PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) The regular Session of the 97th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor John Smith, United Methodist Church, Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Smith.
(Prayer by Pastor John Smith)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Haine, to lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Haine)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary -- hold on just one second, Mr. Secretary. Anthony Merevick, with the Chicago Phoenix, requests permission to take still -- photos for 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 web news publication. Mike Flannery, WFLD-TV Channel 32, requests permission to videotape the proceedings. And Doug Wolfe, with WAND-TV, requests permission to videotape -- record audio and videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3233 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendment 4 to House Bill 4148, Senate Amendment 5 to House Bill 5495, and Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1543 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention. Would all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We're going to be doing some retirement resolutions. Will all Members please come to the Senate Floor as soon as possible? Leader Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point.
I rise -- I'm sorry to have to inform the Body that our colleague Senator Suzi Schmidt's mother passed away last night at about midnight. So I know that she will be in all of our thoughts and prayers. And we will let everyone know about the 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 arrangements when they are made.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. We'll keep Senator Schmidt and her family in our prayers. Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to move that we waive all applicable Senate rules for the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 1053.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Radogno moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of -- of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 1053. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Could I have your attention, Ladies and Gentlemen? Will all the staff please retire to the rear of the Chamber? Will all Members please be at their desks? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1053, offered by Senators Radogno, Cullerton and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 1053)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to speak on this resolution. I think the resolution itself speaks volumes about Carole's dedication to the people in her community and this State. I don't think we've seen many resolutions quite as long as that one, with all of her service, not only here in the State Legislature with her numerous accomplishments, but also her time 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 on the county board. So she's served in a number of capacities helping her constituents. She also, here in the Capitol, has had the good sense to choose Helen as her secretary, who has kept everyone very well fed. That was a very good choice, Carole. Thank you very much. You'll find at home, though, Carole is absolutely beloved. I mean, when you walk into an event, people love to see her because she's so fun, she's so lively, she's interested in people personally, and that comes across. And she lights up a room when she comes in. She's also a very practical person. I remember when we were both running statewide in '06, we were on a bus tour around the State, and while some of us had the poor judgment to party on that bus, Carole took a nap. So we would find Carole napping on the bus most days as we were traveling around the State, which was probably, in retrospect, a very good decision. I think though, Carole, one of the things that I've most enjoyed doing with you is our little spa trips to Kohler. We had a number of those. And I hope now that you're retiring that means we'll have more of those and not less. So, in your retirement, I hope you'll save a little bit of time for that. We will certainly miss you, but I know you have an awful lot to look forward to at home with your husband, your grandchildren, your children. So, good luck and best wishes. And thank you for your service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Tom Johnson, for what purpose do you rise?
To the resolution. I want to thank you, Carole, for all of your service, not just here, but back home. Carole and I went 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 into the House the same year. Think that was 1992 or '93, something like that. And I had the privilege there of serving ten years with Carole. Our Senator, both Carole's and mine, was Doris Karpiel. And so we learned a lot from Doris. We learned a lot from Helen. And, hopefully, we became somewhat effective, being in the Minority over there. Those of you who really want to know what it's like to be in the Minority, you should serve in the Minority in the House. Then you -- then you'll understand what being a Minority is. But Carole and I have spent many years now, knowing each other's families. And, Carole, I -- I just -- I'm happy that you and I are now retiring together after all this time. And we're going to be back in DuPage County, and maybe we can stir the pot there a little bit and -- and do a few things. But Carole and John and her family have been just great friends for many, many years. And we have been really privileged in the State to have Carole serving and serving that portion of our State from which we come from, up in DuPage County. Carole, all the best to you and John, family. And look forward to spending a lot of time with you guys.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Susan Garrett, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. I don't know Carole personally, but I'm sure everything that we heard today is absolutely correct - that she's a big star in her district and very much involved with her family. But I do know her as the Minority Spokesperson for the Commerce Committee. And she and I worked together really well in trying to reform some of 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 the commerce issues in Illinois. And I just remember how she really dug her heels in and took charge and followed through and -- and attended the hearings that we had and really was very proactive, and -- and how much I did appreciate that. You were very bipartisan. And so I got to know you on a different level. But as a legislator, I really believe that you are one of the best ones and I am sad to see you go. But I wish you all the success in your future. Thank you for your help.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
To the resolution. Thank you, Mr. President. Well, we've heard about, you know, Carole back in her district. We've heard about Carole, the family woman. We've heard about Carole, the Minority Spokesperson. Let me address Carole, the seatmate. I would like to thank you for your time. Carole and I sat next to each other for many years. She's allowed me to bend her ear not only on issues here in the Senate to get her advice, to get her counsel, to find out historically what has happened on many issues, but she's also allowed me to bend her ear on personal issues and situations. She has been the perfect seatmate. Also voting my switch - as you all know, I have a tendency to be slightly ADD and moving around this Chamber a great deal. And Carole never allowed a single vote to pass without looking at me and getting my direction on how to vote on an issue. You have been an absolutely delightful friend and I will miss you terribly sitting next to me. But your spirit will always be in this Chamber, at least for this person. I wish you well in your 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 retirement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Toi Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. I, too, wanted to echo my congratulations and my warm, fuzzy feelings to my colleague, Senator Carole Pankau. She's been, since I came into the Senate, just always open, always accessible. And I got to know her through her incredible passion for property taxes, or against property taxes, whichever way you want to argue that. But she really does care about the people who are in her district and it comes through in everything that she does. She's always ready, always available, always able to lend an ear to somebody who needs it. And, for me, you were a really, really good counterpoint in -- in Revenue on -- on property tax issues of all sorts - all sorts. So you put me through my paces and I'm happy that I got to get a chance to get to know you. And I hope I'll see you again in your next phase of whatever it is, because I -- I know that we'll still be friends after this. So congratulations, Senator Pankau. We'll miss you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Cultra, for what purpose do you rise?
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Cultra, to the resolution.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Back in 2003, when I was a freshman legislator, I got the privilege to sit right next to Carole and -- and got to know her quite well and in a lot of things that you need to learn, and -- and she certainly was very thoughtful and kind in helping me navigate my first year in the Legislature. And I'll always remember that. And -- and thank you for that, Carole. Also, during the time when she was running for State office and was on that bus tour, she took time off and -- and came and -- and was my main speaker at one of my fundraisers. And, Carole, I -- I know that was a hardship for you, and -- and it was a commitment that you made to me and I -- I thank you very much for following through on that. So, I've always thought very well of Carole. She -- she was a conservative voice for her district. And -- and I learned a lot from her, sitting next to her. And I'll always thank you for that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the resolution, Senator Rezin.
Thank you. I -- I, too, echo what everybody has said. And congratulations on a very, very long list of accomplishments. It's a true testament to somebody with such a tenure as you've had here in the General Assembly. When I came into the Senate two years ago, you really stood out as somebody who was very helpful and supportive to me. Anytime I had questions, issues, 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 because we sit on several of the same committees, you were always available and, you know, supportive of me. And I -- and I do appreciate that. I -- I wish you the best now and in the future. I know that you have a wonderful family - that I have gotten to meet as well. And so I'm sure that you have many things planned. I also would like to thank you for bringing probably one of your biggest assets to our Floor, who happens to be sitting right next to you, Helen, who, if most people don't know in the Chamber, feeds us on a regular basis with her home- cooked food, and we appreciate that. But, more importantly, the best of luck to you in the future. I know good things will be happening.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Leader Radogno, do you wish to close? Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Radogno moves for the adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1053. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Pankau.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Kind of knew that this was coming and so I kept thinking, what am I going to say. I mean, I've been here a number of years and I've heard so many people talk about things and I was actually, for -- I -- I actually lacked the words of what to say. I have enjoyed my time in Springfield immensely - immensely. Every day was a different challenge. And when people would ask me, "Well, Carole, why do you -- why do you want to do this again?" I would say - or, "What's the best part of being a Senator?" - "It's that every day is different. Every single day is 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 different. And there's something new every single day." And so I was on a trip with husband John a few weeks ago and we were listening to something and it just perked my interest, and I said, "Okay, that's what I'm going to say when the time comes." And it was -- it's a song that actually Paul Anka heard back in 1967. It's a French song. And he translated it and then he called his good friend, Frank Sinatra, and he said, I can't sing this. This isn't -- this just isn't my type of thing, but I want you to do it. And so he translated the song and it goes like this - and to me, this is very fitting for today. It's called "My Way": And now, the end is here / And so I face the final curtain / My friends, I'll say it clear / I'll state my case, of this I'm certain / I've lived a life that's full / I've traveled each and ev'ry highway - especially when I was running for Comptroller. Oh, my God. We were all over this State. / And more, much more than this, I did it my way ... Regrets, I've had a few / But then again, too few to mention / I did what I had to do and I saw it through without exception / I planned every charted course, every careful step along the byway / And more, much more than this, I did it my way ... Yes, there were times, I'm sure you know / When I bit off more than I could chew / But through it all, when there was doubt / I ate it up and I spit it out / I faced it all and I stood tall and I did it my way ... I've loved, I've laughed and cried / I've had my fill, my share of losing - particularly in November. / And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing / I think, I did all that / And may I say, not in a shy way, / "Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way" ... For what is a man, what has he got? / If not himself, then he has naught / To say the things he truly 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 feels and not the words that one who kneels / The record shows I took the blows and I did it my way! Thank you so much for your friendship. People have said to me, "Carole, are you going to miss the General Assembly?" I don't know that I'm going to miss the General Assembly, but I'm going to miss each and every one of you. The friendships that I've made down here are going to stay with me forever. And like they -- like they say, when the Lord closes a window, he opens a door. Now I'm onto the next phase in life. I don't know what that's going to be yet. But once it comes, I'm sure going to enjoy it. Thank you. Thank you, each and every one of you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Pankau, all our best to you. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: I'd like to introduce a young man with me today. Mr. Drew -- Drew Potter, from Watson, Illinois, which is the Effingham area. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois with a history degree, but he has a -- he actually studied in Belgium as a archeological technician. So if you have any artifacts that you need dusted, he's a -- he's -- he's your man. But, he -- he plays and studies the violin - has since he was in the third grade. Working -- working any job he can get right now till he can get a job in politics. So, I -- I appreciate him being here to help me. He's been very helpful throughout the district. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Welcome Mr. Drew Potter today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Drew, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Let's give our guest a round of applause. Great to have you here today. Leader Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all the applicable Senate rules for the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 1055.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Radogno moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 1055. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1055, offered by Senators Radogno, Cullerton, and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 1055)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you rise? Ladies and Gentlemen, could we ask for a little quiet in the Chamber, please? Please hold the visiting down, please. Senator -- Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to speak to this resolution. I was really hoping that we wouldn't have to do this particular resolution quite so soon. I had the opportunity to meet Christine Johnson in '06 when I ran for Treasurer, and 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 she was my DeKalb County coordinator. And she did a fantastic job. I had no idea that she would have the privilege of replacing Brad Burzynski. Brad was kind of irreplaceable, but I think most people would agree that you've -- you've filled his shoes and then some. It's interesting, in the resolution, they use the word "diligent". And as I was scribbling down a couple of notes, "diligent" was one of the words I used to describe Christine's representation of the people in her district and, of course, the people in Illinois. Other words that I used, you are the consummate professional. I mean, always calm, always wanting to know the facts. You do everybody proud. You know, the one regret that I do have about this resolution, and the fact that we have to do it today, is that yesterday you weren't able to stand up and do a point of personal privilege congratulating the Northern Illinois Huskies. But, that aside, I know that you will have many opportunities in your future. Not everybody has the opportunity to pick and choose amongst things to do in the next chapter, and I know, because of the way you've conducted yourself, that is something that you do have. And that speaks volumes about you and -- and how you've conducted yourself. So, congratulations. And whatever you choose to do in the next chapter, I wish you well. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. To echo the comments of Senator Radogno. Senator Johnson, in her short time here, has been a great and classy Member of this Body. Obviously, Christine is the victim 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 of redistricting. I ran against an incumbent Member of the Legislature last fall and redistricting is -- is a very difficult process, but the way Christine handled it is -- is exemplary to all of us. You know, I sit right behind Senator Syverson and Senator Johnson, so it leads to some degree of uncomfortable status. But she's not going to go away. Chris is -- Christine is a -- is a leader that the State of Illinois desperately needs. Northern Illinois needs her leadership, and I would hope, Senator Johnson, you would stay incredibly active, not only on behalf of the people of this State, but of our Republican Party as well, because you are an exemplary, exemplary leader. Christine is a great fiscal watchdog, both at the local level and here, and was an incredibly quick study when she arrived in Springfield. And as Senator Radogno pointed out -- I mean, you know, you talk about a great accomplishment. What Senator - and she's in NIU red today - has ever, ever led the NIU Huskies to the Orange Bowl? So, it's been a memorable week for you, I'm sure. We will miss you. But please, please, please, stay active. This State needs you desperately, as do the people of NIU -- or, the northern Illinois community, as well as NIU. So we will miss you a lot, Christine. You have been a -- a great, great addition to the State Senate. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand to speak to the resolution. You know, you get to know someone, particularly 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 when you sit next to 'em. And it's just a shame that, Christine, you can't be around here longer. We're going to -- we're going to miss you. I'm particular going to miss you as your seatmate. But there's something in the back of my mind that tells me you may be back here, or -- or soon back in public office of some sort. You've done a great job in the short term you've been here. You had a great political career and governmental career before that, and I look forward to reading about your success and endeavors in the future.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Radogno, do you wish to close? Senator -- Senator Radogno moves for the adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1055. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President, Leader Radogno and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, for your kind words. It truly has been my privilege to serve in the Illinois Senate for the past two years. And certainly serving in the Senate is something that has really been an incredible experience. But before I go any further, I do want to recognize and thank our staff members, on both sides of the aisle. They work incredibly hard. They are knowledgeable. They certainly keep up on all the minutia of all the legislation that we have to address every day. And -- and I really want to thank them. They've really been there, and as well as my fellow Senators. You've all to a person been supportive of me, given me advice and been very -- I've been very, very grateful for that. And so I would like to thank each 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 and -- and every one of you. And, you know, each of you have taught me something. And you're probably in your mind thinking, now, hum, what did I teach her? You know, sometimes by -- by your kind gestures or sometimes in a committee meeting, but sometimes just on -- by a chance. You know, we all have different districts and we all have different constituents and we all have different priorities, but the one thing that we do share, you know, is the fact that we have one thing that we have in common, which is -- the blessing that we have is the State that we represent. You know, it's a great State. We have strong transportation infrastructure. We have abundance of natural resources. We've got the beautiful State park system, which we are now going to make vast improvements to. Large manufacturers, and everything from them to small businesses, everything from coal under the ground to the aerospace industry. And then, of course, one of my things that is near and dear to my heart, which is the higher education system. So, we have a fine higher education system in Illinois. So -- but, you know, really, the -- our greatest asset is our people and our -- it's those people that we need to consider in the midst of the day- to-day busyness of running the General Assembly. So, you know, you are their representatives and you are their voice in Springfield. And, really, that's something that I always tried to remember when I was taking action in Springfield, was I'm the voice of all those people sitting back at home, much like Carole Pankau and some of the other folks that are retiring, that we've been their voice. So, it's really been a privilege for me to be here. I've appreciated your friendship. And it has been a -- a -- just a -- an absolute privilege for me to be here. And I 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 appreciate working with all of you and I wish you all the best.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Johnson, we wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1056, offered by Senators Bivins and Syverson. Senate Resolution 1057, offered by Senators Bivins and Syverson. Senate Resolution 1058, offered by Senator Bivins and Syverson. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point.
Senator Sullivan and the rest of the Body -- the Senate, I'd like to introduce a -- a friend of the family and -- who's joined me today, Danny Martin. Is currently attending University of Dayton in Ohio; went to -- actually, that's the -- the same school that my son, Sean, goes to. Danny graduated from Loyola Academy with my son, Tom. And the Martin family has been a part of the Mulroe family for a very long time. I wish you could all -- to give him a nice, warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Danny, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Great to have you here today. Senator Crotty in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I would move to suspend the rules for the purposes of the immediate consideration and the adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1054.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Cullerton moves to immediately suspend the rules to hear Resolution 1054. Seeing no objection, all those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion and the rules are suspended. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1054, offered by President Cullerton, Leader Radogno and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 1054)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President. To the motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the motion.
Ladies and Gentlemen, you may remember that we had a former Member of this Senate by the name -- by the name of Rickey Hendon. And Senator Hendon, a very memorable character, announced that he was going to leave the Senate, and we were 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 about ready to start our Session and so I urged the committeemen who were going to fill the vacancy to work with haste, so that we could get to work with a full complement of Senators. And so the committeemen met, and in the tradition that happens often, the -- when there's a vacancy in the Senate, the committeemen chose one of the State Representatives from that Senate district. In fact, that's the way I came here into the Senate in 1991. My Senator was Senator Dawn Clark Netsch. She got elected Comptroller. She then resigned and the committeemen chose me to come to the Senate. So Annazette came here under the same circumstances that I did, and it's good to have some experience in the House. There's a few of us here who've served in the House, as well in the Senate. But I must say that I knew Annazette, but I didn't know her as well as I do since she's been here. And she's been an absolute delight to have in our caucus. She is obviously a person who is a very dedicated mother. We can see that on the Floor of the Senate. I know about her commitment to juvenile justice reforms that she worked on when she was in the House. She represents a tough area of the State of Illinois on the west side. And she does it with compassion. She does it with an intense interest. I know that she wanted to come back here. This is not the best way to leave the Senate, but we do know that she's going to still be active. I hope that she still feels that she can come back and visit in the Senate. I hope that she feels that she can come back and -- and count on all the friends that she made here, both in the House as -- as well as the Senate. And I really do wish her well. And I'm very honored to have served with you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Senator Hunter.
To the resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Thank you. Annazette Collins, I first met you when you were serving over in the House. A matter of fact, you beat Coy Pugh, if I can recall. Right? And I supported Coy Pugh during that election. And when you came in, you and I became very good friends, and we -- we -- we had a wonderful relationship with one another and tremendous amount of respect for one another. And after we continued to talk, we found out that our passions were quite similar, mostly dealing with health and human services issues, you know, particularly social justice issues. And occasionally we worked on some -- some issues dealing with - - with juvenile justice. I have a lot of respect for you, Annazette. You are a wonderful mother. You spend a lot of time with -- with your -- with your children, although they are sixteen years apart from one another. And so I see you, you know, juggling the balls, dealing with both age groups, and -- and -- and I've watched you, and you're very smooth, very loving and caring with different generations of your children. And I've watched that in you, and I said, "Ah." I even learned a little bit more about you last night, you know, and I said, "Ah, Annazette really knows how to balance things out, you know, with the different age groups, although they're her children and they're all in the same household, you know." And I can -- I know that things can get quite volatile sometimes, you know. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 But you're very patient and you're loving and you're -- you're such a caring person, Annazette, and I am really, really going to miss you. I really am. We've become very close friends. We're sorority sisters now. And I just look forward to a -- a continued relationship with you. I'm sure that you -- from time to time, I would really expect for you to continue to advise me on -- on different issues that you are passionate about. I know sometimes I -- sometimes I have tunnel vision when I'm looking at and working on different issues. But I need you sometimes to just pick up the phone and say, "Hey, did you forget about this? Or don't forget about that. And can you include this into your -- your -- on your list of priorities", Annazette. So I look forward to -- to -- to talking with you and continuing to work with you. I am going to truly, truly miss you. I know sometimes we've gotten together and had dinner over at Red Lobster sometimes. And I've had a couple of glasses, not very much, of champagne with you, 'cause I'm basically a -- a red wine girl, you know. But I'm just going to miss you, girl. But it was a pleasure working with you and gook luck and -- and God bless, and whatever I can do to -- to help you with, just -- just a phone call away. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jacqui Collins.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Thank you. Well, Annazette, I hardly got a chance to know 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 you before you're leaving, but I felt compelled to speak, because with us both having the last name Collins, I felt we had much in common. And so I was always pleased to see you, because you always greeted me with an infectious smile, and you have such an effervescent personality. But most of all, I want to commend you for your passion and your work on meeting the needs of the dispossessed and the despised. So I want to thank you for your public service and your work, especially on juvenile justice issues. I wish you Godspeed and may God continue to bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
I wanted to echo my other Senator soror - 'cause there are three of us here that are in the same sorority - when I say that I wish my Senator soror to my right all the blessings in the world in the new -- in her -- in her transition to private life, 'cause, you know, public life is sometimes kind of hard. I wanted to say thank you for teaching me about being passionate about kids and being passionate about juvenile justice issues, and taking that everywhere you go. Every person you talk to, nobody could ever mistake or not understand where your heart was on those issues. And it was -- it was an amazing thing to watch. It's one of the things that I think I respect and admire and love most about you, aside from the fact that nobody rocks a 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 suit and heels like Senator Collins. And I want to be just like you when I grow up. So, I -- I wanted to tell you that I'm going to miss you, but I'm going to see you still. So I'm -- that -- I just mean miss you on the Floor. And I want to tell you that I love you and I'm proud of you, and I know that whatever it is you do next, you're going to take it to the nth degree, 'cause that's just the way you roll. Congratulations on everything that you have coming.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Tom Johnson.
I just want to say a couple words. I first met Annazette when she came into the House, and immediately began to learn from Annazette, especially about the concerns and the realities that confront those who find themselves up against the criminal justice system, and especially within the juvenile areas. And I learned a great deal from Annazette, as I did from Lou Jones and others. And I just want to congratulate you, Annazette, on a public service career here that brought your passion for reform within that criminal justice system. And, Lord knows, we have a long way to go. You and I are going to be who knows what at this point. But I certainly hope that the fires that have been lit, as it relates to these issues -- they're difficult because they don't get a lot of political mileage. Reform is often confused with being soft. And as you and I both know, reform is a very difficult thing for that person who wants to reform. And we need to have the -- the passion and the willingness to confront it head on. You have done that. I want to thank you for that example. And God bless you as you go forward. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
We have celebrated Annazette Collins. This has to be at least the fourth speech I've done on behalf of my dear sister. And I've enjoyed standing up for you on each one. So let me tell you guys a funny story about Annazette. First of all, when you first look at her, you just see this ball of joy presenting you. She's always smiling. She's never down. In the fourteen years that I've known her, I've never seen her get upset about anything. She get feisty and she start moving her body and neck rolling and finger pointing, but that's the most you'll get out of Annazette. So, I love her spirit. I love her joy. We first ran together. We were on the campaign trail together fourteen years ago. And I always say, Annazette didn't know what was happening and neither did I, but we were really cute doing it. We looked really good and we both won our races. Annazette and I became really, really good friends four years later, when I was running for re-election. And you know how we come through different organizations, and her organization decided to put a candidate up against me. And Annazette was so gracious enough to call me up and say, "Hey, you're a awesome legislator. You have a new baby." My son was six month old. "And I'm going to be with you, and I'm -- I'm not involved in that." And that meant volumes, because as women, we have to stick together. And 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 that meant volumes to me and that created our sisterhood, and from that point on, our children did the birthday parties together. Annazette was raising Taylor here in the House, while I was raising my son here in the Senate. So I will miss our sisterhood here, but absolutely continue it on. You leave a legacy, because you are the only African-American woman that has served in both Chambers, in both the House and the Senate. So you go down in history as being this fabulous lady from the west side of Chicago representing both Chambers. I love you, Annazette. I wish you the best, and I'll see you back in Chicago.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul.
Annazette, juvenile justice reform - when you were in the House, you and I carried some bills together. And then when you came over here, we had the pleasure of being the "2" on a lot of 57-to-2 roll calls, 'cause the other fifty-seven Members didn't have any sense. As Senator Johnson pointed out, juvenile justice reform or criminal justice reform generally is not a subject matter where the hard positions that you take are -- are politically popular or -- or easily made into a -- a positive campaign message, and -- and so it takes a lot of courage to do what is indeed the right thing and what a lot of people in this building, in fact, know is the right thing. But it's difficult to muster up the courage to advance some measures that - in particular dealing with our young citizens in this State - are the right thing. And -- and you have always had that courage to -- to step up, to add voice to it, and -- and to take that vote 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 that was the right vote, notwithstanding it being unpopular. And I'm -- I'm -- I'm going to miss you, 'cause, you know, it's -- it's -- it's going to be a 58-to-1 roll call now. And so I hope that you will continue to add your voice to the juvenile -- juvenile justice reform effort, because as you've always said, our kids are -- are in need of our help and it is our job to recognize that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any other discussion? There being none, Senator Cullerton moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 1054. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Annazette Collins.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to our President, who welcomed me with open arms and who did a lot to help me get re-elected. Unfortunate, we were not successful, but that just means God has another plan for me. And I don't know what it is yet, but it is a great plan. And I want to thank all of you, my colleagues, and especially Senator Lightford and -- for being a leader with women. You know, a lot of times, our women don't lift each other up. But you do a great job at that and I want you to continue to do that, and to all of you who have been here. You know, coming here, when I first came down here, and I was elected and I came on the House Floor, 'cause I had no idea when they asked me to run for office what it would be like. And I had never been down here before. And when we came to the House Floor and it was so chaotic back then, I was like, "What have I gotten myself into?" But then we studied and I wanted to make a difference. And I think leaving here, I feel really, 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 really good about leaving, because I know I've made a difference in so many lives of our juveniles. And, President Cullerton, you carried a lot of those legislation too in the beginning, and we didn't really get a chance to know each other, but I would run over and talk to you every now and then. Like I -- "Is it going? Is it going? Is it going? He was like, "I got it. I got it. I got it." And then you were off then. And Senator Kwame carried a lot of that legislation as well. But I want to thank all of you, because, truly, I did visit a couple of the counties in this State, and so I really think we should take time to know each other's district, because then we can see eye to eye on a lot different issues, because a lot of times we just don't know what it's like to be in other parts of the State. And so, thank you. It's been truly a pleasure and it's always nice to hear such great things about you. So I'm feeling really good right now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 1059 can be heard on -- on the Floor immediately.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Cullerton moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1059. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Senate Resolution 1059, offered by President Cullerton, Leader Radogno and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 1059)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President. Well, this is the resolution for Senator Maloney, and Senator Maloney is -- and I talked about this and he suggested that maybe we have the same rules that we have for Postponed Consideration - that only two people can talk - because he doesn't want to hear all these, you know, nice things that people are going to say about him, because maybe he thinks that people make stuff up. But the fact is, unfortunately for Senator Maloney, people really like him. And you're not going to be able to stop people from getting up and saying what -- how they feel. Now, I mentioned -- we had a little party last night for some going -- Senators who are going away and I mentioned that Senator Maloney and I share, I think, we call it a well-developed sense of humor. Other people would call it a real sick sense of humor. But we -- we crack each other up, because of, perhaps, our -- our similar Irish background. I don't think there's anybody in the Senate that appreciates the great diversity that we have in the Senate as much as Senator Maloney. And I do know that we have had a number of very successful softball games against the House where Senator Maloney was the star. I really haven't gone over the roster of the incoming Senators. I do know there's a guy who played in the Super Bowl who's coming over, but who knows if he can play sixteen-inch softball. I don't know. We're -- that's 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 going to be a -- a definite hole in our -- in our offense for the softball team. Everybody knows that Ed Maloney has been the Chairman of Higher Ed. He's shown an incredible dedication and intense concern about higher education throughout the -- the State, not just -- not just in -- in his district. He's been all over the State -- hearings, trying to promote, as best we can, our still well-respected institutions of higher education. And as I said, there's different ways of leaving this place. He's going to truly spend more time with his family. That's really the reason why he -- he's leaving and there's nothing that we can respect more than that. So, we're going to miss Ed Maloney. He's sending a -- a -- a replacement over. We hope to get to know him as well. But it's going to be really tough -- tough shoes to fill. So, with that, wouldn't it be funny if nobody wants to talk now? But -- but I'm pretty sure -- I'm -- I'm predicting that there'll be a lot of folks who want to say nice things about Senator Maloney. We're going to miss you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and -- Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I -- we have to be very careful here, following the President of the Senate, and we're going to hear from Senator Maloney himself, two -- as President Cullerton put it, two very witty people. And I think Senator Maloney is the author of the rule on the first bill - that if it's not funny, don't say it. Is that right, Ed? It was Dan Cronin. But I'm here to tell you, I -- the greatest story - I'll just tell one story - that I heard about Senator Ed Maloney, his wit and view 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 of the world, was the morning that former Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested. It hit the air, TV, and he put a phone call into President John Cullerton, left a message for him saying, "Did you hear the news? The White Sox traded Jermaine Dye." And that was the message. Shows you the -- how we view the real world here. But I personally can't tell you how much I'm going to miss Ed Maloney - the evenings at Gabatoni's, which isn't exactly haughty cuisine in town. You see very few lobbyists there, unless they're taking their families out. But it's a great place to share an analysis of the day and an analysis of your colleagues from Ed. It's a -- a tribute to Ed's wit that he can analyze the proceedings of this august Chamber and the -- the Members without any malice and be hilarious at the same time. I -- I just don't know what we're going to with -- without him, I really don't. He'll be a blessing to -- to Norine, I'm sure, unless she orders him out of the house at midday, which probably will be the case. I just want to conclude with this. I know he's a White Sox fan, which is good. That's a sign of good sense, as opposed to the other team in Chicago. But Leo Durocher once said, "Nice guys finish last." That's not true. Ed Maloney has proven it's not true. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul.
You know, when I first came to the General Assembly, I was coming from being an employee with City Colleges of Chicago and I thought I'd get on the Higher Education Committee and teach these Senators that don't know anything about higher education 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 something. And I found a guy who knew a heck a lot -- a heck of a lot more than I did and felt comfortable enough to leave the Higher Education Committee. Sitting in this -- I inherited the seat next to me when I first came to the General Assembly, and - - and because I just wanted to fill my own shoes, I moved one seat over. And the reason I -- part of the reason I wanted to sit back here: one, it's close to the bathroom; but, secondly, during certain bills, when the debate is going on longer than it should, you can always count on Ed to turn around and deliver a one-liner about the person presenting their bill, particularly if it was Marty Sandoval. Everybody has talked about Ed's capability on the softball field. But during the -- one of the Blagojevich overtime Sessions, we took to playing basketball at least a -- a couple of nights a week. And, you know, there were several Members. There was Senator Harmon. Even Senator Noland got out there. Don't know why, but he got out there nonetheless. And I saw Ed coming out one day. I said, "What is this guy doing coming out onto the basketball court?" And after a while, we all started huffing and trying to keep up with running up and down the court, except one guy just kept on running up and down the court, and that was Ed Maloney. He had -- he had stronger lungs than all of us put together. I'm really going to miss you, Ed, because we're going to have a real difficulty getting through some of those long debates without some of the -- some of those jokes, and I'll miss all our conversations about high school sports. There -- there are certain things -- and other conversations we won't talk about. But there -- there are certain things we're able to do back here in this back area to get through the -- the long days, and 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 really going to miss -- miss your wisdom on higher education and -- and your -- your sense of humor. I wish you the best.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jacqui Collins.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Excuse me, Ed, for my back, but I wanted to -- I wrote some remarks because you mean that much to me. So, excuse my back. When I was first running for office, Ed was so helpful in assisting me in meeting and greeting the mayors in some of the communities and suburbs we shared, like Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills and Palos. What I found out then and emphatically know now is that Ed is a beautiful human being, a man of uncommon humility, refreshing honesty, and wicked humor. But perhaps the greatest gift and attribute he possesses is the passion and pride he has for his family: his wife, Norine; his four sons, Brian, Dan, Matt, and Marty; and his ten grandchildren - and I believe you have one on the way -- another one on the way. In the true Irish Catholic tradition, he has followed the dictum, go be fruitful and multiply. Ed, you have a -- been a blessing in my life and I hope this is not goodbye, but "hasta luego" - I'll see you later. God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Christine Johnson.
To the resolution, Madam President. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
I certainly cannot say that I can attest to Senator Maloney's softball skills, but I really have had the pleasure of enjoying his quick and dry sense of humor. I've been very grateful for that, particularly in my position as Minority Spokesperson on the Higher Education Committee. I have found Senator Maloney to be very even-tempered. He's very respectful to everybody that comes before that committee. He's fair and balanced. He gives really thoughtful consideration to everything that comes before us as -- in regards to the bills. I've been very grateful to him. He has educated me on a number of issues related to higher education. So you go to the Higher Ed Committee and Ed Maloney to get educated on education issues. But it's -- really I have to say that the higher ed community has no better advocate in the General Assembly than Senator Maloney. So I certainly want to wish him the best. It has really been a pleasure to work with you on the Higher Ed Committee and I wish you the best in your retirement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Mulroe.
Madam President, to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Senator Maloney, I told you I wouldn't -- wasn't going to speak today because -- but I'm just compelled or just I feel 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 this just urge or -- to -- to talk about you. Not -- and to echo what everybody said, your wit, your wisdom, your friendship, your -- I am going to miss you so much here. And I just want to tell, you know, a short story. When I -- when I first got down here, less than -- about two years ago, it's a pretty intimidating place, very scary place. We -- we don't have a great mentoring program. So I sat down and -- yeah, besides Kotowski, see what I mean? So, I'm sitting there and someone said, "You probably want to talk to someone like Senator Maloney; you have a similar district." So, I -- I came over and talked to Ed and he took me under his wing. We went out for - I can't even remember the place - a burger and a beer. And everything that you've taught me, just to -- to how to be a better legislator, but more important, to be a better person. And -- and you're a great family man, that -- that's well recognized here, and I -- you know, we -- we are a big family here. Some we treat each other like immediate family, some like in-laws. I will -- I will always remember you as a brother and -- but, more importantly, a great man and a great family man that -- and Godspeed, buddy, and I'll always be in contact with you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
You know, we are all friends -- we are all friends in this 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Chamber, but there's a few people who I would say, from my perspective, is -- is or are dear friends. Ed Maloney, you're a dear friend. And I want to give you an example of why I say that. Last year, I had a health scare, had a pretty major surgery. And many of you called, many of you sent cards, many of you sent -- texted me and sent e-mails. Ed Maloney did all of that, multiple times, and told me about some of the -- he had had a similar operation. He kind of told me what to expect. And the day after I announced it, or perhaps the day of the -- when I announced it, he called me, told me what to expect. Called me after it happened, told me what to expect. You were right on all counts, Ed, by the way. And I appreciate that. So that's -- that, to me, is a sign of a dear friend. Ed, you are a -- one of the most effective, but quiet leaders that I know. Your demeanor, your gentleness, your respect that you have earned from your colleagues is -- is quite a sign of leadership. Your leadership -- everybody has talked about his leadership on Higher Education. I've sat on the Higher Education Committee with him for many years. Last night at a dinner, somebody mentioned that nobody has delved into a piece of legislation or an issue as much as Ed has. He has dissected it. He has spent hours and hours and days and weeks and months studying an issue and then trying to address it through legislation - again, the sign of a great leader. The last thing I want to say is that there's few politicians that are referred to as statesmen. Ed Maloney, you're a statesman. We're going to miss you. Good luck to you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Hunter. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
To the resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Thank you. Ed, I'm going to miss you. I consider you as a first-class person. I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with your son on various types of respiratory illnesses over the years. A matter of fact, I knew your son, Matt, before I met you. And -- and I then had the -- the pleasure of meeting your wife, and her attitude and personality is consistent with yours, as well as your son, and, of course, your grandchildren, whom we've had the pleasure of meeting. I don't know what we are going to do without you when the -- when this -- when the time rolls around for our softball game, because when you first -- we -- we -- we -- we -- we joined the General Assembly together, the Senate together, during the same year, in -- in January of 2003. And I knew that I grew up playing softball, and I knew that I was a tomboy, but when I saw you at the bat, I said, "What is he doing? He can't hit the ball. What does he look…" And you hit the ball further than anybody out there. I said, "This man can really play ball." Then I found out about your -- that shows you that I knew absolutely nothing about your background, because you were a jock yourself. But I'm -- I am going to truly miss you. I do know that you have represented your constituents very well while serving down here in Springfield. And I look forward to staying in contact with you, as I know -- I know I will be working with -- with Matt on other issues that he's working on. But I wish you the best of health, 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 wealth and prosperity. Thank you and God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) …resolution.
I want to thank Senator Maloney for bringing every home- schooled student to the Capitol. I just had to say that, 'cause it was the cutest thing. They were all knee-high and they were really upset with Senator. But he's right on that issue, just like he's been right on many other education issues. And I really want to thank you for supporting me on Senate Bill 7 and being one of my go-to people in the education arena. I was so excited when I found out your background was in education and that you were joining the General Assembly. Prior to Ed's arrival, Education was just one committee and I was chairing that committee. So when the committee was split and Higher Ed was created, I was so happy to be able to serve as your Vice- Chair. And I learned so much from you in that role. I just want everyone to know that the respect and the -- the friendliness that you've displayed have just been phenomenal towards me. I'll miss you saying "Hey, lady" and giving me that great hug and great smile. I think you're so genuine and so warm, and always encouraging. When I was feeling like I didn't know which way to go in some of those negotiations, you would always give me some great advice to keep me going. So I want to thank you for that. I wish you nothing but many, many blessings 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 and a happy retirement. And I look forward to seeing you in the future. Thanks, Ed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Senator Maloney, just want to say it's been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you here in this Chamber. I echo all the comments that our colleagues have stated here on the Floor today for you. You're truly a great man. You've done a great service for your district. You've been a good friend. We've had a lot of good times, not only on the Senate Floor, but when we were in caucus and listening to Senator Sandoval's outbursts, and you made it fun all those times while we were there for a number of hours there in caucus. Last night at dinner, I didn't realize that you were sixty-six. Not that that's extremely old, but you're in great shape, great athlete, and when I get your age, I hope I look like you, buddy. No. But I wish you the best and, again, thank you for your service. You've been a good friend, and go out and have some fun. And for those of you that don't know, he's a avid bicyclist. He was at my office one day and my staff called and says, "Your Senator friend's here, but he came on his bike." He's truly unbelievable. Take care, my friend. I'm going to miss you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Mike Adams from NBC Chicago wishes permission to videotape. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 There being no objection, permission is granted. And Senator Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution. Obviously, we see that Ed brings a lot of people together. He has a stage for all people. And I moved over from the House of Representatives to the Senate and I had the privilege of being an officemate, right by the candy stand with the newspapers - we had more traffic than the Eisenhower at rush hour - and getting to meet a great legislative aide also, in Nancy Hill, wonderful lady. Ed's the kind of guy, he might be sixty-six, great left fielder, but on the practice on the softball field - you know I'm the -- I'm an infielder and I was -- Senator Hendon said, "Willie, go to right field. Ed bats left-handed. You can catch his sixteen-inch clincher." So, "Well, sure, I'll run out there." Ed hit a line shot that dislocated my right thumb when I caught the ball. And it was dislocated, obviously, for about six weeks it seemed like, once we put it back into place. And I was really glad that I was now on his side, because I used to play against him in the House. But on a professional level, you have a gentleman. So many people walk through this world talking about us as -- as a glop, when they don't know that, you know, I'm William Delgado, the son of so and so, and this is Ed Maloney. And, yes, we had enough courage to stand up and say, "Hey, we care about Illinois and we're going to run for office and make a difference." Because like Abe Lincoln said, there's two types of statesmen - one who will only run for the next 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 campaign, while the other one runs for the next generation. And that, to me, touches me, because Ed Maloney is very serious about working and helping the human being, the small animal, flowers, plants, the environment, and he revolves it around education. I would just hope that knowing that we have such a great leader among us, who is now going back home to his family, that if there's one word that can be positive, and not always used as a negative, is say, Ed, use that beautiful, contagious ability that you have. Share it with all the other ones so that they can see, 'cause you're one of our role models, and I'll do my best to do the same. Ed Maloney, we love you, see you soon out there, and keep peddling that bike.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Crotty.
Well, Ed, I hate to say it, but you're -- you're right - a lot of people do say things that aren't true about you at this time. But when you came into the Senate, we became officemates. But even before that, when you introduced yourself to me, you said, "I'm -- I'm Ed Maloney. I think you know my son, Matt." And if -- any of -- all of us that know Matt can look at Ed and go, "Oh, my God, you are Matt's dad." You look so much alike and your personalities are alike. But then I remember him calling me from -- I think it was Danville. And I asked him to send me a postcard and bring me a t-shirt, and I said what are you doing in Danville, and he said, "I rode my bike here." I said, "Well, I know the price of gas is high, but I think you're taking this to a -- an extreme." I said, "Are you crazy?" And he says, "Now you're sounding like my wife. She still isn't 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 talking to me." But in -- in serious conversations about education, there -- there is nobody that has run a committee with as much knowledge as what you have. Many of us know that you have taken the time to travel, not only throughout the State, but even at conferences out of State, and brought that information back to us so that we can use some of those good points that are used elsewhere, here in Illinois. I've also had the opportunity to go out with the guys for pizza and pop. And I would have to say the -- to -- to even begin to try to understand his sense of humor would take me my lifetime. He is -- got quick one-liners that sometimes it takes you a few seconds for you to realize just how funny those are. So at this time, I'm not going to say goodbye, because we're -- we've been friends for so long, he and his wife and his kids and his grandkids. And we've talked about our retirement as we leave the General Assembly, and he and I are both looking forward to spending a lot more time with those grandkids, because there's no stories that can keep his sense of humor going than those that come right from his grandkids. So, good luck, Ed, and I hope to see you and talk to you soon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) No further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves for the adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1059. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Just to the resolution. First of all, I understand we gave NBC the right to videotape these 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 proceedings. It must be a really slow news day if they're -- if they're taping this stuff. You know, much has been made about my softball-playing ability. In fact, when I announced my retirement, individually, people often said that, "What are we going to do on the softball team?" and that kind of thing. Well, I got a flash for you guys, I never have been nor am I now that good. It's just that most of the rest of you guys are so bad that it's -- it's -- it's pretty -- it's pretty easy to look good out there. You know, one of the things you may not know about me is, I read a lot and I read anything. I'll read history, political science, sports, novels, and I especially like reading about people. I'm -- I'm fascinated as to how they arrived at their station in life, whether it's an Oscar-winning actor, a Super Bowl quarterback, or the President of the United States, the people and -- and events that influenced their life. But every once in a while, you read about somebody who styles themselves a self-made man. And, you know, I don't believe it. We all get help along the way, and I -- and I've gotten more than my share of help. And so, as I leave here, you begin to reflect on the people who were responsible for you getting here. And so, as kind of a spoken thank you note, I begin with parents. I had an idyllic childhood. My -- dad died a little young - I was seventeen, the oldest of five, and my mom was pregnant with my youngest brother. And somehow we made it through that, and when I approached my mom about our circumstances, she just said, "You know, if you work hard and are nice to people, good things will happen." I never forgot that. We've all had teachers, you know, who have influenced our lives. One in particular that influenced my life was a guy who 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 was a legend in Senator McGuire's district, a college instructor I had, named Gordie Gillespie. He taught me and encouraged me that education -- a career in education and -- and coaching and working with -- teaching could be an honorable career, and I -- I did it for practically a lifetime. The -- politically, nobody's more responsible for me being here than former Senate President Tom Hynes. He was our ward committeeman, Cook -- longtime Cook County Assessor as well, but has mentored me and supported me and supported my family, and I'll always be thankful for that. Once you get here, you have to stay here. And it's -- that's -- that's not without effort either. So I want to thank my assistant in the district, Jackie, who has been a lifelong friend, who keeps my -- my life in order when I'm home, and Nancy. Not many of us are lucky enough to get -- have the same assistant here for ten years, and -- and our relationship is -- is, I think, different than a lot of people. She's probably not going to be happy that I'm telling you this story, but one time when Willie was my officemate, he had a -- a pretty little girl as his -- as his assistant, and -- and I think she was in kind of awe of Willie. You know, she was, you know -- so, one day she said to Nancy, she said, "Nancy, you're making me feel very uncomfortable." And she said, "Well, what do you mean?" She said, "The way you talk to your Senator." And she said, "What do you mean?" She said, "You just told your Senator to get the heck out of here, you're driving me crazy." So -- so Nancy and I have had that kind of relationship. She's the reason I don't know how to make an airline reservation, I don't know how to do anything on the computer. And I -- I will miss her dearly. I want to thank my family: my wife, Norine; 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 my four boys, Brian, Matt, Dan and Marty; and my grandchildren - ten, soon to be eleven, grandchildren that keep you grounded and keep you focused on -- on what's really important. So, as I leave here, I want to thank all the Senators I've served with, even those who are no longer here and have -- have gone on. I want to give a special thanks to President Cullerton for his even-handed leadership and -- and calm, effective leadership. A special thanks to the Class of 2003 - Mattie, Maggie, Jacqui, Marty, all - Iris - all the Class of 2003. When you think about it, we've been through a lot together. We really have. So, it's -- it's -- it's -- probably shouldn't get into individual names, but, Maggie and Bill, you were there on the good days, but on the bad days as well, and I'll never forget you for that. So I'm proud of my membership here and I'm more proud still to call all of you my friends. Thanks, everybody.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Congratulations, Senator Maloney. We will miss you. The Senate will come to order. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments will come -- will you please come to the President's Anteroom immediately? Will the members on Committee on Assignments please come to the Anteroom? The Senate will stand at ease. Senator Crotty in the Chair. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Re-refer from Revenue Committee to Committee on Assignments - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3297; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 799. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman. Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 799, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 799, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3297. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Ladies and Gentlemen, the following committees will be meeting to take up committee or Floor amendments: The Executive Committee will meet in Room 212 at 2:45. …Johnson, for what purpose do you rise?
I rise on a point of personal privilege, Madam Chairman {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your point.
Today I'd like to introduce to the Senate my Page for the Day, Rachel Hutcheson. And Rachel is a sixth grader at Rochelle Middle School, and she's joined by her grandparents, Bob and Ann Hutcheson, who are up in our gallery. Rachel loves school, is a straight A student. She loves to draw and read. She either hopes to be a photographer or a woman's clothing designer in the future. And please join me in giving Rachel a warm Senate 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Welcome, Rachel, to the Senate Floor. President Cullerton, for what reason do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I move to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 1060. This resolution deals with one of our Senators, whose name is Susan Garrett. This resolution deals with the fact that Susan Garrett is no longer going to be in the Senate starting next Wednesday. I would move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Cullerton moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 1060. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1060, offered by President Cullerton, Leader Radogno, Senator Harmon and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 1060)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President. It seems like, in every districting year, we have a lot of turnover. I think that -- I did a little calculation with regard to the new Senate that will be sworn in next Wednesday, and the average age -- the average term of the Senator is six years and -- and four months. And 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 that's because we have -- because of redistricting, primarily, we have a lot of folks who decide that they want to call it a day. In the case of Senator Garrett, she is leaving under the best circumstances. She chose to not run for re-election. For folks who haven't been around here as long as I have, when Susan first came to the General Assembly, she was involved in a very, very close race. And it was really the fact that she was just an excellent candidate that allowed her to prevail. And I can share with you that in this last election, in her -- her district, the woman that is going to take her place, she relied upon Susan's popularity in her district to help her in her election. And I have documentation that she is extremely popular in her district. And that was a tribute to the hard work that she's put in, not just down here, but also back in her district. And that's something which we should be reminded. Susan is an independent person. She has been right from the start. And she's always felt that her district, obviously, and the needs of her district, which she was very much in tune with, should be represented in her votes down in Springfield. And that independent streak is something which I will miss. She's a very intelligent woman who has brought some very -- and we -- we talked about this last night at our dinner, the fact that she really questions people in committee and many times, as a result, really ends up getting to the bottom of things that otherwise we might not get to. And so, once again, I -- I want to congratulate her on her choice for herself personally. We're going to miss you here in the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
Mr. President, I think we need to have hearings on this resolution and -- over the summertime, as Senator Garrett would always suggest. Senator Garrett was always good for, as President Cullerton indicated, for finding a problem in a bill, even if it didn't exist - the queen of transparency and Prada. Oftentimes, she'd look for savings. And I remember playing a practical joke on her when she suggested that we take away all of the cell phones from all State workers as a means of savings. So, the next morning, I emptied out two soup cans and tied a string to it, and said -- suggested that we distribute these to all State workers to communicate in order to effectuate her proposal for saving our State budget. But I am going to miss Susan, particularly being able to tease her and -- and make her feel like she voted on something that she didn't want to vote on. She didn't want to vote on anything. But I wish you the best with -- with you and your family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sandack.
To the resolution, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Right when I got to the Senate, I got a smiling face almost every time I -- I was here, and someone that was so easy to work with. I was blessed, because there was a bill that I was thrown at. It was Senator Garrett's bill that involved DuPage County. It was a transparency bill. It was a good government bill. 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Things that Senator Garrett -- are the hallmark of her really solid career as a public servant. I got to see someone who fervently believed in good process, good government, and making sure things were done the right way. And it was a real pleasure. And it's also a nice thing that she's a nice person and easy to talk to. And I developed a rapport with her. And I was given kind of an instruction by my predecessor - seek out Susan Garrett; she's someone you want to be friends with, you want to work with. She exemplifies everything good about public service. I wish her nothing but the best. Godspeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Steans.
I -- I -- I couldn't not stand up for Senator Garrett, who's been just such a close friend and a personal mentor. I've really enjoyed watching the way she represents a district that is not always totally in sync with the rest of her caucus, and she brings us all along. And as someone last night at our sort of going-away dinner or caucus said, nine out of ten times she's right. And it's true. She thinks things through. She always is looking at both sides, asking the tough questions in committee, and just representing her -- her district with such integrity and such consistency with what people there really are putting her in office for. It's something I aspire to be able to operate in more the mold of Susan Garrett every day. And I'm going to really personally miss her and wish her the best. And I hope it's not goodbye, but just see you again soon. You better come visit.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Senator Pankau.
Thanks, Madam President. To the resolution. I first got to know Senator Garrett when we were in the House together. I came a little bit before she did, and then she came over to the Senate a little bit before I did. So, it's kind of interesting, all these years, going through all the different topics. I can remember a series of hearings, for which Senator Garrett is very famous, about immunizations. And I could never pronounce the word that it was. So we sort of had a shorthand as, okay, this hearing's about, oh, yeah, the word that I cannot pronounce - and can't pronounce it to this day. So, to you, congratulations on making a decision I know that's very, very tough to make sometimes, to leave something that you're familiar with and go on to other things. But we're all -- many of us are in that situation. So, good luck to you and thanks. Thanks for all that we got accomplished together.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) …the resolution.
I just want to say this is -- was probably one of the most devastating things that I could hear, when I heard that Susan was leaving, one of the people down here I identify with most closely. Much legislation that passes, there are many times where Susan and I on this side of the aisle are the only ones 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 voting for or against something. And I'm going to certainly miss having her here as an ally. When a piece of legislation would come up that I was like, "um, I'm not sure about this", I would run over and talk to Susan about it. I first met Susan when I was running for office. This was in Aurora and staff had decided it would be a great idea to have Susan come out and to hold a press conference. Now, we're not downstate people, so we're not rock stars, so when we call the press, we don't necessarily get a overwhelming response - or in this case, a response at all. So, Susan and I were out there, talking about the environment - I know Jack Darin from the Sierra Club was with us - we went out for this press conference. This was the first time I met Susan. I believe you showed up wearing a shawl. It was a cold, windy day and you looked marvelous, but the press didn't show up. So I'm talking to Susan and I was like, "This is surprising, because this is the Beacon. I write for the paper. I write a column for them. They didn't even come out and they're right down the street." And Susan's like, "They're right down the street? We're going over there." So we march over to the newspaper office. We're in the lobby and, yes, we did manage to talk with the press. And I will say that it was the only newspaper in my first election that endorsed me. So, I have always appreciated Susan for her ability to persevere. When she thinks something is worth pursuing and worth doing, she will make sure it happens. So, like I said, I am going to miss you, Susan. I promise that I will take your place in caucus and start questioning things a little bit more, because I think that needs to be done and you're no longer going to be here to do it. So, that's just a warning to my fellow 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Members. But, thank you. Wish you the best of luck. Will stay in touch with you and I'm sure there are times I will need your advice and will welcome it. But I've appreciated you being here and I certainly appreciate your friendship.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President and Members. It's no coincidence that a number of Republicans are getting up to -- to -- to -- to say thank you and good wishes to Senator Garrett. She's somebody - and I know Ron Sandack, Senator Sandack, already spoke - but Susan and Senator Cronin, who is now my County Board Chairman, and myself have always worked closely together. Her district is pretty similar to -- to those of us in -- in DuPage County and we, on this side of the aisle, always appreciated Senator Garrett's bipartisanship in dealing with us. In fact, I used to kid her, "Hey, you know, my Party probably should have found you first", 'cause you easily, probably, could have been a Republican as well. But that's a compliment to the type of legislator that Senator Garrett is. She -- she's -- she's somebody who was, before it was fashionable, being a leader on ethics and campaign finance reform. She is somebody who has pounded away on government transparency as well as anybody in this particular Body. I wish Rickey Hendon were here so that we could have a speech on her wardrobe or her dress attire, but he's not. But, Susan Garrett is a classy person in all respects, as a legislator, as a woman, as -- as -- as just somebody who I am proud to have called a colleague. And we're losing some very, very good Members, as Senator Cullerton, 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 President Cullerton, just pointed out. But yours, Susan, has been a career that I've admired. It's been a great one. And we will miss you, on both sides of the aisle, very, very much. And you're just somebody who really, I believe, epitomizes what it is to be a good, hardworking legislator. I've seen no better representative of the suburbs, and I am a suburban Senator. But Senator Garrett, working, as I said, with Senator Cronin and myself and other suburban legislators, always tried to protect our constituency, the suburbs, which is a unique group of -- of residents of this State, who do have needs, regardless of what some may think. So, Senator Garrett, I wish you well. I wish you weren't leaving. But it's been my honor to have worked with you. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jacqui Collins.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
I'm very proud to stand and sing the praises of Susan Garrett. I have known Susan and I have found her to be a woman of intelligence and integrity, with a strong, independent spirit. For the last ten years, it has been a joy to share this space with such a wonderful seatmate, so committed to her positions and principles, and them been mentioned, ethics, transparency, environment. Susan's a woman of substance and style with a great smile, generous, with a very generous and gracious personality. In caucus, like others, I found her 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 questions persistent, yet imaginative and insightful. Susan, I will miss your company and our camaraderie. I wish you God's best as you take the next step in your life's journey. I'm truly going to miss you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam Secretary. To the subject of the resolution. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the subject of the resolution.
You know, I have to add my voice to all the others that you've heard here. Susan was extraordinarily gracious in welcoming me to the Senate, having been appointed in the middle of the term. She reached out, being next door. And the one point that I will bring forward that we heard originally from President Cullerton, Susan is truly well respected and beloved in her district. She was extraordinarily, again, welcoming, explaining to me those issues, pointing out the similar stances that we had on a lot of the suburban areas, with RTA and Metra and several of those other important items. So, I just want to wish you well. I don't want you to leave completely. You should remain in touch with all of us. And it really has been a pleasure, an honor, and a lesson learned on my part working with you. So, thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Mulroe.
54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Madam President, to the bill, please -- or, to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Senator Garrett, I, too, will miss you very much. As my seatmate in caucus, as my -- a member of the Education Committee, I'm going to miss those whispers in my ears, from all the things that you've taught me. They've -- a lot of people have talked about your ability to focus on transparency, accountability, and -- and shining a light on good government. All I have to say, and I probably wish Rickey Hendon was here as well, because I'm probably going to regret doing this, "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone."
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) I think there's a career there, Senator Mulroe. Senator Martinez.
To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Well, Susan, I think the only reason I'm really going to miss you is because I won't have someone to discuss The Good Wife. I -- I -- I'm going to miss those chats every -- every week. However, on some of the bills, I will not miss you. There is so many of the times when we got into some conflicts on some of the bills, but you know what, you are going to be missed, because, you know, one thing about Susan that I think 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 everybody has said today is the whole issue on transparency. You were the queen when it came to transparency. So, I'm going to really miss you, but I hope that you will call me on the cell phone to talk about The Good Wife.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Hunter.
To the resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Susan, you and I came in together. I was a freshman, of course, coming in from the outside, and, of course, you were being transferred over -- over from the House. And -- but I always considered us as so-called freshmen, you know. I learned a lot from you. I don't know if you all know this or not, but I've gotten many of my watches from Susan, because Susan, on weekends, she goes shopping at all these different shops and everything and she'll come back with a new purse, or a new watch, and -- and so I will go over and I'll say, "Girl, what is that?" And she'll take it off and I'll try it on and I'll, you know, switch up back and forth, you know. And so Susan has helped me keep up with the fashions, as it relates to the -- the purses and the watches, you know. And I've always considered Susan as a watchdog, you know, or transparency. It's -- to me, it's all the same. You know, someone looking out for the best interests and making sure things are balanced. Well, that's Susan Garrett. And so now I don't know who is going to take your place. I don't know if it's going to be you, Jacqui 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Collins, since you're sitting next to -- to her. Jeff is gone, you know. And so I don't know what is going to happen to us around here in this Chamber. But, Susan, I wish you the best of luck. I don't know what your second career or third career is going to be, but I wish you Godspeed. And I'm going to truly miss you and I'd like to stay in touch with you. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Thank you. Senator, I want to thank you for so many laughs on the Senate plane. We have flown together for the past ten years. And if anyone is more -- I don't know, she would -- she would hold everyone -- make us all hold hands and she'd look out the window and she said she saw another plane. And every time we had a little bit of bumpy ride, she'd say, "Reverend Senator, do a prayer. Let's pray." So we prayed our way to Springfield for the last ten years, thanks to Susan Garrett. So we want to thank you for all of our blessings in safe passage, Susan. On the real side, before you came over to the Senate, I had a chance to meet you as a House Member. But I was so excited when you came over, because I thought it would give me a good opportunity to meet another woman in the General Assembly and make a connection, and we did that one dinner with the IEA. We really found out about each other's journey and how we arrived here. And it really made a connection for Susan and I. So, 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Susan, all of your bad votes, I forgive you for every last one of them. I wish you so much success and I wish you well, and I'm looking forward to meeting you over in Senator Dillard's district in Oak Brook and sharing lunch and doing a little shopping. God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Unlike many of my distinguished colleagues who spoke, Susan, I haven't learned anything from you. I do -- I do want to say that Senator Schoenberg, Senator Garrett, Senator Collins, this trio, are clearly the most thoughtful - and I mean this with all sincerity - the most thoughtful, learned trio in this Body. And it's ironic - to use Senator Sandoval's favorite word "ironic" - that they sit in front of Forby, me and Maloney, who are arguably not the most thoughtful Members. I do appreciate very much - and I mean this, all joking aside - your work. You have been an independent thinker. Senator Dillard suggested you might have been a -- a member of the Republican Caucus. I -- I've -- we've always looked -- after observing your voting record, we have assumed you are in the Susan Garrett Caucus. Your votes are hard to figure. And -- and to prove that I do not keep book on votes, I'm going to vote for your local bill today for your district, just to rise above any ill 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 feeling I have for your past No votes on all my bills. But you were thoughtful. And I appreciated very much, after the first three minutes, your questions on my bills. After that, it was downhill. I also appreciated very much your -- your occasional appearances in front of the Insurance Committee; in which case, I hope you were treated fairly before your bill was flushed. But seriously, again, you were a great addition to this Senate. You were -- you were and are thoughtful. You represented your district. Your -- your honesty, your integrity of thought is unquestioned, Susan, and your intellectual ability is without peer. You have served the people well from your -- your district. And you've served the common good of Illinois well. Congratulations. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to speak to the resolution briefly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the resolution.
Senator Garrett, I rise in tribute to a woman who -- regardless of what everyone has said this afternoon. You know, again, from my side of the woods, the other side of the tracks, I think there was a lot of hyperbole and a lot of hot air that was spoken the last few minutes in this Chamber. The reality is -- the reality is, or the way I look at it, is that, you know, when I first got to this Chamber, I really didn't have much appreciation for your style. I didn't have much appreciation 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 for your independence. I didn't really have much appreciation for your approach to trying to make government a lot better. I've become one of your biggest fans, and you know that. And you have made me a better Senator. Throughout the last few years, I've spent a lot of time -- I visited you in your district, in your home office. I've met with your staff. You have been helpful to me in my personal career. You've been helpful to me in my development as a State Senator. And your principles of fiscal conservatism, your principles of transparency and accountability go far beyond anyone else who aspires to do the same in this Chamber. There will not be another Susan Garrett. There isn't another Susan Garrett in this Chamber. You're one of a kind. And, you know, you will be missed because of what you've stood for throughout your career. You know, what this government needs today is someone who is more transparent, someone who's more accountable, and someone who is just a little more fiscally conservative. My hat's off to you. You're a -- a credit to our profession. You're a credit to what it is to be a State legislator, a State Senator, and I'm going to miss you. I love you, Senator Garrett. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The resolution.
Well, first of all, I want to make an apology to the -- the 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 previous recipients today who are retiring. I wanted to get up and speak on a lot of yours, but I was saving it all for this one. So I apologize for you. You know, I -- I probably, out of this whole group, have known Susan the longest, because Susan is a Lake countian. And Susan, I think supported me in my first election. I'm not sure. We worked on some issues together, but I -- I think she supported me. But she probably didn't do it that hard, because she didn't think I could win. Then, when I won, two years later, we convinced Susan to run for State Rep in one half of my Senate district. The other half of my district was former Representative Lauren Beth Gash. So, now you got a - - you got the picture. Susan, as the President said, won a very close election her first election, and I was over at her house that night, and we were all very excited about her winning until she told me something when we were alone. She said, "I don't think I'm going to vote for Speaker Madigan." And I'm sitting there thinking, okay, I send a new Rep down to Springfield and the first thing she's going to do is not vote for the Speaker. Well, she made me very popular with the Speaker, because I immediately got a phone call that evening, and said, "Terry, can you talk to her?" And I think that was probably the whole conversation from the Speaker to me. She did end up voting for the Speaker. During her four years in the House, and especially her first two years, I became very popular again with the Speaker, because I sat in that back row there, where Kwame was, and I get a note passed to me, "The Speaker would like to see you." Now, I've never served in the House. I've always been a Senator. So I walk over there and he said, "Can you talk to her?" And I would -- and eventually it got to the point, it 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 was, "Which one of 'em do I have to talk to?" Then comes the reapportionment year. And then President Jones calls me up and says, "Terry, we got to do some reconfiguring of your area. We got to do some reconfiguring of the whole map." He asked me to give up fifty percent of my district. And I foolishly said, "President, under one condition." And he said, "What's that?" I said, "I want to name the candidate for Senate." And he said, "Fine." Well, that candidate for Senate was Susan Garrett. She not only took half of my district, she took my legislative office when it was all said and done. And I -- then, the popularity with the Speaker lessened and the popularity with the President and the future President increased, because they would say to me, when we had tough votes and Susan didn't vote for it, or Susan wouldn't vote -- well, I don't think she ever voted for one of my issues. I'm still trying to look up -- I was going to look that up on the computer and see how many of 'em she voted for with me. But the Presidents would always say, "Why won't she vote for you? Why'd you send her here to us?" I said, "You wanted thirty. If we knew we were going to have thirty-two or thirty-three, I might not have worked this hard." Just kidding. The point was, Susan showed -- you know, people say -- because I've been the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Lake County since 1992, people say, "Well, you're -- you're establishing a boss mentality." I said, "Look at my Reps and look at my Senators. If I'm the boss, I'm a very bad boss, because they never vote the way I ask 'em to. They never support me on issues. I sometimes wonder." I meant, Susan has shown great independence. And, you know, we have a favorite saying between Susan and I, and I always say when she mentions Scott, I said, 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 "That's the Garrett I like." But I got to tell you, there is a lot -- one confession I have to make to Susan - and, Kimberly, you'll love this one. When we're on the plane, she thinks I'm sleeping all the time. I have never slept on the plane, but I do close my eyes to try to forget that she's on there with me and her anxieties that are on the plane. So, I -- I -- I really haven't slept as long as you thought. But on a serious note, Susan Garrett has shown independence and, God knows, a lot of independence, here and at home. But I'll tell you one thing, she helped change the way Lake County has been going and changed it for the good, not only changing it more democratic, but more responsible to the citizens of Lake County and the State of Illinois from Lake County, because we've always been considered the forgotten county. We're the furthest northern county in the State, but yet they call us downstate. But when we kept electing suburban legislators, we formed a -- a suburban legislator caucus. We've done things that have progressively helped not only Lake County, but the State of Illinois. And Susan's been a big part of that. I have fun with her. I like picking on her, and she picks on me. We've had a great relationship. We said it's like a marriage - that neither one of us want to get divorced, but we tolerate one another. And the point is, Susan has been her own person. She has set a tone that is going to be tough for her -- her successor to follow, because the bar has been set quite high, not only in the 29th Senate District, but in the whole State of Illinois for her successor to achieve. And I hope Susan stays as a guidance to her, and to all of us that are in here, that we're here for one purpose and that's for the people of Illinois. And I think 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 that's what she exemplified the most of anybody. God bless you, Susan. Best of luck to you and Scott in the future. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to speak to the resolution. First of all, I want to amplify a point that Senator Sandoval made, when he said he didn't really appreciate Susan when she got here. Well, actually, we didn't either. She beat Kathy Parker, who was someone, in many ways, a lot like Susan, so we weren't too happy about that. But for all the reasons that have been mentioned, we really did come to appreciate Susan's style, her diligence. I mean, she works hard. She's creative. She really is looking to move the ball forward, not looking to how we can throw up roadblocks to make everyone's life more difficult. And for that, we really do appreciate your being in this Chamber. On the fashion note, I have to -- to go to that. I -- a lot's been said about your dress, so I -- I have to feel very complimented if you recall the day that you and I showed up in the exact same suit, probably the same hose, the same shoes. I mean, we were identical. And now I feel very flattered by the fact that we did that. Unfortunately, I never got into what Mattie got into with the fashion throw-offs, and I guess I'm too late for that now. So I won't get any watches or purses. Had I known, I would have got in on that action a little earlier. But, at any rate, we will miss you a lot. And I think the greatest compliment that has been paid to you is when people say, "We need more Susan Garretts in this Legislature." And we really 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 do. And that's a huge compliment to you. We wish you nothing but well going forward. Enjoy your retirement at least from -- from this Body. Thank you for your service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any other discussion? There being none, Senator Cullerton moves for the adoption of Senate Joint {sic} Resolution 1060. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Jason Wambsgans from the Chicago Tribune requests permission to take still photographs. Permission is granted. Senator Garrett.
Well, thank you very much. I'm worried that I'm going to be speechless. Actually, I was worried about how this would go today, because, you know, there are different points of view on how people really perceive me and how I've been sort of a pain in the ass for a lot of people - but I never meant to be. I -- you know, I said this last night. I came to Springfield after I got my name on the ballot and I sat up in the gallery here, and then over at the House, and I looked down at everybody and I thought, this is amazing, how so many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle come with so many great intentions and they debate the issues, they express their opinions and they speak their mind. And then I said to myself, "I don't think I have the right stuff." I was worried that I would be a failure, quite frankly. And then I came to the House and, without skipping a beat, I got right into it and -- and delved into lots of local issues. I wrote my own legislation and I -- my goal was always to represent my district first and foremost. I didn't know the world of lobbyists, because I really didn't come from a 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 political world. So I was really on my own and would go back to my constituents and hold those famous town hall meetings, and it taught me a great lesson, that everything we do here really does matter, whether it's a conversation in caucus or a vote in a committee or opinion that's expressed, whether we agree with what our colleagues are saying or not. We -- it is incumbent upon us to really take all those different ideas and concepts into consideration, whether or not we're in agreement or not, and filter them in such a way that we do the best job we possibly can to represent our districts, but also the entire State. I feel that we are a reflection of the heart and the soul of the State of Illinois. And just as we're talking about major bills now, proposals for, you know, gay marriage or gun limitations, there are different points of view and we should all listen to what one has to say before we really take a hard stand, because the people of this State expect us to really be deliberative and think about things and not rush into making decisions. I have no regrets at all. I have loved every minute of my tenure, both in the House and the Senate. I'm surprised that I actually lasted as long as I did. I had a couple of tough races. And I -- I have the highest regard actually for the leadership of this State. I know it is tough. And I have an especially strong feeling toward each and every Member of this Senate Chamber. You have guided me through some -- I've gone through some difficult times. You may not have even known. But I have relied on -- on you in many different ways, and it's not just holding hands on the plane, though I have to say, I am guilty of that. But I do wish you all the very best. And somehow I'm going to come back and sit up in the gallery and 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 look down at you and -- and continue to look at you with pride and respect, because it has been an honor, in the true sense of the word, and a privilege to be in this chair to serve the, you know, constituents in my community and the -- and the citizens of the State of Illinois. But I wouldn't have it any other way. And I only apologize for some of the bad votes I cast, but it wasn't meant personally toward anybody. And I do wish Rickey Hendon were here, though. Anyway, thank you. And to the President of the Senate, thank you for your support over the years as well. Thank you, everybody.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Will all Members please come to the Senate Floor? We're going to do 3rd Readings. Everyone come to the Floor. Leader Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, may I please have your attention? We will be going to page 3 on our Calendar, on the Order of 3rd Reading, House Bills 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, may I please have your attention? If you could quiet down just a little, please. On page 3 of the Calendar is the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. This is final action. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 2105. Senator, do you wish to proceed?
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2105. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Crotty.
Thank you, Madam President. The General Assembly approved Senate Bill 1584 in 2011. And by that December, all downstate counties and Cook County townships where community mental health boards did not exist were to create a volunteer committee to assess the status of mental health programs in their areas and provide that information to their respective county or township. This amendment just clarifies who is exempt from creating the volunteer committees.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2105 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 Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2105, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will turn to page 4 on our Calendar, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 5528. Senator Muñoz. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
House Bill 5528. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill creates the First Informer Broadcasters Act. Under the Act, television stations, radio stations, cable operators, and the organizations that represent 'em can work with the Illinois Emergency Management Association {sic} (Agency) to create training programs that certify broadcast engineers and technical personnel as first informer broadcasters. With this certification and the permission of emergency officials, these broadcast employees will be able to access disaster areas in order to repair and resupply equipment necessary for a broadcaster to transmit emergency or disaster- related information. I know of no opposition and I will answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5528 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 Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5528, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments, will you please come to the President's Anteroom immediately? The Senate will stand at ease. Leader Crotty in the Chair. (at ease) 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 6 to House Bill 2891. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 5, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 6193. Senator Collins. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 6193. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Before I start, let me just say that Erin's Law -- Law Task Force on the prevention of sexual abuse of children was established in February 2011. And out of that task force, a policy change came, in which I will be presenting under House Bill 6193. Basically what it does, it states that continuing -- 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 continuing professional development activities related to renewal of a standard teaching certificate may include in- service training programs on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention. The bill also requires a comprehensive health education program to include age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in grades pre- kindergarten through twelve. Presently, current law provides sexual awareness and sexual abuse education for those in secondary educational level, but there's nothing in place for children that are in pre-K through sixth grade. So -- and we know that many victims of sexual abuse are under the age of seven. So this is an attempt to ensure that we put in place policies that protect all our children. And I'm open for any questions that my Members might have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCARTER: I was on this task force and there were hundreds of hours put into this by those on the task force. I -- I, unfortunately, wasn't able to attend all of the -- the meetings, but this is a very important issue. It's an issue that my wife and I deal with on an ongoing basis with young women who are in crisis. Many times the root of their destructive behavior, whether that be eating disorders, cutting, addiction, suicide, 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 or whatever it is, are rooted in abuse as a child, many times, and it's a proven correlation. And so this is -- this is something we need to do. My problem with the way this came about is that it did put forth another mandate on our schools and I made a commitment not to increase mandates on schools, because in the last twelve years, we've put forth a hundred and six new mandates on schools. At the same time, we funded them less than ever. So at the same time, we've given them less, we've asked them to do more. But I -- but I want to say that I'm -- I'm very thankful to Senator Collins for talking about this and coming up with a solution for this and promising to put forth a trailer bill in the next Session, understanding that we can't do it right now, but in the next Session, to put forth a trailer bill that simply allows districts to follow the mandate, while choosing another mandate of equal time but of less value in its place. And so we're not putting an additional burden on our schools, but we would be giving them the option to prioritize this. And I believe -- I believe it should be a priority. So I want to say thank you for -- for working on that trailer bill and I think this is a -- this is a measure that we all need to support. It's an investment in our young people that we need to make. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Any further discussion? Seeing none -- oop! Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
Thank you. I also would like to thank the sponsor for taking the initiative to see this bill through. This is an important bill. This is something that we've gotten backwards for a long time. We've trained children at older ages and, unfortunately, most of the abuse occurs at younger ages, and many of these victims live in silence for years. Now I've told the story in committee, in the House committee, and in last year or so, when we -- we passed the task force bill in the Education Committee, about a person that I knew in grade school that sat in silence for forty years that was abused and no one never {sic} knew it. We knew that the personality of this person had changed. We knew that they went through drug abuse and alcohol abuse. And we knew what they'd been through, but we didn't know why until, when I was Sheriff, we arrested a -- a former Boy Scout leader, who was eighty years old, and we sent him to prison. And at his sentencing hearing, not only did this person come forward and testify at sentencing hearing, but many other victims did too, that sat in silence for years and years. We believe this bill will address and help a lot of these students. Nothing's a hundred percent, but we believe you can help a lot of students, a lot of young people that won't have to live in silence anymore. They can come forward and know how to protect themselves. We -- as -- as Erin Merryn pointed out in committee, you know, we teach kids that -- how to say no to drugs and tornado drills and -- and everything else, and fire drills, but we never taught 'em how, at a young age, to protect themselves and to say no and how to report. And this is a good bill and I -- I strongly support it. And thank you, again, for 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 -- for -- for sponsoring this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Collins, to close.
I would like to thank my colleagues, Senator Tim Bivins and Senator Kyle -- McCarter, for working with me on this trailer, because I do think it is so important and it's imperative that we put in place policies that protect our children. And, unfortunate, the young lady who's taken the lead on this, Erin Merryn, who's a constituent of Senator Millner, unfortunately she could not be here today. But anyone who was in the Executive Committee yesterday heard a very powerful testimony from her. She was abused before -- a little bit before her seven -- seventh birthday, and the abuse went on. She was raped, actually, when she was six years old, and the abuse went on for at least seven years. But out of that pain, she has dedicated to moving this legislation across the states, and we're the eleventh state, I believe, to make this law. So I want to recognize her and thank her for her advocacy in giving voice to our children. Every child deserves the right to have their minds, bodies and innocence protected. It is time we stand up for children and give a voice to the voiceless. Schools are the most effective way to make sure every child receives this important message. Illinois will be an example for the entire country on the prevention of child abuse, sexual abuse. And I want to thank all my colleagues for their support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 6193 pass. All those in 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 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 Yea, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 6193, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, with leave of the Body, we will return to page 4. Page 4. On the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading is House Bill 5019. Senator Collins. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5019. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 5019 does two things. First, it extends foreclosure protections available to a homeowner who has applied for assistance under the federal Making Home Affordable Program, known as HAMP. And the reason that we had to put forth this legislation is that the HAMP program was supposed to end December 31st, 2012, but the federal legislation extended the program to December 31st, 2013. So, likewise, we want to extend our foreclosure protections to align with the HAMP program with a new deadline date of 20-31-2013 {sic} (12-31-2013). It also changed the effective date for amendments made to the High Risk Home Loan Act, and this is also to comply with the Dodd-Frank 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Act that we passed legislation previously to align our State law with the federal law. However, even though the Dodd-Frank Act was initiated, the regulations dealing with how it would be implemented have not been in place, and so, therefore, we want to make sure that our State statute becomes online the same time the federal law. If we do not do this, that it would have a negative effect on our State banks, who will be held at stricter lending standards than federal banks, and thus put -- and thus put them at a disadvantage. And we have the support of the Illinois Bankers Association because of that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5019 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 Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5019, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the Order of 3rd Reading, on page 3, is House Bill 3816. House Bill 3816 is Senator Holmes. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill. Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3816 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3816. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
That was just a technical amendment. I can add it in when we do the entire bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. All those in favor will say Aye -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3816. Senator Holmes. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3816. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes.
Madam -- thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3816 repeals the Illinois Violence Prevention Act of 1995, but also does the following: It incorporates the responsibilities of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority into the authorized powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, ICJIA; it adds two new members to ICJIA that were previously represented on the IVPA board; it 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 transfers personnel of the IVPA, and their rights, to ICJIA to maintain grant review continuity; and transfer all funds currently available to IVPA to ICJIA. The bill provides ICJIA with personnel for violence prevention grant administration. The goal in this bill is actually to reduce redundancy in government by preventing two agencies from administering grants for violence prevention programs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill -- excuse me. That's a late light? Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she'll yield. Senator Murphy.
Senator, we touched on this a little bit in committee. Contained within the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority for the last couple of years has been the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, which has, frankly, been a shameless use of political -- of -- of public taxpayer dollars for political purposes, and it is currently under investigation by the Auditor General. One of my concerns with this transition of this entity was that there would be no accountability and nobody to answer questions when the audit comes down for why this program did what it did. But, in committee, you had assured me and the Attorney General's Office, who had had control over this program at all relevant times, assured me that, in fact, when this 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 program is transferred to ICJIA, there will still be the personnel in place and there will still be the opportunity for the questions to be answered by the personnel who were there at the time when the Auditor General comes calling with his findings. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes.
Yes, Senator. As we discussed, this is definitely correct. As a matter of fact, this should be actually a positive response to the audit, because you now will have a -- a -- a group, ICJIA, in charge of this and they have a solid track record of audits. So this actually should be an improvement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
…bill -- to the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I do not question the sponsor's intent with this. I - - I accept her statement that this is done for a consolidation. I think there are other issues involved here, and there may be some opportunities in this to try and avoid culpability for what was really conduct far beneath the dignity of the people of this State in using public tax dollars for campaigning. Keep in mind, people were paid public tax dollars through this program that's being transferred to walk in parades with the Governor, to take Yoga classes. How many of you have heard from mental 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 health advocates recently about needing money? Twelve million dollars, I think, the figure was. And this program put 10.3 million dollars, one month before the election for Governor last time, into people's hands to go walking in parades with the Governor, to go to Yoga classes. Is this the priority of this State, of this General Assembly? We're going to short mental health, but we're going to make sure the Governor can actually buy some friends to walk with him in a parade? I really hope that what you say, Senator, ends up being true and that we get to the bottom of this, because this was wrong on a profound level. And it was wrong in ways that everybody here promised the people of this State didn't happen once Rod Blagojevich went away. So I appreciate your -- your -- your -- your commitment to us that this will still be a trail that we can follow and the Auditor General can follow, but something still smells about this whole thing to me and I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jacqui Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Given the comments I just heard, I needed to stand and speak in support of the program. You may not live on the South Side or the West Side - I do. You may not remember the summer of violence, 2010, but I do. Children were dying in the streets. It was one of the most violent summers in the history of Chicago. We had to do something to stem the tide of violence, fear and hopelessness, and that's exactly what the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative did. Please remember, NRI didn't come from nowhere. It was a program that was designed 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 and recommended by an anti-violence commission the Governor appointed in the summer of 2010. All the members were people who had all personally been victims of violence. The goal was to directly help children and families and help reduce the risk factors associated with violence by creating mentorship programs, by creating jobs in our communities, by training parents to be community leaders, and by offering hope - and the NRI succeeded. It created more than three thousand five hundred jobs for young people, parents, and professionals serving the community. And tens of thousands of children got educational and skill-building sessions and counseling they needed to deal with the trauma and emotional problems they faced on a daily basis. The most important result was that the people in our communities knew that something and someone was thinking of them and willing to do something to stem the tide of violence and fear. I strongly support the legislation of Senator Holmes and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Holmes, to close.
…you, Madam President. And -- and thank you, Senator Collins. I appreciate your comments. I do want to reiterate, though, that while there has been some concerns about the ongoing audit of the IVPA, all the personnel are being transferred under the authority of ICJIA and they will be able to act and make changes based on any findings involving transferred personnel. So the bill, really what it's doing is it makes it possible to administer the grant funds. But most 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 importantly, this bill removes the redundancy of two State agencies administering grants for violence prevention programs. I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 3816 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 35 voting Yea, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3816, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 4. With leave of the Body, we will be going to House Bill 5151. Sponsorship has been changed to Senator Harmon on House Bill 5151. Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5151 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5151. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon, please handle the amendment for House Bill 5151.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment becomes the bill. I move for its adoption and look forward to debating it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5151. Senator Harmon, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5151. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 5151, as you can see the board changing, had been Senator Clayborne's bill until today. However, the -- the -- the most significant portion of the bill is an item I've been negotiating for the last several years, on the appropriate amount of an appeal bond. This is derivative of the tobacco legislation and the billion dollar judgment that was appealed. Under current law, a -- a party that's seeking to appeal a judgment needs to post a bond in the full amount of the -- of the -- the potential judgment. That would require a billion- plus dollar bond. This would set a cap of two hundred and fifty million dollars on appeal bond for signatories to the tobacco settlements. It also addresses some cleanup language from the - 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 - past medical malpractice reform efforts. It will repeal all of that statutory language that has been declared unconstitutional. It's more a matter of housekeeping and cleaning up the Statute books. It also streamlines the provision for contingent fees for attorneys, setting a flat cap of thirty-three and a third percent, the standard in most other -- or all other contingent fee bases. It replaces a sliding scale that provided different levels of recovery depending on the size of the judgment and is a -- a reasonable compromise. I'm happy to try to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5151 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 36 voting Yea, 15 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 5151, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Stan Dawid, KTVI, St. Louis, seeks permission to film Session. Leave is granted. Continuing on, on page 4, with House Bill 5315. Senator Harmon. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5315. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Harmon.
84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 5315 is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Drainage Districts and the Illinois -- I'm sorry, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. It would essentially allow each of those groups to provide their own in-house training for compliance with the Open Meetings Act, rather than -- participating in a course conducted by the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor. I'd -- I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5315 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 Yea, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 5315, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, with leave of the Body, we will return to page 4. House Bill 5210, on page 4. Senator Raoul. President Cullerton. He indicates he wish to proceed. President Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5210 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5210. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Yes, thank you, Madam President. This bill actually is somewhat of a cleanup and it's technical, and there's two amendments - I'd like to adopt them - which -- which become the bill and then explain the bill on 3rd Reading. So, the amendment's a trailer bill to a bill we already passed, which is over in the -- in the House. And, again, be happy to answer any questions on 3rd Reading. So I'd move for the adoption of Senate Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. This also is technical in nature. It adds a severability clause to Senate Amendment No. 1, which we just adopted. Move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5210. Senator Cullerton wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5210. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This is a bill which is actually somewhat technical, but it amends a very substantive bill which is over in the House. And the reason why we need to pass this…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Excuse me, Mr. President. Can you guys please lower your voices? The sound is really loud. Please lower your voices. President Cullerton, to continue.
Yes, thank you. The reason why we need to pass the bill is the bill we passed that's over in the House had some dates in it. This is a trailer bill which changes those dates. The amendment delays the election period from January 1st, 2013 through May 31st. We change that; we put -- push it back to July 1st, 2013 through November 30th, and makes a technical change dealing with the severability clause. The bill that we're amending with this trailer is House Bill 1447. Now, 1447 was a -- a pension bill that reformed the SERS and the GARS pension system and it was a -- such a significant bill. It was 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 a bipartisan bill that passed here with thirty votes. It's expected to reduce the State Employees' Retirement System's current unfunded liability by as much as 5.7 billion dollars. And it also will reduce the amounts that we need to pay into those systems over the next thirty years by as much as thirty- one billion dollars. We passed this bill. The House is coming back in on Sunday and Monday. We would urge them to pass the same bill we did. It's a major pension reform. It'll send the right signals to those folks who rate our -- rate us at the -- at the State level. It will save almost a billion dollars -- a little over a billion dollars a year for the next thirty years. It's a template for the reform of the other two pension systems, which I am committed to working on as well in the next General Assembly. We would urge the House to -- to pass that bill. And they would also need to pass this trailer bill when they pass the original bill. So with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the -- Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you…
I'm sorry -- I'm sorry, Madam President, and apologize for the…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) It's okay. You guys with those late lights today. We're still celebrating the new year.
Well, actually…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 For what purpose do you rise?
Actually, it's a -- I have a question. I've been trying to pull up the analysis on 5210 and I'm getting 5201. And I can't pull up the item that we're talking about. Is that just maybe on my computer on my side? Basically, I…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Lauzen, do you have a question of the sponsor?
I did. And the question was…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Okay. Senator, I'm -- I'm trying to see what it is that we're talking about on the computer. Can you help me on that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
The -- the original bill, we are gutting with two new amendments. The original bill had something to do with the Cook County Pension Code. Okay? So, we're -- we're not -- we're -- we adopted two amendments that are really technical in nature, because it's a trailer bill to a earlier bill that we passed out of the Senate. Okay? And it -- and the trailer bill simply does two things. It changes the -- the time in which you can make an election as to which option you would choose under the pension reform that we passed, because the original bill we passed had it from January 1st of 2013 to May 31st. We're moving that back by six months. Okay? And then we're also 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 adding a severability clause in the correct Section of the bill that we already passed. The bill that we passed, that's over in the House, affects two pension systems - the General Assembly pension system, State Employees' pension system. It will save the money that I -- that I talked about. We passed it on May 31st. The House did not take it up. We would urge them to do so, and they would need this trailer bill in order to complement it so that the -- the election period works. So, I don't know if -- if the analysis -- if -- if your analysis -- if you can't find the analysis, believe me, what I just said is exactly what's in the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you very much for your patient and second explanation of the bill. I guess that it's my -- my computer is just on the fritz here. So we're trying to look up like a vote history on this. But thank you very much for your explanation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5210 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 32 voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 5210, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I -- I would like to be 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 recorded on House Bill 5151 as a No vote. Pushed the wrong button and I'd appreciate it if you would do that for me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will so reflect, Senator. Thank you. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
I would like to be recorded as a No vote as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state the bill number, Senator Koehler.
On the last bill we just did, 15 -- 1552 -- 5210. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will so reflect, Senator. Senator Emil Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
To -- I would also like to be recorded as a No vote on House Bill 5210, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate -- of the Senate, with leave of the Body, we will go to page 6 on Secretary's Desk, Concurrences. Senate Bill 1556, on the top of page 6. President Cullerton. Do you wish to proceed? Indicates he does. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556. Signed by Senator John Cullerton. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is what's come to be known as the Management Act. This bill passed the House, I think a year and a half ago, and it's been pending over in the Senate for some time. Currently, the Public Labor Relations Act protects the right of State employees to exercise in self- organization. However, some positions are exempt from the definition of public employee and, therefore, not afforded the contractual protections of union membership. These would include employees of the General Assembly - we're not in a union - or elected officials, executive heads of a department or managerial employees, confidential employees, supervisors, and employees of the State inspection, auditing or ethics entities. All of these typically have managerial-, supervisory- or policy- related duties. The bill in question generally affects three categories of employees. The first group affects -- is those that were certified in a bargaining unit on or after December 2nd, 2008. The second group affected is those employees who file a petition with the Public Labor Relations Board on or after the effective date of the Act. And the third group affects -- affected is those employees who have a pending petition before the Public Labor Relations Board on the effective date of the Act. The bill also has exemptions for constitutional officers, and it's supported by our constitutional officers, both the -- obviously, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, the Treasurer, and the Comptroller all support this bill. We have 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 the most unionized state in the nation. We're on a path to be ninety-nine percent unionized. In some cases, there are people who are really, truly managers and they, in effect, have all union folks, in some divisions, exclusively. And so, it is a bill that's passed actually twice out of the -- the House. There's been negotiations to try to reach an agreement. They have not reached in an agreement and it's time to call the bill. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He indicates he will yield. Senator Pankau.
Mr. President, what percentage of State employees, I guess, are unionized right now? I mean, what are we talking about here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. President.
Yeah, my understanding is that it's ninety-six percent and it's the most unionized state in the nation right now. It's -- unless we pass the bill, we're on path to be ninety-nine percent. And I think if we pass the bill, I think we go down to ninety-four percent, and we still would be probably the first or second most unionized state in the nation, even if we pass the bill. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pankau.
Do you know what reason -- the people that have -- are in this two percent that would be losing their unionization, do you know for what reason they unionized?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Well, you know, a lot of this goes back to the previous administration and the underpayment of middle management folks. And as a result, there was a desire to get into a union to get - - to get more money and there was also, at the same time, no objections by the administration to allowing them to go into a union. So, big picture, that's, I think, how we got here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pankau.
So, of this two percent, are they all what, in private practice, you would call management? I mean, if we were talking…(microphone cutoff)…in private practice issues, these are all management people.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
Yes, and perhaps, for -- for Senators, maybe the best example would be the legislative liaisons who work for the -- the Governor, you know, who work for an agency. They -- you know what they do, interact with us. Some of those guys are in 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 the union, and yet they work for the Governor, you know. So that would be a good example.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) He indicates he'll yield. Senator Haine.
Mr. President, does this affect Operator Union 399 Chicago in any way?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton.
I had a discussion with them today. This does -- this arguably does not. There's a concern about -- about under a hundred of their members, who have been in the union for quite some time; they're concerned about whether or not the language in this bill might make them be deemed to be supervisors. That's not the intent of the bill and we can always clarify that in the future if it proves to be a problem.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any further discussion? Further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1556 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye -- the question is, shall the Senate concur, excuse me, in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. Okay, on that question, there are 29 voting Yea, 21 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 1556, having not received the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. The motion fails. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate… Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
…you very -- thank you very much, Madam President. I'd like the record to reflect my intention to vote No on Senate Bill 1556.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The -- the record will reflect your intent, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be going to recess to the call of the Chair for the Senate Executive Committee to meet immediately. If members of the Senate Exec Committee will please make their way to Room 12 {sic} (212) to meet immediately. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will come to order. One more announcement: We will return back to the Chamber for further Floor action. Following the Exec Committee, we will return to the Chamber. Thank you. The Senate stand {sic} in recess to the call of the Chair. Thank you. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES) 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3450, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 4963, and Motion to Concur to House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3297 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, additional Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 2842 and Floor Amendment 7 to House Bill 2891. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1061, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to turn to page 6 of your printed Calendars, near the bottom of the page -- in the middle of the page. It's the Order of Secretary's Desk, Non-Concurrences on House Bills. Senator Hutchinson has a 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 motion to recede from Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5547. Senator Hutchinson, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to recede from Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 5547. Filed by Senator Hutchinson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Body. We do move to recede from the motion {sic}. There were other negotiations that happened in the House. Changed the language and there'll be another bill that will go into effect as a result of this, so we need to recede. The House didn't concur and we're good with that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate recede from its Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5547. 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. The Senate recedes from Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5547. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 2 of your printed Calendar is 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. The third item on that list is House Bill 1237. Senator Hutchinson, are you ready to proceed? I apologize, Senator Hutchinson. Didn't mean to confuse you. The sponsorship has been changed to Senator Muñoz. Senator Muñoz, do you wish to proceed? Senator Muñoz seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1237 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1237. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Noland.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland, have you filed an amendment on House Bill 1237?
Thank you, Mr. President. If I did, it was to remove my name as sponsor of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland, do you wish to withdraw the amendment?
Yes, I do. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland's amendment is withdrawn. If you'll bear with us, we're going to confirm our paperwork is in order. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 6, offered by Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Now we're cooking with gas. Senator Muñoz, are you ready to proceed on Amendment No. 6? SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Amendment 6 implements a process by which an active law enforcement officer who has voluntarily sought mental health treatment may obtain relief from being prohibited from obtaining or retaining a FOID Card. In order for an officer to qualify to have his or her FOID Card privileges restored, the officer's treating clinical psychologist or physician must determine that the officer did not act in a threatening manner. Additionally, the Illinois State Police must determine that the officer does not present a threat to themselves, other, or public safety. Currently, any person who has been a patient in a mental institution within the last five years is prohibited from obtaining a FOID Card. Accordingly, the officer who seeks mental health treatment is no longer eligible for a FOID Card and risks losing his pay status. This bill is an initiative of the Fraternal Order of Police - Chicago Police.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Muñoz moves for the adoption of -- of Floor Amendment No. 6 to House Bill 1237. Is there discussion? Seeing no discussion, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 3rd Reading. Senator Muñoz, you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1237. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. The Amendment 6 was the bill, that I just read. I will answer any questions. We had it in committee yesterday and I know the Rifle Association, Todd -- someone had made an objection, requiring security officers to be put in this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senator Muñoz, and you referenced already the debate that -- that - thank you, Mr. President - the debate that took place in Executive Committee and the concern voiced by some that by creating this -- this special structure for law enforcement officers who are required by the municipality or unit of local government for which they work, giving them this -- this special structure to get their 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 FOID Card back sooner if it's pulled, creates kind of a two- tiered FOID Card system - one for law enforcement officials and then another for everybody else. And I'm curious about -- I don't know that you were given a chance in committee to really air your -- your views on whether or not you think that's a legitimate concern.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: When we -- when the bill was initially brought to me, it was from the Chicago Police Department. They had members that were -- didn't want to come forward, maybe. When an officer is under a lot of stress, men and women -- our police departments are short-handed, not only in the City of Chicago, other municipalities as well in the State of Illinois. A lot of our members have -- from the police departments have been in combat over the last eleven years, being deployed. Some of the problems -- some of 'em come home, they begin to drink, and some of 'em wanted to feel that if they can go and tell their supervisors that they wanted to go ahead and seek some type of treatment, this was an easy way for them. They take away their FOID Card, but they're not on a no-pay status. Now, these officers, men and women, have been on the job, they don't get their pay, and this was one of the ways that we can help 'em. This is a better bill than what it was before. I can tell you this. Initially, the State Police, Governor's Office, they were questioning, you know, is this going to be a problem for other municipalities, sheriffs' departments? As a result, this is a good bill, mainly because if, in fact, an officer decides to do 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 this, they have to get cleared by the psychologist, or by their doctor, and the only thing that's done, the paperwork goes to the Director of the State Police. And the State Police will determine if, in fact, all their paperwork is documented and they, in fact, can go back to work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I simply want to follow-up, and I appreciate, Senator Muñoz, very much the -- the answer. And it is -- he's correct that both - it's not on our analysis, Mr. President, so I'm rising, I guess, as a point for our Members - is that the National Rifle Association and the State Rifle Association did register their objection in committee. I think Senator Muñoz makes a -- a reasonable point about what the other side of this issue is. So I just want to make sure the Members are aware of that. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Righter. Is there any further discussion? No one is seeking recognition. Senator Muñoz, do you wish to close? He does not. The question is, shall House Bill 1237 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 35 voting Aye, 15 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 1237, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to the top of page 4 of your printed Calendar, still on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, is 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 House Bill 4148. Senator Hutchinson, you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Hutchinson seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4148 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4148. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Hutchinson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson, to present the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Body. In its current form, House Bill 4148 with Senate Amendment No. 1 was a shell. Senate Amendment 2 and 3 were not adopted. No. 4 deletes everything after the enacting clause and becomes the bill. The only change in this is the words "for consideration", which means that the city -- the city and the county can actually enact a tax on a garage that you pay for, not for free parking garages. So this is clarifying, makes everybody happy. I don't know of any opponents at all and I'd ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Hutchinson. Any discussion of the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Hutchinson moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 4148. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hutchinson, you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read House Bill 4148 on 3rd Reading.
House Bill 4148. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson.
This -- know of no opponents and this just kind of streamlines. Clarifying language - "for consideration". That's it. I'd answer any questions, if I need to.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Hutchinson. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she'll yield. Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, you pointed out that you had no opposition. Are we still -- we're talking about 4148? And are labor, AFL-CIO, Illinois Horsemen's Association, Thoroughbred Horsemen, AFSCME -- are we -- do I have a -- is my summary not giving me -- what you're saying -- you're saying we have no opposition? I just want to be clear on that. But my synopsis is giving me something different. 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson.
This was a gut and replace, so -- that had to do with gaming, so it had nothing to do with this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, our great staff was -- just clarified that was with the underlying and I do appreciate the clarification. And I would stand in strong support of the lady's legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Delgado. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4148 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 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 4148, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn back to page 3 of your printed Calendar, still House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 2842. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Muñoz seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2842 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 2842. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz, to present the amendment. SENATOR MUÑOZ: We're tabling No. 3, Mr. President, and I wish to take up Amendment 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator… SENATOR MUÑOZ: Floor amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz has asked to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 3. The amendment is withdrawn. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor -- Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz, on Amendment No. 4. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Amendment No. 4 deletes all and amends a Section of the Vehicle Code pertaining to the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police license plates only. The amendment would require the Secretary of State to verify that an applicant renewing his or her registration be in good standing with the Fraternal Order of Police - the Illinois State Lodge prior to renewal. The amendment also establishes the Secretary of State as the administrator of the Fraternal Order of Police Fund. Initially, in committee yesterday, there was free rides in the bill, taking it away from Aging and trying to put it into 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Revenue. All of that language is not in it. This is the only thing that's in this amendment for -- is for the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police - State Lodge. And I ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion of the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Muñoz moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 2842. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 2842. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2842. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz, on the bill. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I just read the bill. The Amendment 4 became the bill. I will answer any questions. I know of no opposition. When the Secretary of State's Office had -- spoke yesterday on it, what I told them we would do is we would go ahead. The State Lodge has said that they would do an annual report, and if need be, I would do a trailer bill to make 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 sure that everything is fine for the Secretary of State. Other than that, there was no opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2842 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. House Bill 2842, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, real quick. I know it's a late hour, but it -- we should take a moment here to say congratulations to a Senator, who tomorrow will celebrate his eighty-fourth -- I'm sorry, sixty-eighth birthday. He just looks eighty-four. But he's been with us a long time, and so far as we know, he's been unarmed most of the time he's been on the Senate Floor - Gary Forby. Happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Happy birthday, Senator Forby. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are still on page 3 of your printed Calendar. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to House Bill 3450. Senator Muñoz, are you ready to proceed? Senator Muñoz seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3450 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3450. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz, on the amendment. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Amendment 1 addresses three liquor code issues. The bill increases the gallonage limit for craft distillers and clarifies the amount of spirits that a craft distiller can sell to a -- non-licensees. The bill would also allow the City of Chicago to issue three licensees to three businesses that -- that are within one hundred feet of either a church or a hospital. And it provides that alcohol may be served or sold in buildings under the control of Illinois State University for events that the Board of Trustees may determine are public events and not related student activities. It requires the Board to issue a written policy concerning the types of events that would be eligible for an exemption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Muñoz. Is there any discussion of the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Muñoz moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3450. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3450. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 House Bill 3450. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I read the amendment, which is the entire bill. I know of no opposition. We didn't have any questions in committee. I will attempt to answer any questions, if any.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3450 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 43 -- 45 voting Aye, 5 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3450, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 4 of your printed Calendar, near the bottom of the page on House Bills 3rd Reading, is House Bill 5495. There has been a change of sponsorship. Senator Garrett is the sponsor of this bill. Senator Garrett.
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Garrett, can you please hold on a second, real quick? Senator Crotty in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Senator Garrett seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 495 to the Order of 2nd Reading. It's 5495. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5495. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The amendment is withdrawn. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The amendment is withdrawn. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon. 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
Thank you, Madam President. I must not have liked these amendments very much. I'd like to withdrawn Floor Amendment No. 4 as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The amendment is withdrawn. Oh, are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Garrett, to the amendment.
Yes, I have an amendment that has to do with a school tax rate. And I'll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments to be adopted -- approved…
No…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) …for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, do you wish to proceed?
Yes, I do. Thank you very much, Madam President. House 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Bill…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Excuse me, but, House Bill 5495, Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5495. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Garrett.
Yes, thank you, once again. House Bill 5495 states that the -- school district, West Northfield School District 31, put a referendum on the ballot for the March 2012 primary. The referendum set the tax rate for the school district at 1.888 percent, or an increase of .27 percent. The referendum passed with 56.18 percent of the vote. However, property was reassessed and the EAV of property within the district decreased dramatically. The school district now is seeking to have the intent of the voters enforced by allowing the school district to make whole the amendment -- amended levy amount, as approved by the voters. This is not a tax increase and there is no opposition. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Let's see, to the bill. There was extensive conversation in committee when -- Senator, when you say that there's no opposition to this bill, I hope that the people who voted No in committee were substantial objection. There are -- there are several things in this bill of what's occurring in this legislation. You know that a tax levy is a function -- is -- you multiple the EAV, the Assessed -- the Equalized Assessed Value, times the tax rate, equals a levy. Okay? What's happening here is that they went to referendum, they got the rate that they wanted, and because the EAV - or, in committee, there was some other reference to a component of the EAV - has now gone down, and because all of our homes, the values have gone down, and in this area they went down, they didn't get all the extended money. So, this is a tax increase. First of all, it's an exception to the tax cap, to the PTELL rule. This is an exemption to the tax cap. On that basis, people who are watching for -- helping their taxpayers not get taxed out of their homes -- property taxpayers not get taxed out of their home, they ought to be No vote. It is -- this is the equivalent -- basically, this law would say that we're going to artificially raise the component of the equalized assessed value by 1.5 million dollars, the value of 1.5 million dollars, and that is a fiction. That is not what's happened in the -- they won a referendum, but the dollars that are being generated -- because the EAV went down, there's less money. This is like saying, by statute, that there's 1.5 million dollars' tax increase into this one district. You have to ask yourself, well, which one of our districts, if they had this situation of a shrinking EAV, would come to us and say, "Well, artificially 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 prop up the EAV." It's just something that we shouldn't be doing and we shouldn't be doing in a lame duck Session. If the argument is made that this is a poverty-type district, factually, that's inaccurate. Their operational expenditure per student is fifteen thousand dollars per student - fifteen thousand dollars per student. The State average is about eleven thousand six hundred. That's twenty-nine percent more than the State average. They are a flat grant. That means that they have the least need for support from the State Board of Elections {sic}, all of our tax money. This is -- if we pass this bill, it is -- has the effect of the State Legislature reaching into that district and those taxpayers are going to have an increase of one and a half million dollars, versus what they have right now if we don't pass this bill. I just ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cultra, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Basically, this really should be handled by a new tax referendum. I don't think we have any business, as a Legislature, to be fooling with the EAV, putting an artificial level of EAV so that this particular school district can garner more money. And so I -- I would just ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Well, there's another perspective on this and I appreciated the testimony of Tom Johnson, who was formerly with the Taxpayers' Federation, now retired, who shed some light on this. This was a mistake, basically, that was made by this community, because they put a referendum on the ballot that talked about raising a tax levy amount. Now what they didn't anticipate was that the EAV was going to go down. And so, in a sense, yes, they -- the voters passed this referendum, but because the EAV went down substantially more than what they had anticipated, it really resulted in there not being any gain for the school district in this regard. So the taxpayers -- and here's what I think is the important point: What did the public who voted on this expect? They expected that they were going to raise revenue to increase the maintenance of the programs that they already had in place at the school district. So the -- the taxpayers voted on that in spirit. The mistake that was made was in voting for a -- a tax rate and not a dollar amount. Okay? So -- and -- and how can you anticipate this, because it's just been recently that we've had the decreasing EAVs that we've seen? So I think that the spirit of what the taxpayers voted for was that they were going to increase and improve the maintenance of programs at their schools, and so I think it's proper for us to fix this and -- and not penalize the students 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 at that school.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Bivins, you just put on your light there. Are you -- would you like to be recognized?
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I just wanted to point out, in committee, Tom Johnson's name was -- and the Federation -- Taxpayers' Federation was mentioned. They -- they were neutral on this, and he was not personally in support of it, but he was neutral. And also, the -- the reference was to -- to the rate. And so I just wanted to make those two points. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett, do you wish to close? Senator Garrett.
Yes, thank you. This has been a -- a complicated issue and I appreciate all those that have stayed engaged on it. This is a small school district, who twice went out to referendum. This is the second time. The referendum passed with fifty-six percent of the people supporting it. It -- it -- you know, we can talk about property tax reform, but this is the result of having problems with a declining economy, which then triggers these very low, dramatically low, EAVs, and they got caught. They actually got caught in this particular situation. They're 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 the victim of circumstances. They did a very thorough job in educating the public. The public is behind it. We are not raising taxes. The taxes are not going to be raised and the tax rate is not going to be raised. But this school has been working very hard to make it whole, to make it right for the people of their community and for the students at the school. And I -- and I hope that you'll be able to support this initiative.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall House Bill 5495 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 37 voting Aye, 15 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 5495, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
I'd like to be recorded as an Aye for the tax increase for education on the last bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul, the record will so reflect your intent. The Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will all members of the Committee on Assignments report to the President's Anteroom immediately? Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report immediately to the President's Anteroom? (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon in the Chair. 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 8 to House Bill 2891 and Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed to the Members' desks. On that Supplemental Calendar is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences on Senate Bills. We have Senate Bill 1543. Senator Koehler. Senator Koehler. We can return to Senator Koehler's bill. Senate Bill 3233. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3233. Signed by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, on the motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is -- House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act by permitting an HMO the ability to require deductibles and copayments for enrollees in basic health care services. Illinois is one of two states which 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 prohibits this. All the insurance carriers, the Blues and everyone else, would like to be able to do this. It makes them competitive, allows them to charge a lower premium. There's no opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3233. All in favor, 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, 1 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3233, and the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll turn back to the first item on the Supplemental Calendar. That's Senate Bill 1543. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the -- in the adoption of their Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1543. Signed by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler, on the motion.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This was sponsored in the House by Representative Moffitt. What it does is extends the statutory sunset for the Wireless Emergency Telephone Safety Act from April 1st, 2013 to July 1st. This gives us a little bit of extra time. This involves the tax on 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 wireless phones for the E9-1-1 system. It then puts it into sync with the rewrite of the Telecom Bill. So I'd appreciate an Aye vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill -- shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1543. 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, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1543, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate does concur in Amendments {sic} No. 2 to Senate Bill 1543, and the bill is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences, Senate Bills, on Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is Senate Bill 3297. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3297. Signed by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Garrett.
Whoops! Sorry. This actually is my last bill, so you better vote Yes. It -- actually, I'm doing this with Senator Rezin, because it is actually about a school in Spring Valley. Anyway, Senate Bill 3297 provides that the Hall High School District 502 may issue thirty-two million dollars in bonds above 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 its current debt limit in order to build a new school building. The bonds must be approved on or after April 9th, 2013 election and must be issued no later than five years after the referendum approval. The bonds must mature within thirty days -- thirty years. Currently, Hall High School has outstanding debt totaling one million two hundred and seventy-four thousand five hundred and eleven dollars. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
…you -- thank you. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Hall -- Hall High School is in Spring Valley. It is a high school that was built in the early 1900s. It was a -- it's been condemned, deemed a health hazard. And they would like additional bonding capabilities to build a new school, should a referendum pass. I -- I don't really know of any opposition. I do ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3297. 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, 1 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill -- not -- Senate having concurred in House 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3297, the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to return to our printed Calendars on page 3. On the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading is House Bill 2891. Senator Kotowski. Senator Kotowski seeks leave of the Body to return -- to return House Bill 2891 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2891. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) President Cullerton. Bear with us, Mr. President. We're going to make sure our paperwork is in order here. President Cullerton has asked to withdraw Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 2891. Without objection, that amendment is withdrawn. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) President Cullerton has asked to withdraw Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 2891. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. The amendment is withdrawn. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 6, offered by Senator Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski, on Amendment No. 6. 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
Withdraw.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski, you're asking to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 6 to House Bill 2891. Is that correct? …Kotowski seeks leave to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 6 to House Bill 2891. Without objection, leave is granted. The amendment is withdrawn. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 7, offered by Senator Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thanks, Mr. President. I seek to withdraw that one as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski asks to withdraw Floor Amendment No. 7. Without objection, leave is granted. The amendment is withdrawn. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 8, offered by Senator Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski, on Floor Amendment No. 8.
I -- I move to get this amendment approved, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 No. 8 to House Bill 2891. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 2891. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2891. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Amendment No. 8 to House Bill 2891 is -- includes provisions for Fiscal Year '13, the Budget Implementation bill. There are four provisions contained in the amendment. It moves the date of the Governor's budget address to March 6, for 2013 only. It completes a hundred-and-fifty-one-million-dollar GRF transfer to the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund to help pay Medicaid bills for Fiscal Year '13. The transfers will occur in four equal monthly installments. It allows the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to transfer 9.6 million from various funds they administer to the Medical Disciplinary Fund. And it requires GOMB to deliver an annual report to the General Assembly regarding all transfers from GRF to any other special fund. Be more than happy to answer any questions. 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there anyone -- is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Murphy.
Senator, can you explain the difference between Amendment 8 and Amendment 7?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Yeah. There were some technical errors, Senator Murphy. In 7, we had -- had some statutory mandate language that was in there. We found that there were some technical challenges to it. But we're going to address that in the spring. This bill condenses it, from an amendment standpoint, and makes sure that we're able to move forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.
Is there -- was there anything -- is there anything in -- in Amendment 8 pertaining to Budgeting for Results?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you very much, Senator Murphy. One component of the -- of the amendment, Senator Murphy, deals with the -- the 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 transfers out, which we've discussed, as you know, at length in the Appropriations hearings, and also it's part of the Budget {sic} for Results Commission, to make sure that we're able to review money that's automatically spent and that hasn't been reviewed in the budget appropriations process. So this allows us to do that, gives us the authority to do that. Greater evaluation and scrutiny over how those dollars are spent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy, do you have another question? Senator Murphy.
Is there any Budgeting for Results language that was removed by Amendment 8?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
No, Senator Murphy. The -- there was one recommendation, which we had talked about, and I answered in my previous question -- or, in the previous answer. Amendment 7 and -- and the previous one, there were some technical errors, recommendations on some of these statutory mandates that need to be removed. We kept on running into some technical difficulties in removing some of these mandates, which were having a profound impact on -- on the administration of some of these agencies. So we decided they're -- we're going to table it for now and move forward in the spring to get some of those questions answered we need to get answered.
That mandate language that -- that was removed…(microphone 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 cutoff)…that's Budgeting for Results, though. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
There was a -- it was a recommendation of the Commission, and, you know, we are working with the Governor's Office on this and we worked with a -- you know, a set of different agencies on this. They had -- they had made some recommendations to eliminate some statutory mandates. We ran into some difficulties with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation mandates that they had suggested we get rid of, and it ended up being a -- a problem for the bill. We're working to rectify it and get it proposed in the spring.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy, to the bill.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. Senator, I appreciate your indulgence and your -- your unwavering commitment to Budgeting for Results. The -- there's some good things in this BIMP. The concern on our side of the aisle, of course, is the fund sweeps. There remains a concern about the fund sweeps. Fund sweeps have been an ongoing problem, and philosophically, it is something that on our side of the aisle, we continue to have an issue with. I understand the pressing nature of this -- this issue and appreciate your interest in getting it done quickly, but it's also important to get it done right. I don't think that the fund sweep language in here meets that standard, and as a result, I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Senator Kotowski.
Yes, thank you very much for the previous comment. This is a -- a one-time temporary solution for Fiscal Year '13. Addresses some of those funds, drawing from them. What we've been working with is the Med Society, to focus on a future fee increase. So any of those funds that are generated from that would go towards any of the funds that -- that we're drawing some of the money from. So, I support what the -- the previous Senator was commenting on, so we can address it in the future. This is a temporary solution and we're looking to make sure that we have a permanent -- permanent solution in the future.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. There's no further discussion. May that stand as your closing? The question is, shall House Bill 2891 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 30 voting Aye, 19 voting No, 1 voting Present. House Bill 2891, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the -- page 5 of your printed Calendar is Secretary's Desk, Concurrences. We have Senator Delgado's motion to concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 281. Senator Delgado. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 281. Signed by Senator Delgado. 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'm asking for concurrence on Senate Bill 281 with House Amendment No. 1, which deletes all and becomes the bill. The amendment outlines legislative intent to extend a repeal date of Section 9.02 {sic} (9.02a) of the Capital Development Board Act and Public Act 97-786, signed into law on July 13th, 2012, and extends the repeal date from June 12th -- June 30th, 2012, to June 30th 2016. Legislative intent is necessary due to the legislation not being signed into law until after the repeal date had been passed. And I'm asking for concurrence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 281. All those in favor, 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. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 281, and the bill is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been printed and distributed to the Members' desks. On that Supplemental Calendar No. 2 is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences on Senate Bills, with one item, Senate Bill 1556. Mr. President, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment 1 -- Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556. Signed by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This is a motion that we debated a few hours ago. I'm renewing the motion. This is a bill that is known as the Management Act. I would reiterate what the bill does. It restricts the ability of certain State employees to collectively bargain through a union. Specifically, it amends the Public Labor Relations Act to add new positions to those exempt from the protections of the Public Labor Relations Act; modifies the definitions of certain positions to be effectively exempt from the protections of the Act after the effective date; declares that certain positions certified to join the union on or after December 2nd, 2008, are exempt; and establishes a system in which the Governor can petition the Labor Relations Board to exempt fifteen hundred and ninety non-union positions from joining the union and to exempt nineteen hundred positions which were certified to join the union after December 2nd. Think we had a debate on this bill earlier. We are a heavily unionized State, the most unionized in the nation. With this bill, we might still be the most heavily unionized state in the nation. It's a basic concept of allowing for us to have management not be in the union and supervisory folks. That's what the bill's about. I would urge an Aye vote. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556. 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 31 voting Aye, 20 voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1556, and the bill is declared passed. On page 5 of your printed Calendar is Secretary's Desk, Concurrences on Senate Bills. Out of the record. President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes. Purposes of an announcement. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we have completed the work that we have needed to finish today. We are not going to adjourn sine die, because it's possible, since the House is going to be in Session Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, that they may take up some actions that would require us to come back. I don't anticipate that, but it's possible. So, what we're going to do is notify the Senate, hopefully in the late evening or -- or, the evening of Monday night, whether or not we need to come back in on Tuesday. I don't anticipate it, but the House would be in Session on Sunday and Monday and on Tuesday. If that's the case, we would come back in at 3 o'clock on Tuesday. If there's no action to take on Tuesday at 3 o'clock, you don't have to come. We will simply adjourn sine die at that time. I want to thank everybody for the last two years of hard work. Think we accomplished a lot. Everybody has done a lot of work in a bipartisan fashion. We 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 still have tremendous challenges to face in the next Session. For those of you who are coming back, we look forward to working with you. And maybe we'll see you next Tuesday. I would, once again, reiterate it's not likely, but there is that outside possibility because the House will be in Session. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. 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. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
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 81. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 81, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads SJR No. 81)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lightford moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 81. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 81. 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 136th Legislative Day 1/3/2013 All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. For purposes of an announcement, I would like to remind the Members that the reception in honor of Senator Crotty, scheduled for earlier this evening, is beginning now, over at the Sangamo Club. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the 8th day of January, 2013, or to the call of the President. The Senate stands adjourned. 135