Illinois Senate Floor Debate — December 2, 2010

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation this morning will be given by Pastor Paul Olson from St. John’s Lutheran Church.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Sullivan, would you lead us in the Pledge this morning?

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Sullivan)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.

Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journals just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Blueroomstream.com seeks permission to videotape the proceedings. Is there any 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. Yesterday, on Senate {sic} Bill 5154, I spoke in favor of the override of the amendatory veto, but apparently after looking at the roll call, I neglected to hit my button. I would like to be recorded as a Yes vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect your intention to have voted Yes. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to turn to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final substantive action - final action. If all Members within the sound of my voice could be at their desks. On the top of page 2 on our printed Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 458. Senator Koehler, do you wish to proceed? Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 458 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 458. Madam Secretary, are 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler, to explain your amendment.

The amendment is simply a technical change of wording to the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Koehler moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 458. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Koehler, you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.

Yes, what this bill does is it streamlines the settlement process for property tax disputes that are appealed to the Property Tax Appeal Board where the assessed value in dispute is 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 over a hundred thousand dollars. Currently, if a local board of review and the taxpayer want to settle the case, they have to wait for PTAB to send out a notice to appeal to the -- to the board of review. This can take over a year, and what the bill - - and the parties can agree -- when they can agree to settle the case without waiving {sic} this notice. The parties will not -- will still notify the affecting {sic} taxing districts. For a case to settle, the board of review, the taxpayer, the PTAB, and all the taxing districts have to agree upon the settlement amount. This was brought to me by a constituent, where the board of review and the taxpayer did settle and they had to wait for over a year for this process to take place. There are some concerns that have been raised by the Taxpayers’ Federation. We’ve agreed that we will take a look at those once this gets to the House. But other than that, there is no opposition to this bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 458 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 458, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler’s on a roll this week, Senator. Would all Senators within the sound of my voice be at their desks, so that Senator Righter may see you as you cast your votes? Could all Senators within the sound of my voice please be at their desks? Still on the Order of 3rd Reading, we have Senate Bill 597. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 598. Senator Wilhelmi. With leave of the Body, we will skip over Senate Bills 759 and 852. Senate Bill 3952. Senator Clayborne. Senator Clayborne seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3952 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the order of Senate Bill -- now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3952. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul, are you prepared to proceed with the amendment?

Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 3 replaces -- replaces 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 all and becomes the bill. It maintains the language of the underlying bill, which was cleanup language. The amendment also permits the Calumet/Cermak TIF, which is close to McCormick Place, to be reinstated. Under current law, Chicago replaced the TIF in November because the project had not been started within the statutory time frame. This bill extends the deadline for additional two years for the TIF. The final goal of the TIF is to make McCormick Place more attractive to conventioneers by getting a hotel in the area, which is closer to McCormick Place than downtown hotels. We’ve done a good job, earlier this year, of encouraging the -- the convention industry to -- to come to Chicago. This is continuing in that effort.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Raoul has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 3952. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3952. Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? While we’re -- paperwork is catching up with us here, the Illinois Statehouse News seeks leave to film the proceedings today. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, to explain the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Basically, other than what Senator Raoul said, we passed a law a few years back to allow municipalities to impose up to a one percent sales tax for redevelopment in certain areas and all we’re doing with this bill is allowing them to use that tax as a debt stream to issue bonds and pay up the projects upfront.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sandack, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3952 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3952, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Still on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3973. Senator Silverstein, do you wish to proceed? Senator Silverstein seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3973 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, Senate Bill 3973. Madam Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein, to explain the amendment.

I’ll explain the amendment on 3rd, if possible.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3973. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3973. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein.

Thank you, Mr. President. There’s been some news lately regarding certain drinks that contain -- caffeinated alcohol beverages that combine alcohol and alcohol -- caffeine and alcohol. This would prohibit these. The FDA is also getting involved in prohibiting these. It will prohibit the production, manufacture, distribution of alcoholic drinks containing alcohol 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 with caffeine, guarana, and other similar substance, known as caffeinated alcohol beverages. Take any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3973 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3973, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) If you’ll please give your attention to Senator Sullivan for a point of personal privilege, and before we do that, Senator, WLS-TV in Chicago seeks leave to videotape the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could please give your attention to Senator Sullivan for an important point of personal privilege. We’ll come back to Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan, do you wish to proceed?

Thank you. Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, kind of -- kind of difficult here, but we did lose a colleague yesterday, and a very -- very good friend of mine. Representative Rich Myers, of Colchester, passed away yesterday evening. Rich was a -- a good man, very dedicated to his 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 family. His wife, Chris, and daughter, Alison, were at his side yesterday evening when he passed away. Rich worked very hard for his district. He really prided himself in constituent work, and we all know how important that is, but I know how difficult it is with a -- with a very large, sprawling, rural district like Rich and I shared and -- but Rich really worked hard. That was important to him to -- to take care of -- of his constituents. He was a -- a very strong supporter of education, especially his beloved Western Illinois University in Macomb. Rich lived just outside of Macomb in Colchester and he took great pride -- he was -- attended Western Illinois University and really worked hard for that university. You know, Rich and I worked together on -- on many, many issues. Not uncommon for, obviously, him to carry bills of mine over in the House and I carried bills for him here in the Senate. And we even did joint press releases, which is kind of unusual, because Rich was a Republican, I’m a Democrat, but that didn’t matter because we both worked very hard for our constituents and many of the issues that we work on are not partisan issues. And we were able to set politics aside and -- and come together in trying to do good things for our constituents. Mr. President, I just would like to, if I could, request a moment of silence. And, you know, as we go through this holiday -- upcoming holiday season, keep in -- if I could, Mr. President, I’ll try to finish here. I apologize. But keep in mind how precious life is and how important our families are to us. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) If all Members would please rise for a moment of silence for Representative Myers. (Moment of silence observed) Senator 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Jacobs, are you seeking recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I rise in a similar vein today to eulogize a great public servant, a loyal friend, and dedicated man of Illinois, and that’s former State Representative Joel Brunsvold. Representative Brunsvold passed recently. He left behind a beautiful family. Joel -- a lot of people don’t know, but Joel was a heck of a baseball player and heck of a football player and actually played football and baseball at Augustana College. Later on, became -- mayor of Milan, Illinois, for two terms, serving with my father, and then a lot of us know Joel’s son, Ted. Then Joel went on to a illustrious career in the Illinois State General Assembly. And Joel was an avid hunter. He was someone who cared about his community and his constituents, and he always fought hard for the Second Amendment. Joel was one of the first Democrats, I believe, in Illinois to be really supportive of sportsmen’s rights, and he was eventually acknowledged for his strong position on the enjoyment of outdoors by being named the Director of Department of Natural Resources. And I just want to take a moment of silence too for Joel Brunsvold and his family and his long career and history of service to the people of Illinois. And, you know, this is a tough job and sometimes people don’t realize how much you give of yourself. And I know, with Senator Sullivan speaking before me, his -- his loss is little fresher. Joel’s -- passed a little while back. But the one thing I do know is, like the Representative before him, he was someone who loved his State, put his State above his own personal life and himself, like many of us do every day. And, 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 you know, at a time when people look at politicians and think what -- that we’re all crooks and think that we’re all bad people, Joel was one of the good ones. I’d like to take a moment of silence in his honor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Delgado, are you seeking leave to speak on Senator Brunsvold -- Representative? If you could all stand at your desks in a moment of silence for Representative Brunsvold. (Moment of silence observed) Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President, for a personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.

Before I get into my -- to my personal point of privilege, I do want to join, as to having served with Representative Rich Myers for eight years in the House and serving on Education and understanding what a wonderful man and -- and a human being that he is. And, of course, Coach Joel Brunsvold, who adopted me quite a bit in the House and my former baseball coach there. But I come here today also with a heart for all of you, to thank you. My wife, Iris, and my son, Adam, who will graduate -- the University of -- of Illinois at Champaign on -- in December in sports management. And my twenty-three-year-old will come home next week and -- but as many of you know, I lost my older boy, Ruben, the teacher, who was supposed to be in Spain studying for his master’s. Created the curriculum for advanced placement Spanish at Morton East High School. And all of your love has 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 been warm balm for my soul and for my wife. I’ve dedicated my life to human services and public health, and I practiced it in the fields as a parole agent, as a certified DCFS worker in two states, as a community organizer, and as a neighbor, because I believe in the salt of the earth of America and I raised my boys that way. But thank God I have you, because all of you and the proclamations you -- resolutions you put out were in deep reflection, ‘cause it was -- talk about a slippery slope. There’s no guarantees in life, but there is a bigger plan. So I truly say that -- remember that we’re -- have to ask yourself philosophically, are you human beings having a spiritual experience or are we spiritual beings having a human experience? Because at the end of the day, this twenty-seven-year-old man who -- is now in heaven with Joel and with Representative Rich Myers. But thank you, because your souls are so rich you’ve been able to bring healing to my family. And, for that, I speak for many of those families, because we’re just like everyone else. We suffer the trauma that every sofa-sitting, backpacking, Jewel shopping mom or dad -- there’s no difference. And once a year, we get together and play softball, and we try to illustrate that human side of us every time and then we come here and we do civil battle. But always remember that now on this holiday and for the Hanukkah and for Christmas and Kwanza and Día de los Reyes in Puerto Rico, my son will be part of all of that now, because he is part of the universe. God bless you, and on behalf of my wife, Iris - I’ve been with her since I was sixteen years old; we’ve been together thirty-seven years - and forever you will live in my heart, and for all of my colleagues, and -- and specifically Senate President John Cullerton, who 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 shows that he is not only a great facilitator and President, but he sure knows how to help his Members in a moment of grief. And for you I humble myself and I -- and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And God bless you all as this holiday will be one of celebration, because we will -- we always celebrate Ruben’s life, and I thank all of you who have sent me guides and have sent me my spiritual guides, both scientifically and religiously. And yet I will continue to do my work in the field of public health and yet my -- and yet my son continued with some public health issues. But at the end of the day, this is very healthy for me, ‘cause I didn’t think -- I said to Senator Maloney I wanted to do this and I didn’t know if I could get through it, and yesterday was a very emotional day around here, and I haven’t gotten up to speak a lot around here lately in the Senate, because I’m busy trying to move justice. And thank you for bringing me justice with your love. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Delgado. Is it all right if I invite the Members of the Senate to rise in a moment of silent honor to Ruben Delgado, a beloved member of our Senate family? (Moment of silence observed) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?

Personal privilege, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator.

I suppose this is the best time now for us to start 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 venting. Representative Myers was a good friend of mine as well. He and I served on the Executive Committee of the Council on {sic} (of) State Government, and I saw him more at those conferences and -- and at those board meetings than I did here. And then in July, I believe it was -- no, in August, we had our conference up in Toronto and Representative Myers was there with his family, and I had the pleasure of having dinner -- first of all, getting to know his wife, as well as his children, and having dinner with them. And they’re just such a great family, you know, such a loving, loving, caring family. And so I am going to miss him greatly. But also I’d like -- I never had the opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for the warmth that you’ve given me and my family. As you know, this year was very difficult for me, because I lost my brother, my father and my sister this year. And you all reached out to me, all of you. I don’t know if I received more letters or cards from the Republicans as I did from the Democrats, you know. And -- ooh, boys, and it’s been very difficult for me, because I really never had time to grieve because I’m like the anchor in my family and everyone looks up to me for everything, so I had to be strong for my family. But I’m -- we’re doing better. We’re healing. My sister’s daughter just moved in with me. I’ve never been a mother before, so y’all are going to have to pray for me with that. Because she did something last week and I felt like ringing her neck. And I said, “Well I don’t want -- I don’t want to get involved with DCFS.” So I said to myself, “Okay, you better calm down now. You -- you like being a mother. Just calm down.” But I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you. Some of you wrote checks for 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 donations, some sent flowers, some sent chocolates - and I believe I ate probably half of the chocolates that came. And I just want to say thank you, because, you know, people look at the Senate or elected officials and they’ll say, “Well, those Democrats and those Republicans”, you know. But -- and all of us, when it comes to voting on legislation, many of us vote our districts and some of them are voted down party lines. But when a tragedy occurs in this Chamber amongst us, we take off our Democratic hats, we take off of -- our Republican hats, and we’re people, you know, and we wrap our arms around each other and we give all of -- all of the love that we can to one another. So, I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate it, and I really consider each and every one of you as -- as not only my Senate family, but as -- as my -- my extended family. Thank you, Senator Jones. So, thank you very much.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Senator Risinger, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Muñoz, do you wish to proceed to the Order of Executive Appointments? To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated October 19th, December 17th, December 29th, 2009, and April 16th, April 26th, 2010.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated October 19th, December 17th, and December 29th, 2009, and April 16th and April 26th, 2010. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of April 16th, 2010, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the State Police Merit Board, for a term commencing April 16th, 2010, ending March 19, 2012: James V. Riley. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of April 16th, 2010, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate… Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of April 16th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 47 voting Aye, none voting Nay -- 1 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurred -- concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of October 19th, 2009, I will read the non-salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Board of Trustees, for a term commencing October 16, 2009, ending July 14, 2014: Marcia Boone. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of October 19, 2009, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Governor’s Message of October 19th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of December 17th, 2009, I will read the non-salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Public Administrator of Cook County, for a term commencing December 17th, 2009, and ending December 2nd, 2013: Nicholas Grapsas. Having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of December 17, 2009, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Is there any discussion? Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?

A point of clarification. Just for the record, Mr. President, I will not be voting on this appointment due to the fact that I have a conflict of interest. I’ll sustain {sic} from voting. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will so reflect. Is there any further discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of December 17th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of December 29th, 2009, I will read the non-salaried appointments 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Community College Board, for a term commencing December 29th, 2009, ending June 30th, 2015: Victor Henderson. To be a member of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, for a term commencing December 29th, 2009, ending January 3rd, 2012: Toby Frevert. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of December 29th, 2009, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of December 29th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of April 16th, 2010, I will read the non-salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the State Medical Disciplinary Board, for a term commencing April 16, 2010, and ending January 1, 2014: Judy Gates {sic} (Cates). Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of April 16, 2010, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of April 16th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Aye, 10 voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of April 26, 2010, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Lake County, for a term commencing April 26, 2010, ending December 2nd, 2013: Keith West. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Knox County, for a term commencing April 26, 2010, ending December 2nd, 2013: Dawn Conolly. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Warren County, for a term commencing April 26, 2010, ending December 1st, 2014: Dawn Conolly. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of April 26, 2010, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of April 26. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Senator John Jones, are you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Congratulations on your retirement, Nancy, and thank you for your service to the Senate. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?

Point of personal privilege, Mr. President. 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.

As we know, we’re entering the holiday season - Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year - a time of happiness and joy and I -- of comradeship. We sing Auld Lang Syne to remember all those who have gone before us; we drink a cup of kindness. This morning I walked into the office, said hello to my suitemate, Senator Silverstein, wished him a happy Hanukkah. Went next door and saw the saddest thing, the saddest thing I’ve seen yet this week. I saw an empty office, nothing on the walls, and that was Lou Viverito’s office. A gentleman - and I know more will be said later - a war hero, a father, husband, distinguished servant of the people of his township, and he will soon be leaving this Chamber. And it just -- it struck me this morning that it was just a sad realization that he is entering his last days here, and I just want to take the time to wish him the best. And Godspeed, Lou Viverito, a great man of the Senate.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Viverito, are you rising? Well, I -- I haven’t recognized you yet, Senator, and I’m quite worried you’re going to ask that we move on to the ordinary Calendar here. So I think I’m going to recognize Senator Hendon for a moment, Senator Viverito.

Thank you, Mr. President. Well, you know, Lou is my seatmate, and if you went by there and saw everything gone out of his office, that just means Lou stole all the furniture, took 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 the desk, pulled up a U-Haul and took everything out of there. That’s all. You know, I’m not going to be sad and all that when I see Lou leave. I understand his daughter is coming in his -- as his replacement and she’s much better looking than Lou Viverito. So it will enhance this place. So I just had to rise because I’m not sad at all. Lou is going to be all right. I understand he’s got all that money stashed away somewhere and I’m sure he’s going to be in Bahamas or -- in Nassau with his beautiful wife enjoying himself. And, Lou, at least leave the desk or the chair in your office and everything will be fine. Lou, we love you, babe.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Maloney, are you rising to compete with Senator Hendon?

I -- I would just like to say I don’t think we should jump to conclusions here, because in January of 2003, when I was sworn in, I went over to Senator Viverito and I introduced myself and he said, “Eddie,” he said, “I’d really like to help you out, but I’m not going to be here only a little longer.” So -- so don’t -- so he’s been saying this for eight years, so don’t expect him to -- to really leave. Congratulations, Lou, and thank you for all your help.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Viverito, are you seeking recognition?

Yes, I am, Mr. President, and I’m a little bit shocked by this -- gracious remarks about me, which is a little bit exaggerated. I’m really not a hero. I’m really just a regular 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 guy that has spent sixteen years in this magnificent facility. And I can tell you this from the bottom of my heart - I never believed that I would be a State Senator, because as most of you know, I was a little barber at 79th and Narragansett. And I was cutting hair, saying “Yes, sir”, and “No, sir”, for a dollar fifty, or I think it was a dollar seventy-five at that time. And I’d get about a quarter tip, those that did come to see me, which some days, you know, they didn’t come too often. But then I got another barber and another barber and I just thought I was going to end up being a barber. Wasn’t a bad thing, because I learned from people how it is when they go through good times and bad times. And that kind of helped me here in the Senate. But I’ve been so blessed to be able to say that I feel as though God has given me -- able to make a contribution that I never dreamed that I’d be able to do. But I’ve always said I married well. I married a woman that I’ve been with for fifty-nine years. And would you believe? This is a true story. The same woman - no -- no -- no new women in my life. So -- I’m an old- fashioned guy. And I went to grammar school with my wife. And she was a German Lutheran and I’m just a good old Catholic boy, and I was the Italian and she was of the German descent. I don’t think they thought too highly of me at that time. But, you know, after fifty-nine years, they kind of like me now. And all those Lutherans like me now too. Even the Baptists like me. So I can tell you this, though, I was here with my gracious wife just a few weeks ago with the Township Officials of Illinois and that’s probably the closest thing to my heart. I’ve been there for thirty-five years as a Township Supervisor and love being there with my little primary health care and helping the people 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 every day in my life. And that’s what I hope to be able to do when I go back home, is take care of those people to the best of my ability, no shenanigans, no funny business, and nobody comes to work that doesn’t earn it. But you’ve taught me one thing here. We have such a variety of magnificent men and women, people that truly make contributions. And when people tell me that we’re all bad people -- you feel the warmth, you feel the hospitality here, and you feel the honor to be here. It’s a gift from God and thank you for allowing me to be your friend. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, it has been pointed out to me that we still have some work to do today and folks do want us to tend to our business in an expeditious fashion. On your printed Calendar, on page 2, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, House Bill 354. Senator Kotowski. Senate Bill -- House Bill 1450. Senator Bomke. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bomke.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1450 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1450, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Illinois Info Service seeks leave to videotape the proceeding. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Continuing on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, House Bill 1510. Senator Demuzio. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Demuzio.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 House Bill 1510 is an initiative from the Illinois Department of Transportation which would allow IDOT to code contract obligation documents with other highway authorities as grants. What is presently happening is that -- the Comptroller’s Office position is that these documents are -- are grants because IDOT is giving value to the highway authorities. What we’re asking for and what they have come to agreement with is that -- the Comptroller’s Office and IDOT has now reached an agreement to go ahead and code these and that will eliminate a backlog of about twenty million dollars in payments to the contractors. I ask for a favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1510 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1510, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1516. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill -- House Bill 1617. Senator Dahl. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dahl.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1617 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 -- 48 voting Aye, 3 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1617, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the top of page 3 of your printed Calendar, still on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, is House Bill 1720. Senator Steans. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1720 amends the Hospital Licensing Act to enable a hospital 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 in my district, Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, to acquire a facility that’s within two hundred and fifty yards of its current facility, and that’s defining it within the -- as the same definition under the federal Medicare regulations. That enables them to do this.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1720 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1720, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2263. Senator Kotowski. House Bill 2376. Senator Clayborne. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.

Thank you. This bill removes the county board from implementation of the tax. Under current law, a referendum is required to be authorized for the sales tax of school purposes. This allows the -- once the referendum is approved, then the tax will be imposed. I ask for your favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Duffy, are you seeking recognition? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is -- Senator Duffy, are you seeking recognition? I’m sorry.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Bill 2376 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. House Bill 2376, having failed to receive the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?

Yes, I’d like a motion to postpone consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Pursuant to Rule 7-19, section (b), Senator Clayborne has moved to place the -- House Bill 2376 on the Calendar on the Order of Postponed Consideration. It will be so -- so placed. House Bill 3217. House Bill 3806. Senator Koehler. House Bill 5057. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. I’m sorry. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5057 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5057. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton, to explain the amendment.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to adopt this amendment. It deals with the Senate confirmation process. And explain it on 3rd Reading after we adopt the amendment.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton moves to adopt Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill -- House Bill 5057. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- President Cullerton, on Floor Amendment No. 3.

Yes, Floor Amendment No. 3 is a technical amendment that removes the -- from the underlying bill, the State Board of Elections, because that process -- those appointments are done in a different process. So, move for its adoption.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 5057. All those in favor will say Aye. 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. WICS-TV seeks leave to videotape the proceeding. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5057. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton.

Yes, I want to make sure before we pass this bill that -- I -- I think we’ve added the name of Senator Radogno as a hyphenated cosponsor on this bill. This is an important bill to our process here in the Senate. This would apply to appointees who are nominated by the Governor who are subject to Senate confirmation and who are either holding over an office after the expiration of their terms or who are temporarily [sic} or acting appointees. This bill limits the ability of appointees to hold over after the expiration of their terms to thirty days. They can certainly be reappointed. It also mirrors the Constitution and limits temporary or recess appointments to the next meeting of the Senate and limits acting appointments to thirty days. 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 It’s an important bill to the process. We have a great number of holdovers who have not been subject to Senate confirmation for years and that should end with the passage of this bill. And urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Millner, are you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Senator Cullerton.

After the bill takes effect, the Governor will have thirty days to fill these positions where people have been holding over. These are only people who are subject to Senate confirmation. And he could certainly reappoint them, if he wished, and then we would -- that would toll the thirty days and we would then go through our normal process of having the -- the -- that Message read into the record and we would then send those to the -- the committee to have hearings on them.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Millner.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton.

Right. The thirty days doesn’t refer to how much time we have to confirm them. It’s to simply -- urging the Governor to fill those vacancies within thirty days and then we’ll take the time we need. But there -- there will be a lot of folks that will be subject to confirmation early on in the Session, and perhaps we can even have hearings in -- in Chicago to make it -- facilitate for some of the Members, if it’s possible. So we -- we want to be practical, but we want to have these people who 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 are in the Governor’s cabinet, who we haven’t seen in four or five years, have them come back and have us consider their qualifications.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator Cullerton, do you wish to close?

Yes. For purposes of this bill, for legislative intent, a meeting of the Senate does not include a perfunctory Session day as -- as designated by the Senate under its rules. That’s an important clarification when we’re counting the number of days. This is a -- a reform. This is an important issue. I hope that the Governor would sign this bill. I hope that we would unanimously pass it to prove that the Senate is a deliberative Body that -- which -- which would consider people’s qualifications. We can’t have a system where people can just hold over and the Governor can ignore us. So we would -- really hope that we would pass this bill, urge the House to do the same, and have the Governor sign it, so we can get on with the business of the State. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall House Bill 5057 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5057, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 5756. Senator Koehler. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 5756 permits the use of various portable locator devices that have been recently developed to locate missing adults and children with special needs. What this is, is a -- very narrow exemption that authorizes devices that can be used in connection with the 9-1-1 system. It very carefully -- it will not interfere with the 9-1-1 system. It’s -- it’s really to care for people with Alzheimer’s, other, you know, diseases or impairments where they might truly be lost. And so this -- this helps the -- the families especially. So, I ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5756 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5756, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading on page 3 of your printed Calendar is House Bill 5873. Senator Link. House Bill 6267. Senator Clayborne. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.

Thank you, Mr. President. This… I’m going to take this out -- out of the record.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, please take the bill out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 4 of your printed Calendar, at the top of the page, is the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 5420. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. House Bill 5424. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 5 of your printed Calendar begins the Order of Secretary’s Desk, Concurrences. Of the bills on the Calendar, only one on page 6 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 3538, has a motion on file. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, to explain your motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I will read those on final reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, this is a motion to concur.

Oh, I’m sorry. These amendments are benefit reforms. They include the increase of retirement for police and fire from the 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 age of 50 to 55. Their COLAs would be reduced from three percent compounded to one and a half CPI increase to three percent -- from three percent compounded to one-half of CPI increase up to three percent. Final average salary would be calculated on a eight-year average, rather than last-day pay for downstate fire and police and a four-year average used by Chicago funds. The bill also includes funding reforms, putting all fire and police funds on a schedule to reach ninety percent funded level by 2041. This makes the payment more manageable for downstate funds, which currently must amortize their unfunded liability by 2033; however, Senate Bill 3538 also includes a compliance provision, allowing funds to request that the Comptroller divert State funds to the municipalities to fund if the city fails to make these payments. This provision is phased in gradually to give municipalities time to adjust. IMRF has a similar provision under current law. With Chicago, the new schedule won’t take effect until 2015. And be more than happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Duffy, are you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill, Mr. President. I’d like to commend the sponsor and Senator Althoff for their work on this bill. As you often say, Senator Harmon, you know, they’re -- all parties affected by this bill, they’re not pleased with all the provisions of the bill and they’re pleased with some of the provisions of the bill, and -- and -- and that’s the signs of a -- of a good bill. I don’t state it as eloquent as you usually do it. But I know there was a lot of concerns for those of us who come from the City of Chicago with regards to the payment that would be required in the year 2015. I’ve spoken to the Senate President, I’ve spoken to the sponsor and others about the need for a trailer, and I -- I would personally put in the - - the -- the time and effort to work on that. And I would urge all of us in this Chamber, including all of us from the City of Chicago, to put a Yes vote on -- on this - another reform amongst the many that we have advanced on a bipartisan basis this year.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The Associated Press seeks leave to photograph the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Muñoz, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR MUÑOZ: 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 To the bill, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR MUÑOZ: I rise in opposition to this bill. I commend the sponsor and everyone who’s worked hard. I know we need this bill for reform. But, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, my colleagues have stated there -- they say there will be a trailer bill, but until that bill is for real -- and it’s got to go back to the House and the House has to pass it. As of right now, we pass this bill and the Governor signs it, the City of Chicago homeowners and businessmen are on the hook for over five hundred million dollars. It doesn’t start until 2015 - it’s understandable - but in 2015, the beginning will be five hundred million for the next twenty-five years. And it’s too much and it’s too fast. I know we need the reform. Everybody needs that. We’ve done it for everyone else. Our first responders, the policemen and firemen - we should be very careful. We need to take care of ‘em. But, again, I’m urging you to vote No. They say there’s going to be a trailer bill, but we move this too fast and we’re only coming back for three days the beginning of January. I initially asked, why do we have to move the bill now? We could have waited until we came back on the 3rd and 4th for the trailer bill for that to be corrected or try to get some type of agreement. I ask you to vote No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator McCarter, are you seeking recognition? Our final speaker on the bill is President Cullerton. 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I also want to thank Senator Link, Senator Althoff, Representative McCarthy, in working so hard over the last several months to achieve this -- this bill. I was also involved in the negotiations with the Speaker when we drafted this bill. There is one provision that Senator Muñoz addressed that I would like to revisit and I have raised this with Senator Althoff, Senator Radogno, and I think they’re open to it, and we will come back in January. And I can just briefly explain that it does involve the City of Chicago. My understanding is that over the years, the downstate systems had a different formula than Chicago. They also had a date certain by which they had to be a hundred percent funded. And in this bill, we actually liberalized that date. We extend that date further out and we lower the amount that they have to fund their pension system from a hundred percent down to ninety percent. In the case of the City of Chicago, however, we are dramatically increasing the formula for them, so that they would have to pay a lot more in. And for the first time, we’re establishing for them a date certain to get to ninety percent funded. So, it -- it -- it’s -- one size fits all does not really apply to the City’s system. That’s why the City tells us that there will be this -- not a cliff, but a mountain of a increase in 2015 of something close to six hundred million dollars. So what I think what we should do - and I’ve met with the City representatives on this and this is what we want to work on in the next few weeks - is to see if there’s a way to have a -- perhaps a longer period of time for the City to achieve this funding level. And I think it would be reasonable. 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 We’ll have actuarial studies to know exactly -- not only how much that would -- that would save, but also we’ll have actuarial studies to know how much these reductions in future benefits will save and have that worked in as well. So I think that since we’re doing this in -- in good faith that we can go ahead and call this bill today and pass it, with the understanding that we would come back with a trailer bill that is along these lines, which I think we can get agreement on. It’ll give me some time to go over to the House and see if we can get an agreement with the House as well. So, for -- with that assurance, I’d like to see if we can support this bill now, pass it, and continue to work with the City to see if we can get some relief for their concerns. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, to close.

Thank you, Mr. President. Before I say my remarks in closing, I -- I also would like to thank Senator Althoff, Representative McCarthy, Representative Poe, because in this negotiation, we had all four caucuses together and talking about this. It was not easy and I also want to say one thing before I continue. I’ve got to say, you know, thank you to President Cullerton, because he called a meeting the other day to make sure we went over the final agreements on this bill and to try to get this as close as we could get to an agreed bill as possible. And I got to tell you one thing, I don’t think we could’ve ever got this to a totally agreed bill, because we worked for hours and hours and hours trying to get everybody together, and I got to tell you, there was a lot of frustrating 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 points and frustrating evenings on this. But we came as close as we possibly could get. And I want to thank the police and fire, because it’s kind of hard to go to somebody and say, “We got a great deal for you. Would you give up this? Would you give up this? Would you give up this? And would give up this? But it’s a good deal” - and they did it. And they -- they gave up a lot for their future -- future hires and went into a two- tier system and -- but it was something to stabilize the pension system. But we also turned to the municipalities and said, “You’re going to get some compliance, because you’re going to pay the bill.” Everybody hollers at the State and say we haven’t been paying our pension funds, and we haven’t. We were violators for a lot of years, and we took that task on in the spring and we altered our pension system. Well, our task, when the President asked me to do this, was to make sure that everybody was in compliance when we got this done and this system was paid. So we put a very strong compliance in here to make sure that municipalities throughout this State were going to pay their dues into this system. And I think we were fair with them. We made sure we didn’t put an undue burden onto the taxpayers of the State of Illinois. But we want to make sure that the bill is paid at the end of day so that these pension funds are adequately paid for the people that are paying into these funds. But I also want to say one thing in closing and on legislative intent to clear up something of a confusion about what applies to whether -- you know, on a calculation of -- a calculation of an average salary, that it is in my opinion and - - as the sponsor of this bill, that all compensation is a final average salary. And with that, I -- I say to my seatmate, I can 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 say one thing about the President of this Senate, his word has always been golden and there will be a trailer bill and we will get it done in this Session. And I would ask everybody to put a green light on this bill. And I thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 3538. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 voting Aye, 4 voting No, 2 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 3538. And the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, Senator Sandoval has requested that we return to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading to take up House Bill 1516. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. -- thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Illinois Senate. The -- Senate Bill 15 -- House Bill 1516 is a financial management technical change that would allow us to access federal reimbursement for high speed rail, Amtrak, and CREATE projects here in the State of Illinois. I ask your 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1516 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1516, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Emil Jones, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will so reflect your intent. Thank you, Senator. With leave of the Body, we’re going to move to page 6 of our printed Calendar. At the bottom of the page, on the Order of Motions in Writing to Override the Specific Recommendations of the Governor on House Bills, we have a motion pending by Senator Murphy on House Bill 4836. Senator Murphy, you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hendon, are you seeking recognition on this motion?

Yes, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield.

Senator Murphy, could you tell us a little bit more about the Governor’s veto, because there’s some uneasiness among some of us to vote with you and maybe vote No. And I’d like to at least get your opinion of why -- what the Governor’s concerns are - not that you can speak for him, but I’m sure you’ve analyzed his position. Could you expound just a bit on that for us, please?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hendon.

Your Sunshine Commission, is it going to be made up of just bankers and business people, or will there be laypeople on it?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hendon.

Well, the staff is telling me just the opposite. But you know how staffs are. I’m sure your staff can tell you one thing. Our staff will tell us something different. I -- I’d rather, you know, go with the Governor’s position, because he is a fair and honest man. I know he’s not against sunshine. So, my question is, my final question, is couldn’t you have just put a motion in writing to accept his amendatory veto, which really just expanded the Commission to include regular people and geographic equality and balance? Couldn’t you have just done that? And then we all would be voting for you today.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hendon.

55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 I’ll -- I’ll conclude because, you know, we all would like to be on the road. I hear there’s snow - different places in Chicago. But if -- if -- if you received an e-mail and I -- I believe you - you know, you’re my friend; I believe you’re telling the truth - you know, House staff errs sometime and -- and -- I mean, Senate staff errs sometime and they’re not the Senators. They -- they are great people and good support people, but they are not the Senators. I urge a No vote and let’s give Governor Quinn the opportunity to put a broader Sunshine Commission together, because he’s for sunshine as well. He just wants it to be bright and illuminous, not dull. I urge a No vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan, are you seeking recognition?

Yes. Question of the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

Senator Murphy, the -- as I look at the changes the Governor made, he adds four members to the Commission. Is that correct? And you -- see you nodded your head yes. What is the -- and I see under your original legislation you had a criteria as to what those members needed to meet. Were they -- kind of a background. Is the Governor’s criteria for his members different?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.

Thank you, Senator Murphy. Also, you know, with the budget, as you all know, making up -- you know, the -- the additional members and the criteria that the Governor asked for, those individuals that he asked to be appointed are certainly affected by this -- by our budget and certainly bring -- I think that they could also bring a -- a perspective to -- to that Sunshine Commission as well. Additionally, I see that the Governor put in that it requires that there would be a number of hearings held around the -- the State - I think six of ‘em, if I’m not mistaken. Do you have concerns with that? Or are you 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 opposed to that?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: Just, you know, it -- it -- as I read through the -- the Governor’s changes, it -- they look like good changes to me. I think that he’s tried to broaden it. There is -- I -- I certainly don’t disagree with Senator Murphy on the fact that the Governor’s -- his commission hasn’t met, but hopefully that this will help move the whole process along, and I certainly encourage a No vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy, do you have any interest in taking this bill out of the record so that our very able staffs, who should never be blamed in debate on the Senate Floor for any 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 shortcomings, could work on a trailer bill that would address these concerns? Senator Righter, are you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill: You know, yesterday, I heard a lot about the need for hearings and the -- the need for posting stuff on the Internet, and it appears to me that that is exactly what is in the Governor’s amendatory veto. We worked well together on a couple of bills -- on a few bills here today, on both sides of the aisle, and -- and we shouldn’t be posting up the Legislative Branch against the Executive Branch of government. The Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch of government ought to work together, and that is exactly what the Governor is proposing in his amendatory veto. He’s not eliminating the legislative appointments to the Sunshine Commission; he’s adding additional members to the Commission. And he’s adding it in a way that would create greater transparency on what is being offered here, with hearings and posting on the Internet. And so I would encourage a -- a No vote to this motion of override, because it does exactly what the folks on the other side of the aisle were advocating for yesterday.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, are you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy, will you yield for a question? Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, do you have more questions?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen? Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator Murphy, do you wish to close?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Bill 4836 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 24 voting Aye, 23 voting Nay, none voting Present. And the motion fails. Madam Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Dillard, I apologize. We had a -- we had a motion to override tucked away on page 7 of the Calendar, and in all the excitement, I forgot to turn it over. Would you like to proceed? On page 7 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Motions in Writing to Override Specific Recommendations of the Governor, is House Bill 5206. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5206 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5206, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on the Order of Resolutions is Senate Resolution No. 1084. Mr. Secretary, 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 please read the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Radogno moves to suspend all rules for the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 1084. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Radogno, to explain your resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins, are you seeking recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Let me speak to the resolution. As Chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee, I’ve had the honor and privilege, really, of serving on that Committee. Dan has been the Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Financial Institutions Committee. And let me just say, besides being a valued colleague, I consider Dan a friend and a staunch supporter. And like many of the attributes that have been mentioned previously, Dan is a person of class, character, courage, and I think most of all, civility. And the courage comes in when I look at some of the legislative initiatives that I’ve sponsored. Dan has been one of my more avid advocates and I see that as indicative of his capacity and a man of uncommon sense and sensibilities. And I just want to thank Dan for being there for me. And he is someone who places -- in reference to the civility, he is a person that places policy over politics and partisanship. We need more public servants of the caliber of Dan. And I look forward to working with you as you rise or ascend to the Treasurer’s Office. There’s many things we can do in reference to helping our citizens and our small businesses, as well as preventing more predatory lending and preying on our citizens. 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 And I thank you, Dan, for being such a sterling example of what it means to be a public servant.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?

Mr. President, to the resolution. I’ve really appreciated the friendship that we’ve developed just in the past few years, and we share parts of Tazewell County in central Illinois together and so it’s always been really a delight to work with you in -- in conjunction with that. But I often use you as an example of what is really healthy and right about the two-party system, because oftentimes, in talking to classes or others about just what happens in the Senate here, I -- I use you as an example personally. Because we don’t always agree, we don’t have the same political philosophies, but I never doubt your sincerity. And I talk about the healthiness of being able to be truly good friends and have differences and being able to talk 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 about them. Now we agree on a lot of things as well. But I really value that kind of a friendship, because it means something to -- to me personally, but it also means something, I think, to our system. And I told you yesterday that I don’t doubt that the -- that the -- that the Treasurer’s Office is going to be in good hands and the people of Illinois are going to be well-served, because you deserve it. And -- and we deserve having a public servant like you, because you are a principled man. You are a man of deep character, and that’s important to us. And I will say that you’ve had a profound effect upon me as well in some other areas. Every time that I bring a bill about a specialized license plate to this Senate Floor, I feel guilty about that, because… And every time I do that in the future, I’m going to have that little twinge of consciousness. But, my friend, I -- I look forward to continuing to work with you in your new capacity and -- and I wish you well.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty.

Thank you. Serving with you, Dan, both in the House and in the Senate, has been a privilege, but really working with you all these years in JCAR as Co-chair of a group of men and women that really come together as a group and work for honesty in the legislation that we’ve passed and making sure that agencies truly follow the letter of the law as it was written. And Dan has brought a lot of expertise over all these years to me as the Co-chair and many of the members. So I can honestly say, Dan, you’re going to be missed. You’re a great legislator and you’re 75  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 going to be a great Treasurer and I look forward to working with you. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Dillard, you’re seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) We have two speakers still seeking recognition. Senator Raoul.

Well, Dan, I don’t know what everybody’s making such a big fuss about. You’re just going right downstairs, and I got to say, you know, I’m -- I’m happy that you are, ‘cause, you know, one of the things that Senator Wilhelmi and I share is we -- we -- our seats are right here by the bathroom and -- and I’ve had to start doing push-ups to strengthen my arms because every time Dan comes by he just hits you on the arm real hard and -- and, you know, glad to see you go ‘cause my arms have weakened since my surgery. But people have spoken about, you know, a need for civility in -- in government and Senator Righter talked about how you are truly bipartisan, and I think you are an example of the -- the -- the civility that people wish for more widely in government. It was just a couple of days ago that some -- I 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 forget who, and the last couple of days have seemed like a couple of years, but I forget who it was that said something to me about a panel that we were on together at the -- I believe it was the Chicago Bar Association, and they referred to the fact that somebody was asking some pretty quirky questions, and -- inappropriate, and they -- they said how our interaction was encouraging and -- and made them feel about -- better about government in Illinois. And I -- I think the Treasurer’s Office is lucky to have you at the helm so you can continue to -- to demonstrate the example of how civility can -- can indeed be what is demonstrated in -- in government, notwithstanding the fact that we may have differences of opinion sometimes. So, I’m not -- I’m not sad to see you go, ‘cause my arms will be -- be better off. But I’m happy that you’ll be where -- where you are. Congratulations.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Our final speaker is Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) And I’m sorry, Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Lightford was seeking recognition before I called on Senator Murphy, but I did not see you, Senator. So -- so my apologies.

Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me the opportunity to congratulate Dan. He was actually one of the first legislators that I met on becoming a Senator because he represents Pontiac. So he knew exactly what to do. He would have this great welcome party for legislators who came into town to tour the Pontiac institution. He was so gracious to me and my district office staff at that time that we kept that relationship going. Four years after that, I was remapped, as you know, Mr. President, out of my district office to welcome you in town, and I had this new great open house at my new district office in Westchester and, lo and behold, walks in Dan Rutherford to my open house. And he’s -- he’s always -- you know, you never know what to expect from Senator Rutherford. And then he and I had the opportunity to serve on the Financial Institutions Committee together, I as Chairman at one point and he as Minority Spokesperson, and we always had this level of respect for one another. We always worked really well together. And I’m just so happy for you, Dan, that you’re able to grow and -- and sprout and spread your wings throughout the State. I 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 wish you nothing but the best.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution 1084. Will all Members in favor please rise? The resolution is declared adopted. Senator Rutherford.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I regret to inform you we still have a little bit of lingering business to attend to here. …Steans, do you wish to proceed with your resolution? Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 5 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions, is Senate Resolution 1047. Senator Steans. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans, to briefly explain your resolution.

Yeah. This resolution just proclaims November Lung Cancer Month {sic} (Awareness Month).

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 1047 pass. All those in favor will vote 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Turning to the Order of House Bills 1st Reading. Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. On the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 128. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution. I apologize, Madam Secretary. I misspoke. It’s House… Madam Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lightford moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 129. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 129. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business to 89  STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 137th Legislative Day 12/2/2010 come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of noon on the 4th day of January, 2011. The Senate stands adjourned. 90