PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Good morning. The regular Session of the 98th General Assembly will come to order. Will all the Members please by at their desks? Would our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Rabbi Barry Marks, Temple Israel, Springfield, Illinois. Rabbi Marks.
(Prayer by Rabbi Barry Marks)
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 Tuesday, May 27th, 2014.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Good morning, Senator Hunter.
Good morning, 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, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1244 and -- through 1248, offered by 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Senator Althoff and all Members. Senate Resolution 1249, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 1250, offered by Senator -- Senators Rose, Barickman and all Members. Senate Resolution 1251, offered by Senator Sullivan and all Members. Senate Resolution 1252, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Ezell Rainey with Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Motions to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 798, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2958, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3283 and House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3283 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Motions to Concur: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1048, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1941, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2829, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2952, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2954, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3096, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3228, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3228, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3438; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2930 and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 5512 Recommend Do Adopt. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Motion -- Motion to Concur: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 219 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- 647 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Motions to Concur: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 902 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3049 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Mulroe, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Motions to Concur: House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2636, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3076, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3409 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3465 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 2640. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2640. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 3038, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3425, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 3574, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 27th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 3796, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3835, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, if you'll turn to page 14 of your printed Calendar, towards the top of the page, we have House Bill 3942. Senator McGuire, would you like to move this bill to 3rd? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3942. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now, Mr. Secretary, if -- we'll go to House Bill 5889. House Bill 5889. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5889. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor immediately? We will be going to the Order of 3rd Readings. All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor immediately. All Members to the Senate Floor. Senator Mattie Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please may -- state your point. Senator Hunter.
Mr. -- thank you, Mr. President. In 1897 to 1912, then Illinois Secretary of State was James Rose, who served fifteen years. And today, our very own Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has surpassed Mr. Rose by becoming the longest-serving Secretary of State in the history of the State of Illinois by outdoing him. He has 15.5 years. Secretary White has had an impressive public service career in the State of Illinois. We all know that he served six years as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. He also served sixteen years as a State Rep, and now, the 15.5 years as Secretary of State, which gives him a grand total - boy, that's going to be a wonderful pension - 36.5 years of dedicated service to the people of the State of Illinois. So, today, if you get a moment, go down to his office. He's hosting a reception in his honor. And just go by and say -- say congratulations and shake the man's hand. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Thank you. And thank you, Secretary White, if you're listening. Thank you for your service. Thank you, Senator Hunter. Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) State your point, Senator Jacobs.
I would just like to rise as well on behalf of Senator Jesse White -- or, excuse me - Senator - I promoted him, haven’t I? - Secretary Jesse White. Jesse White is a great leader. I think he'll work another thirty-six years. The man has incredible stamina and he's done a great job for the State of Illinois. And he gave me an opportunity when no one else would and I greatly appreciate his service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Senator Jacobs. Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Van Pelt.
And I just wanted to say that the Secretary of State Jesse White has done a dynamic job. I'm very proud of his work. Also want to say that there is plenty of good food in his office for whoever wants it. So, let us not miss shaking his hand and let us not miss all those goodies he has down there as well. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Thank you, and thank you for making that point. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McCann, please state your point. SENATOR McCANN: Mr. President, I'm joined today my -- by the youngest McCann, my daughter, Katie Grace McCann. And when she grows up, she says that she would very much like to be a ballet teacher. And she is just completing kindergarten and looks forward to first grade. She says her favorite subject is science, and when I asked her today what her -- what she was most anticipating, what she was most looking forward to, she said it was -- she was looking most forward to meeting all of you. So, please come over and say hello at your leisure. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Miss McCann to the Illinois Senate. Nice to have you joining us here today. Thank you so much. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Hastings.
Today I have the honor of having my community outreach liaison with me from our district, Miss Cassandra Matz. Cassandra's a -- a proud mom of three children. And I can tell you, she works tirelessly for the residents of the 19 District. And I just wanted 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 to give her a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Cassandra to the Illinois Senate. Thanks for joining us today. Pleased to have you here. Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, we're ready to go to the Order of 3rd Readings. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Immediately, all Members within the sound of my voice to the Senate Floor. We're -- we're ready to go to the Order of 3rd Readings. Ladies and Gentlemen, still on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 3784. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, indicates he'd like to move that bill to 3rd. Read the bill, please.
House Bill 3784. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your announcement, Senator Brady.
Like to introduce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 an intern of mine. He's from St. Joseph, Illinois. He's a constituent of Senator Chapin Rose. He's a senior at Illinois State University, a former journalist with Public Relations and Student Association {sic} (Public Relations Student Society), involved in a lot of activities. He'll graduate from Illinois State University in December of 2014. He's volunteering his time to work hard for the people of Illinois in the 44th District. His name is Roth Vowels. I would ask the Members of the General Assembly to recognize him being here today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome our guest to the Illinois Senate. Great to have you here today. Thanks for joining us. Jim Mastri with WLS-TV Chicago requests permission to videotape. And Garrett Brnger with WICS requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to go to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, if you'll turn to page 8 on the printed Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to start with House Bill 2930. Senator Rose. Senator Rose seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2930 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2930. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose, to present Floor Amendment 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 1 becomes the bill, changes the substance entirely. It deals with a property transfer 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Act. I'd like to adopt the amendment and then debate it on 3rd, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, we have House Bill 2930. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2930. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill deals with something known as the Prairie Wind Trail and a nineteen-year lawsuit in this State. We now have an agreement of all the parties, Department of Natural Resources, my local constituents, and -- that would allow the transfer back of these parcels that are under dispute to the local landowners on either the south side or the north side of the railroad tracks. I want to personally thank Mr. Madiar and his staff, who spent quite a bit of time helping draft this amendment, as well as Jo Johnson from our staff - and I don’t know if Jo's out here. But, quite frankly, all of our staff 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 members do quite a bit to help us every day and we don't say thanks enough. And in this case, I want to personally recognize both of them. It is an agreed bill now. It's a nineteen-year controversy that I hope we will finally put to bed. For the record, twelve years ago, when I came here as a freshman, I told DNR they needed to do this. They're -- now finally agreed with me. So, I hope we can do it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Haine.
My question to you, Senator Rose, is have you read Charles Dickens's Bleak House?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Haine, I'm wondering why that's germane to this legislation. Senator Haine.
It involves a lawsuit and is Charles Dickens's commentary on the legal political system of -- of England. And at the end of this interminable lawsuit, it -- all the estate was taken by the lawyers. My question is, did the lawyers do well in this nineteen- year lawsuit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose, I guess I'll allow that question and a response. Senator Rose. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
Yeah, excellent question, counsel. And, in fact, my purpose in bringing this bill is to stop the bleeding for the taxpayers, who have now expended almost a million dollars in defense of the indefensible. And, therefore, hopefully this puts this whole thing to bed, the lawsuit ends, everybody goes home happy, and DNR has finally agreed with that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Haine.
Dickens would be pleased. I recommend an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Seeing no further discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 2930 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2930, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Alex Davis with WCIA 3 requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 3796. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 We have received a like Message on House Bill 3835. Passed the House, May 27th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on House Bills 3rd Reading. We will not necessarily be following the Calendar. We have a list of bills that are ready to go. On page 9 of the printed Calendar, we have House Bill 3672. Senator Hutchinson. Mr. Secretary, let's go to House Bill 3814. Leader Lightford. Next up, let's go to - page 9 still - House Bill 4205. Senator Forby. Welcome back. Senator Forby. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4205. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Forby.
Thank you. House Bill -- this is a CD -- CDB bill, 4205, and what this bill does, the first, second and third people after the bidding's over, they're the only ones that have to turn their bids in, instead of all ten people. If there's ten or fifteen people, however many bids on it, there's just the three people, first, second and third, have to turn all their paperwork in. No opposition to this bill. I'll ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4205 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4205, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, still on page 9, we have House Bill 4223. Senator Forby, on 4223. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Forby.
Thank you. House Bill 4329 is a bill when a person turns seventy-five years old, they can buy a -- a license… No, I don’t want to run that bill. Out of the order {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) I'm sorry. Did you want to take that one out of the record? Mr. Secretary, take 4223 out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 10 of the printed Calendar - we're still on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading - we have House Bill 4304. Senator Emil Jones, on 4304. Do you wish to proceed? Indicates he does not. Let's go to House Bill 4329. Senator Forby, on 4329. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4329. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Forby.
Thank you. House Bill 4329, and what this bill does, when you turn the age of seventy-five years old, you can buy a hunting {sic} (sport fishing) license for a dollar, and it used to be five dollars. And a salmon stamp is free. Trout stamp is free. Hunting license -- a special {sic} (all species) hunting license was twelve; now it's a dollar. Water fowl is free. Habitat Stamp, free, and Pheasant. What this bill really does, when you turn seventy-five years old, it only costs you a dollar for a hunting and fishing license. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4329 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 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4329, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we're going to go -- still on page 10, House Bill 4527. Leader Lightford. Let's go to House Bill 4530. Senator Althoff. Senator Althoff. Indicates she does not wish to proceed. Let's go to House Bill 4649. Leader Harmon. Mr. Secretary, let's go to House Bill 4652. Leader Hunter, on 4652. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4652. (Secretary reads title of bill) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4652 changes the number of scholarships and fee waivers that the Department of Children and Family Services must provide to its Department Scholarship Program for the children who are involved in the -- the child welfare system and that -- it also requires the Department to collect data and report annually to the General Assembly regarding the success of the program. I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield for a question. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I know we talked about this in committee, but can you give us what an estimated cost of this new or expanded program is going to be in the -- for the budget?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
There's really no increase, Senator. Each -- each scholarship is equivalent to four hundred and ninety-one dollars a month and DCFS already has the dollars. And there is no increase at all. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Syverson.
If we're increasing the number of scholarships we're giving and we're extending the length of the time of the scholarship, there has to be a -- there has to be a budgetary cost to that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
So, basically, Senator, they've been underutilizing the funding and we're basically giving them more flexibility to utilize the funding. So there is no additional dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Syverson.
So, the amount of money spent on this program in this current year, that dollar amount that was -- they actually spent this year, is the same dollar amount that will be expended next year in the program, or are we talking about appropriated moneys as opposed to spent moneys?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
Actually, Senator, it is the same amount of dollars that was appropriated for -- but it was underutilized. So, there are no additional dollars. The dollars remain in the budget that was already there. We're just restructuring it to make sure that we can use the dollar -- that -- that the scholarships are going to be fully utilized, and DCFS took a better look at it to determine 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 whether or not they can restructure the scholarships, restructure the program and to make it stronger. And so that's basically what we're doing here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Syverson.
Well, I guess here's the problem with -- I guess my concern with the program is that we're going from forty-eight to fifty- three scholarships that are being given, and the scholarships that are being given here, we're talking about full-ride scholarships. So, currently, students get four years. Students now will get a five-year full-ride scholarship paid for by each university. So it doesn’t come out of the State's budgets, but the universities will be incurring this cost, because now we're going to have five years of -- of college paid for, for each student. In addition, then the State's going to pay the four hundred and thirty-one dollars, is the spending money, each month for those students for five years as well. So, between the cost that the -- the universities have to absorb and if we're going to be paying out this four hundred and thirty-one dollars a month more for additional students, this has to cost more in this budget than what is being spent now. Now, last year, they lapsed some money, which is good, but that just means that wasn't money that was spent. Under this plan, there is going to be increased spending, because we're adding five more scholarships that the universities and the State has to pay for. So, I guess my concern with -- I understand the goal of this program, but at a time when we can't pay our veterans' bills, at a time we can’t pay for other programs at universities for scholarships, we're expanding what is the 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 richest scholarship program in the State of Illinois, the only one that gives full rides, five years, all expenses, plus four hundred and thirty-one dollars a month of spending. This is going to end up being a very expensive program at a time the State can’t afford it. So, I reluctantly rise and urge a -- a No vote on this -- on this expanded program. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Seeing no further discussion, you wish to close, Senator Hunter? Do you wish to close? Senator Hunter.
Yes, I will close, Mr. President, but I'd like to state that this program has been in operation for over forty years. The Senator over there is assuming that all of the scholarships are going to be utilized, which is not accurate. And -- and I just think that this is the -- a great thing that we're doing for our -- our wards of the State. And I -- I would just ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4652 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 34 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4652, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, Ladies and Gentlemen, let's go to -- Senator LaHood, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Please state your point, Senator LaHood. SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm very proud to represent Galesburg, Illinois, along with you, Senator Sullivan. And today we have some very special guests in the gallery. We have some folks from Stone-Hayes Independent Living that are here, sixteen of 'em that are here - if you guys could wave up there - behind the Republican side and up top there. They are here for what’s called their "legislative days" here in Springfield and we're very happy to welcome them, and I know Senator Sullivan is also. So I'd like the Senate to give them a warm Springfield welcome here today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome the folks from Stone- Hayes and Galesburg. Glad to have you here today. Thank you so much for joining us. Continuing on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, we have House Bill 5017. Leader Link. Indicates he does not wish to proceed. Let's go to House Bill 5322. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5322. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate {sic} Bill 5322 allows community interest -- community -- common interest community associations and condominium 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 associations the ability to adopt rules authorizing the use of electronic voting on association matters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 5322 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5322, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we have House Bill 5342. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're on page 11 of the printed Calendar. Senator Koehler. Indicates he'd like to proceed. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5342 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 5342. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Holmes, to present Floor Amendment 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Illinois Banking Act and the Savings Bank Act by requiring the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations {sic} (Regulation) to adopt rules regarding the auditing of banks and saving {sic} (savings) banks. The Secretary may also issue guidance and opinions that may be relied upon by the banks and the saving {sic} banks, and it also clarifies how they conduct audits 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 and will give clear line -- guidelines for those entities to follow. The Bankers actually proposed this bill, because it sort of gave them the ability to provide a level playing field regarding examinations for all State-chartered financial institutions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5342. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5342. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This bill amends the Illinois Credit Union Act by defining "charitable donation account" and establishing rules governing its operation, calling upon the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to adopt rules to ensure consistency in its examinations of credit unions, requiring credit unions to make adequate training available to members of their boards of directors, mandating annual training of the supervisory committee of credit unions, exempting 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 the collateral association {sic} with an existing loan that is secured by an interest in real estate from a new appraisal under certain circumstances, and allowing credit unions to represent and enter into agreements with other credit unions for specific purposes. You heard Senator Holmes explain the amendment. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 5342 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5342, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we have House Bill 5348. Now we're on page 12 of the printed Calendar, still on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 5348. Senator Morrison. Let's go to -- still on page 12, let's go to House Bill 5433. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5433. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is an initiative of the State Comptroller's Office and requires entities that receive payments from a payroll or retirement voluntary deduction to use 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 direct deposit. The bill was presented in the committee without opposition. And I'd be happy to take any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 5433 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5433, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we have House Bill -- we're on page 13 now, Ladies and Gentlemen. House Bill 5584. Leader Muñoz. Let's go -- still on page 13, let's go to House Bill 5622. Senator Raoul, on 5622. Indicates he does not wish to proceed. Let's go to -- we're now on page 14 of the printed Calendar, still on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. We have House Bill 5869. Senator Bush, on 5869. Indicates she'd like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5869. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bush.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. HB 5869 is a bill that has to do with the Fish and Wildlife {sic} (Aquatic Life) Code. What it does is it changes the release of aquatic 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 wildlife {sic} from a -- excuse me, from a petty offense to a Class B misdemeanor. So that, in the future, should someone let something like Asian carp go into our waters, it's now a fineable offense. And I'd be happy to answer any questions. I know of no objections.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 5869 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5869, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up - we're still on page 14 - House Bill 5892. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5892. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill would allow any trained personnel in a school, instead of just school nurses, to administer undesignated epinephrine pens to any person. Current law authorizes only a school nurse to provide or administer an EpiPen that matches a student's prescription on file or administer an EpiPen to any student that is having a reaction. Current law also provides that a school may maintain a supply of EpiPens prescribed 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 by a physician. So, the bill would afford us the opportunity to give limited expansion to trained personnel in school districts to administer epinephrine in an emergency situation. I know of no opposition to the bill. Be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 5892 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5892, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Still on page 14, we have House Bill 5903. Senator Forby. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) House Bill 5911. Leader Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5911. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Leader Sullivan, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The bill amends the Wildlife Code and the Freedom of Information Act to exempt the location of traps and snares from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Be more than happy to answer any questions. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5911 pass. 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 56 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 5911, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Leader Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, there's a young man - Russell, come back over here a minute - that has been on our staff for, I think, about three years. Is that correct? Three to four years. Russell Orrill, he's been our staffer for the Ag and Conservation Committee. He's actually from Schuyler County, my home county. He's a Western Illinois University graduate. He began -- he started his career in government as an intern in my Macomb district office with Sheila Miller, my office director up there. He is -- he's leaving the Senate. He's going to be going to work for the Illinois Farm Bureau, which we're really thrilled about that. He's been a -- he's just an outstanding young man, somebody that has very -- worked very hard, very dedicated, very sincere. And I'd just like everybody to -- to give Russell a round of applause and show him our appreciation and our thanks for a job well done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Good luck, Russell, and you learned from one of the best. Senator Noland, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3816 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Noland moves to waive all notices and posting requirements so -- Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Yes, he will.
Thank you. Senator Noland, the idea that -- that perhaps your party and the Governor have been interested in raising taxes on -- on some Illinoisans or all Illinoisans has been floating around this Capitol building since well before the Session began. My question to you is, why is it now, in the last three days of Session, have you decided you need to waive the posting requirement and move this issue forward now? Isn't this something that could have been done much, much earlier in this process?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Noland.
Thank you for the question, Senator. This is simply for the purposes of debating this -- this bill further in the Executive Committee. And I would just simply remind the Body that this is a bill that is posing that we offer a referendum to the people to 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 let them decide -- further decide what our policy ought to be moving forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
Do you believe, Senator, that the -- that the citizens should have a right to not only vote on this issue, but voice their opinion on an extension of the current tax increase or the issue of establishing a fair remapping process? I mean, what -- give me the boundaries, if you would, about what -- what is appropriate, you think, to seek the voters' counsel on in this manner and what is not with regards to fair map or an extension of the tax increase, which you've said that you're for? I mean, where's that boundary?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Noland.
Well, Senator, this is more of a constitutional question that would probably be better taken up in a constitutional convention. I'm not sure that we have the time or the resources to engage in that dialogue here today, but I would say to you, in response to your question, I am a big fan of the citizen legislature. So hopefully that provides you a more global perspective or understanding of my -- my perspective on this issue. And to the more pointed question regarding the other specific referendums that you had inquired about, my response for that would be, as well, yes, I would ask that -- I would -- I would be amenable to allowing the people to decide.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter, this is a motion, not the bill, so we can 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 debate that at a -- another time, but… Senator Righter.
Request a roll call on the motion, please. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Leader Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. You, on the other side of the aisle, have generally extended us the courtesy of asking us about waiving postings, and in an effort to accommodate that, when it's not a controversial bill, we've been very accommodating. I understand there's two more motions to waive coming up, which I'm in support of, but this I do not believe is the right thing to do, and that courtesy will be in short supply as we near the end of Session. I hope that it won't be abused.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Noland moves to waive all notice and posting requirements said -- so that House Bill 3816 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee. 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 Ayes, 17 Nays, none voting Present. All posting requirements are waived. Senator -- Senator Sullivan in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to go back to House Bill - - or continue -- continue on with House Bills 3rd Reading. We're going to go to House Bill 3814. Leader Lightford, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
House Bill 3814. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a bill to create the Minimum Wage Increase Referendum Act and places a non-binding advisory question on the November 4 of 2014 ballot. House Bill 3814 specifically asks the voters whether the minimum wage in Illinois for adults over the age of eighteen be increased to ten dollars per hour on January 1 of 2015. The Raise Illinois Coalition has worked really hard on this measure. I'm pretty sure many of you are familiar with all the measures that I've worked on over the years. We recently had Senate Bill 68 that did pass Exec Committee, but I found that this would be more appropriate at this time. And I'd ask for an Aye vote. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Murphy.
Senator, I continue to appreciate your sincere belief in the wisdom of this move, just as I continue to sincerely believe it 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 will make it harder for people to work, particularly the very people you are trying to help. This particular version of it, though -- I guess I had a little bit more respect for Senate Bill 68, 'cause it was an actual bill. This, though, really has the look of an election year political stunt, where you're trying to drive base turnout because you're afraid they're not otherwise going to come out to vote. We had a lengthy discussion in committee. You know, you referenced polling and, you know, you felt like this would be helpful to get people to feel more comfortable to vote for an actual bill, but you already have polling that shows in a lot of districts it's popular, and people in our business are comfortable with polling. So I -- I don’t know that we're going to get a whole lot more out of this from a comfort level than the polling information that people already have, which further leads me to conclude this isn’t really about making people feel comfortable in this building. It's about getting people who are comfortable sitting on their couch on Election Day up off their couch to go vote. To the merits of the minimum wage, I think part of the reason this has stalled to date is part of the reason it stalled in Washington too - the CBO came out and pointed out that this will hurt and cost jobs. That's why it stalled in Washington. That's why it stalled here. The fastest growing job growth states in the country have a lower minimum wage than us. The slow growth states, like Illinois, have the highest minimum wage. It's not a coincidence. Finally, the very people you intend to help with this, if they are making eight twenty-five an hour now, if they're among those who lose their job, because you priced them out of the labor market with your bill, you didn’t do them a favor - you hurt 'em. And for a single person who makes 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 the minimum wage now, they live above the poverty level, but if you cost them their job with this, they will go below the poverty level. Again, I appreciate the well-intended nature of your advocacy, but I question the economics and I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield for a question. Senator Oberweis.
Senator, thank you for your efforts in this regard. I assume you're aware that I had also filed a bill to raise the minimum wage in Illinois to ten dollars over the next three years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator -- Leader Lightford.
No, I was not aware of that effort. You did share with me a suggestion to raise the teen subminimum so that teens who are currently eighteen to twenty would receive fifty cents less than minimum wage. You want to raise that age to twenty-six. So, therefore, they're not teens any longer; they're actually adults making fifty cents less than minimum wage. Now that was the suggestion that you brought to my attention, so that's the only one that I'm aware of, and I just thought that was a -- not a very good idea.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Oberweis. 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
Yeah. Well, Senator, let me clarify that. You are absolutely, totally, completely misinformed on that. It's not even close. The suggestion that I made to you was to modify your bill to have it apply to those twenty-six and older for the higher minimum wage. Having received no response from you, I filed a bill that would have increased the minimum wage to nine dollars on January 1, to nine fifty the following January 1, and to ten the following January 1, again, applying to those twenty-six and older. The advantage being that this would not cause the huge loss of jobs that the original bill that you had proposed would cause according to the Congressional Budget Office, a bipartisan, nonpartisan group, and would still do some of the good that you're bill would have done, namely in providing some wage support for those who have been in the workforce for a period of time and are qualified to move on to higher-paying jobs. And, yet, Senator, my bill has not even been given a hearing. It was assigned to Executive Subcommittee. They assigned a hearing in Chicago after we adjourned a week or two ago, but as soon as I said, "Yes, I'll be there", they canceled the meeting so that we could not have a hearing. We could not even have a chance to discuss this issue. And now you're -- you're coming back and wanting to take this -- we have two bills that are available to be discussed, voted on, and instead of that, we're going to put a referendum on that will be meaningless, instead of having meaningful discussion on this issue with -- with two bills already available to be voted on?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Lightford.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 So, Senator, a number of things -- you said a lot there, so I want to clear up the first item that you said. You were very clear to me when you indicated that you would want the teen subminimum to raise to the age of twenty-six. Currently, in State law, eighteen- to twenty-year-olds - and I'm sure you're aware of this - receive fifty cent less than the -- the current minimum wage. You wanted that age to go to twenty-six. So I talked to some people who hire thousands of kids. I talked to Great America owner. I talked to the Illinois Association of Park Districts. I had the conversation with them about the teen subminimum age. Their suggestion was right around nineteen or twenty. They felt that twenty-one, you were an adult, that you were no longer a teen and you should make the same minimum wage. Your suggestion, again, was to take that age limit and increase it to twenty-six years old. That is what you said to me in my office behind this Chamber. You thought it was a good idea modifying {sic} Congress insurance and how kids are eligible to stay on their parents' insurance until they're twenty-six, and I told you that was a wonderful idea because perhaps they were still college students and needed the insurance. So it was actually helping them out, not making matters worse. So, first of all, let's be clear about what you asked me. Second of all, you missed the deadline to file Senate bills. We're doing House bills right now. You filed a Senate bill far after the deadline and it had no choice but to fall in the position that it did. You might want to take that up with someone else. To this bill, this is not Senate Bill 68. This is a referendum. I'm not addressing Senate Bill 68. Senate Bill 68 is on 3rd Reading. If you would like to speak to this -- the merits of the referendum, I would understand that, but you're talking about something that's 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 outside of the scope in what -- on what we're being asked to vote on. And one last point is that eighty-eight percent of all affected workers are at least twenty years old. It's not a teen -- minimum wage is not for little children anymore. Eighty-eight percent of workers are over twenty years old.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Oberweis.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}. Senator, let me clarify for the record, you obviously had a total and complete misunderstanding of what I was suggesting to you. I was suggesting to you exactly what I proposed in the bill and that would have increased the minimum wage for all those twenty-six and older, as I just specified a moment ago. It would not have extended the subminimum wage or the -- the young adult minimum wage at all. It wouldn't have affected that at all. It would have allowed everything for those twenty-five and younger to stay as is, but increased it for those twenty-six and older. That was my suggestion to you. Now, I'm not going to argue whether you misunderstood me or I didn’t explain it clearly enough that you understood. I think today at this moment, you now understand what my proposal was, which is the same as the bill that I filed. And, in fact, it was scheduled for a hearing. It was in a timely manner, but in fact, the hearing was canceled as soon as I said that I'm available to attend that hearing. So, once again, I'm -- I'm very frustrated and discouraged that we would refuse to even have a reasonable discussion on something as important as this, which I think you and I both agree on. This is something that should be debated, should be discussed, and we should be able to make a -- a decision 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 on. To -- to move from having a meaningful bill to a -- a non- binding resolution that is clearly political in nature instead of trying to solve our problems, when we've got real problems to solve, to me is a mistake and I encourage everyone in the Senate to vote against it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Lightford, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. A previous speaker brought up the idea of polling. I did mention in our Exec Committee that we polled some Members' districts. The polling is right around seventy percent. We polled Members on both sides of the aisle, and -- and in some Republican districts, the lowest-wage percentage was about sixty percent. So you might find that after this November election, for Members who may not be comfortable with the vote because you have businesses pulling you in a very different direction, you might find that our real bosses, the people who've elected us to be here, are wanting and needing a minimum wage increase. This increase would actually in -- affect and enhance over seven hundred thousand people -- lives right here in the State of Illinois. There's been tons of studies to show that this would not affect in a negative manner employment. Job loss is something that we've all been fighting for and working hard as a collective Body. This isn't a measure to turn us back around. I hope that you guys would support an effort to go -- to allow our constituents, the people who've elected us to be here, to be involved in the process and cast their vote on whether or not they feel that this is a worthy cause. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 3814 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 39 voting Aye, 17 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3814, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand at ease -- in -- will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. Before we do that, Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Rose.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm honored today to have Anna Toohill with me. She's a junior at the University of Illinois, originally from Wapella. Her parents are Randy and Cathy in Wapella. Her dad's actually on the DeWitt-Piatt water district and has been very helpful in my efforts to stop the PCBs from coming to the Clinton landfill. She's a political science major and she also works in the Illinois Student Senate Office, and when she's not doing that, she's -- enjoys time being a Pi Phi at the U of I. And if could welcome her to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Let's welcome her to the Illinois Senate. Glad to have you here today. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 to receive committee reports, but no further Floor… Excuse me, let me correct that. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and for further Floor action. We will be back to the Floor -- Floor for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Senate Joint Resolution 78; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - House Bill 3835; Be Approved for Consideration - House Bill 961, House Bill 2453 and House Bill 3796. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Criminal Law Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3522; refer to Energy Committee - Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 2427; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 200, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1463, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 3784, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5491, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 5622, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5755, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 79, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Senate Bill 3425; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 124; refer to Labor and Commerce Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3038; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 961, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3552; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 5512 and Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3437. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Mr. Secretary, Message. Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that -- the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 504. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 504. Passed the House, as amended, May 28th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES) 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform to the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 345. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 345. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 741, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 978, with House Amendment 3; Senate Bill 1098, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 2778, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 2801, with House Amendments 1 and 2; Senate Bill 2932, with House Amendments 1 and 2; Senate Bill 3222, with House Amendments 2 and 3; Senate Bill 3405, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3538, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3551, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 28th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, on the regular Calendar, towards the bottom of page 13, on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 924. Senator Harmon. Leader Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Mr. Secretary, excuse me, out of the record. Mr. Secretary, let's go to House Bill 1463. Senator 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Delgado. Do you wish to move this bill to 3rd? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Mr. Secretary, let's take 1463 out of the record. We'll come back to it in a little bit. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 200 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1011 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Joint Resolution 79 Be Adopted, as Amended; Motion to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3056 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 3816 Do Pass; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 1463, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 1463, Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 2747, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 5491, Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 5622 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 5755 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1255, offered by Senator Kotowski and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, on the bottom of page 13, still on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 1463. Senator Delgado. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1463. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Delgado.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Delgado, thank you for your patience. Please present Floor Amendment 1.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'm asking for the adoption of Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 and would be more than happy to explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the amendment? 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?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Delgado.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Delgado, on Floor Amendment 2.
Thank you, once again, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1463, I would ask for its full adoption of this Floor amendment and be willing to explain it on 3rd Reading, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on Amendment 2? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments, Mr. Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, let's turn to page 14 of the regular Calendar. Still on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 3963. Senator Martinez, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3963. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed. On the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 3816. Senator Noland. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3816. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. For purpose of announcement. 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your announcement, Senator Althoff.
…you. The Senate Republicans would like to caucus immediately in Senator Radogno's office for about sixty minutes. One hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, just a couple of notices here. First of all, the committees that were scheduled at 5:30 will -- will take place immediately following the Republican Caucus. So that will be approximately at 6:30 -- 6:20. In approximately one hour, after the Republican Caucus, those committees that were scheduled for 5:30 will take place, after the Republican Caucus. The recessed Appropriations II Committee will reconvene this evening at 6:45 in Room 212. So, the recessed Appropriations II Committee will reconvene this evening at 6:45, and that's in Room 212. Senator Althoff moves that the Senate recess for the purpose of a one-hour Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, motion is granted. The Senate now stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the Senate Republican Caucus and committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene for the purpose of committee reports only. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
…(microphone disengaged)…like Message on House Bill 6060. Passed the House, May 28th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee -- Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1253, offered by Senator Steans and all Members. Senate Resolution 1254, offered by Senator Stadelman and all Members. They are both death resolutions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 6093. We have received like Messages on House Bills 6094, 6095, 6096 and 6097. Passed the House, May 27th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 3793. We have received a like Message on House Bill 6060. Passed the House, May 28th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 3793, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6060, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6093, offered by President Cullerton and Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6094, offered by President Cullerton and Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6095, offered by President Cullerton and Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6096, offered by President Cullerton and Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6097, offered by President Cullerton and Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Human Services Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 741; refer to Judiciary Committee - 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 5/28/2014 Motion to Concur on House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 978; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1022; Be Approved for Consideration - House Bills 3793, 6060, 6093, 6094, 6095, 6096 and 6097. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a couple of announcements. The following Senate committees will meet tomorrow morning: Transportation in Room 212 at 8:30 a.m., Human Services at 9 a.m. in Room 409, Judiciary at 9 a.m. in Room 212, and Labor at 9:30 a.m. in Room 212. Once again: Transportation at 8:30 in Room 212, Human Services Committee at 9 a.m. in Room 409, Judiciary at 9 a.m. in Room 212, and Labor at 9:30 in Room 212. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 29th, 2014. The Senate is adjourned. 48