PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Good morning. The regular Session of the 98th General Assembly will please come to order. Will all the Members be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Paula Gentry, Athens Christian Church, Athens, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Paula Gentry)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs, to lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. 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, Committee Reports.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Senator Muñoz, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Message 469, Appointment Message 502, Appointment Message 503, Appointment Message 504, Appointment Message 505, Appointment Message 506, Appointment Message 507, Appointment Message 508, Appointment Message 509, Appointment Message 510, Appointment Message 512, Appointment Message 556, Appointment Message 557, Appointment Message 559, and Appointment Message 560 Do Recommend Advise and Consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Chris Brooks with WICS-TV requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary -- stand at ease just a second. (at ease) Ladies and Gentlemen, will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor immediately? We are going to be going to -- taking Floor action here. Be voting on legislation. Will all Members please come to the Floor immediately? Mr. Secretary, 1st Reading of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 1480, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1481, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1482, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1483, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 18 -- 1484, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1485, offered by Senator Harris. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1486, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1487, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1488, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1489, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1490, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1491, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1492, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1493, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1494, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1495, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1496, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1497, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1498, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1499, offered by Senator Cunningham. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Senate Bill 1500, offered by Senator Cunningham. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1501, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1502, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1503, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1504, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1505, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1506, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1507, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1508, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1509, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1510, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1511, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1512, offered by Senator Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1513, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1514, offered by Senator Biss. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will turn to page 2 of the printed Calendar. In the -- in the middle of the page, we have Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. Senate Resolution 48. Senator Jacqueline Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 48, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr….
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Excuse me, Senator Collins. Just one second.
There's an amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Basically, the amendment changes statistics that were inaccurately recorded in the original draft.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Thank you. Is there any discussion? 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, Mr. Secretary, approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) If not, to the resolution, Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Collins, I apologize, again. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 48, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Collins. Thank you.
Thank you. Senate Resolution 48 urges the 98th General Assembly to adopt February 7th, 2013, as National African- American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of Illinois. It marks the 12th annual commemoration of the National African- American HIV and AIDS Awareness Day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Thank you, Senator Collins. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise? 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013
Thank you, Mr. President. For purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, can we keep the visiting down just a little bit, please. Senator Althoff.
Thank you. I would just like the record to reflect that Senator Barickman is absent today due to a family medical emergency. Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you and the record will so reflect. Our thoughts go out to Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to the top of page 2 of your printed Calendar, we have Senate Bills -- to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading - on top of page 2 of the printed Calendar. First on the order is Senate Bill 10. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 10. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Next up on the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 20. President Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 26. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 26. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 70. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 70. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A inquiry of the Chair, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your inquiry, Senator Righter.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Mostly for the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 edification of the new Members to the Senate, I've looked through -- and I don't know the Rules as well as I should, Mr. President, but I've looked through our copy of the Rules and I can't find any reference to a situation whereby if -- if a Member somehow does something to their laptop, destroys it or makes it -- it somehow malfunctions or whatnot, maybe by pouring a soda on it or something like that, if there's anything in the Rules that addresses whether or not that Member, quite frankly, needs to pay for the laptop. Are you aware, or your -- your capable Parliamentarian there aware, if there are anything in the Rules about that? Or maybe a policy we have?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) A couple of questions have arisen, Senator Righter, to that order. First of all, what side of the aisle would this Member be sitting on?
It's the one that talks about being fiscally responsible more often than any other side. Could you just get back to me on that, Mr. President, whenever you've got the time?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) We will do a thorough investigation of the Rules and find out if that involves immediate expulsion or not. Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 77, offered by Senator Collins. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013
Senate Bill 1515, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1516, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1517, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1518, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1519, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1520, offered by Senator McCann. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will turn to the middle of page 2 -- we're still on the middle of page 2, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. We have House Bill 190. Senator Kotowski, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 190. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. Could we have your attention? Please keep the visiting down. Senator Kotowski.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. House Bill 190 provides supplemental appropriations for operations and capital expenses at various State agencies. The operational supplement appropriates 603.5 million from GRF, eight hundred and three million from other State funds and 48.8 million from federal funds, for a total of 1.46 billion. The capital portion of this bill appropriates 721.2 million, mainly for IDOT road projects - pay-as-you-go projects. The entire supplemental package totals 2.2 billion all funds. The bill also makes technical changes to the Fiscal Year '13 operating and capital budgets. So appropriations include about five hundred and fifty million GRF appropriations for group health - as we recall, this was under- appropriated with the sense that we were going to be working the issue out with group health, but we -- we're moving forward on this appropriation to make sure we address it - twenty-five million to DCFS to prevent layoffs, thirty-five million to Illinois State Board of Education for a federal grant, and 82.9 million to fund a full twelve months of the workers' comp program. Be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) He indicates he will yield. Senator Murphy.
Thank you. Senator, I think, you know, one of the things 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 we see around here on occasion is, when we rush ourselves, mistakes get made, and I think this is a classic example of that occurring. There are some pieces in here, in this package, that I think everybody in this Chamber can support, but when we rush through and we waive posting, you see mistakes made. And I think one of 'em that was made, and I appreciate that you're trying to address it, is this sort of Road Fund diversion for group health. We're left in a position, because we rushed and have a flawed draft, where we have to take the word of the administration rather than just having the bill right and not have to worry about what happens after this. I made the suggestion in committee yesterday, the request, that you pull this bill and run a bill - and -- and the Leader on our side, Leader Radogno, and our team has an amendment that's being drafted - that would take care of the road program portion of this without diversions, that would take care of the mental health funding that is agreed upon, and that would take care of the DCFS problem that is agreed upon. And as I indicated in committee yesterday, we are at the very beginning of Session; we have plenty of time to spend the billions of dollars that are going to be spent in this. So my request to you is, would you be willing to pull this bill out of the record, run the amended version that we can all agree on - and start this Session off on the right foot - and strip out the pork, like the nine million to bail out the East St. Louis School District, which is only the first of multiple bailouts? So the question that I come to, for you, Senator, is, will you pull this bill out of the record and go forward with an agreed plan that funds our roads, takes care of mental health and takes care of DCFS, and does so on a 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 broad bipartisan consensus basis, or do you insist on forging ahead with this flawed bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Senator Murphy. We've been working -- as you may recall, we've been working with caucuses from both Chambers, both sides of the aisle, in -- in discussing this supplemental. These discussions have been ongoing over the past few months. So, they're -- and we know what the needs are; we know what the immediate needs are. A lot of these issues here are not necessarily surprises. We discussed the capital components of this before, in lame-duck. And, you know, just on the -- the side here, on group health, this is an appropriation to address it. Some of -- some of these needs here are immediate and need to be addressed. And I believe, in -- in using your words, this is -- this strikes, you know, a proper balance to address transportation issues, immediate mental health issues, as well as human services and -- and the group health situation, I talked to you yesterday. So I -- as I said yesterday in committee, I would encourage you to reconsider your position and -- and vote Yes on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.
To -- to the bill, Mr. President. I -- I -- I understand your comments and your position, Senator. You've made that clear. The majority rules. I guess I would direct this remark to the new Members, those who recently ran on transparency and 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 bipartisanship, which I'm sure were the hallmarks of a number of campaigns last fall. The transparency part has already been blown: their unanimous votes on that side of the aisle to waive posting and give -- deprive people the opportunity to really vet this bill. Here's your bipartisanship opportunity. We are reaching out in a way to come to an agreement with you and we're asking you to reach back. For those Members who ran on that transparency and ran on that bipartisanship, take this opportunity. We are reaching out right off the bat in a spirit of bipartisanship and we're asking that you'll reach back. We urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. Sponsor {sic}. A few questions of Senator Kotowski, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield. Senator Rose.
Senator Kotowski, yesterday in committee, I appreciate some of your answers, but for the rest of the folks on the -- the Floor and those listening at home, I thought we might go over some of the components of the bill. One of the things that concerns me, and it was brought up in our conversations over the fall, with respect to the East St. Louis bailout. First of all, as the folks from the State Board admitted, this is not the first of the bailout; there'll be more to come. But what we're doing is -- already in current law, if the State of Illinois 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 takes over as a trustee or -- or otherwise to run a local school operation, the State is set by -- by legislative fiat - I think it was a thousand-dollar cap per head that gets paid. We're excepting this school district from that cap, correct? But we're not going to do that for any other school districts?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
This -- this bill addresses East St. Louis. And -- and might I add - I think this is important for the full context of our conversation - a hundred percent of the students in this district, as you know, Senator, are low-income. There's close to seven thousand students. So, in answer to the -- the question here, the amount that will be spent per student will be fourteen hundred dollars. Okay? That -- that's the amount that's going to be spent. And, typically - just so we all know, for the purposes of transparency - typically, there's a financial assistance fund that they go through. They go through the Illinois State Board of Education for a grant. Well, it was worked out with the House and this is a bipartisan effort to make sure that there was an appropriation directly made to the school district to address these issues.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.
Senator Kotowski, and -- and I appreciate that answer, but my point is not to deny the help to East St. Louis; my point is that it should be good for a kid anywhere. Certainly, I have poor-income school districts in my district. In fact, I've been 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 to almost forty of the fifty-odd school districts, in the last two -- two, three weeks, that I represent. And that, my friend -- those kids should deserve the same treatment if and when, you know, they have the same issue happen to them. Certainly, the kids in your district should deserve that. And my point is, this is an awfully slippery slope to exempt one school district. And by the way, that fourteen hundred dollars you just mentioned is only for this first piece, when, in fact, the State Board itself said they're going to be coming back and asking for more money later. And my -- my issue with this piece is that we're treating -- we're not treating everybody equally, and if it's fourteen hundred dollars, then it should be fourteen hundred dollars for everybody, whether it's East St. Louis, your kids or my kids. I -- I'd like to also ask you a little bit about the revenue side of this, how this is being paid for. I understand that there's eleven million dollars in diversions from the Local Government Distributive Fund, which really aren't our tax dollars to begin with for the State of Illinois; those are local tax dollars. They're coming from locally generated revenues. Is that correct that there's eleven million dollars being transferred/diverted from the Local Government Distributive Fund to pay for this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Thank -- thank you, Senator. The -- the thirty-one million in total that's available for the transfers out, there are three funds that's seen a -- lower transfer: Local Government Distributive Fund, Downstate Public Transportation, and State 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Tax Distributive Fund. So it's lower than what was anticipated then what was needed. So, this has been refined to make sure that these funds are available.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.
Mr. -- sorry, Mr. President. I'm still getting use to this button issue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) You're -- you're -- you're in the Senate now.
I know. I know. And I -- but, actually, my roll calls don't go any differently than they did in the House. So, if I may continue, Senator Kotowski. The -- the eleven million out of the Local Government Distributive Fund, but you did then just touch on the fact that there's, I think, 5.7 million out of the Downstate Public Transportation Fund as well. And does this supplemental address anything to do with the physician crisis in Illinois and the nursing crisis in Illinois? I was in Edgar County at the hospital last week, in Paris, and they've been recruiting a doctor for four years through residency to come to Paris, right on the Illinois-Indiana border. That doctor is now not coming to Illinois after four years because they can't get licensed in Illinois. There's nothing in this supplemental to address that. Is that accurate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator -- Senator Rose. Yeah. Well, you've asked the question. We'll let Senator Kotowski see if that's in the legislation. Senator Kotowski. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013
Could you please restate the question? I was just -- I had a question about what we were doing. I -- I wanted to answer something though. I think it's important for the context of this. Keep in mind when you're talking about the -- the funds that are being transferred out, that the -- like, for example, the -- the Local Government Distributive Fund, that amount was assumed to be transferred was based on Fiscal Year '12 projected transfers. However, the Fiscal Year '12 transfers included certain one-time transfers that are not repeated in Fiscal Year '13. So I just wanted to get back to the issue on that. Could you please restate your question, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Senator Kotowski. I -- I -- I -- it really wasn't a question; it was a note. So maybe this is better to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To -- to the bill, Senator Rose.
Thank you. I appreciate Senator Kotowski's forthright answers. I think the concern on our side is largely driven by, one, the speed of this. In fact, we asked yesterday to have some -- some additional time to look at it, work with you, because as Senator Murphy pointed out, there is some broad agreement in some of these items. But, also, you look through this bill, you see the Local Government Distribution {sic} Fund raid. That's not our money; that's local folks' money. It 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 doesn't address the growing physician crisis and nursing crisis in Illinois. That issue is not in here. You also have the Downstate Public Transportation component. But as a higher ed guy that represents a couple higher education institutions and a lot of community colleges, there's actually four things in here for Chicago State, of which one, the electrical piece, had kind of been on the agenda for some time and -- and is probably necessary. So, for a lot of reasons, I think it's interesting, to say the least, that the first "out of the box" bill to pass this General Assembly is a spending increase. Nonetheless, we have serious concerns about the timing, the fact that many of these things that have come on in this bill in the last couple weeks weren't talked about, were sweeteners to get the bill passed, and now it stands that there are some legitimate things in this bill. But, I appreciate the Senator's indulgence and the Body's indulgence. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise? There he is. Senator Brady.
Thank you, Mr. President. I am -- I -- I stand in opposition to much of this legislation and in support of others. I think we need to realize that…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Brady, to the bill? Is that what… Yes, to the bill. Senator Brady.
Thank you, Mr. President. The -- we obviously need the jobs and public safety that would be created through the Road 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Fund portion of this funding. And we, on this side of the aisle, stand in support of that. We regretfully -- state that we would like to work with you on that because it's so important for public safety and jobs. But the huge massive size of this 2.2-billion-dollar bill is something that I can't support given the economic nature of what we're dealing with. We regret that this is the way we're starting this Session, that your side of the aisle is pushing forward something that we would like to work with you on, that you're diverting money from the Road Fund that we need to have invested in our roads, and -- and -- and just hope that the rest of this Session doesn't continue down this path. You're -- you're likely to pass this piece of legislation. It sends the wrong message, I think, to the people of Illinois when we could've sent the right message.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Hunter.
Senator Kotowski, I'm speaking for the record. Yesterday in Appropriations II, there was a question raised to the Director of -- of IDOT regarding the substantial amount of dollars in the Road Fund line. And many of you know that this past Session I was trying to get a bill through to assist disadvantaged businesses, creating a revolving loan fund. And I was standing in the back and I -- I believe I heard that -- 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 heard commitment from the Director of IDOT that she, her staff, and the Governor's Office was going to give their full support behind my legislation that I'm going to reintroduce this Session. Is that correct, Senator Kotowski?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield. Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Leader Hunter. The -- I -- I believe that Secretary Schneider indicated her willingness to work with you on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
You know, I'm -- I'm really reluctant to support this bill. I've been a very loyal Democrat for ten years. I've supported practically every major piece of legislation that -- sometimes I did not want to vote for it, but I voted for it anyway to support my colleagues. And I would just hope that in the future, that when minority interests are put out here, that we get the support - the same support we give you all, I expect the same support back from you all. I am happy that twelve million dollars was put in the budget to address the community mental health issue. I really, really appreciate that, and I also am very -- very happy that dollars went into the budget to address the Chicago State issue, because that is truly a serious public health issue. So I just simply had to say this and go on the record, Mr. President. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Seeing no further discussion, 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 Senator Kotowski, to close.
Thank you very much. I -- I appreciate the questions and the spirited debate on this issue. As indicated in our discussions, we've been reviewing this and going over this for a significant period of time. We've had calls and bipartisan calls and -- and discussions and meetings to make sure we -- we review this. And, you know, obviously, you know, we've gone through the process - we've had legislation introduced, we've had it reviewed, we've had ongoing discussions. I think it's really important that people know this. Couple items within this: There isn't -- anybody isn't receiving any less than they're entitled to from the transfers out. There's nothing less than they're entitled to receive - number one. Number two, there was a Balanced Budget Note that was filed on this, for those who are talking about any kind of spending issues. And I just want to state what was indicated for the record. "The fiscal impact to the General Revenue Fund is negligible." Negligible. "Supplemental appropriations provided from other State and federal funds are provided on the basis of the available {sic} (availability of) moneys in those funds." So the impact is negligible. It's offset. And secondly, the capital funding for everything is based on pay-as-you-go. So this is a good initiative. It's going to support human services, community-based mental health, which is desperately needed. It's going to make sure we address an exigent need, exigent need, in a school district that is suffering right now. And -- and I just say, for people who brought it up, if there's an issue with their school district, file a bill. We'll work on 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 it. We have a history of working on education and working together to make sure we have the funds necessary to do that. I'm willing to vote Yes on areas like that. Seven thousand students. Remember that number - seven thousand. And remember the number of jobs that'll be created as a result of this - remember that when you go back to your district, whether you voted Yes or No - and the projects that are created. Remember that, 'cause I think they will. I simply ask for a Yes vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 190 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? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 38 voting Aye, 15 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 190, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to continue on page 2 of the printed Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bills 2nd Reading. We have Senate Bill 20. The sponsorship has been changed to Senator Harmon. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 20. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your announcement, Senator Silverstein.
Just to -- just to announce that there'll be a Democratic caucus immediately after adjournment in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. All members of the Committee on Assignments please come to the President’s Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) 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: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Senate Bill 1170; refer to Appropriations I Committee - Senate Bill 1193; refer to Appropriations II Committee - Senate Bill 29; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bill 1192; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bill 1221; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 27, 34, 35, 40, 55, 1216, 1223, 1224, 1245 and 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 House Bill 156; refer to Executive Appointments Committee - Senate Bill 1188 and Appointment Message 38; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 56, Senate Bill 1198 and Senate Bill 1218; refer to Human Services Committee - Senate Bills 1186, 1197 and 1225; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bill 1194; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 42, 1164, 1169, 1171, 1195, 1207, 1210, 1219 and 1234; refer to Labor and Commerce Committee - Senate Bill 1222; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Senate Bills 1168, 1184, 1217 and 1229; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bills 1204 and 1244; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Bills 1191 and 1226; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 1196, 1227 and 1228; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Bills - - Senate Bill 1213 and Senate Resolution 65; refer to Transportation Committee - Senate Bills 1214, 1215 and 1233; re- refer from Public Health Committee to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bill 69. Signed, Senator Don Harmon, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I -- if I can have your attention for an announcement. Like to announce that Session scheduled for Friday, February the 15th, has been canceled. Friday, February 15th Session day has been canceled. The Chair would also like to remind all Members that Friday, the 15th - February the 15th - at noon is the Senate bill introduction deadline. If you have Senate bills to introduce, please do so by Friday, the 15th, at noon. So the two announcements: Friday, February 15th Session day is canceled 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013 and that noon on the 15th is also the last day to introduce -- for introduction deadline for Senate bills. Ladies and Gentlemen, 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 SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it and the motion carries. And the resolutions are adopted. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 11. Offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads HJR No. 11) Adopted by the House, February 5th, 2013. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) On the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 11. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 10th Legislative Day 2/7/2013
House Joint Resolution 11, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Link moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 11. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Link moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 11. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 p.m. on the 13th day of February, 2013. The Senate stands adjourned. 27