Illinois Senate Floor Debate — January 9, 2013

1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 (Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)

Thank you, Governor. I rise to place in nomination the name of John J. Cullerton. My first interaction with John Cullerton was my talking with him when I was being considered for appointment to the Senate in 2004. I was confident of my chances and even hopeful of serving on the Judiciary Committee, which he chaired at the time. Our meeting turned awkward once it became clear the word in Springfield was that someone else was going to get the appointment. After I shared information about my relationship with two local committeemen, Senator Cullerton, then, as now, understood that all politics is local, and that I might indeed be joining him in the Senate. But a couple of days later, he unintentionally almost upset the applecart by telling a committeeman he bumped into that I shared with him that I’d be appointed to the seat. She was not pleased, but I made it here anyway. As it turns out, I did serve on the Judiciary Committee under Senator Cullerton’s leadership, and it was a great learning experience for me. Our Chairman’s temperament made it easy for our committee to work in a bipartisan manner, and I saw glimpses of what the Senate could 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 look like with him as its President. Recognizing the urge felt by many Members to send newsletters back to their districts proclaiming how tough they’d been on crime, Senator Cullerton frequently gave us a warning we began to call the “Cullerton Rule” — “Remember, we can only enhance a criminal penalty by one class per General Assembly.” And with this bit of humor, he was able to send a message to those of us on the committee, and in the Senate at large. John Cullerton is a heck of a stand-up comedian, and he uses his keen wit to make valid and memorable points. Now, the media’s characterization of John Cullerton often has been way off base, and as a result, the public does not have a full appreciation of who he is as a leader and who he is as a man. President Cullerton took the reins of the Senate at a very difficult time. We were beginning an unprecedented impeachment of our -- trial of our governor, even as we celebrated the inauguration of one of our former Members as President of the United States of America. Our State was in dire need of new revenue and a new approach to government. At this pivotal moment, President Cullerton -- President Cullerton demonstrated an essential quality in any leader - boldness. Bold leadership is not easy, particularly with a caucus as diverse as ours. We may all call ourselves Democrats on this side of the Chamber, but we hold a wide array of opinions and represent very different districts. It takes someone like President Cullerton to handle these differences and potential conflicts with patience, grace and, of course, his good humor. He does not steer our caucus in a heavy-handed manner or practice government by ultimatum. He offers explanations, not threats. He solicits input from his Members to craft mutually 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 beneficial solutions. President Cullerton’s desire to get to know his Members and their perspectives is genuine. There is no better way to understand someone than to break bread together, and President Cullerton makes a point of going to dinner with every Member of his caucus at least a couple of times every Session. On these occasions, he doesn’t just talk business; he gets to know their -- the Senators, their districts, their families and their priorities. This careful, patient, respectful leadership style has paid off, yielding major accomplishments such as workers’ compensation reform, Medicaid reform, revenue legislation, pensions ethics reform, driver's licenses for the undocumented, convention center reforms, civil unions and the abolition of the death penalty. Finally, I want to say a few words about John Cullerton the family man. It has been a joy to get to know him and Pam and their children over the years. When you watch President Cullerton with his family and see what family means to him, you begin to understand how his great leadership qualities have developed. I remember being with him on one occasion, getting a ride from him, when he and his family had been treated unfairly in the press, and he was talking about one of his children and how that child was amongst his best friends. I remember tearing up, but trying to hide it, as I was quietly hoping that when my kids reach the adult age, I would have a similar relationship with them. His passion for his family became clear to me. Although our accomplishments under President Cullerton’s leadership have been impressive, some of our greatest challenges lie ahead. We are entering uncharted waters with a diverse forty-member caucus; it has a downstate caucus, a suburban caucus, Black Caucus, Latino Caucus 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 - sometimes two Latino caucuses - and now it even has two Cullertons. But I trust President Cullerton’s navigational abilities. It is a high honor to nominate John J. Cullerton for Senate President for the 98th General Assembly.

(Remarks in Spanish) We've heard -- about President Cullerton's unique brand of leadership, and all of us in this Chamber are aware of his talents in the legislative arena, but what I have come to appreciate about Senate President Cullerton is his sensitive awareness of where he came from. He knows that he's son of proud Irish immigrants, who came to this country looking for a better life, just as all of our ancestors did at one time. Though some of us immigrated more recently than others, like mine, it's my observation that the Irish and the Latinos have similar histories and shared values. We have persisted, pushed past all barriers, to build better lives for ourselves and for our families and add our own rich heritage to what it means to be an American. The Senate President understands and lives this common story. He lives it by caring about my communities, your communities. He shows up and listens and learns, then seeks to do what's best for the people that live in our neighborhoods. Whether it's in Benton - Senator Forby - or Cicero, John Cullerton takes the time out and effort to care and make a difference. At a time when too many in our Party - that's right, in our Party - take certain communities 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 for granted, the -- he champions issues to help the immigrant community. That shows in his leadership on the capital construction program - a program that invested millions of dollars in each of our districts and billions statewide. It's still putting people to work today. It shows in his helping pass a hundred million dollars to build new schools in Illinois. It shows in his outspoken leadership, most recently, on the Illinois Dream Act and the driver's license bill for the undocumented. Because of President Cullerton’s advocacy and hard work on this legislation, young people can save for college, regardless of immigration status. They have a real opportunity to live the American dream, support themselves and their families, and in turn -- and give back to their communities, and drive on the roads of Illinois. John Cullerton understands why this is so important - not just to people in the neighborhoods of my district or of Assistant Majority Leader Antonio Muñoz or Chairwoman Iris Martinez or Chairwoman William "Willie" Delgado -- Chairman -- Chairwoman -- Chairman. It's in English - I have a hard time. President Cullerton is not afraid to talk the talk and walk the walk. He did it -- he does it because it's the right thing to do. Because, in the end, whether your family arrived here five generations ago on a boat, or you were brought across the border, like mine was a few years ago, we are all here now and we are all in this together. With hope that this understanding will guide us in the next two years, I am proud and honored to second the nomination of John Cullerton - we know him in our neighborhoods as "Juan" Cullerton - as President of the Illinois Senate. And in closing - we on the southwest side of Chicago keep it very simple - we say, 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 "President Cullerton, continue to speak softly and carry a big stick." And so, here's the big stick on behalf of…

Thank you, Governor. It is my great honor to second the nomination of Senator John J. Cullerton to continue his distinguished service as President of this Body. President Cullerton's record of balanced, fair and inclusive leadership is known far beyond the walls of this Chamber. A few moments ago, I had the humbling experience of taking the Oath of Office for Senate for the first time. I look forward to beginning my service here as one of fifty-nine distinct voices, with a genuine opportunity to bring my constituents' concerns to the policy-making process. With Cullerton -- President Cullerton, excuse me, at the helm - that could have been Tom - my colleagues and I are assured of being able to fulfill our responsibility to represent our districts and work for the good of the State. Time and again, on issues from education reform to workers' compensation to enterprise zones and fixing Medicaid, President Cullerton has tapped the expertise of this institution's Members, both leaders and rank-and-file, and on both sides of the aisle, to carefully craft an effective solution to complex problems. I'm confident in his ability to assemble the best ideas for better government. I'm confident that his approach to leadership will empower me, as a new State Senator, to provide my constituents with the best representative 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 and representation here in Springfield. My life experiences have been varied - from working on an assembly line, owning a small business, and serving on the Lake County Board. I've helped large employers create jobs in my community, and I've led efforts to conserve public lands. The common denominator was always the need to bring people with diverse perspectives together to solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity. This approach will characterize my work in the Senate. I know President Cullerton, whose dedication to public service transcends party, region or interest, and that will encourage us to involve all stakeholders in forging pragmatic and fair solutions. As we know, the 98th General Assembly will be called upon to make difficult decisions, will be called upon to do more with less, restore trust in government and widen an economic recovery that still leaves far too many behind. President Cullerton has proven he's equal to the task of leading this Body in a fair and measured way through times of uncertainty and contention. His legislative acumen, inclusive approach to problem solving and commitment to accountability are needed now more than ever. I am proud to second the nomination and urge you to stand with President Cullerton as we begin our work. Thank you.

Thank you, Governor Quinn. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for your commitment to the higher ideal. Ladies 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 and Gentlemen of the Senate, honored guests, and all of our family, friends and supporters who are here with us today, throughout the storied and great history of our State, many leaders have moved through these aisles and raised their voices in resounding advocacy within this beautiful Chamber. Each led in his or her own way. Each led with a commitment to a certain agenda, with a substance and style entirely their own. Their lives are our story and they have left an indelible thumbprint on the pages of Illinois history. When the chapter of this history book is written about John J. Cullerton, it should be titled, “He built bridges and consensus for a brighter future for all of us.” As you just heard, John J. Cullerton makes it a practice of taking people out to dinner. This is part of his regular routine. And he brings people together from a diverse set of backgrounds — upstate, downstate, the suburbs; black, white, Latino; Republicans and Democrats; those who like each other and those who don’t. And he brings people together at this table, where they sit down and eat. And it is here at this table that John J. Cullerton builds. He builds bridges. He builds consensus. And if you're really paying attention, he builds leaders. It is here, at this table, that party and race and geography are transcended. It is here, at this table, we hear intimate stories from our colleagues and our friends about what brings us together in a common purpose - that we are all alike in our love for our friends and our families; that we all came here with a singular and specific and a strong purpose and a commitment to helping out people; and that we all know our State can be and it will be better. This is how John J. Cullerton builds. This is how he builds a brighter future for 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 all of us. He takes you out of your comfort zone. He challenges you to think, and he compels you to let your guard down and be open to possibility. And he does this all in a way that is calm and steady, funny and insightful, smart and strategic, fair and open, and confident, yet surprisingly humble. There are others, when given the same opportunity, the same title, might tread cautiously, just to keep their position and their power. Not John J. Cullerton. He embraces policies because they're right, not because they're popular - whether it be supporting revenue to create jobs, fund education or protect the most vulnerable among us; whether it be fighting for equality for all people, regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation; or keeping our children and families safe from the ill-effects of tobacco, the menace of drunken driving, or the dangers of gun violence; or simply and fundamentally reforming the way we spend taxpayer dollars so we have an open, ethical and accountable government, and we can, once and for all, restore the public trust in our State. John J. Cullerton has stood resolute, despite fierce and often relentless opposition. But in remaining steady and calm, and by staying committed to building bridges and consensus, he has prevailed. I rise to second the nomination of John J. Cullerton for these reasons and one more. When John J. Cullerton walks into this Chamber, there is what I like to call an “Expectation of Excellence". It is the quiet and often unstated assumption that he has for all of us, that we're supposed to be good and that we can be and we should be much, much better. We've all had people like this in our lives. It could have been a parent, a coach, a teacher, a friend, a spouse, someone we'd vote for in the 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 polling booth or someone we'd vote for on this Senate Floor. They lead by example and they convey through their direct actions, a brief conversation or a fixed gaze that they believe and trust in us, that they believe in the possible within us. This belief, it drives us. It inspires us. It forces us. It compels us to evaluate who we are, where we are and where we need to be. So I'm proud to second the nomination of John J. Cullerton as President of the Illinois Senate, because in this moment, in this time, our time, in the unconditional service of the people, we need and we deserve a leader who builds bridges and consensus all in the expectation of excellence and toward a brighter future for all of us. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Governor. I move that the nominations for the Office of President of the Illinois State Senate of the 98th General Assembly be closed.

I -- I, John J. Cullerton,

Do solemnly swear

That I will support the Constitution of the United States

And the Constitution of the State of Illinois

And that I will faithfully discharge the duties

Of the Office of President of the Senate

To the best of my ability.

Thank you very much. Once again, I'd like to thank my good friend, Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, for swearing me in and swearing in the Members of the Illinois Senate. Justice Theis swore me in twenty-two years ago, when she was a Circuit Court Judge. And she's now sworn me in for the third time as Senate President. I want to congratulate her for her recent election to a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court. I also would 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 like to thank Monsignor Ken Velo from DePaul University for the invocation and Rabbi Tzvi Bider from the Chicago Center for Torah and Chesed for the benediction that he will be giving. Rabbi Bider is also joined here today by his father. Welcome you to the Senate. Like to thank Governor Quinn for presiding over today's ceremony. The Governor came in under very tough circumstances and has served through difficult times and should be credited with tackling very tough issues. And we are honored in Illinois to have the second-highest-ranking member of the U.S. Senate, someone who used to work right here as the Parliamentarian - our Senator, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. I'd also like to recognize a former Member of this Chamber, our fine Comptroller, the one and only Judy Baar Topinka. I'm also proud to introduce yet another former Senate Member, our Treasurer Dan Rutherford. We are also joined by a former Senate Chief of Staff, the Auditor General Bill Holland. Let me also introduce one of Illinois' newest Congressmen, he and his wife and I have been longtime friends, Congressman William Enyart and his wife, Annette. I'm honored to have my predecessor in this post here with his wife - former Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., and his wife, Dr. Lorrie Jones. Emil, I hate to tell you this, but you're no longer my favorite Emil Jones. We are honored to have a number of Chicago Aldermen who've traveled to Springfield to join us: From the 46th Ward, Alderman James Cappleman; the 2nd Ward, Alderman Bob Fioretti; the 50th Ward, Alderman Debra Silverstein; and the 41st Ward, Alderman Mary O'Connor; and the former Alderman from the 47th Ward, Gene Schulter. Aldermen, thank you very much. I would also like to recognize Springfield Mayor Michael Houston. Mayor. Mayor, you'll be happy to know 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 everyone will be spending a lot of money in the city today, so this will be good for us. Okay, so now I'd like to get to the Cullertons. For those of you who are new to this, I should tell you that my wife and I each have five sisters and three brothers. Lucky for you, only four of 'em are here today. I'd like to introduce my sister-in-law, Rebecca Wilson; my brother, Michael Cullerton, and his wife, Kai; my sister, Margaret Hosty; and my sister, Mary Carroll Durand. Ladies and Gentlemen, I've just been re-elected President of the Illinois Senate, but I want to introduce to you the speaker of my house, my wife, Pam Cullerton. We are very fortunate today to be joined by our five children: Maggie, Garritt, Kyle, Josephine and John Cullerton III. I would also like to introduce John Cullerton III's fiancée, Rachel Sudimack. Senator Radogno, you and your colleagues will be happy to know that she is a Republican. And I'd like to congratulate Senator Radogno on being re-elected Republican Leader. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with you. I'd like to thank Senator Kwame Raoul for his kind words in giving the nominating speech. Also like to -- to thank Senator Martin Sandoval, Senator Melinda Bush and Senator Kotowski for their seconding speeches. Not only were your words very kind, they were very accurate. Thank you. As I look out across this -- this dignified Chamber, I find several familiar faces, but also many new ones. There are a number of new Members joining the Senate today. And with your addition, the average term in this Body, right now, is less than six and a half years. This gives us a tremendous mix of institutional knowledge and fresh ideas. Let me be the latest to extend my congratulations to each and every one of you and your families. 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 Everyone in this room understands and appreciates the hard work and sacrifice that resulted in you adding your names to the opening lines of this new chapter of the Illinois State Senate, a Chamber whose ranks have included former U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald and the iconic Paul Simon. This ceremony and this Session are about the fifty-nine Members of the Senate coming together to make Illinois a better place to live, to work and to play. There is greatness within and around all of you in this Chamber. And we're going to need it. My advice is to enjoy today and celebrate with your families. But you must know that tough decisions and votes await us in the weeks and months ahead. I know, however, that we can meet any challenge, if we work together. Over the past four years, we've proven time and time again that the Senate is able to set aside our partisan differences and bring the best ideas from both aisles -- both sides of the aisle together to find compromise and resolution. It began with that thirty-one-billion-dollar construction program that is building roads and schools in every part of our State, investing in our economic future and providing thousands of jobs now. We invested more in our transportation system and educational facilities than all of the other states combined. Together, we took the first steps in gaining control of our pension finances when we approved reforms that set up a new, sustainable pension system for new employees. Similarly, we worked together to pass overdue McCormick Place reforms that, once again, established Chicago as a convention destination. Our list of bipartisan accomplishments goes on and on. We restructured the flawed workers' compensation system in a way that saved businesses millions while preserving workers' rights. 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 This past spring, we toiled together to construct a Medicaid reform package that maintains services to those most in need while saving taxpayers billions. We crafted education reforms that address tenure and performance standards that have become a national model. And of course, four years ago, there was the task of hearing the case of a corrupt Governor and our final, unanimous decision to remove him from office. We are going to need more of this collaborative spirit and effort in the months ahead. I have the utmost confidence in the Members of the 98th General Assembly. Today, this new Illinois Senate is more diverse than ever before. Think about it. We have, in this Chamber, lawyers and linebackers, accountants and TV anchors, farmers and former staff, people who make ice cream and people who are lactose intolerant. And, of course, we have cousins. We've been elected by the most diverse collection of Illinois voters ever to go to the polls. They want us to solve problems, to improve the quality of life and open doors of economic and educational opportunity for their families. To the Republicans of this new Senate, I say welcome aboard. We are not of the same party, but we are all in the same Senate and we represent the same number of people. Given our challenges, your help and input are critical. Now, keep in mind, I served in the political minority for a decade, under the leadership of Senate President Pate Philip. So, in the words of Bill Clinton, "I feel your pain." And yet, during those ten years, I was the chief sponsor of fifty-nine bills that became law, including some that I consider among the most important pieces of legislation I've worked on. Every time I stood up on this Floor - and this applies to you as well - to present legislation, I 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 knew I needed bipartisan support. That experience taught me how important it is to know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the importance of compromise. I'll also remind you that a State Senator by the name of Barack Obama spent most of his time here in the political minority. And he, too, worked to find opportunities for agreement with his political rivals. Working across the aisle didn't hurt his political career. The so- called aisle that divides us should not close doors of opportunity. I'm certainly not afraid to step across it to ask for your help. And now, for my fellow Democrats, I'd like to congratulate you for assembling what is currently the largest Senate caucus in America and also the largest Senate Democratic Caucus in the history of the State of Illinois. So I know a lot of you are sitting there thinking, "This is great, we've got forty Members. I don't have to take any tough votes." But if everybody thought like that, we wouldn't get anything done, would we? So that's not going to work. We have to work together to get everything done. So now that we're here, what are we going to do? We must address our pension system. The finances of our pension system have to be addressed in a fair and Constitutional manner. The issue has lingered for generations and threatens to doom future generations if something isn't done. We are on the verge of a State -- of our State budget turning into a financial plan that funds pension benefits rather than essential services. Our investments in higher and elementary and secondary education and human services are increasingly crowded out - some would say, squeezed - by our pension cost. That's why I will file today Senate Bill 1. It's an all-encompassing plan that includes both the House and the 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 Senate concepts for pension reform. We also need to be aggressive with a new economic development agenda. And that's why today Senate Bill 2 will be filed to remodel the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through a public-private partnership that will bring real-world business effectiveness to our policies. This approach has worked in other states and it's past time we do it here. This is where we, as a Senate, need to go. You know, we have a tremendous State, but we do have to admit our reputation has suffered. People forget - and we need to remind them - that Illinois is a great State. We have been, and remain, a destination state of tremendous opportunity. That's why our population swelled by more than four hundred thousand people in the last decade. We are the transportation center of America, whether it be rail, air, rivers or roads. We have world-class cultural centers. And we have a strong education network and a world-leading agricultural industry. If we work together, we can resolve our problems, build upon our success, and continue to restore the standing of the great State of Illinois. Thank you very much. The next order of business is the election of the Minority Leader of the Senate. Senator Althoff.

Senator Althoff requests unanimous consent on behalf of the Republican Members of the Senate to -- to declare Senator Christine Radogno Minority Leader of the Senate of the 98th 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 General Assembly. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. Senator Christine Radogno is declared Minority Leader. Congratulations, Senator Radogno. Chair recognizes Senator Christine Radogno.

You know, one of the perks of this office is that I get to select the -- the person to provide the musical selection. So we did a nationwide search and we got Molly Durand from California. She happens to be my niece. I know she's a little under the weather, but I'm -- want to ask her to come up and sing a song. Molly. (Musical selection sung by Molly Durand)

Thank you very much, Molly. The Benediction will be offered by Rabbi Tzvi Bider of the Chicago Center for Torah and Chesed. Rabbi Bider.

32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 The following Senators are appointed to the Committee of Escort for the Governor: Senators Manar, Bertino-Tarrant, Van Pelt Watkins, Rose, and Connelly. Will those Senators please come forward to escort his Excellency, the Governor, from the Chamber? Will the Senators appointed to the Committee of Escort for the members of the Judiciary - Senators Noland, Hutchinson, Hastings, Barickman, and LaHood - please come forward to escort the distinguished member of the Judiciary from the Chamber. It's the intention of the Chair to begin the organization of the Senate of the 98th General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, Communications.

Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Senate will stand at ease to allow time for our guests to exit the Chamber. The Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the President's Anteroom. Members are asked to remain in their seats. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Senators, we have to take action, so I would ask the Senators to please take their seats. Ask the family to please retire from the Chamber. The Senate Calendar has been distributed. On the Calendar is Senate Resolution No. 1. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Harmon, to explain the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 1 is our first organizing resolution. It elects the officers of the 98th General Assembly. We are re- electing our terrific team: our Secretary, Tim Anderson; our Assistant Secretary, Scott Kaiser; our fine Sergeant-at-Arms, Joe Dominguez; and Dirk Eilers, the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. I move for its adoption.

Senator Harmon has moved the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 1. Is there any discussion? If not - this will be your first vote - the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 1. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. …all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yes, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Resolution No. 1, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Resolution No. 2. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Harmon, to explain the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 2 is the adoption of our Senate Rules 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 for the 98th General Assembly. The Rules are the same as those of the 97th General Assembly with the exception of the list of standing committees; we are reducing that list by four. I move for its adoption, Mr. President.

Senator Harmon has moved the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 2. Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 2. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. All those opposed, by voting Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yes, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Resolution No. 2, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. The Senate is now operating under the Rules of the Senate of the 98th General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, Communications.

Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. Back to Communications, Mr. Secretary.

Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if I can have your attention. We are going to ask the Color Guard to return to the Chamber. After that, we will stand at ease for a few minutes. The Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the President's Anteroom -- Anteroom. Members are also asked to please stay in your seats. We would ask for the Color Guard, if they're available, to come and remove our flags. Okay. If we can ask the Committee on Assignment {sic} (Assignments) to please meet immediately in the Anteroom. Members, please be in your seats. We'll stand at ease. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed. On Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is Senate Resolution No. 3. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

Senator Harmon, to explain the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 3 notifies the House of Representatives that the Senate is organized and ready to conduct our business this Session. I move for its adoption.

Senator Harmon has moved for the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 3. Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 3. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. Those opposed, by voting Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Resolution No. 3, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Resolution No. 4. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

…Harmon to explain the resolution.

Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 4 directs the Secretary to prepare the Senate Journal. I move for its adoption.

Senator Harmon has moved the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 4. Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 4. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. And those opposed, by voting No. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Resolution No. 4, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Resolution No. 5. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

…Harmon, to explain the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 5 appoints the Standing Committee of Correspondents. And I move for its adoption.

Senator Harmon has moved the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 5. Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013 the Senate adopt Senate Resolution No. 5. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. Those -- by voting Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Resolution No. 5, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Mr. Secretary, Communications.

Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Bills.

Senator Haine is recognized for a point of personal privilege.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I wish to call the attention of the Senate to someone very near and dear to me, who has served with distinction in public service, and she is typical of all those who have served us and are serving us now. She is a -- a person that ran a law office - myself and later Judge Randy Bono - in Wood River. Then she became executive secretary to the State's Attorney in Madison County for fourteen long years and then she ran the legislative office of the 56th Legislative District in Alton, Illinois, and handled all those tremendous duties, especially dealing with a high maintenance, erratic Member of the Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen, she's retiring. She's had it. And I want to recognize her today for her service to the people of Illinois - Jan Kreutzberg of Grantfork, Illinois. Thanks… 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 1st Legislative Day 1/9/2013

Ladies and Gentlemen, we're about to adjourn, but I have one more announcement to make and this would be to announce the Senate Democratic Leadership Team. So if you're interested, I'd like to have your attention. Senator Hutchinson, you might be - - if I could have your attention. I'm about to announce the Senate Leadership Team. Maybe you might be on the Team. You never know. So the Majority Leader is Senator James Clayborne; the Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Donne Trotter; Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Terry Link; Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Kimberly Lightford; Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Antonio Muñoz; Assistant Majority Leader, Senator John Sullivan; and the Majority Caucus Chair - that would be the Caucus Chairman, and this would mean that this Senator would have to be at all the caucuses - is Senator Ira Silverstein; the President Pro Tem, Senator Don Harmon; the Majority Caucus Whip, Senator Bill Haine; Majority Caucus Whip, Senator Mattie Hunter; and Majority Caucus Whip, Senator Iris Martinez. Thank you. If there is no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 10th. The Senate stands adjourned. 43