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 807, Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1330 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Joint Resolution 3 Be Adopted. Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 154, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 177, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 239, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 243, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 266, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 291, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 292, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1053, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1066, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1390, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1487 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1579 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 152 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 153 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 148, Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1833 recommended Do Adopt. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1269, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2184 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 36 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 337, Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1995, Senate Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 2057 recommended Do Adopt. And Senator Noland, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 42 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1030 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I may not have an award-winning high school team here today, and I do not have any law enforcement heroes, and I certainly did not fall off my chair yesterday to get attention, but what I do have here with me today are some of the best and brightest future leaders from Zion Lutheran High School. They’re in the gallery directly behind me. They’re here for their government and law day. They’re with their teacher, Mr. Chris Schoenleg, and came back because one of the young men who was here paging for me decided 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 this was a worthwhile adventure for them to see government up close and personal. He’s a wonderful young man by the name of Tyler Wilke. Can we give them a nice warm Springfield welcome?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 156, offered by Senator Lightford and all Members. Senate Resolution 157, offered by Senator Frerichs and all Members. Senate Resolutions 158, 159 and 160, offered by Senator Forby and all Members. And Senate Resolution 161, offered by Senator Forby and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Resolutions Consent Calendar.
And Senate -- Senate Joint Resolution 54, offered by Senator Garrett. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages.
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 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 7. We have like Messages, Mr. President, on House Bills 47 {sic}, 202, 303, 379, 392, 436, 442, (489) 706, 773, 897, 979, 1033, 1079, 1099, 1291, 1327, 1335, 2235, 2245, 2266, 2270, 2295, 2370, 2481, 2680, 2687, 3877, -- excuse me, 3962, 3972, (3986) 3990 and 3999. (Bills within parentheses submitted in writing, but inadvertently not read into the record) All passed the House, March 18th, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 7, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 47, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 253, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 303, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 379, offered by Senator Cronin. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 442, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 607, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 610, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 675, offered by Senator Haine. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 769, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 773, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 897, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 979, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1033, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1079, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1291, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1327, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2245, offered by Senator Meeks. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2370, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2481, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2680, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2687, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3670, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 House Bill 3962, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3986, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3990, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 2368, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House {sic} Bill 2369, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- excuse me, Senate Bill 2370, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2371, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2372, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2373, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2374, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2375, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2376, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2377, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2378, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2379, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bills {sic} 2380, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2381, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2382, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2383, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2384, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2385, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2386, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2387, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2388, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2389, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2390, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2391, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2392, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2393, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2394, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2395, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2396, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2397, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2398, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2399, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2400, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2401, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2402, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2403, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2404, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senate Bill 2405, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2406, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2407, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2408, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2409, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2410, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2411, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2412, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2413, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2414, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2415, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2416, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2417, offered by Senators Sullivan -- excuse me, Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2418, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senate Bill 2419, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2420, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2421, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2422, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2423, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2424, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2425, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2426, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2427, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2428, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2429, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2430, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2431, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bills {sic} 2432, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senate Bill 2433, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2434, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2435, offered by Senators Trotter and Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2436, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 2437, offered by Senators Sullivan and Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 2438, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the Senate bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson, are you seeking recognition?
Yes, Mr. President. The Republicans would ask for a -- or have a -- a short caucus immediately upon adjournment. So if all Republicans would quickly go to the Leader’s Office immediately upon adjournment for a short caucus. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be turning to the Order of 3rd Reading, final action, if all Senators could report to the Floor. All Senators within the sound of my voice. On page 74 of your Calendar, at the bottom of the page, is Senate Bill 1342. Senator Wilhelmi, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he wishes to proceed. Mr. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1342. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1342 creates the Intermodal Facilities Promotion Act, which encourages the development of an intermodal facility in Joliet, which is a two-billion-dollar project, and it covers about thirty-five hundred acres. It allows DCEO to issue grants for the -- for infrastructure improvements that are going to be made on this property to allow for the intermodal facility to be built. Here’s how the grants work: They’re funded by income taxes paid to the State from jobs created by this development project. The grants are capped at the lesser of three million dollars per year or the total amount of infrastructure costs incurred by the developer. The grants may only be distributed in fiscal years 2010 through 2016. So the worst-case scenario is three million dollars over a seven-year period, or twenty-one million dollars. But let’s talk about what this intermodal facility will do not only for Will County, but for the State of Illinois. We’re talking about seven thousand permanent new jobs over a twelve- to fifteen-year period. We’re talking about three hundred to three hundred and fifty million dollars in new wages and salaries. We’re talking about nine to ten and a half million dollars in new State income 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 tax revenue. So when we look at the investment we’re making, we’re getting a great return on that investment. In addition to those statistics, there is an immediate impact on job creation, union construction jobs, five hundred to six hundred full-time jobs annually during the twelve-year build-out, which equates to six thousand to seven thousand total construction jobs. Another statistic, five hundred and forty-two million dollars in new construction wages at union scales. And lastly, six hundred and eighty-two million dollars’ value-added benefits from the construction of this intermodal facility in Will County. One more statistic, local government benefits from this as well. By taking this property and having an intermodal facility built on the property, we’re talking about three hundred and fifty million dollars of new real property taxes over a thirty-year planning horizon, and that’s mainly for schools and local governmental services. If the jobs aren’t created by the developer, there will be no fund created to be used for infrastructure improvements. If there’s no jobs, there’s no fund created for infrastructure improvements. This is an incentive bill. This gives the developer an incentive to go out and hire the men and women to build this intermodal facility. And lastly, there is a broad base of support in Will County. We have the Will County Governmental League. We have the Will/Grundy Building Trades. We have the Will County Center for Economic Development, which is the lead business group in Will County. And we have the Three Rivers Construction Alliance, which is basically representing management. When you look at this project in Will County, it not only impacts and affects and improves Will County, this is an economic development tool for 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 the entire State of Illinois and to our coffers, which are in dire need of additional revenues. I ask for your support and I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think it’s a very innovative project, Senator. And I just -- for legislative intent, as I would like to help you with this, can you please help me understand the affirmative action and local labor. Can you discuss that just a moment? Is -- is that in place?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, that is definitely in place through an agreement with the City of Joliet.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
So, will all contracts have stipulations in the contracts with connections on all -- private improvements to be constructed by the owners or successors and not only in -- in subcontractors, but in prime contracts also? Is that part of it, do you know? 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Yes, Senator, that is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
Thank you. And as far as community involvement, I understand there’s a community involvement piece. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Yes, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: I want to commend the sponsor and commend Senator Wilhelmi on doing a -- a comprehensive job on bringing jobs to the State of Illinois, to his community, and making sure that all parts, as he said, would be implemented and that all parts -- he’s covered all bases, if you will, in the spirit of spring and baseball. For me, he’s hitting a grand slam, and I look forward to touring that facility and helping him in any way we can to make sure that that project is successful and that we put people back to work. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Delgado. Is there further discussion? 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield, Senator. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Wilhelmi, you made the comment toward the end of your presentation that if there are no new jobs created, there won’t be a fund created and there won’t be grants that are distributed. Can you give us a little better idea of how you’ll make that determination? I mean, if there is someone down the road from the development who opens up a restaurant, were they going to open up that restaurant anyway or were they going to open up that restaurant as a result of what CenterPoint is doing here? I mean, how -- how are those jobs going to be counted, direct or indirect?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you. Senator, under Section 30 of the bill, it does require a specific method for determining the number of new employees attributable to the project. So there will be a report -- essentially there’ll be an agreement between the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the developer, and there will be a report submitted on a monthly basis to basically account for the jobs created by this development project by this developer. So, what I said before was, if there are no jobs created by this developer for this 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 intermodal facility, then there will be no funds deposited into the fund that is used by the Department to issue grants for infrastructure improvements on site.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, Senator, what you’re telling is, is that there’ll be an agreement between the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the developer on how to make that determination. Can I then ask, that could be different from development to development? In other words, if this process is utilized in another part of the State at another time, the agreement the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity might have with that developer might look different than the agreement that they have with CenterPoint or any other developer. Is that -- is that a fair assumption to make?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
I believe so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield. Senator Luechtefeld, for a question.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senator, this sounds a lot like the EDGE program that we presently have in the State. Obviously, it must be different because you’re -- you’re going to take legislation to make some changes. How does it differ from the -- from our present EDGE program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Senator, my understanding with EDGE grants is that that is administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and it’s a statewide program. This bill, as drafted, applies to the development of the intermodal facility in Will County that I’ve referred to. So it’s a specific -- this bill allows for a specific development project, which is an intermodal facility. And I have had discussions with others that it certainly could be amended, modified to apply to future such development projects for intermodal facilities. Remember, this is the Intermodal Facilities Promotion Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Luechtefeld.
But, Senator, my question was, would you even need this? We have a program on the books that anyone can use in the entire State called EDGE. And we’ve used that in many places throughout the State. This must be different than the EDGE program, and how is it different?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 First of all, generally speaking, Senator Luechtefeld, this program would create up to three million dollars annually to be reinvested as -- for infrastructure improvements on site. So that’s number one, which is much more significant - my understanding is - much more significant than the EDGE program. And number two, this -- there’s a mechanism; there’s a new fund being created and it’s identified in the bill, and the fund’s name is the Intermodal Facilities Promotion Fund. It’s a separate fund that is created in the State treasury. The fund is under the control of the Department, similar to the EDGE program, but this is a specific new fund in the treasury. And the funds that go into that fund come from the income taxes generated by the new employees created to build this intermodal facility. So with that model, it’s - my understanding is - significantly different than the EDGE program and it also applies specifically to this intermodal project.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Risinger, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President. I want to commend the sponsor for this bill. You know, I’ve read the project report. It is a -- a good project. It is one that certainly deserves our support. The only thing, Senator, that I can comment on, I kind of wish that it was wrapped up into our -- our capital program though. As you know, our roads and our bridges are -- are crumbling in the State of Illinois, that -- we heard the Governor yesterday propose a capital program that’s not nearly large enough to address the issues that we need to address. Also, in that proposal, there was no money for local roads and 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 streets or county highways, which certainly needs to be addressed at the same time. And while I’m going to support your bill - I think it’s a great project - I -- I wish that we could have wrapped that into our capital program, where we all have needs across the State, and we could have addressed that all in one issue. But thank you for bringing it forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Risinger. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the bill and I’d like to compliment the sponsor. I believe that the citizens and taxpayers back home who I represent want their taxes to go to a program like you’re proposing. I believe that government or our collective effort should be doing the work that those of us individually can’t do on our own. So our collective effort in this Chamber and what you’re doing locally, I think this is a -- a -- a wonderful thing. It -- it appears that you’re leveraging twenty-two million dollars of incentive into two billion dollars of job development. It represents investment which goes into infrastructure which then becomes a competitive advantage for the entire region that we all serve. So, my compliments and -- and thank you very much for bringing it forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I’m happy to see my colleagues 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 on our side of the aisle rise in support of this excellent piece of legislation. Just piggybacking on what Senator Risinger said, I had the opportunity to take a helicopter tour of this facility. It is gigantic. In fact, it is mind-boggling. And for you, Senator Risinger, and you, Senator Koehler, from Peoria, I lost count of how many Caterpillar earthmovers I saw from the air that were moving earth. Senator Risinger, the old district engineer, there’s fourteen miles of new road that are going to be laid just in this private enterprise. So this is a great project. It is mind-boggling in size and scope. It helps the trucking industry, the railroad industry, and puts lots of construction workers to work. And this is the best, as Senator Lauzen said, of public and private partnership. I would point out that this is probably the largest project going, construction project in the State of Illinois. It points out a need - why we need a capital bill yesterday to put other people in the trades to work. And, last but not least, and, Senator Wilhelmi, I know you get it, but, you know, our Governor yesterday did his State of the State speech and budget message and he is taking incentives away from business that create projects just like this. So, for those of you on the other side of the aisle, here’s an incentive for business that clearly is leveraging billions of dollars of economic activity and putting people to work. And we need to look at those incentives that Governor Quinn wants to take away very carefully in the upcoming months. But, great bill, Senator Wilhelmi. And I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Dillard. Senator Syverson, for what 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. A quick question to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I support this as well. And I wasn’t in committee, but can you tell me what’s the local - the -- the city or the county or township - what’s their commitment to this partnership that’s being made?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Senator, this -- this question was asked in committee and I’m happy to answer the question again. There is no TIF money and there -- this is not in an enterprise zone. But I will tell you, about three miles south of this intermodal facility that is under construction, there is an intermodal facility in Elwood, which was CenterPoint’s first intermodal. And we have seen a tremendous burden on our road system, not only the interstates, but the arterial roads off of the interstates. We have Route 53, we have Arsenal Road, we have I-55. And many of those roads, many of the arterial roads through Elwood and through Will County are the burden and responsibility of Elwood or the - - or Will County and now will be the burden and responsibility of Joliet and/or Will County. We’re talking about millions and millions of dollars of infrastructure improvements to allow for this economic engine to come into my backyard. And so, while there are no TIF dollars and no enterprise zone dollars, there’s 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 certainly a commitment on behalf of the local municipality, being Joliet, and Will County to support this project and to spend millions and millions of dollars on infrastructure improvements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I just want to commend the sponsor for an excellent piece of legislation. But I also just want to point out that Senator Wilhelmi’s parents are in the gallery behind me watching their son in action, and I’m sure they’re very proud of the excellent job he’s doing. I urge an Aye vote as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill: I also want to congratulate Senator Wilhelmi, who’s once again brought before us an excellent, well-crafted mechanism to bring prosperity to a great chunk of the State. I knew this was going to be heard today because a few days ago I heard a very loud raucous laughter, turned around and there was a gentleman with white, curly hair behind me. And I congratulated him on being in Springfield once again. And he had some very short pieces of advice for me: I need your help. And I want to ask Senator Wilhelmi, is the County Executive happy now? Is he satisfied now? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Wilhelmi, to close and to say hello to your parents.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank you all for your kind comments and for what appears to be support of the bill. I also want you to know, I did not bring my mom and dad here to guilt you into voting for me today on the Floor of the Senate. With that, I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1342 pass. All 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 that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1342, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 162, offered by Senators Raoul, Althoff, Munoz, Millner and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Consent Calendar. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator.
Well, first of all, I certainly want to thank you for 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 recognizing me in the gallery earlier today. That was very nice of you to do that. But also, up in the gallery, I have some friends and family. My sister, Edith Ewing, is up in the gallery, and she is here with two of her friends, Janet Steinman and Marlys Heisler. They are here -- they are teachers in the Hamilton School District. They’re here for a conference. And I’d like everybody to welcome them here to Springfield today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you seek recognition on this fine day?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President. I just…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
…want to thank those individuals, especially yourself, in wearing that beautiful red color, and my dear friend Marty Sandoval and lovely people that acknowledged St. Joseph. Many of the Pols and Italians are very proud of today. It’s an All Saints’ Day for us. And I want all the Irish to know that I always wear green, so I hope more of you will be wearing green next year -- I mean red. So thank you very much, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. We will all wear green next Feast of St. Joseph’s Day in your honor. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Joint Resolution 53. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senate Joint Resolution 53, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads SJR No. 53)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Schoenberg moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 53. Those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Schoenberg moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 53. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Senate will stand at ease for a few moments 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 stands at ease. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will please come to order. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we’re waiting for some Messages from the House to complete our paperwork and for the Committee on Assignments to meet. We were going -- we will turn to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading, on the bottom of page 40, starting with Senate Bill 1186. Senator Sullivan, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1186. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1197. Senator Sullivan. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1197. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1221. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1221. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senate Bill 1252. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1252. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hultgren, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Real quickly, if I could have a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator.
Just want to say hello. Actually they’re on a tour, so a lot of ‘em are leaving. But I have some students from St. Michael’s School in Wheaton that are here. And -- and I would ask the Senate to welcome them here to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Secretary, Messages.
Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Dear Mr. President - I am instructed {sic} 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 36. Offered by Senator Haine. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Consent Calendar. Further Messages, Mr. Secretary.
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, passage of which I am instructed to ask the 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 288. We have like Messages, Mr. President, on House Bills 402, 658, 1055 and 1115. Passed the House -- excuse me, and House Bill -- we have like Messages on House Bill 312, 313, 314, 471, 567. All passed the House, March 19, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk. 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 2016, together with the following amendments which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 2016. Passed the House, as amended, March 19th, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. We now appear to have all of the required Messages from the House for the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. If the members of the committee will report to the President’s Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Appropriations II Committee - House Bill 312, 313 and 314; refer -- excuse me, be re-referred from the Executive Appointments Committee to the Executive Committee - Senate Bill 189. Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) With leave of the Body, we’re going to return to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading starting on page 5, near the top of the page, with Senate Bill 251. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 252. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 253. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 256. Senator Noland, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 261. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Senate Bill 262. Senator Noland. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 262. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 265. Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed? Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 265. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …the record. I’m sorry, Mr. Secretary, he indicates he does wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 265. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 268. Senator Collins. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 268. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Financial Institutions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 271. Senator Cronin, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 271. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 279. Senator John Jones. Out of the record. Senate Bill… I’m sorry. Senator Jones indicates he wishes to proceed on Senate Bill 279. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 279. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 283. Senator Syverson. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 283. (Secretary reads title of bill) 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Elections adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 289. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 289. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 291. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 292. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 298. Senator Noland, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 298. (Secretary reads title of bill) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 315. Senator Martinez, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 316. Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 321. Senator Kotowski. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 321. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
I’m very pleased to have the second half of our group from St. Michael’s Church up in the gallery. I wanted to say hello to them as well, if we could, and have the Senate welcome them. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 So, I got a -- a group of kids and teachers and families from St. Michael’s School in Wheaton. So, let’s say hello to them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests from St. Michael’s School please rise to be welcomed to the Senate? Welcome to Springfield. On page 6 of your Calendar, near the bottom, Senate Bill 328. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 328. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Commerce adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 329. Senator Kotowski, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 329. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Next on our Calendar is Senate Bill 330. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senator Koehler, do you wish to proceed? He indicates that he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 330. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’re going to skip forward to the top of page 7. At the top of the page is Senate Bill 337. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 337. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a bill which is limited to two drainage districts - the Wood River Drainage District and the Metro-East Drainage and Sanitary District - to allow them to annex property that is served by their levees, that, for one reason or another - oversight - has been developed but not -- and it’s protected 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 by the levees but, for one reason or another, it’s not in the -- it’s not being taxed - even though they’re getting the protection of the -- the levee. We -- we discovered this in a - - an analysis of these areas last year in doing the levee bill which passed the General Assembly, was signed into law by the Governor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Floor Amendment No. 1 be adopted. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. With the leave of the Body, we will skip forward on the Calendar to page 10. Near the bottom of the page is Senate Bill 414. Senator Raoul, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we will skip forward to the top of page 12. At the -- near the top is Senate Bill 450. Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we will skip Senate Bill 455. Near the middle of the page is Senate Bill 464. Senator Martinez, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we’re going to move forward to the middle of page 15 on your Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 544. Senator Hunter, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 545. Senator Meeks, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Reading.
House Bill 312. (Secretary reads title of bill) Offered by Senator Trotter. House Bill 313, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 314, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. We are wrapping up our business quickly here. One announcement, we want to make sure everyone knows that we will be taking our Chamber photo next Wednesday and all Senators are requested to be on the Floor by 10:45 a.m. next Wednesday. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections have been filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolutions are adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of twelve noon on Tuesday, March 24th, 2009. The 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 28th Legislative Day 3/19/2009 Senate stands adjourned. 43