PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 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 Dr. Roger Ross, First United Methodist Church, here -- here in Springfield.
(Prayer by Dr. Roger Ross)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Garrett, to lead in the Pledge. Senator Garrett.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Garrett)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Mr. Perlman of the Associated Press is requesting permission to take still photos of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Reading of the Journal, please.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Jacobs. How are you today, sir?
Good, thank you, 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 Jacobs moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There be -– Senator Jacobs moves – 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 a correction, Senator Jacobs moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. Seeing no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bills 2497, 3494, 3566 and 3570 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 3415, 3568 and 3644 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Pensions and Investments, reports Senate Bills 2554, 2574, 2793, 3022, 3405, 3501, 3534, 3535, 3537 and 3538 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2474, 2525, 2547, 2995, 3404, 3663 and 3726 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Kotowski, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, reports Senate Bills 2559, 3422, 3474, 3638, 3654, 3655, 3657, 3660, 3661 and 3662 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 3147, 3316, 3658, 3659, 3683 and 3710 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Link, Chairperson of the Committee on Gaming, reports Senate Bills 2487, 3011 and 3146 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 3574 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Noland, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports Senate Bills 1840, 2987, 3085, 3087, 3093, 3173, 3176, 3198, 3269, 3304, 3305, 3313, 3359, 3389, 3391, 3421, 3491, 3508, 3533, 3539, 3540, 3546, 3616, 3628, 3645, 3670, 3685, 3768, 3795, 3796, 3797, 3798, 3799 and 3803 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2462, 3084, 3090, 3169, 3293, 3295, 3390, 3467, 3503, 3684, 3695, 3732 and –- 3734 and 3800 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee of Environment, reports Senate Bills 2490, 3320, 3344, 3611 and 3721 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2813, 3346 and 3347 Do Pass, as 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Amended. Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Bills 2797, 2970, 3010, 3134, 3214, 3251, 3282, 3323, 3430, 3462, 3478, 3505, 3564, 3585, 3592, 3696, 3722, 3749 and 3761 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2530, 3336 and 3692 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on Veterans - - State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bills 2630, 3016, 3037, 3128, 3156, 3281, 3288, 3342, 3429, 3433, 3576, 3589, 3708 and 3733 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 3206, 3215, 3249, 3587, 3719, 3816, 3817 and 3818 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Bills 2516, 2817, 3004, 3382 and 3565 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2818, 2965, 3034, 3188, 3378, 3480 and 3545 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, for purposes of an announcement, may I have your attention, please? We will be going very shortly to the Order of Postponed Consideration. This will be final action. So I’d ask all Members within the sound of my voice, please return to the Senate Chamber immediately. We will be doing final action. Thank you. Madam Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution 697, offered by Senator Cullerton and all Members. Senate Resolution 698, offered by Senator Sullivan, Dillard and all Members. Senate Resolution 699, offered by Senator Radogno and all 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Members. Senate Resolution 700, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 701, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 702, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. They are death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar, please. Senator Frerichs. Senator Frerichs. Senator -- I’m sorry. Senator Koehler. You -- Senator Koehler, are you seeking recognition, sir? Senator Koehler.
Yes. Yes, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Up in the gallery behind us, on the Democrat side, we have a wonderful group of students from East Peoria High School and their instructor. And so I’d like to have the Senate welcome them to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests please rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Madam Secretary, continuing on Messages. Messages from the House, please.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Mr. President – I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1026. We have received like Messages on House Bills 2630 {sic} (2360), -- 4553, 4586, 4639, 4644, 4669 and 4685. All passed the House, March 3rd, 2010. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President – I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has 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 56. Offered by Senator Garrett, and adopted by the House, May 31st, 2009. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading, please.
House Bill 1026, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4639, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4685, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4715, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 House Bill 4961, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Sullivan, John Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Certainly. State your point, sir.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some guests here today up in the gallery, over on the –- on our side over here. They are juniors and seniors from Illini Central High School. They, under -- they are under the tutelage of Donnie Bowman. He’s their history teacher. They’re here for the Capitol Forum, a program put on by the Secretary of State that deals with mock General Assembly issues. And I’d like everybody to welcome the students from Illini Central High School in Mason City. They’re junior and seniors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please rise and be recognized. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Congratulations. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d ask you to turn to page 17 of the printed Calendar. Page 17 of the printed Calendar. We have Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions. In the middle of the page -- in the middle of page 17 comes Senate Resolution 636. Senator Althoff, do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s resolution. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010
Senate Resolution 636, offered by Senator Althoff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Althoff, to the resolution, ma’am.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution simply designates the week of March 1st through March 7th as Illinois State Historical Society Markers Awareness Week in Illinois. It’s an initiative of the Illinois State Historic {sic} (Historical) Society and is done in conjunction with a large symposium they put on every year during this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the lady has asked for a favorable roll call. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 630 -– 636 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 52 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Resolution 636, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll be going to the Order of 2nd Readings, Senate Bills 2nd Reading, on your printed Calendar. We’ll ask you to turn your attention to page 2. On the top of page 2 is Senate Bill 1201. Senator Sullivan, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he would. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1201. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1202. Senator Sullivan. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1202. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 1203, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1203. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1204. Senator Sullivan. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1240. Senator Trotter. Senator Don Trotter. Do you wish to proceed? Indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1240. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on 1242, sir. Wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1242. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1243. Senator Trotter. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1243. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1244. Madam Secretary. Mr. Trotter, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1244. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. On Senate Bill –- now comes Senate Bill 1245. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1245. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. 3rd Reading. Now comes Senate Bill 1249. Senator Trotter, you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1249. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Continuing on Senate Bills 2nd Reading, Senate Bill 1250. Senator Trotter, do you wish to 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 1250. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 2nd Reading, where we just left off on page 2 of the printed Calendar comes Senate Bill 1346. Senator Wilhelmi. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2476. Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon, on 2476. Madam -- do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2476. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. 3rd Reading. House -- Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 2485. Senator Haine. Senator William Haine. Would you like to file a class action suit, sir, or would you like to proceed? Gentleman indicates he’d like to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2485. (Secretary reads title of bill) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Energy adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 2489, ma’am. Would you like to proceed? She indicates she does. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
Senate Bill 2489. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Noland. Senator Noland, on 2499, sir. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Directing your attention to page 3 of your Calendar, Senate Bills 2nd Reading. On the top of page 3 is House –- Senate Bill 2503. Senator Haine. Senator Haine. Senator Haine. Senator Haine. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, 2505, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2505. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein. 25 –- Senate Bill 2513. Senator Silverstein, on 2513. Out of the record. Senator Silverstein, on Senate Bill 2514. Senator Silverstein, on 2514. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 2544, sir. Senator Haine. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2544. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 2570. Senate Bill 2570, sir. The gentleman indicates he’d like to proceed. Madam Secretary, read -- read the gentleman’s bill.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Senate Bill 2570. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment 1, offered by Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter, on Floor Amendment No. 1, sir, to Senate Bill 2570.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would move the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2570.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Senator Righter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2570. Is there any discussion? Seeing none {sic} discussion, 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, has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, for purposes of an announcement. We will be going to Floor action that requires all Members to - please - to be at their desk. This is final action. Okay, continuing on House 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 {sic} Bills 2nd Reading. House {sic} Bill 2571. Senator Sandoval. House {sic} Bill 2571. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Bivins, on Senate Bill 2578. Senator Bivins, on…. Out of the record. Senator Holmes, on Senate Bill 2580. Senator Linda Holmes, on 2580. Ma’am, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senator Collins, on 2581, ma’am. Do you wish to proceed? She indicates she does. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
Senate Bill 2581. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment 1, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Collins, on Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2581, ma’am.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I move for Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2581 to be adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, the lady has requested Floor Amendment No. 1 to be adopted to Senate Bill 2581. Is there any discussion on the Floor amendment? 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 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Secretary, has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Millner. Senator Hendon, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir? Senator Hendon.
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Thank you, Mr. -- Mr. Acting President. The President of the Senate would just like to -- the Members to know that we’re about to go to 3rd Readings. You have already asked the Members to come down and they’re kind of slow trickling down. But unless they want to be here tomorrow, they need to come to the Senate Floor right now. I’m just reiterating what you’re saying. Unless they want to be here tomorrow or be here till midnight tonight, Senators need to be -- come down to the Senate Floor, as per President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Continuing on Senate Bills 2nd Reading on page 3 of the printed Calendar. Senator Millner. Nice to see you today, Senator Millner. Senator Millner, do you -- before we ask you to -- on your 2nd Reading, is that an intern that you have next to you in the aisle, sir? Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}. Yes. My intern today is 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 the Mayor of Elmhurst, Pete DiCianni.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Mayor, welcome. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Millner, would you like to proceed on -- on your bill, sir? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2590. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) There been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford, on 2594. Senate Bill 2594. She indicates she’d like to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the lady’s bill.
Senate Bill 2594. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on Senate Bill 2612, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Silverstein. Senator Silverstein, on 2627. Out of the record. Senator Forby, on 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 2632, sir. Do you wish to proceed? The gentleman indicates he wants to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s bill.
Senate Bill 2632. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and Conservation adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 2637, sir. Do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d ask you to turn your printed Calendars to page 17. Page 17 of your printed Calendar is Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions. On the top of page 17, under Resolutions, comes Senate Resolution 435. Senator Sandoval, do you wish to proceed? Gentleman wishes -- indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s resolution.
Senate Resolution 435, offered by Senator Sandoval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Sandoval, to the resolution, sir. No. …the record. Senator Lightford, on Senate Resolution 560. Do you wish to proceed on your resolution, ma’am? This is final action. …the record. Senator Althoff, on Senate Resolution 561, ma’am? She indicates she’d like -- you’d like -- this is 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 final action. Want to proceed with your resolution today? Out of the record. Senator Millner. Senator John Millner, on Senate Resolution 605, sir. Would you like to proceed with your resolution, sir? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s resolution.
Senate Resolution 605, offered by Senator Millner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Millner, to the resolution. This is final action. You like to explain your resolution or –- or would you like to take it out of the record, sir?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}. This resolution talks about ILEAS, the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, and commending them for all the hard work that they do and recognizing them for being a leader in the law enforcement community.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the gentleman’s resolution? Seeing none, Senator Millner, to close, sir.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 605 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 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Resolution 605, having received the constitutional majority, is 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 declared adopted. Okay, continuing on Senate -– Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions, is Senate Resolution 609. Senator Bond, do you wish to proceed on your resolution? He indicates he does. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s resolution.
Senate Resolution 609, offered by Senator Bond.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Bond, to the resolution, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. The resolution comes to us with the support of the Auditor General’s Office. Basically, this directs their office to complete a study of the current state of the accounting systems in Illinois. We expect the study to be done in the calendar year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion on the gentleman’s resolution? Seeing none, the question -- the question is, shall Senate Resolution 609 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 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Resolution 609, received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 18 of your printed Calendar is the Order of - – Order of Consideration Postponed. This is final action. As the bills on this Order have already been presented and debated on the Floor, debate on each bill will be limited to one proponent and one opponent, each speaking to the bill. We will 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 go to Senator -- Senate Bill 1425. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he does. 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, Members of the Senate. I -- hopefully, I -- I do not have to go through the bill. This is the bill that we put on Postponed Consideration yesterday, addressing Medicaid enhancement funding. Essentially, we’re asking to give bonding authorization of two hundred and fifty million dollars so we can capture another four hundred million dollars to -- to start paying off some of our bills - at least to catch up, in the case of many of our providers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
A question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir. Senator Murphy.
My -- my good friend, Leader -- Leader Trotter, this proposal for borrowing two hundred and fifty million to net the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 four hundred, if this is enacted, will you be able to scale back your proposal for ten-percent across-the-board cuts to our budget?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
…much. Just for clarification, this is not my proposal. I do not have a proposal for a ten -- ten-percent cut across the board. It’s an initiative that was, I believe, started from your side of the aisle and we are just bringing it out for people to look at.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
I -– I believe that -- that -- that the only legislation currently to do that across the board bears your name, I believe, Senator. The -- the next question that I have for the sponsor, is there -- does the Governor have a plan to pay this two hundred and fifty million dollars back?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
Can you explain that plan as you understand it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010
As I understand, that it can be done this way, not necessarily it will be done this way; that as revenues will be coming in during the year, incremental payments will be made going forward. The difference in this legislation, as we pointed out yesterday, is the payment is not due at the end of the fiscal year. It’s -- the time starts at the time of issuance. So if we issue this, say, in -- in June, it won’t be due until next June; July, then it’s not till next July. So it’s a twelve-month cycle in which he can pay this off, and he believes that the dollars will be there to do that. But more importantly, with that, we are seven hundred and sixty-eight million dollars behind in paying our bills to our vendors and to the providers who provide all sorts of services in the health care realm. This six hundred million dollars, which is being dedicated to them, is of utmost importance. And I believe that’s why the action needs to be taken now before these folks that we owe upwards to a hundred and twenty days - it doesn’t go to hundred and fifty days and even worse than that - go out of business. So, I think that trumps which date these bills are going to be paid back.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
And so, with the understanding that some of this is anticipated by the Governor to be paid back in fiscal year ‘11, what in the budget to meet our constitutional obligation for a balanced budget does the Governor propose to cut in fiscal year ‘11 to pay back the borrowing that we’re going to spend in 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 fiscal year ‘10?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
First and foremost, we haven’t done 2011’s budget yet. So once we get to that, once he gives his Address next week and we get an idea of what he’s proposing for the State of Illinois in 2011, then we can figure out, again, based on the forecasting of revenues coming in and what he has seen, as to what we should be doing in programs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
I -- I guess given that then, Senator, my preference and my request to you would be to table this until we have heard from the Governor, so we’re actually voting on some concrete plan that we know about rather than speculation about what the Governor may or may not propose for fiscal year ‘11. We’ve only got one more week to wait. Of course, if we would have had him give his Budget Address on time, we’d of known that information by now. But if we could, since we gave him the latitude to give that speech late, wait until we hear from him before we move forward with this bill, I think that would be much more prudent and respectful of the taxpayers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
Just to respond. This -- this is something that’s been festering since January. If we would’ve acted upon this in 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 January, we certainly wouldn’t be in this -- what has now become an emergent situation. We have businesses and providers that give essential services to our communities - ambulance services, our pharmacists, our hospice providers, and the list goes on and on - that impacts all of our districts. Again, we’re up at hundred and twenty days. You’re saying, let’s take it up to a hundred and thirty days, a hundred and forty days to act. Think we as a responsible Body, as a legislative Body that has the authority to get this done almost immediately, need to be acting now and not trying to find ways not to do the right thing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Murphy.
…bill -- to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.
We talk about this festering since January, but, of course, the opportunity has been in law all along to go - with the cooperation of the Treasurer and the Comptroller - to borrow funds. At this late date in the cycle, there’s less time left in the year to pay that back in the fiscal year. But earlier on when this was recognized, an attempt was made, and on -- frankly we couldn’t get Democrat agreement that this was a good idea. Comptroller Hynes rejected the idea. Maybe he was onto something. We are in a situation where we’ve got the worst debt per capita in the State -- in the country - as a state, worst in the nation. Our bond rating is now the second worst in the nation. We’re rushing to buy bonds right now, before we get 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 downgraded yet again and tie California for worst. The only logical solution, of course, to that problem is to borrow more money. This is how we got here. This fundamental lack of understanding of the fact that you can’t promise more than you can produce, that you cannot give people things you don’t have, is how we got into this solution –- into this position in the first place. This –- the notion that after borrowing seventy percent of the short-term borrowing this State has done since 1818, since 2003, getting us into the worst-funded situation of any state in the country, and we’re going to come back here and borrow more money with no plan to pay it back, is the height of irresponsibility. We sit here right now with one of the worst job records in the country. Part of the reason job creators don’t want to be in Illinois is because of our debt problem. Everybody talks about jobs, jobs, jobs. Vote for jobs, vote against debt. The more debt we take on, the fewer constituents in your district who are going to work and the more need there’ll be on the human services that we hear about every day in this building. If you’re committed to growing out of this hole, if you’re committed to creating opportunity for the people you represent and I represent, face up to the failures of the last seven years, where the overspending has crushed that opportunity. Break away from it. Make a commitment to solve the problem by recognizing how we got here and start towards the path of making this a great place to live and work again and -- and achieving the potential for the great State of Illinois. I strongly urge a No vote to this borrowing and any other borrowing this year. Enough is enough.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Thank you. Senator Trotter, to close, sir.
Thank you very much. If we’re going to go back into history, think we have to go back twenty-five years ago. Let’s start going back with Jim Thompson. You know, let’s look at the Edgar years of when we were not paying our pension liability, when we were the worst in the country in taking care of our obligations. So let’s not just go -- start with seven. You know, today we heard in committee that the –- the previous speaker wanted to go back fifteen years. You know, he -– he finds these arbitrary dates to bring an excuse not to take care of the business that we can take care of right now. We have a responsibility to pay our debts, as pointed out. We owe the optometrists over five million dollars. Prescription drugs - this bill, if passed, will put two hundred and fifty-six million dollars into the prescription drugs, to those pharmacists that provide the medications of -- for all of us, for our friends and our parents. We will -- by passing this bill, we’ll put twelve million dollars to help those -- those ambulance services, which are in all of our districts, that need their money. So, we can have all the political rhetoric we want and do nothing or we can do the correct thing and pass Senate Bill 1425. And I ask for a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 to Senate Bill 1425. 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, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 take the record. On that question, there are 36 Ayes, 20 Nays, 0 voting present. Senate Bill 1425 having received the required three-fifths majority and the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1425. The bill is declared passed. Okay, for purposes of an announcement. The Senate will stand at ease for just a moment while the Committee on Assignments meets. I’d ask all members please return to the President’s Anteroom immediately. We’ll have a very, very short meeting on Committee of Assignments and return back to Floor action. So we’ll just stand at ease for a moment while the Committee on Assignments meet. All members please report to the Committee on Assignments immediately. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Appropriations II Committee – Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1219, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1224, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1227, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1235, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1237, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1248, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1251, and Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1253; refer to the Criminal Law Committee – Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2513; refer to the Education Committee – Floor 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Amendment 3 to Senate Resolution 560; refer to the Environment Committee – Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3750; refer to the Executive Committee – Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2550; refer to the Licensed Activities Committee – Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 730; refer to the Public Health Committee – Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2535; refer to the Transportation Committee – Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2571 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3524; Be Approved for Consideration – Senate Bill 333, -- Senate Bill 388, Senate Bill 575, Senate Bill 603, Senate Bill 679, Senate Bill 685, Senate Bill 935, Senate Bill 1118, Senate Bill 1137, Senate Bill 2060 and Senate Bill 2248. 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 Executive Committee – Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2248; and refer to the Licensed Activities Committee – Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2060. Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hultgren, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? Senator Hultgren.
Thank you. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’m very pleased to have three 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 of my four kids with me today. I have my daughter, Kylie, who is thirteen; my son, Kayden, who is eight; and my son, Kole, who is five. So they’re helping me vote today on some of these really important measures that we’re voting on. So it’s great to have ‘em in Springfield. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Are they registered Republicans or registered Democrats?
We got young Republicans with us today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Young Republicans.
Yeah, the YRs are -- are in force.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to Springfield. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to announce that Senator -- Senator Cronin…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Excuse me. Excuse me. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give your attention and courtesy to the speaker. Senator Syverson.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I just want to announce that Senator Cronin is back in his district doing, I’m sure, very important district work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The record will so reflect. Thank you, sir. Okay, Ladies 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 and Gentlemen, for purpose of an announcement. May I have your attention, please? Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 2505 will be heard today at the hour of 2 p.m. in the Revenue Committee and that’s going to meet in Room 400. Floor Amendment No. 1 and No. 2 to Senate Bill 692 will be heard today at 2 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee and that’s in Room 212 - that’s in Room 212, the Executive Committee. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, we will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all the resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, has there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections have been filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, the question is, the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it and the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Joint Resolution 109. Madam Secretary, read the resolution, please.
Senate Joint Resolution 109, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads SJR No. 109)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Harmon moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 109. Those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed will say Nay. It’s the opinion of the 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2010 Chair, the Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Now Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 109. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate will stand in recess to call of the Chair. The Senate will reconvene later today in a perfunctory Session for the receipt of messages, the introduction of bills and other matters not - let me repeat - not requiring Floor action. After which, the Senate will stand adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on Tuesday, March 9th, the year 2010. Thank you for your cooperation. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 p.m. on the 9th day of March, 2010. The Senate stands adjourned. 32