PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 97th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor John Standard from Springfield Bible Church in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor John Standard)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney, would you lead us in the Pledge today?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) WICS-TV seeks leave to videotape the proceeding. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval… Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, February 16th, 2011.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
Good morning. Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and the approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty moves to postpone the reading and approval 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 of the Journals, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 64, offered by Senator Mulroe and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 63, offered by Senator McCarter. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 3 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Constitutional Amendments 2nd Reading, is Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13. The chief sponsor of the measure is Senator Raoul. I understand, Senator Murphy, as the chief hyphenated co-sponsor, you are prepared to proceed and have direction from the Senator to do so. Madam Secretary.
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, having read -- having its 1st Reading on… Madam Secretary, having had its 1st Reading on February 17th {sic} (16th), 2011, we now proceed to the 2nd Reading of Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution in full for a second time.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13. (Secretary reads SJRCA No. 13) 2nd Reading in full of this Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Illinois Statehouse News seeks leave to videotape the proceeding. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
On a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I wish to take a moment to introduce a good friend of mine, who’s also the Mayor of the historic and lovely City of Alton, Illinois, which was incorporated by this General Assembly the same month the City of Chicago was incorporated as a city, although we haven’t had the storied history of the City of Chicago and we’re mainly Cub fans. We root for winners. I mean, we’re mainly Cardinal fans. We root for winners. Not Cub fans. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Mayor Tom Hoechst of the City of Alton. Right up here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mayor, please rise to be recognized. Some would say Alton has had just as storied a history as Chicago, Senator. Thank you for your -- your eloquent remarks. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
With me today, joining me on the Floor, is Farrell Davies, who is the CEO of the Heartland Clinic, which is a federally qualified health center in Peoria. It is Illinois Primary Health Care Day at the State Capitol. But I’d like the Senate to please welcome Farrell Davies.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome, Ms. Davies, to the State Senate. Please rise to be recognized. 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 Appointment Messages 2 through 22.
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 Appointment Messages 2 through 22. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 2, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of Insurance, for a term commencing February 7th, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Michael McRaith. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Mr. President, 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 Appointment Message just read. 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 45 Ayes, no Nays, and 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. On the same Order is Appointment Message No. 6. Madam Secretary, please put it on the -- the board. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 6, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of Department of Human Rights, for a term commencing January 31st, 2011, and ending January 21, 2013: Rocco Claps. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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, none voting Nay, 2 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, next on our Calendar is Appointment Message No. 7. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 7, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommend that the Senate do advise and consent: To be Secretary of the Department of Transportation, for a term commencing January 31, 2011, and ending January 21, 2013: Gary Hannig. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message 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 Appointment Message 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 just read. 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 44 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, next on our Calendar is Appointment Message No. 8. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 8, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, for a term commencing January 31, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Julie Hamos. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message 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 Appointment Message just read. 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 49 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Message No. 9. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 9, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of -- Department of Children and Family Services, for a term commencing January 31, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Erwin McEwen. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment Message No. 10. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 10, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 for a term commencing January 31, 2011, and ending January 21, 2013: Michelle Saddler. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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 47 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment Message 11. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 11, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, for a term commencing February 7, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Marc Miller. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Message 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, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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 47 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment Message No. 12. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 12, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, for a term commencing February 7, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Daniel Grant. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment on a -- Message 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 Appointment Message just read. 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 47 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected having concurred by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment Message No. 13. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 13, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for a term commencing February 7, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Arthur Bishop. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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 47 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, Appointment Message 14. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Message 14, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 To be the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, for a term commencing February 7, 2011, ending January 21, 2013: Brent Adams. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointment, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Message on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. 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, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Madam Secretary, on page 4 of our printed Calendar, on the Order of Motions in Writing regarding Appointment Messages, is a motion from Senator Muñoz. Would you please read the motion? Madam Secretary, would you please read the gentleman’s motion?
Motion to Compile Appointment Messages. Pursuant to Senate Rule 10-1(c), as the Chairman of the Executive Appointments Committee, I move to compile the following Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate: AM’s 3, 4, and 5 - University of Illinois Board of Trustees; and AM’s 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 - Health Information Exchange Authority. Signed by Senator Antonio Muñoz, Chairman. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Muñoz moves to compile the Appointment Messages to be acted upon by a single vote of the Senate. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. Madam Secretary, Executive Appointments – Appointment Messages. Apologize, Ladies and Gentlemen. We’re working through our paperwork here, trying to adapt to our -- our new system. Senator Muñoz, do you seek to be recognized on this? SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, with respect to the Appointment Messages 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, I will read the non- salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommend that the Senate do advise and consent: To be Directors of Health Information Exchange Authority, for terms commencing February 7, 2011: Bechara Choucair, Mark Neaman, Robert Wellman, for terms ending February 7, 2012; David Holland, William Kobler, Nicholas Panomitros, for terms ending February 7, 2013; Nancy Newby, Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, for terms ending February 7, 2014. To be members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees: Karen Hasara, for a term commencing January 17, 2011, and ending January 16, 2017; Ricardo Estrada, Patricia Born {sic} (Brown) Holmes, for terms commencing January 19, 2011, and ending January 16, 2017. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments, I now seek leave to consider the Appointment Messages on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Messages just read. 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 44 voting Aye, 1 voting No, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Messages just read. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate arise from its Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves 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. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, thank you for your indulgence as we worked our way through that script the first time. I would point out to the Body that with our new appointment process, we eliminated significant redundancies in the process. Thank you for your patience. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 2 of your printed Calendars is the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 24. Senator Steans. We’re on the Order of 2nd Reading, Senator. Do you wish to have your bill read? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 24. (Secretary reads title of bill) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 41. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 42. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 53. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 115. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 123. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 131. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1226. Senator Maloney. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1226. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Maloney, are you seeking recognition to table a bill?
Yes, Mr. President. I would like to table Senate Bill 136. At this time, we are continuing to work on the issue in another venue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Pursuant to Rule 7-10(b), Senator Maloney moves to table Senate Bill 136. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the bill is tabled. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 2 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading - this is final action. I ask all Members to be at their desks. At the top of the Order is Senate Bill 4. Senator Forby, do you 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
Thank you. Today, Senate Bill 4 is a jobs bill. And as everybody talks -- they go back to their district, the number one issue they talk about in their district is putting people to work. And what this bill is today is putting people back to work. And with our budget problems, our unemployment problems, so this -- this bill today, I think, is a great bill for everybody. And this is a tax credit bill and it’s a tax credit that’s not new. It’s been done before. Ford and Chevrolet and several other entities in the State of Illinois has done this. So -- and -- and Continental Tire is where this is going to happen, is in Mount Vernon, Illinois. And it’s in John Jones’ district. It’s next to my district, but it’s not in my district, but down there we work together. When both sides can work together, we get something done, and what this does it’s going to put three hundred and fifty people to work. And the tax credit thing, a lot of people says, you know, the State of Illinois is going to lose money on the tax, but the State of Illinois is not going to lose no money. If we do not pass this today, everything goes away; there’s no taxes, no nothing. What this is, is an incentive today that DCEO has worked out, that we competed with Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and -- I mean, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Kentucky and other states to get this here today so we can put three hundred and fifty people to work. As of today, they got about twenty-four/twenty-five hundred employees down there. And they’re going to spend about two hundred million dollars on this new building to put these people to work. And if they don’t put three hundred and fifty people to work, they do not get the tax credit. And if they don’t keep three hundred and fifty employed, they lose the tax credit. So I think this is a win- win situation for everybody. So if there’s any questions, I’ll try to answer ‘em.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
To ask a couple of questions of the sponsor. Would he…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he’ll yield. Senator Lauzen.
Senator, does the credit go to the worker or to the company?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
It goes to the company. That is incentives that the company’s getting to -- to have an investment of two hundred thousand {sic} and putting three hundred and fifty people to work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
How is this not -- you know, we have some debates in this Chamber at times where people talk about tax loopholes and corporate welfare. How is this -- and -- and when you calculate what you presented in committee, it’s an incentive where the State taxpayers from all over the State are going to be putting seven hundred thousand dollars into that company operating statement. How is that not corporate welfare?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
One of the biggest things that I think that people don’t understand, this tax credit don’t -- it don’t do anything if we don’t have it. And it don’t come in place till we put people to work. When you put people to work, the three hundred and fifty people to work, then they take the tax out of their -- out of their payroll and it goes to the company. That’s how this works. So it’s not anything against the tax people and they won’t be out any money.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
What happens though -- I -- I don’t think that your premise is accurate. Because what happens if someone is already employed, having withholding tax, and then hires on with Continental Tire, and now has the credit where they’re not paying the tax anymore? It certainly is a decrease in the revenues of the State. So, I think you’re -- the assumption that you’re making is that everybody who’s going to be employed 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 of the three hundred and fifty promised, those -- all those people would be unemployed right now, and I -- that’s not a stipulation of this bill, is it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
No, it’s not. But -- you know, as -- the State of Illinois, as much unemployment we got, if somebody leaves a job as -- especially in my district, there’s ten or fifteen people that are waiting to get that job. So, I -- I’m convinced this - - they’re not going to lose any jobs. So if somebody leaves and goes to another job, there’s -- down there in my district, there’s always ten or fifteen people behind you waiting for that job.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, do you have another question?
No. Just a comment on the bill. I -- this is a very hard kind of decision to make, because I -- I think incentives matter, tax policy matters. But what we’ve done in this last -- in this last forty days is we’ve increased the tax on all employers by forty-six percent, so there’s more money in the pot for the State government now to select who’s going to win and who’s going to lose. Everybody who doesn’t have the lobbyists and -- and a sensitive State Senator, they all are going to have to pay more and a few are going to get these incentives. So how is that good tax policy? And the -- the premise that this only goes for new jobs, but that’s for people who are already -- could be already employed someplace else. So it is not 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 necessarily a net win for workers and for employees. So, hard decision. I just wanted to lay some of those things out. Anybody who campaigns against corporate welfare and loopholes, this creates one of those things. So I just put it on the table for your consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the -- to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
You know, the previous speaker, you know, I -- I wish we didn’t have to give any tax credits to any business. But until we -- you know, we got to be on a level playing field with other states and -- and all over this country tax credits are given to the employer to create jobs and -- and employ people. The previous speaker said that, you know, this is -- you know, somebody may quit their job over here and go to work over there at Continental Tire if this -- if this comes about. And that could be very well true. But when that person leaves this job over here and comes to Continental Tire, somebody else that’s unemployed is going to wind up with that job. This is an increase in employment in the State of Illinois. And if we’re ever going to dig ourselves out of this hole that we have in the State of Illinois, it’s got to be by creating jobs in this State. You know, the -- the Continental Tire plant that’s in my hometown, Mount Vernon, right now, has twenty-four hundred plus 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 employees. Not a person there makes less than fifty-five to sixty thousand dollars a year, and a lot of ‘em make more than that. They’re good-paying jobs. They’re jobs that they can support a family on and contribute back to the community and to the State of Illinois. I totally disagree that this is -- this is just handing them a blank check, you know, and -- and it’s going to hurt the rest of the State. We don’t have these jobs right now. But by creating this tax edge, and if they don’t -- if they don’t build the plant and don’t -- don’t employ the people, they don’t get this. So this is just another incentive that -- much like all the other states have. And I can -- I can guarantee you right now, if we don’t do it, another state’s got it in place and the jobs could go there. So I -- I stand in strong support of -- of Senate Bill 4. I appreciate Senator Forby being the lead sponsor on it so we could get this thing through. Hopefully, you know, next -- two weeks from now the -- the House will be able to -- to get it started moving through the -- through the committees over there, get it to the Floor and get it to the Governor’s Desk. The governor is on board with this. The entire administration knows that this is important - not only to southern Illinois, but the entire State of Illinois. So I would encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Duffy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question for the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he’ll yield. Senator Duffy. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
Senator, these tax incentives - are they for the employee based on how many employees are hired? Are they just for the company, as far as a blank check?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby, to answer that question a second time, I believe.
They’re for the new employees, just the new employees that’s hired - not the old employees, just the new three hundred and fifty people.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Duffy, to the bill.
These incentives, it -- it’s not a blank check to the company. What it is, it’s incentive for each employee that’s hired. So if they don’t hire the employees, then they don’t receive the money. Unfortunately, in the State of Illinois, we don’t have a competitive atmosphere for businesses and our tax rates are way too high. So until we can compete, we do need incentives like this. And I was sitting in the committee and the treasurer of the international tire company that was there made it very clear that if we don’t give ‘em these incentives for -- based on hiring per employee, then they’ll just simply take these jobs to another state. So I stand up in strong support of this bill. Thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Duffy. Senator Risinger, for what purpose do you rise? 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. Senator Forby, I appreciate this bill coming forward. As you know, I grew up in that area and I know how important it is to get the jobs in that area. And -- and I think this is a good bill, one that will help the employment down there. But I have to tell you, Senator Forby, this is the last bill of yours that I’m going to vote for.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Will the sponsor yield for a question, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield.
Before I ask the question, I want to also commend Senator Forby. This is important to his district, which needs these jobs a great deal, and I think the Senator deserves a great deal of credit for taking the risk to bring such a -- a bill in for his citizens. My question to the Senator is, I note from the comments on the Floor and your comments that this -- this manufacturer makes inner tubes and tires from natural and synthetic rubber. And I want to know, is there also a little niche here where this manufacturer is going to manufacture rubber gloves? Is that part of this plan? And, would it relate to any other bills that you have?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 You never know. When in the rubber business, they might come up with anything.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. I just wanted to rise in strong support of this legislation. I know Senator Forby had brought it before the Revenue Committee, and I think there’s some key points that we should highlight here. Number one, this company is actually going to invest two hundred million dollars - two hundred million of their own money - to stay here in the State of Illinois. And they’re going to get an incentive of -- of about twenty million dollars over a series of several years for that investment. It’s a -- it’s a -- and they’re going to keep two hundred and fifty jobs and create three hundred and fifty new jobs, and all due to the fact that they’re making this significant commitment to the State of Illinois, significant commitment to the people of Senator Forby’s district. Most important, when we’re judging tax incentives, we need to judge them based on the value that they produce. And the value they produce here is, for how many dollars that we invest, what’s it going to result in? And the result is more jobs, more people who are participating in the economy in the State of Illinois, more revenue that’s generated for the local economy and also the State economy, and also an increase in people working here in the State of Illinois. So I rise in strong support and I appreciate the great work of the Senate sponsor, Senator Forby. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Thank you, Senator. Senator Forby, do you wish to close?
Yes. I just want to thank everybody and everybody’s talking. I appreciate hearing from the opponents and proponents for this bill. And I do think it’s a good bill and I think down the road, five years from now, we can go back when Mount Vernon says their tax base has went up. And the State of Illinois’ tax base will go up over this, ‘cause these people’s going to buy. They’re going to grocery stores, they’re going to buy cars, they’re going to buy houses, and they’re going to take that salary, that forty/fifty thousand dollars a year in salary, and spend it in that district. So I think this is a good bill. And another thing, I want to thank -- this bill is -- you know, I -- this is a bipartisan bill and I appreciate both sides working on this bill - it’s good. And I would like to see more bills down the road where both sides -- and -- could work on a bill and I think we’d get things done. I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 4 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 50 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 4, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 38. Senator Garrett. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 38. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Garrett.
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 38 creates new requirements for which rainwater can be stored and used for plumbing. It also allows public buildings to use rainwater harvesting systems for the use of plumbing, but not for the use of consumption. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health to adopt and publish a minimum code of standards for rainwater harvesting collection systems and rainwater harvesting distribution systems by January of 2011 {sic} (2012). I have a -- a huge list of proponents. I’ll just give you a few: Lake County Municipal League, Lake County Forest Preserve, Northwest Municipal Conference, Illinois Environment {sic} (Environmental) Council. So it has a lot of strong support from municipalities, as well as environmental organizations. Be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 38 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 49 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 38, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 50. Senator 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Silverstein. Senate Bill 86. Senator Collins. Senate Bill 107. Senator Kotowski. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 107. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation, Senate Bill 107, has passed this General Assembly three different times -- or, this Senate three different times. And it’s, basically, something that is a -- a great opportunity for us, to use the Treasurer’s investment portfolio to invest in venture capital funds who invest in start-up companies in the State of Illinois. The first TDA, part I, led to about a half a billion in investment from private sector in Illinois, creation of several thousand jobs. It was very successful. What this would do is move the Treasurer’s investment portfolio from one percent to two percent, investing in these venture capital funds that invest in Illinois companies. The -- the ratio on this is outstanding. For every dollar that’s invested, we get twenty- three dollars invested from the private sector. This is going to allow Illinois to continue to be the place to be when it comes to start-up companies, new technology initiatives, innovative efforts to create jobs. Have the support and the backing of our -- of our new Treasurer, Dan Rutherford. He’s completely behind this. We’ve worked very closely with his office. And I know we had some good discussion in committee and 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 I look forward to any questions that we might have on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
How is the base of -- how is the base going to be calculated of how much can be placed in these investments? How will we compute how much this bill actually means is going to be available for -- for investment?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you. I -- you know, the best general estimate I can give you, Senator - I appreciate your question on that - right now with the TDA I, I think the -- the base investment is seventy-five million, and with TDA II, we would increase the amount of money available to a hundred and fifty million.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, do you have a follow-up?
Yes. I -- I’m sorry, did you say million or billion? You meant million. Well, two questions. One, could you clarify? Was it million or -- it must have been million. And then, a hundred and fifty, that would mean that we have fifty times that much in the Treasurer’s fund and -- could you clarify that for 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 me, please? I -- I’m just trying to figure out how much is being set aside here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you for your question, Senator. I just want to clarify. I do believe I said million. That would be an extraordinary amount of money to have, though, wouldn’t it? Be wonderful. But it’s two percent of the total amount that’s capable to be invested. So, two percent, talking about a hundred and fifty million. Figure out the math on that. So, I think he has -- I think he has -- from my memory in committee, I believe he has about, I think, close to ten billion available to invest as the Treasurer. That time I said billion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- Senator Lauzen.
Thank you very much to the sponsor for helping on that. We don’t have ten billion dollars in the Treasurer’s Office. We don’t have -- actually, if you take the two percent on the hundred and fifty million, it’s actually 7.5. So it’s in the range that you’re talking about. But I’m thinking if we have 7.5 billion dollars sitting in the Treasurer’s Office, why do we have all the unpaid bills? So, you see. I’m sorry. These are the kinds of questions my constituents would ask me and so I -- I burden you with them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- Senator Kotowski.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Not a burden. Not a burden. A great opportunity to discourse with you on the Floor today. I appreciate that. There are some funds that were restricted in terms of investing. So -- over at the Treasurer’s Office. So, as you know -- as you know, when it comes to investing, there are conservative funds, as the Treasurer communicated himself in the committee. He basically has to make sure there’s safe and secure and protected investments when it comes to looking out for taxpayers, which your constituents would be concerned about. This is an opportunity -- incidentally, by the way, the -- the TDA part I has resulted in a greater return on investment for the funds that the Treasurer invests than any other funds. So it’s been more successful. It’s led to greater investment and support for more jobs in the State of Illinois. And so, I mean, in answer to your question, there are some that are more restricted. And, generally - I -- I don’t believe that I’m mistaken on this - I believe he has approximately ten billion dollars that are investable. I know you’re shaking your head, but there hasn’t been a great deal of -- there hasn’t been a great deal of a lack of understanding of this. I mean, the Treasurer came in and presented on this and this is a fund that has been successful. We’ve invested in -- in -- in businesses in Illinois, all without raising a single tax, which, incidentally, I believe, would make your constituents exceedingly happy, because the investment return has been beneficial. It’s led to the creation of jobs and it’s helped Illinois be a centerpiece for the rest of the country when it comes to start-up companies.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, you’ve got a follow-up question? 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
Yes. Actually, the more we look at this, the more concerned I’m getting. The more I’m -- the more I’m getting concerned. First of all, we don’t have seven and a half million dollars sitting in a bank account someplace, no matter how we invest it. That can’t be accurate. Because we wouldn’t be talking about borrowing money. We wouldn’t be spending sixty million dollars in last year in late payment penalties to our vendors. That -- it cannot be a factually accurate statement. I do like the idea that it leverages twenty-three times. You -- I’m -- I’m sure that everyone in this Chamber realizes that the reason why they get a higher return on investment than the more stable return and safer return is because there’s more risk. So, I mean, it -- I -- I don’t mind -- I -- I think that generally the concept makes a lot of sense, you know. Because we should have a spread and a spectrum of risk that we invest in. I don’t know if it should be out of the Treasurer’s Office during a time that we have 6.5, 7.8, 8.7, 9.4, by 4 o’clock in last Wednesday’s meeting, of unpaid bills and now we’re talking about setting aside a hundred and fifty million dollars to invest in venture capital. So, actually, the more I hear about this bill, the more concerned I am and the more I think I’m opposed to it. Because a hundred and fifty million dollars ought to go to pay off our bills and we certainly don’t have 7.5. So it’s not a hundred and fifty million. So now you can tell I’m confused.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 107 pass. All those in 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 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 44 voting -- 45 voting Aye, 3 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 107, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 153. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 154. Senator Frerichs. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 154. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 154 amends the State Park {sic} (Parks) Designation Act by creating a provision designating the Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area in Vermilion County as a State Natural Area. The only confusing thing about this is some people may believe that this happened several years ago. Some people in this Chamber may remember attending a groundbreaking -- or a dedication of this land and -- and thought for the last -- better part of the last decade that this was actually named the Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area. This was a problem. We determined it wasn’t officially done by State Act. I don’t think there should be any problem voting for this bill and would request a favorable vote. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 154 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 50 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 154, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 155. Senator Forby. Senate Bill 161. Senator McCarter. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 161. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senate Bill 161 amends the Service Occupation Tax Act and Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act. States that no tax shall be imposed on the rental of rooms or equipment. Directs the provider to separately state the -- the selling price of any food or beverages sold incident to the rental of the room. Taxes may only be imposed on the sale of food, beverages, or other tangible personal property. This -- this bill comes to us because of some confusion as to whether room rentals can be taxed. And what has happened with about five of the wineries - one in my area and others in the local areas - that they have been -- upon an audit, been told that they should be paying -- should have collected tax on room rentals that were listed 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 separately for the previous two years. The -- the one business in my area issues about two hundred W-2s. They own -- they are -- very nearly went out of business because of this -- this forty-thousand-dollar bill. The other winery is in the same situation. I think this makes very clear that room rentals should not -- are not intended to be taxed. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he’ll yield. Senator Sullivan.
Thank you. Senator McCarter, we had a fairly lengthy discussion in committee on this bill. What -- I think at the conclusion of that committee, we talked about you agreeing to carry on discussions with the Department of Revenue, as well as the Hotel/Lodging Association. Could bring us up to that, and then also what the negative effect would be to the State of Illinois as far as revenue?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: We -- we did talk about that and I’m not sure that this bill is going to be able to help those people currently. And I did make -- make that very clear. This is going forward. It is going to make it clear in the future. These folks are in the 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 middle of an audit. I don’t think it’s my place to get involved in that, but I think this will clarify this in the future. And I did talk to our liaison with Revenue. In regards to your question, their estimation is two million dollars. Now what that does not take into account is the -- the income from potentially these two hundred people that are employed by the one business. Now if you take -- if you extrapolate that over businesses throughout the State, I think you’re going to see a - - you’re going to see that two million go away and it’s going to be a -- even a -- a greater loss to the State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you. According to our analysis, it could be up to five million dollars. So, I’m not sure where -- where your numbers come from. But the -- you know, it was our understanding - and I just talked to the Chairman of the committee as well - that you were going to continue to carry on a dialogue. Obviously, we don’t have any deadlines today. It would be my recommendation to you to hold this bill until we have some further discussions about this with -- and did you say where the hotel/lodging industry is on this? ‘Cause, in committee, they were not there to testify.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: The hotel/lodging industry is in support of this bill, but to your -- to your request, I will -- I will do that. I will hold the bill, go back, talk to them again, see if this can be - 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 - be approved with the complete consent of the Senate. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Madam Secretary, please take the bill out of the record. Senate Bill 165. Senator Jacobs. …Link, are you seeking recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, at times, we have people that retire, and, you know, I understand my good friend - - colleague, Senator Risinger, is retiring. And -- and Senator Risinger, I just want to tell you, we were working on something for you this morning; we were working on the unemployment insurance, so you’ll be taken care of. But we -- we are losing a -- a staff person on this side and, I got to tell you, it’s somebody that I have grown very fond of through the years. I -- I have to tell you, he has probably spent as much time with me down here as any person. When I did workers’ comp, he spent two years with me literally at my side. When I did the Property Tax Reform Commission, he spent twenty months at my side. And I tell you, I -- I -- I was so totally impressed with his knowledge, that -- it amazed me, that if it was a subject matter, all I would do is ask the question and -- and within minutes I had an answer. And I know that my colleague, Senator Lauzen, and his staff was the same, totally impressed when we were in Revenue. And he’s going to be leaving us. He’s not 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 retiring. He’s leaving us and he’s going to be going to the Department of Revenue. And I got to tell you, by going to the Department of Revenue - and I know the Governor, in his address the other day, said we’re going to be doing a rewrite of the Tax Code - and I got to tell you, if there’s any individual that would be knowledgeable and be in the forefront and be working in the Department of Revenue that anyone in this room should trust to be part of the rewrite of the -- Tax Code, would be Mitch Lifson, who will be leaving us at the end of this month. And since we’re not going to be here next week, I would ask the Senate in a heartfelt way of saying thank you and saying that we will sorely miss him, because he’s not only been a -- a loyal servant to the Senate, but truly a friend and somebody that we will sorely miss in this Senate Chamber. Mitch, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Congratulations, Mitch. You’ll be missed and Godspeed in your new endeavors. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Members of the Senate, it’s that time of year again. The annual Sullivan Caucus is coming up in the very near future. It is -- I know we’re not going to be in Session next week, so I wanted to make an announcement today so that you could get it on your calendars. The Sullivan Caucus will be on March the 8th - that evening of March the 8th - and 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 it will be at Floyd’s this year. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator, for the very important announcement. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise? Is there a Murphy Caucus in the works?
No. I’m -- I’m going to piggyback onto Sullivan’s, I think, as usual. Point of an announcement. Please have the record reflect that Senator Althoff is out on an excused absence today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Record will so reflect, Senator. Thank you. At the end of our Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1576. Senator Kotowski. Senator Kotowski. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we’re going to turn back to page 2, back to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading to see if we skipped over anyone who’s with us now. Senate Bill 41. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 42. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 53. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 115. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 123. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 131. Senator Sandoval. Senator Murphy, are you seeking recognition for purposes of an announcement?
Yes, Mr. President, I am. The Senate Republicans would have a caucus immediately upon adjournment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. 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. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 9th Legislative Day 2/17/2011 Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections have been filed.
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 Senate Joint Resolution 21. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 21, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads SJR No. 21)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 21. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Clayborne moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 21. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 1 p.m. on the 1st day of March, 2011. The Senate stands adjourned. 39