PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The regular Session… Let’s start over. 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 Jeremy Wood, First Congressional {sic} (Congregational) Church, in Bunker Hill. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Jeremy Wood)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs, to lead in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journals, please.
Senate Journals of May 27th, 28th and 29th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Holmes.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Senator Holmes moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, …Approval of the Journal. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
Senate Journal of Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Holmes.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Holmes moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
I am joined today by the -- the fine Village Manager of my hometown, the Village of Palatine, Mr. Reid Ottesen. If we could give him a warm Senate welcome, it would be most appreciated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield, sir. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Bills 3148, 3630, 3699, 3700 Do Pass; Senate Bills 3222, 3705 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 642 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Point -- point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
I’d like to introduce Miss Julie Forsythe, who is a -- a constituent from my district, and she’s in Springfield today celebrating what a wonderful city this is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome. Madam Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution 687, offered by Senator Kotowski and all Members. Senate Resolution 688, offered by Senator Kotowski and all Members. Senate Resolution 689, offered by Senator Kotowski and all Members. Senate Resolution 690, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. Senate Resolution 691, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. Senate Resolution 692, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. Senate Resolution 693, offered by Senator Bond and all 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Members. Senate Resolution 694, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. Senate Resolution 695, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. And Senate Resolution 696, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. They are death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills, please.
Senate Bill 3843, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading, please.
House Bill 3762, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5463, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, for purpose of an announcement, may I have your attention, please? The Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. I’d ask all members on the Committee on Assignments to meet in the President’s Anteroom immediately. The Senate 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 will stand at ease for just a moment while the committee meets. And we’ll be going back to Floor action, final action, so we’d ask all Members please report to the Senate Floor immediately. So the Committee on Assignments will meet immediately and we’ll be going right to final action. Thank you. The Senate will stand at ease while the committee meets. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Re-referred from the Education Committee to the Public Health Committee - Senate Bill 2929; re-referred from the Consumer Protection Committee to the Environment Committee - Senate Bill 3750; re-referred from the Criminal Law Committee to the Public Health Subcommittee on Special Issues - Senate Bill 3632 and Senate Bill 3709; re-referred from the Commerce Committee to the Executive Committee - Senate Bill 3348. Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Commerce Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3147 -- excuse me, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3147 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3316; refer to the Criminal Law Committee - 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3169, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3467, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3684 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3734; refer to the Environment Committee - Committee Amendment 1 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3227; refer to the Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2448, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3118, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3280, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3348, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3482, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3459 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3778; refer to the Gaming Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3574; refer to the Insurance Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2516, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2818, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2965, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3034, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3188, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3378 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3480; refer to the Labor Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3644; refer to the Licensed Activities Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2541, Committee Amendment 1 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2635, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3712 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3769; refer to the Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3692; refer to the Pensions and Investments Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2547 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3663; refer to the Public Health Subcommittee on Nursing Home Care - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3196; refer to the Revenue Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2486 and Committee Amendment 1 to 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Senate Bill 3334; refer to the State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3206, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3215, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3589 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3817; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 1201, Senate Bill 1202, Senate Bill 1203, Senate Bill 1204, Senate Bill 1240, Senate Bill 1242, Senate Bill 1243, Senate Bill 1244, Senate Bill 1245, Senate Bill 1249, Senate Bill 1250 and Senate Resolution 636. Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Adam Gerik of The Chronicle of Higher Education is requesting permission to do still photos. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have a number of citizens from Edwardsville, Illinois, in my district, here. They’re sitting in the gallery on the Republican side of the aisle. They are here for the Catholic Lobby Day. Mr. David Dunn, Jerry and Stephanie Kapp, and the Reverend Dan Corbett. Dan is also the distinguished godfather of my youngest daughter, Alice. So I would ask you to give them a round of applause from the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Would our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Thank you, Senator Haine. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President, I have two young people here with me as guests. They are interns in my Macomb district office. To my right is Alissa DeRoos. She is from Macomb. She’s a junior at Macomb High School and interested in foreign languages and government. She wants to be an ambassador. And to my left is Robert Flinn. Robert is from Normal, Illinois, and he’s a sophomore at Western Illinois University and majoring in political science. They came down to Springfield to see what we do down here. And I’d like everybody to welcome them to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please rise. Please rise and be recognized, and welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Dahl, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Moment of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Thank you. I also have today a group from Mendota, Illinois, for -- with the Catholic Conference. Sitting up here behind the Republicans are Father Blake, Mike Donahue, Kathy Burkholder, Mary Pat Hart, Kim Schimmer and Anita Kobilsek, who is also the superintendent {sic} (principal) of the -- the grade school in…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests please rise to be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to table a bill, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please make your request, sir.
Thank you. I’d like to move to table Senate Bill 2357. SB 2357, Madam Secretary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Dillard seeks leave of the Body to table his bill. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Thank you, Senator. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention? We will be going to the printed Calendar. We’re going to Senate Bills 3rd Reading on page 4 of your printed Calendar. Let me remind the Body, this is final action. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 4 of your Calendar, in the middle of page 4, is Senate Bill 642. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Senator Haine, are you seeking leave of the 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Body to return Senate Bill 642 back to the Order of 2nd Reading for purpose of an amendment? Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 642. Madam Secretary, has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment 1, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Haine, on Amendment No. 1.
Amendment No. 1 - this provides -- we’re doing Floor Amendment No. 3, I believe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) We believe -- it’s been brought to the attention of the Secretary of the Senate that you’re doing Floor Amendment No. 1. You filed Floor Amendment No. 1 and Floor Amendment No. 3. Is that correct? Senator Haine.
I want to table -- I move to table Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The gentleman requests to withdraw Amendment No. 1. Amendment -- Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 642. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. The amendment’s withdrawn. Madam Secretary, further amendments?
Floor Amendment 3, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine, on Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 642, sir. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 642 changes the bill in two ways. It allows all nine public universities of Illinois to borrow, in anticipation of State appropriations made in the current fiscal year of 2010. Secondly, it allows them to borrow up to seventy-five percent of their 2010 outstanding vouchers submitted to the Comptroller, but not yet received. It adds, primarily, the University of Illinois and Northeastern Illinois University. So there all in.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you very much, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say -- Senator Jones, are you seeking recognition on this amendment, sir?
Let’s do it on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Jones.
Do it on the bill. Do it after the adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. It’s the opinion of the Chair, the Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Now -- now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 642. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 642. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Haine, to the bill, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill provides short-term cash flow borrowing, quite simply, to the nine public universities of this State. As the Senate is well aware and the citizens are well aware, our public universities are owed more than nine hundred million dollars through the State budget. They’ve received on average between thirty-three percent to thirty-nine percent - in one case, forty-three percent - of the vouchered funds. The concern is that if faced with a cash flow stoppage, if they cease to be paid, if they -- if we cease to pay them -- this is not to cast any aspersions on Mr. Hynes or Governor Quinn, but to recognize that our cash flow is in such a crisis that if these State universities cannot receive the cash they need to operate, they will close their doors. And if that happens, they might suffer irreparable damage to their reputation, their ability to attract students, their ability to retain and attract faculty. It’s a situation that a modern state, such as Illinois, cannot 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 tolerate, and this bill avoids that by giving the boards of trustees, who are appointed by the Governor and ratified by this Senate -- to operate in a -- in a manner consistent with the ability of K through 12, our public school districts, private business, who face similar cash flow problems.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, ma’am.
Do each of the nine universities have a plan to pay back this money?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Senator Pankau, I presume that they do. I -- I haven’t -- I know that President Glenn Poshard is here in the Senate gallery today and he has a plan. And I presume that the chancellors and the presidents of all of these universities have a plan, otherwise they wouldn’t be asking for this extraordinary authority. The board has been apprised of this - the various boards. And I’m -- I’m -- I -- I can’t say with certainty, but I’m quite confident that they do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Pankau. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
And also, Senator, we’ve heard recently in the papers about some of our institutions thinking about dramatic fee increases - twenty percent or in that general range. Will any of this stave off any of those increases, or will this borrowing just help them get through and the increases will probably come anyway?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Senator Pankau. This money is intended to allow them…(microphone cutoff)…operate, in anticipation of receiving what is due them from the budget that we passed. I can’t answer, again, with certainty as to whether it will avoid a tuition increase or a fee increase, ‘cause those are long-term budgetary considerations by their board. So I -- I -- I don’t know. This is to avoid the dramatic situation where they’re closing because they don’t have the money to meet payroll.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Further -- further discussion? Senator John Jones, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator Haine, I -- I rise in support of your -- of your legislation today, but I -- I think there’s a -- a couple of things that -- that I would like to ask you and -- and to point 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 out also. I’m thrilled to death that the Medicaid borrowing is not tied in this bill now, you know, because there is wide support for this piece of legislation and has been for several weeks. I’ve talked with Poshard -- President Poshard several times over the last few weeks about this issue. And I’m -- I’m encouraged that, you know, an amendment I filed - which I don’t care who has the amendment - but a suggestion I had about the seventy-five-percent borrowing, because the original bill would have actually let the universities borrow like a hundred and twenty-five percent of what we owe them and -- and that would only cause a bigger problem down the road if -- if we let that occur. So, the seventy-five percent against what the -- the State owes them is -- is a great move and -- and then the time frame of August of -- of this. But I have the -- the same question that Senator Pankau had earlier, and I hope that we would at least say, for the intent of this legislation, that’s - - that’s our intent on the payback. You know, I was hoping it would be in the -- in the language that when the universities gets a payment from the State of Illinois - I don’t care if it’s ten million dollars or fifty million dollars - that payment should go towards paying off that loan and not be used for something else at the university to where they come back to us later on and -- and ask us for more money than -- than what they have coming. And I know most universities are going to abide by that, but you never know when. So I would hope -- my question is to you, is -- is that your intent that whenever we send them a payment, they -- they use it to pay back the loan?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
To answer your question simply, yes. But keep in mind, Senator -- and I -- I appreciate your remark about the seventy- five percent and the amendment. That’s a -- was a very good idea. I want to add that when the -- their -- the individual boards of these universities embark on this, they have to have a plan and they will have to state clearly, as I indicated to Senator Pankau, to where this money’s going and how they’re going to pay it back. And the public is going to watch that, and I presume the Governor’s going to watch it, and we’re going to watch it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Lauzen, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir. Senator Lauzen.
Senator Haine, you know that I have enormous respect and affection for you, but these -- these questions -- first, has this -- has this type of bailout borrowing ever been used by the universities in Illinois in our entire history?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Senator, I don’t think so. I -- I -- I -- but I don’t know 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 for certain that that’s the case.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
Have any of the steps been taken -- the fundamental steps been taken to rein in the deficit spending that created this predicament where the State of Illinois doesn’t pay its obligations to the universities? Have any of the major spending restraint steps been taken yet?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Senator, are you speaking of the State budget or each individual university budget?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
I’m referring to the State budget, and -- see, this is how I think that we have this kind of -- as I’m listening to your description of the bill and some of the questions. Frankly, this is not the universities problem. This is the State’s problem. It’s not their spending that has created the cash flow irresponsibility and -- and deadbeatness of the State. It’s not their problem. They were cut back seven years ago, approximately fifteen, sixteen percent by the Blagojevich administration, and they’ve never recovered. Now we’re saying, on top of that fifteen to sixteen - you know, we just came from a hearing - where it’s ten percent more. It’s -- they’re just asking “Pay us what you promised.” And so, it’s certainly not 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 the university; it is the State of Illinois. And my question is, have any of the major steps been taken to rein in the deficit spending that created the problem that causes us not to be able to pay our lawful obligation to the State universities?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
The answer, Senator, is yes. We have, as a State, made efforts to rein in spending over the past few years. As you know, Illinois is forth-eighth or forty-ninth in the number of per capita State employees. We’ve cut our work forces to the point where our State services are affected in a deleterious way. But the root cause of this problem, I think - and you’re a CPA and you’re undoubtedly aware of this - is the economic collapse of the United States as a nation and the State of Illinois in -- in the worst way since 1939 or 1940, and, therefore, our sales tax are declining, our income taxes are -- are -- are declining; at the same time, we pass a budget based upon them remaining stable. So, we’re all doing what we can do to meet our essential public obligations - health care, public education, developmentally disabled, our higher education, maintain our infrastructure, highways, levees, everything else - with a declining tax base because of the economic collapse that’s beyond our control. So, yes. But this is extraordinary - it’s extraordinary in the history of the United States; it’s extraordinary in the history of Illinois - and that’s why we are asking an extraordinary authority to be given to our universities to use their resources to get through this terrible period. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: First of all, I -- I respect and thank the sponsor for his answers. I’m -- I’m afraid, Senator, that the answer as far as our spending being reined in, that response is factually inaccurate. Year over year, spending has continued to increase. From ‘03 to ‘08, the State budget spending has gone up thirty-three percent. Then when the recession came - which in the normal cycles of business development, we have a significant recession - but that reduced our revenue by ten to fifteen percent. That has been offset by the so-called federal stimulus money, where over the twenty months, starting February of ‘09, that amount of money is 9.4 billion dollars, which represents another thirty-three percent. So, we have more revenue than we’ve had in the past. This is a spending problem. And when we say that the whole country economics have collapsed, all we have to do is look next door at our friends in Indiana, our fellow Americans in Indiana. This year, they will have a billion-dollar budget surplus in their state. So, this is not an economic collapse; this is a matter of our fiscal responsibility of the -- irresponsibility of the administration. To then extrude our irresponsibility into the university system is to perpetuate the habits that got us to where we are now. So I would ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Duffy, are you seeking recognition, sir?
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Yes, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.
You know, this is going to be a very difficult year for everyone. The State of Illinois is obviously in a financial crisis. Over the past seven years, we’ve been digging the whole deeper and deeper. And I agree with the Senator: We’re all in a financial collapse, in Illinois and in the United States. So if you’re having financial difficulty -- difficulties, what you don’t do is continue to borrow money when you can’t pay it back and you have no plan on how to pay it back. So, considering all those situations and considering that we continue to kick the can down the road, we cannot continue to borrow. So I also encourage a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Maloney, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d just like to speak for the bill. As the Chairman of the Higher Education Committee, we have been involved with this issue for a long, long time. And as the previous Senator -- or, Senator Lauzen spoke, we did hear from President Poshard and President Ikenberry today about the necessity of the -- this legislation. Unfortunately, when we talk about helping the universities, we’re not just talking about the universities in the abstract sense, but we’re talking about the students that they serve, and we are talking about possible cuts in programs, possible less accessibility, less 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 affordability. So this issue goes not just toward helping the universities, but the -- the students they serve. So, it -- it’s -- it’s -- it’s not something the universities really want to do, but it’s necessary to keep the doors open, to keep the programs going, and to keep servicing the -- the students that - - that -- that so -- so desperately need the opportunities for a higher education. And I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. I was…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.
…that we wouldn’t be -- come to the point to where we’re going to ignore the plight of the universities and -- and blame the Governor, especially by people who would not vote for any revenue enhancement programs which would’ve allowed the Governor to give the universities the monies that they so desperately need so they can keep educating our children. So, let’s -- as we go forward, I would just hope that we would stay from the political posturing and just face the reality that the universities need this authority so that they can keep the doors open and keep educating the fine students that they have right now in the State of Illinois. And I commend Senator Haine for coming forward with this action. But, please, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, let’s leave politics out of this and stop blaming the Governor as if Pat Quinn created this mess that 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 we’re in, because everyone knows that it is not the Governor’s fault, especially those in this Chamber who will not vote for any revenue increases. Please keep the politics out of it. We can do that on the campaign trail, not in the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Further discussion? Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Question to the sponsor at least. Speak to the bill, also.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
You know, I -- I’m going to support this legislation, basically because, certainly, the problems that we have the universities didn’t cause. We have created a -- a -- a problem that I’m -- I’m not real sure that we can really solve. It -- it -- it is past that point. I -- I would -- and again, for instance, K through 12 already has the ability to go out and borrow, as we will give the universities. I -- I -- I think many universities are hoping they don’t have to do it, but it does give them somewhat of a -- a -- a safety factor. A point though, Senator, that I would like to disagree with you on, and that is that this State is in trouble because of the economic downturn. There’s no doubt that that has made it worse, but I will say to you, you and I would be having this exact, same discussion right now if the economy would have stayed the same. This State was in trouble way before the economy collapsed. It 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 is just now in worse trouble. And -- and please don’t use that as the excuse of why this -- and your -- no doubt, it has made it worse. But we would be having this same discussion - and I think you know that. We were headed over a cliff for the last several years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator -- Senator Luechtefeld. Senator Luechtefeld, you were recognized for a question, then you were going to go to the bill. Is there a question in this -- to -- question of the sponsor, sir, then we’ll go to the bill. Senator Luechtefeld, for a question.
There -- there was, and -- and you missed it, Senator. Do you agree with me, Senator? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine, on the long question.
I would defer my answer until we debate the budget.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine, to the bill, sir. You’re -- Senator Luechtefeld. Anybody further seeking recognition on this matter? Senator Murphy? I saw your light lit. You’re fine. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, there -- seeing no further discussion, Senator Haine, to close, sir.
I would ask the Senate as always, and I appreciate the questions and comments and the offers to improve the bill, which bore fruition. I would remind us, once again, of the tremendous economic engines these universities are in our local communities 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 and what damage could be done to them without a -- an authority, a temporary authority - it’s only through 2010 - a temporary authority to get through this extraordinarily difficult economic time without the threat of closure, which could cost them a great deal, now and in the future, and can cost the local communities wherein which they operate. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Let me remind the Body, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is final action. The question is, shall Senate Bill 642 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 43 Ayes, 14 voting Nay, 1 voting present. Senate Bill 642, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll -- continuing on the printed Calendar, I’d ask you to turn your Calendars to page 10. Page 10 on your -- in the middle of page 10, Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions. We will -- we will go to the Order… We will go to Secretary Desk, Concurrence. In the middle of page 10 on your printed Calendar comes Senate Bill 1425. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, one moment please. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d just like to acknowledge today that we have with us in Springfield some -- two very important people from my community, Sister Cathy Ryan, from Maryville Academy for boys and girls, and -- and my former Mayor of Des Plaines, Tony Arredia, who works in government affairs for Maryville. They do great work on behalf of children who’ve endured abuse and neglect. And it’s our honor to have ‘em here today. Please give ‘em a great Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests please stand in -- in the gallery and please stand to be recognized? Welcome, Sister, and welcome, Mayor. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. And I had the great pleasure of having a conversation with them last night while they were visiting the Capitol. Senator Cronin, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
For purposes of an announcement, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) How are you today, Senator Cronin, my dear friend?
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Nice -- nice to see you, sir.
Thank you, Senator DeLeo. You are my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please proceed.
25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 I -- I am really honored to introduce a very special guest here who’s on my -- standing next to me, here at my desk, is none other than Bishop Siegel. Bishop Siegel is the pride and joy of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois. He is the Pastor at that wonderful community and that Parish and he’s just been recently elevated to Bishop - Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Joliet. He’s down here expressing his views and making his presence known as a -- as a part of the effort with Catholics at the Capitol. And I just wanted to recognize him and ask that the Senate give him a warm welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Bishop, welcome. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Senator Cronin - Senator Cronin, we could keep the Bishop and the Cardinal here for the next thirty- five days of Session - it would be very helpful. Would you talk to ‘em about that, please? Okay, Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1425. Filed by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter, to your motion, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This amendment amends the General Obligation Bond Act regarding Medicaid enhancement funding. The overall goal of this bill is to increase our bonding authorization to {sic} (by) a total of two hundred and fifty million dollars to allow spending for a 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 total of six hundred and fifty million dollars in Medicaid funding. The increased bonding authority will be used to make deposits into the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund to make payments for Medicaid services. These bonds must be repaid within one year of the issuance. According to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the proposal will allow spending to the following provider types: sixteen million dollars will go to hospices; independent labs, ten million dollars; home health care, twelve million dollars; appliances, twelve million dollars; transportation, twelve million dollars; optometrists, five million; hospitals, sixteen; community health centers, fourteen million; prescription drugs, two hundred and fifty-six million; DD long-term care - DHS, one twenty-five million; managed care, fifteen million.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir. Senator Murphy.
Thank you. Chairman Trotter, this is another borrowing bill. This is two of ‘em today. This one is for -- for State purposes. Do you anticipate any further borrowing being done by the State this year?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
I don’t anticipate any, but that doesn’t mean that we will not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
Do you know whether the Governor is proposing more borrowing this year in his budget proposal?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
No, I’m anxiously waiting to hear his budget next Wednesday. And I’m sure he’ll let us know then if that’s his intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
How -- what is our current total of short-term borrowing debt as a State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
Yes. I do not know the -- the -- the whole number in its aggregate. It’s upwards of about -- 2.4 billion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
So we’re at about two and a quarter billion. This will take us to about two and a half billion. To quote Everett 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Dirksen - pretty soon we’re talking real money. And just to the bill, Mr. President: We have, and had before this national economic downturn, a record amount of outstanding debt as a State. We have the worst funded pension system in the nation. We have above-average unemployment in this State. We have systematically crushed opportunity in this State for seven years, by piling on debt, spending more than we can afford, driving jobs out of this State. This is another step, Ladies and Gentlemen in this Chamber, in the wrong direction. We can no longer afford to borrow. We can no longer afford to pile debt onto the next generation. This will be paid off. When’s the pension going to get paid off? Ladies and Gentlemen, this State has been grossly mismanaged for the past year, as we have seen our deficit, just this year, grow by two and a half billion. Governor Quinn told us last year he could manage the budget within the appropriations given. And he has managed to give us a two-and-a-half-billion-dollar larger deficit than we had even a year ago. More borrowing is not the solution. It’s time to have leadership in this Chamber. It’s time to have leadership in this State and admit that we’re spending more than we can afford. The consequences for the people of this State are real. 11.1-percent unemployment is real. It’s a byproduct of the overspending and the -- and the -- and the horrible business climate that the policies of the last seven years have created. Please join us in working in a new direction this year that recognizes the limits of our State budget. Start spending within our means, stop borrowing us into oblivion, and we can start to see a brighter future here -- here in Illinois. I strongly urge a No vote to more borrowing. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
I rise in support of the bill. To the bill: Mr.…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Bill, sir.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I don’t know that I’ve ever heard an opportunity -- I’ve -- I’ve ever heard it expressed before, by either Democrats or Republicans, that we should turn our backs on hundreds of millions of dollars in new federal money that would be available to us. With every passing month, our two primary ways of paying our bills - income tax revenues and sales tax revenues - continue to decline. It’s an indisputable fact. Our core mission, which includes providing health care and human services -- we have the opportunity through the federal Stimulus Law to leverage federal Medicaid reimbursement at close to sixty-two percent. This is an opportunity for us to take in hundreds of millions of dollars in new federal money, by enacting this borrowing, that we wouldn’t have before, to pay all those providers in communities throughout the State. So, in closing, I just want to say that not only is this a better alternative than, say, a ten-percent across-the-board cut, which uses a hatchet and not a scalpel on our -- on our important -- our most important spending, but it also -- you know, there’s two ways to borrow in this State: you can either borrow through a failure of revenues which is declared and the Governor then asks the 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Comptroller and the Treasurer to certify that there’s a failure of revenues and they could -- would borrow, or you can come to the General Assembly. I think that we would prefer having this question come to the General Assembly so that we can indeed determine whether it’s prudent to do this very short-term borrowing and in turn get those hundreds of millions of dollars in new federal funds.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
I wonder if the sponsor will yield please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir. Senator Righter.
Senator Trotter, it’s my understanding that under current law, as it exists today, that the Governor and the Comptroller and the Treasurer can come together and sign off on exactly the kind of borrowing that you’ve suggested here today. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
That is correct, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter.
Then, explain to me and the rest of the Body, if you would, 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Senator Trotter, why is it that we need to cede unilateral authority over to the Governor? Why is it necessary, in your view, to cut the Comptroller and the Treasurer - I think two significant individuals in the judgment of whether or not we should borrow money - out of this process entirely? Why do we need to do that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
Well, many reasons. Well, one, those discussions have started. They have not finished their discussions of -- of being able to get the two hundred and fifty million dollars. So as a consequence, I believe it’s important for us, as a Body with the power, to get this two hundred and fifty million dollars -- the authorization for two hundred and fifty million dollars, which will allow us to capture four hundred million dollars to pay the bills as soon as possible. Whatever their bureaucracy has made them hit this wall should not be our dereliction of doing a job that we can do. Secondly, if they did that, those dollars -- if the Governor, the Comptroller, and Treasurer got together and agreed tomorrow, the dollars that they give the -- the authorization for - the two hundred and fifty million dollars - would have to be paid back in this fiscal year. In this legislation, the dollars do not have to be paid back until twelve months after the date of issuance. So it gives us more time to actually -- to pay back the two hundred and fifty million dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Trotter, have you had any -- obviously you’re a proponent of giving the Governor the unilateral authority. Have you, in your role as sponsor of the bill, had any conversations with either the Comptroller or any of his representatives or the Treasurer or any of his representatives about why it is they have not been willing to sign off on this package?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter.
To the bill, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen, this bill seeks to carve out two-thirds of the officials who are supposed to sign off on short-term borrowing in this State. Now, I would think that most of us would already be a little uneasy with the notion that three elected officials themselves can sign off on short-term borrowing of hundreds of millions of dollars. Now what you’re being asked to do is say we really don’t care what the Comptroller and Treasurer think, let’s just give it all to the Governor. That’s a terrible idea. In terms of process, that’s a terrible idea. Seventy percent - seventy percent of 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 all the short-term borrowing that has taken place in this entire State’s history has happened since 2003. Haven’t we done enough of that? Haven’t we done enough of that? Seven out of every ten dollars in just the last eight years. But, Mr. President, I want to touch on one last point because there’s a lot of talk about how the Medicaid program is hurting for funds, how it is - excuse the pun - it’s bleeding. And you know what? It is. It absolutely is. And the reason it’s bleeding is because it has been expanded time and time and time again by this General Assembly and, most notably, the Executive Branch in the last eight years, and it has not been managed at all. Yesterday, myself and a number of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle sat in the Audit -- Legislative Audit Commission and heard the department in charge of making sure that people who are on Medicaid or eligible for Medicaid tell us that most of the people who are on Medicaid are subject to what they refer to - and I guess this is a new word in government speak - as passive redetermination. And what that means is, at the end of the twelve-month period that they’re eligible, the department sends them a letter and asks if any of their circumstances, in terms of income, have changed. If they don’t get a letter back -- if we don’t hear back from them, we leave ‘em on the program. Where else in the real world or, I would challenge you, even in most of our government worlds, do you do that? Until this program begins to be managed, until this administration, or maybe you, at least put one hand on the steering wheel, at least put one eye on the road, why would we throw good money after bad, and that’s exactly what this is. I would urge a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President. 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Rutherford, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Mr. President, thank you. May I comment on the bill, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill.
Thank you. I make an observation that Chairman Trotter had a comment about the provision for the Governor to request borrowing authority, short-term, on the sign-off of the two fiscal officers of the State - the Comptroller and the Treasurer - and that it would preclude doing what you’re suggesting to do because it needed to end at a specific time in the fiscal year. This piece of legislation allows it to lapse into the next fiscal year. I would note that the provision for short-term borrowing capability of the Governor by sign off of the Comptroller and the Treasurer has two parts: one part as you had highlighted, but the second part does provide for that short-term borrowing to go into another fiscal year. It’s my understanding that Governor Quinn had presented the proposal within the fiscal year to Comptroller Hynes and to Treasurer Giannoulias, and at that time, it was my understanding that the Comptroller suggested that they go into the second part of the fiscal year, as Chairman Trotter had noted. But I would also highlight, and this is the part that causes me concern, Chairman Trotter, is that we are now looking to move forward and precluding the financial officers of this State, who in part are 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 vested with the responsibility to have an oversight on the finances of our State. And it’s my understanding - this is not partisan - please - that a Democratic member of a Constitutional Office has not signed off on this. So this is not partisan. What we have is a duly elected financial officer of this State that said this is not a good idea. And it does bother me that we’re looking to circumvent a process that does allow for it to go into another fiscal year. It’s not happening and the General Assembly is taking this on. So with all respect, Chairman Trotter, I too stand in opposition to the way we’re attempting to circumvent a process that’s in place today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Our last person seeking recognition, Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I’ll -- I’ll be very brief. You know, I have nothing but respect for many of the speakers and I asked earlier that we leave politics out of it. Clearly, my request have fellen {sic} on -- on deaf ears. We’re in a mess, wasn’t the fault of the last seven years, as one of the speakers said. We’ve been going down this terrible road for quite some time - whether it’s the drag on the economy because of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan - I’m sure that has an effect on it; policies from previous presidents going on, previous governors. We need to just leave the politics out of it, take care of the people of the State of Illinois. We have a fiduciary responsibility, a fiscal responsibility, a responsibility to the State -- citizens of the State of Illinois 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 to do what is necessary, regardless of whether the Comptroller acts or the Treasurer acts. We represent the people of the State of Illinois and not those two officeholders. Heck, many of you haven’t even received a -- a per diem from the Comptroller. So, he can act if he wants to act; if he doesn’t want to act, he doesn’t want to act. But we need to take action. I commend Senator Trotter for this action today and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Thank you, Senator Hendon. Senator Trotter, to close, sir.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the -- the Senate. These are bad times with -- these are unprecedented times here in the State of Illinois as far as having our finances in order. And we can point the finger at individuals or we can take responsibility and say it’s part of the economy. It’s not just a spending problem, at least we heard from National Conference of State Legislatures group two weeks ago. We have a revenue problem, and as a consequence, we’re not paying our bills. But we’ve been given a window of opportunity and that is to capture our federal dollars, our taxpayer dollars, back from Washington, D.C. Two hundred and fifty million dollars will allow us to capture four hundred million dollars, which gives us the simple number of six hundred and fifty million dollars, which will go towards -- to exclusively pay for our Medicaid bills - to pay the providers, to pay those pharmacists. Specifically, two hundred and fifty-six million dollars will go to pay back that backlog of the pharmacies in 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 our communities, where in some instances, we have not paid them in the last hundred and twenty days. Not doing this only exasperates -- what’s that? You want to spell that for me. Didn’t I say that? Oh, thank you. Anyway, my long-winded colleague over here, Schoenberg, was trying to help me out. But, anyway, the -- the issue is we have an opportunity to pay our bills. One, another sixteen million dollars will go to hospitals, in particular - and one of the Senators in Bloomington - Passages Hospital {sic} (Hospice), LLC will get 1.74 million dollars; the -- the Family Centered Hospice in Addison will get another six hundred and sixty-four million dollars; the Winfield Moody Center -- Community {sic} (Health) Center will get dollars; the Wauconda Fire Protection District will get five million dollars out of this; Buffalo Grove Fire Department will get another 2.5 million dollars; the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District will get 1.47 million. And I can go on and on, because I have a list of all of the projects that these dollars tentatively will be spent in our districts. So I ask you today, let’s just get off our political high horse, let’s do the work that we were sent down here to do, and that is to enhance the -- the quality of life for the people that we serve. And we can begin by -- doing that by passage of Senate Bill 1425, and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Trotter. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, let me remind you, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 and No. 2 to Senate Bill 1425. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote No -- Nay. The voting is open. Have 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 36 Ayes, 20 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1425 having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 and No. 2 to Senate Bill 1425, and the bill is declared passed. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you. We would request a verification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, the gentleman has requested a verification. That request is in order. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Well, Mr. President, I know a verification is -- is -- is always in order, but I did want to caution Senator Syverson because you know we have other Senate business to get around to, including legislation that he probably wants to pass. So, if I was him, I’d be a -- a bit careful with, you know, these measures that clearly aren’t going to fail because the Members are on the Floor. The Members are in their seats. The Members are here. And I’m sure he knows if -- if a Member is in the -- in the men’s room or whatever, they’ll be out by the time verification is done. So it just seems like we’re -- these stalling tactics, this being the party of No, is just a waste of the -- the time of the people of the Senate and the people of this State. So I have -- I’m just curious as to why a gentleman with such pending legislation that he loves so much, coming up soon, would -- would be the one. At least let someone else ask 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 for it and -- and not Senator Syverson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you for those words of wisdom. Senator McCarter, what purpose you seeking recognition, sir? SENATOR McCARTER: It was my intention to vote No on the last bill. Please recognize that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The record will so indicate your intention, sir. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I’d just like to caution the Members of the majority that that motion and that request is always in order and…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Burzynski. Senator -- Senator Burzynski. Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Syverson has requested a verification. The Chair will proceed with the gentleman’s request. Will all Members please be in their seats? The Secretary will read the affirmative votes. Madam Secretary, read the affirmative votes.
The following Members voted in the affirmative: Bond, Clayborne, Collins, Crotty, DeLeo, Delgado, Demuzio, Forby, Frerichs, Garrett, Haine, Harmon, Hendon, Holmes, Hutchinson, Jacobs, Emil Jones, Koehler, Kotowski, Lightford, Link, Maloney, Martinez, Meeks, Muñoz, Noland, Raoul, Sandoval, Schoenberg, Silverstein, Steans, Sullivan, Trotter, Viverito, Wilhelmi and Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. Senator Syverson, do you question the presence of any Member voting in the affirmative, sir?
Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Muñoz. Is Senator Muñoz in the Chamber? Senator Muñoz. Senator Muñoz. Is Senator Muñoz in the Chamber? If not, Madam Secretary, strike the name. Senator Syverson, do you question the presence of any other Member voting in the affirmative, sir? Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Just a -- a question of the Chair. If Senator Muñoz doesn’t make it from down -- upstairs in time, can this legislation be put on Postponed Consideration?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Request of the sponsor, sir. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, on a verified roll call, there are 35 Ayes, 20 Nays, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1425 having failed to receive the constitutional majority, the bill is declared failed. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to put Senate Bill 1425 on Postponed Consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor has requested that Senate Bill 1425 is put on -- is put on Postponed Consideration. Leave is granted. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
Thank you, Mr. President. Inquiry of the Chair, I suppose is the way I’ll…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) State your inquiry, sir.
Thank you. I -- I noticed that on the last bill, you cut my comments off and I think I understand why. But, Mr. President, I would appreciate it if you would do that to my counterparts on the other side for the same reasons. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) If you’d like to stay overtime this -- today -- tonight, I could explain the -- the -- the division - the majority and minority - to you. It would be very, very simple. If you’d like to spend a few hours, I could explain voting, how people -- how you vote for president in January, and how -- who gets the gavel, and I -- we can go through the whole Constitution of the State of Illinois, and conduct and decorum in the Senate and… And you mentioned that you were speaking to the bill, Senator Burzynski. You were not speaking to the bill, Senator Burzynski; you were speaking to Senator Syverson’s -- Syverson’s request for a roll -- for a verified roll call, sir. So… Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate business, we will go to page 10 of the Calendar. We will go to Secretary’s Desk, Resolution. House Joint Resolution 101. Senator Cullerton, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s resolution, please.
House Joint Resolution 101, offered by President Cullerton. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. President Cullerton, to the resolution, sir.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This creates the Joint Committee on the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. Committee’s to examine and recommend ways to improve the Pier and Exposition Authority’s operational stability and profitability. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 101 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 101 passes and the resolution is adopted. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Holmes, Chairperson of the Committee on Consumer Protection, reports Senate Bills 2969, 3097, 3231, 3309, 3506, 3509, 3578, 3584, 3607 and 3633 Do Pass. Senator Jacobs, Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, reports Senate Bills 2810, 3388, 3464 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2485, 2612 and 3343 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Bills 3068, 3286, 3287, 3738, 3739, 3811 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2581 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Frerichs, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Bills 2959, 3603, and 3604 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2580, 2632, 3060 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Delgado, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Bills 3047, 3193, 3637, 3780, 3822 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2627, 2981, 3054, 3057, 3174, 3697 and 3815 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Elections, reports Senate Bills 2638, 2925, 2934, 3012, 3742 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 2503 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bills 2985, 3064, 3180, 3211, 3322, 3372, 3374, 3386, 3387, 3562, 3648, 3747 and 3786 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 3096, 3131, 3272, 3617 and 3782 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bills 2798, 3024 -- excuse me, Senate Bills 2798, 3023, 3024, 3041, 3523 and 3560, 3682, 3716 and 3763 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2993, 3091, 3558 and 3629 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 2594, 3086, 3117, 3266, 3332, 3375, 3460, 3489, 3515, 3547, 3608, 3609, 3635, 3706 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2499, 2647, 3483, 3507, 3544, 3610, 3681 and 3737 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/3/2010 to come before the Senate, the Senate will stand adjourned until the hour of 11:30 a.m. on the 4th day of March, the year 2010. The Senate stands adjourned. Thank you. 45