Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 28, 2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will come to order. Will all the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Robert Rasmus, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, Urbana, Illinois. Pastor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Bill Cunningham, to lead us in the Pledge.

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Good afternoon, Senator Mattie Hunter.

…good afternoon, 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.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Lisa Chess-Gustafson -- Gustafson, Blue -- with Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave -- leave is granted. Ladies and -- Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor. We're going to go to the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading momentarily. Then we will be going to 3rd Reading. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: For purposes of an introduction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your introduction, Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have assisting me today Jacob Miller. He's going into the ninth grade. He's going into high school. He's from Greenville, and as -- most of you know that Senator Watson, my predecessor, is from Greenville. And he's a fine young man. He's -- he's involved in track, art, industrial arts. He wants to be an architect someday. And, as always, I ask everyone who comes to assist me what the role of government is and he said, "It's to make our union better and keep our citizens in line". So maybe he can keep us in line today as well. Welcome Jacob Miller. His -- his mother, Faye, is up here, to my left. And so I'd appreciate it if you'd welcome them, please. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Jacob and Faye, welcome to the Illinois Senate. Thanks for joining us today. Great to have you here. Senator Collins, for 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege, an introduction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please -- please state your point and introduction, Senator Collins.

With me today, I also have a wonderful and beautiful Page. Her name is LexyAna Grace Gustafson. She recently moved to Illinois from Indiana, this year. She lives in Penfield. I believe that's Senator Bennett's district. And Lexy is eleven years old and attends Armstrong-Ellis Grade School and is in the fifth grade. You all should also know that Lexy is thriving in Illinois. She entered the Vermilion County Museum Abraham Lincoln Birthday Card Contest and won grand prize over two hundred other fifth grade students. Lexy made the honor roll and her favorite subject is reading. When she attends college, she wants to study biomedical engineering. And after only a couple of months at Armstrong Grade School, she joined the archery team and became a State Champion, competed in Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, and will compete in the NASP World Archery Tournament in two months in Nashville, Tennessee. So would you please welcome LexyAna Grace Gustafson? And her mother, by the way, works the camera right behind us, Lisa Gustafson. So please welcome LexyAna to the Chambers.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Lexy, congratulations on all your accomplishments and welcome to the Illinois Senate. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, as I indicated 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 earlier, we're going to go to the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. If you'll turn to page 24 of the regular Calendar, we're going to start with House Bill 175. Senator Duffy. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we're going to go to, same page, House Bill 217. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. House Bill 245, Mr. Secretary. 245. That was a change. 245. There we go. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration, 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Mr. Secretary?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Next up, we have House Bill 735. Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator -- Senator Cunningham, to present Floor Amendment 4.

Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment addresses some of the concerns that the Illinois Municipal League brought up. I ask for its adoption.

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?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 3rd Reading. Next up, we have House Bill 813. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2919. 2919. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Next up, we have House Bill 3237. 3237. Senator Muñoz, on 3237. Mr. Secretary, let's go to 3497. Senator Muñoz. Leader Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, House Bill 3763. President Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to House Bill 3763. Senator Forby is the hyphenated co- sponsor. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, again, all Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor. We're about to go to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please come to the President's Anteroom immediately? All members of the Committee on Assignments to the President's Anteroom. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, I see we have a former colleague has returned to visit us today. Two of 'em. By golly. Well, welcome back. Very good to see both of you. Welcome back to the Senate. Senator Johnson and Senator Schmidt, welcome back. I forgot to introduce your names. I'm sorry. Good to see you. Over here with Senator Forby. Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?

For the purpose of introduction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Please make your introduction, Senator Bennett.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Body. I wanted to introduce you to one of my constituents that I'm very proud of, Justin Ottino. Justin just graduated last week from Westville High School, but he also, when he -- when he left there, he didn't just leave with a high school diploma, he also left with an associate's degree from Danville Area Community College. In addition to that, he works three jobs. He is -- he plays on the basketball team, the baseball team. He is a four-year class president and four-year member of the student council. And next year, he'll start Indiana State University and major in criminal justice. This is exactly the type of student we want staying here in Illinois and I think this is a conversation we're going to have to have both on dual enrollment but also on the cost of in-state public school tuition. But I would -- for this day, I'd at least like you to try to beckon him back to Illinois by giving him a warm welcome from the Senate. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Justin to the Illinois Senate. Thanks for joining us today. Nice to have you here. Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your point, Senator Oberweis.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Trish, Joe, and Nick, welcome to the Senate. Thanks for joining us today. Nice to have you here. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we're going to go to the Order -- back to the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. On page 25 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 3237. 3237. Senator Muñoz indicates he'd like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz, on Floor Amendment 1. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. The amendment becomes the bill, which I will explain on 3rd Reading. I…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz asks for the adoption of Floor Amendment 1. 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 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we'll go to House Bill 3497, also on the Order of Senate -- excuse me, House Bills 2nd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz, on Floor Amendment 2. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for the adoption of Floor Amendment 2, which I'll explain on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the amendment? Senator Muñoz asks for its adoption. Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to go to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body… Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, with leave of the Body, we're going to go to House Bill 4146. Mr. Secretary has indicated to me that he has paperwork to allow Senator Kotowski and/or Senator Steans to present these amendments on these - two, four, six, eight - about ten or eleven bills. First up is House Bill 4146. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. Shhh! Please, Ladies and Gentlemen, we're on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Kotowski, please proceed.

Thank you, Mr. President. It's a pleasure to see you here today. Welcome to everyone in the General Assembly, in the Senate. I would -- permission to address House Bill 4146. Makes appropriations to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the Monetary Award Program for fiscal year '16. In total, House Bill 4146 appropriates three hundred and ninety-seven million all funds for MAP, which represents a thirty-two-million-dollar increase as compared to three-hundred-and-sixty-four-million GRF appropriation for fiscal year 2015. This is a -- represents a commitment to investing in students, give them an opportunity to get access to affordable education. I believe there's an increase 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 of fifteen thousand students who'll get access to college, both private and public, in the State of Illinois as a by-product of this bill. Be more than happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Nybo. Excuse me. Never mind. Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?

Question of the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question, Senator Bennett.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, how does the amount appropriated to MAP under this proposal compare to the amount appropriated to MAP under the Governor's proposal?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you and good morning, Senator Bennett. It's great to see you here today. I appreciate the question. The Governor's proposal appropriates approximately three hundred and seventy three million for MAP. House Bill 4146 appropriates three hundred and ninety-seven million, which is an increase of an investment of about twenty-four million dollars as compared to the Governor's proposal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bennett.

And, Senator, how did you come up with the increased spending 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 levels for MAP?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you, Senator Bennett. Acknowledging that reductions in spending are necessary, we made the decision to reduce appropriation levels for operational expenses, grants, and programs for all public universities and higher education agencies. It is clear from the Governor's proposed budget that ensuring we have a properly educated workforce is the best -- best path to reducing our unemployment numbers. It's something I spoke about yesterday. So we made the decision to shift some of the savings from the spending reductions to universities and higher education to our State's premier need-based State grant program to help more of our low-income residents obtain a quality education. Think it's important to note, the average income in Illinois for an adult with a bachelor's degree is almost twice - that's twice - the average income for an adult whose education stopped with high school graduation - and their contributions back to the State in the form of tax revenue would obviously be significantly higher, too.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, please - shhh. Please, Ladies and Gentlemen, please hold the visiting down. We're -- we're talking about budgets here, please. Senator Bennett.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, do you have an estimate for how many new students will be served under your proposal?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Senator Kotowski.

I do. And -- and thank you, Mr. President, for acknowledging the fact that we're discussing the budget. According to ISAC, with an increase to MAP under House Bill 4146, the program could serve an additional fifteen thousand eligible students in the upcoming school year. That's fifteen thousand additional students.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bennett.

For those additional students, do we know what -- what types of institutions they'll be attending?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you, Senator. So ISAC looked at the actual applications that have been filed for this coming fall and where students said they wanted to go. According to their estimates, of the additional fifteen thousand students who would take grants, just under sixty percent, or about nine thousand, would be applying to community - - to community colleges. So, in short, the majority of this new money will be going to students attending a community college, which, I believe, is consistent with the Governor's intentions to expand access to higher education and to ensure our workforce is receiving the education and training necessary to meet the demands of our evolving economy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bennett. 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

Senator, in your opening remarks, you mentioned that the increased MAP funding under your proposal could lead to federal - - federal grants as well. Can you elaborate on that?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Sure, Senator. Yes, for this coming year, we have an opportunity to obtain some grant funding from the federal government. If an increase in MAP investment is approved by September 1st, it will qualify us to get a 4.6 million federal grant to sustain ISAC's outreach program - so we'd be able to qualify to get 4.6 million dollars, federal grant - in particular, their field staff that targets low-income and first-generation college students throughout the State. Just for some background on the outreach programming: The Illinois Student Assistance Corporation {sic} (Corps) of outreach staff served a hundred and ninety thousand students, parents, and educational professionals at sixty-four hundred events in four hundred and fifty different cities and towns in fiscal year '14. They partner with local schools, businesses, and non-profits to deliver free career and college planning and preparation services - workshops, presentations, one-on-one mentoring, college fairs, test prep, scholarship search, and help completing applications.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bennett.

Thank you, Senator, for that answer. It sounds like a good bill. Thank you. 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Good afternoon, Senator Murphy. For what purpose do you rise?

Good afternoon, Mr. President. A question of the sponsor, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Murphy.

I appreciate his courtesy in that regard. Senator, when was this bill filed?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I'll get an exact date in the House. I believe, Senator, the amendment was filed on Monday.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

This is a pretty substantive piece of legislation. Who -- who was in the room when these terms were negotiated? Was anybody from the Governor's Office, any of the Republican Members? Were any of the -- were any of the interest groups who have an interest in this bill? Were they part of the process of crafting this bill?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Sure. Thank -- thank you, Senator Murphy, for your question. As you know, during the appropriations process, we discussed MAP 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 at length. We've consistently talked about an increased investment in MAP because it is a successful program. In reference to your question, this is something we discussed as a -- as a priority within our caucus. We strongly believe we should invest in MAP. We believe it's an important program. As I indicated, fifteen thousand more students will get access to a world-class education in our State.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

The final decision was made as to how much you were going to put into the grant -- when the final decision was made as to how much you were going to put into these line items in the budget, who was in the room when that decision was made? Was there any representation from the Governor's Office or our side of the aisle, either in the Senate or the House, or any of the interest -- any of the -- the affected interested groups?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I appreciate the inquiry, Senator Murphy. This is something we've -- as I've talked to you about, we've been discussing at length. The issue, I -- I care passionately about. This is my legislation. I'm proposing it. I -- I've sat down with ISAC. We've talked with them. We've talked with Members of the House and the Senate. If you would like to sign on as a cosponsor of the bill, I'd love to have your support on it, because, as you know, this -- this -- this initiative is a very important one. It's a core priority we have in our State. It's a very key 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 investment. You know, I'd love to have you be a part of this and sign on as a cosponsor. In fact, it would be a feather in my cap, a bucket list moment for me. So please consider supporting the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

Senator, assuming this bill passes out of the Senate today, and it'll have already passed the House, is it your intention to send this bill immediately on to the Governor, or -- or will there be a procedural hold to keep this legislation in the Senate if it were to pass today?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I believe it goes back to the House, and it would be up to the House to decide what they're going to do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy. Senator Kotowski, did you want to… Senator Murphy.

Is it your intention, for any of the budget bills that you sponsor, to put a procedural hold in any way, shape, or form, or will those go immediately from the Chamber to the Governor?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Good -- good question, Senator. We have thirty days to certify, as you know, when a bill gets passed. I think that -- 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 that determination needs to be made upon the passage of the bill. So hopefully we'll get these bills out of here in a -- in an expedited manner and -- and get 'em to the Governor's desk and -- and start to move forward in the way we need to move forward to get the investment that's necessary to support this plan.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

To the bill, Mr. President. Thank you. You know, I just -- I -- I was listening to the debate the last couple days in a couple of the committees that we had on Leader Radogno's legislation put forth by the Governor and the -- the indignation over the process was just dripping from the walls in these committee rooms from our friends on the other side of the aisle. The arguments were that, you know what, these were secret meetings. Well, you know what, we weren't in your budget meetings when you did 'em with the House Democrats, neither was the Governor, neither, by the -- oh, and we didn't -- one of the other criticisms was that we didn't take into account the interest groups. So we didn't have the lobbyists expressly in the room, and as a result of that, this was -- this was a flawed process. Well, you didn't have anybody in the room other than -- well, we don't know, 'cause your secret meeting didn't include us. It's just -- it's fascinating how quickly you can turn on a dime from the indignation of a process that actually you were invited to be a part of, and were a part of, to something where not inviting us is perfectly okay and we move on. It's -- this is like Alice in Wonderland. And I would love to get -- I - - I can't wait till we get an honest answer, if you're really going to send the budget immediately to the Governor or if you're going 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 to play games with this like you're playing games with everything else and you're going to sit on it for thirty days. Because, let me tell you something, I know you guys think that you need to pass a budget to do your job - and that's fair; that is part of the job - however, however, if you pass a budget and you don't give it to the Governor, it's like the tree falling in the forest - you didn't really do it. So, if you're going to pass a budget, send it to him. If you're not, don't play anymore games. I urge a No vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for questions. Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

In answer to your question, no these dollars haven't appeared overnight.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Senator, you eloquently articulated this question yesterday, repeatedly, and -- and -- and I'm constantly impressed by your persistence on that front. So here's -- here's the thing, is we have an investment plan overall which is going to spend about 36.3 billion. So we're going -- making the argument to invest. Right? And so we need, as you know, three billion to -- to get to that investment place. So there's two stages to this. So, ultimately, you know, we've talked about we send this investment, you know, vision to the Governor, and he can decide to manage within the numbers, he can decide to veto the budget, decide to support revenue and support the investment. So, you know, we -- we still have some steps to go here, sir. I think it's the responsible thing to provide this budget, as we have, and I think this is what -- that we've indicated, at least on our side of the aisle, and just to reflect what we were saying before, that this is a key priority. MAP funding is an essential priority in the State. And you've talked about it a lot in committee and -- and, again, eloquently stated in committee how important this program is. So I think we'd like to see it funded. And I'd like to work with you on getting this supported and -- and appreciate the inquiry.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Well stated. Look, I -- I -- the concern that we have is a real concern that we need to invest in the people in the State of Illinois, and I know you share that concern - investing in higher education, investing in job training, investing in K through 12. I -- I think what -- what I would like to see happen, because we both share that concern, is for -- for us to work together, for you to step up and support that investment and for the Governor to support that investment. So, you know, at this point, I think it's important. This budget reflects the fact that we've stated 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 priorities and stated values that we'd like to see support. If you disagree with this stated priority, this stated investment goal, you can introduce a piece of legislation to reduce that. I offered that a few days ago. I thought I was quite accommodating in committee. And, typically, I do think I -- I offer that. Nobody has since, in that time, offered any kind of legislation to reduce that. So given that, in that vacuum - right? - or lack of introduction of a piece of legislation to reduce, I take that silence to mean assent, agreement of this investment priority. So this is something to move forward. I would like to work together with you to make sure we have the resources necessary to reach this stated investment goal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Glad you brought that up. Given that we're talking about our kids, it's -- my son Cooper, he's turning twelve today. So super Cooper's twelve. You know, right? We're not -- you know, we're 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 talking today and -- and, you know, an awesome kid. He's doing well in school and he and -- and doing well in baseball. So, you know, I don't think he's listening right now, but I love him dearly. And my wife and I talk about this all the time and I'm glad you're bringing this up, because we have a goal to get our kids to be able to go to college. We've said, here's how much money we need for them to go to college, here's how much money we need to -- to make, here's what we're going to need to invest. So, it's a goal, right? It's a stated purpose. It's a stated mission. It's a vision that we have, for our kids to go to a four- year school, to be able to have those funds necessary. We're not at that point yet, but we hope to be there, and this budget requires this -- this investment and -- and I -- this is -- you know, this isn't any kind of a -- we're not doing any smoke and mirrors here. We're stating a budget. We have a budget plan, an investment plan, and we're looking for -- for you. I would love to be able to have your support on initiative. I know you have institutes of higher learning in your district and I know they do a great job. They bolster the economy, they help people, they educate students, they develop our workforce. We need to step up. I mean, this document is the fact that we need to step up. I mean, we lost significant dollars. So how do we transform it? The State of Illinois, we invest in people; we invest in education. This is our opportunity. So, I'm glad you brought up my family. I'm glad you brought up those goals, you know. But, you know, you and I are thinking of things in the same way, but my goal over time is to be able to get my kids to go to school and make sure kids in the State of Illinois can go to school. And some kids, quite frankly, aren't in the same financial situation that you and I are in. And this MAP 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 program, they have the same graduation rate as non-MAP recipients - the same. That means, all things being equal, when we invest in students who {sic} average income level is seventeen thousand, or a family of four at thirty thousand, they graduate at the same rate. So what does that mean? Means we invest in education; we give 'em a chance to succeed and thrive and grow and develop and achieve a wonderful life. That's what this is about. That's why I'm here and I want your support - I need it. I want you to be a cosponsor, get on this bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill. 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: I -- I don't dare ask a question for fear that a distant -- another -- a distant relative might have a birthday or something and we'll have to hear all about it, but happy birthday to your son. You know, here's -- we -- we did talk about -- in Higher Ed, 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 we talked about MAP grants. And the unique thing about this is, in the last twelve years, the funding has stayed relatively flat. Okay? So this is very kind to offer an increase. But what hasn't stayed flat is the tuition. The cost is up two and a half times what it was twelve years ago. So it's very kind of you to say, "Even though we don't have the money, we'll give you more". But the truth is, where twelve years ago the MAP grant was providing a hundred percent, now it's only providing about thirty-five percent in a university, fifty-one percent in a community college. So I would suggest that we -- we focus -- one, we be honest about what we can afford and what we can't afford; that we not make promises that are going to be impossible in the eleventh and twelfth month of this budget to fulfill. However, I would suggest that we focus on reforms that would provide real offers for employment once these young people graduate. Just having the education is not going to give them the job offer. It will prepare them - you are correct - but it's not going to make the offer. Only structural reforms in this State is going to create that opportunity, create -- give that job creator the ability to say, "I need one more engineer. I need -- I need one more technician. I need somebody to -- to work here in Illinois." So I would suggest that we be a little bit more forthright with the fiscal reality and say this is all that we can do; we care about you, so we're going to give you more opportunity on the cost side and hold universities in this State accountable for what they've done to take away opportunity by raising costs. I urge a No vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?

28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Questions of the -- the sponsor, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for questions, Senator Mulroe.

Senator Kotowski, there's been some talk from the other side of the aisle about the process of getting some legislation to the Floor. Can you just remind us what that involves from start to how we got here today?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

As you know, I'm a big fan of your work, Senator Mulroe. So, you -- you -- you file a bill, right, and then it's assigned to a -- a committee, and then it's heard in committee, and then you have an opportunity to debate it, and then hopefully it's sent to the Floor, and then, subsequent to that, you can have a vote on it, move it from 2nd to 3rd Reading, or if you want to amend it at 3rd, and then that's passed and it goes over to the House. There's a process. I think your point is there's a process for getting legislation filed and we all should avail ourselves of the process. It's why we are paid by taxpayers, not just to advocate for them, but to advocate for changes in policy to make the State better. So it's a process available to everybody. There's no lock on the door there. Did I answer your question, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Mulroe.

Yes, you did, and you also mentioned earlier that you reached across the -- to the other side of the aisle and -- and asked them 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 to provide amendments to your bills that might reflect their priorities or investments in the -- the people of the State of Illinois and all the things we do for our people and our citizenry. And can you tell us how many amendments were filed on -- on their behalf?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I have not received any as of this moment - none.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Mulroe.

And we know that the -- the Governor, and -- on his behalf, that he's filed certain bills regarding his Turnaround Agenda. Can you tell many how -- how many bills that the Governor, or someone on his behalf, have filed, setting forth his priorities and investments in the people of the State of Illinois?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I believe there's -- are you talking about the legislation that was filed on behalf of the Governor?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Mulroe.

For budget purposes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Interesting point that you brought up there. We're trying to find out the -- the current budgetary fiscal savings related to the initiatives proposed from the Governor. Haven't determined - - or -- or failed to ascertain what kind of savings that'll provide immediately in the budget. I haven't received any amendments to the budget to try and propose any supposed spending, savings, or reforms. I will say, there's a -- there's a great initiative that I -- I think the Governor's Office has proposed that looks about having a consistent revenue forecast, multi-year revenue and spending forecast. I think there's a lot of wonderful ideas. I would love to have them as part of this investment initiative and -- and to be able to say that, you know, it was introduced. I sat down in one of these working groups and I thought this is a terrific idea. I know that the Senator for Palatine has been a strong proponent of it. And I know -- so it's a -- it's a very positive thing. So I would love to see that, but at this point, I haven't seen any legislation, hasn't been introduced, none have, unfortunately, have been filed by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, nor has anything been filed by the Governor's Office to these bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Mulroe.

To the bill, Mr. President. I'd just like to -- to close in saying, you know, Senator Kotowski has described this interaction between filing his bill, asking for amendments, not getting them as assent or agreement. Earlier today, we were in Judiciary. Some might categorize that as compromise.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he'll yield for questions, Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Sounds to me like you're -- you're dripping with respect with your inquiry and I greatly appreciate that. So we talked about - - I talked about the fact that for MAP grants - let me just get this right here. Right there - there's an opportunity to obtain some grant funding from the federal government. And it may have been difficult for people to -- to hear that, so I'll restate it: If an increase in spending for MAP is approved by September 1st, it will qualify us to get a 4.6-million-dollar federal grant to sustain ISAC's outreach program, in particular their field staff 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 that targets low-income and first-generation college students throughout the State. And that's what I indicated in my remarks.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski. Senator Righter, hold on one second while Senator Kotowski gets that information for you. Senator Kotowski.

Thank you for your patience, sir. I believe the number is 4.1 million. Million, yes. Think it's 4.1 million in order to secure that. So -- but I'll -- I'll get that confirmed with you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

So, the number I have for you, sir, is that - to thirteen - 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 it would need to be 10.7 million over fiscal year '13 levels.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you, sir. This is the information that was provided to us through ISAC and they indicated that this -- and I wish I could give you even more information on this, but this is what I have at this point, per what ISAC has provided to us. This is -- will qualify us -- this increased investment will qualify us to get a 4.6-million-dollar federal grant to sustain the outreach programming for ISAC. So apparently the dollars investment enables us to qualify it. As to the measures, I -- I need to get you some more information about that. But this dollar investment, it's -- looks like to me, it's one of these matchable components, where there's a -- there's an investment and the federal government sees our investment and they're willing to meet it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter. 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

It's in excess.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

So, I think the -- what I stated, the number was a thirty- two-million-dollar increase in MAP funding and I believe we needed to invest four million, so I'm going to say it's around twenty- eight-million-dollar additional funds in order to provide support for students to get access to MAP grants.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

…and I appreciate the concern of your constituent. If I were talking to your constituent, I would say, you know, there is an eligible universe, I believe, of three hundred and sixty thousand students who are eligible for MAP, whether they be through private schools or community colleges or public schools. This provides an opportunity to increase access. So we looked at a dollar amount. There's about fifteen thousand students that we estimate would benefit from it. Yeah. So I would say that it's an attempt to provide an affordable education for students in the State, to increase the amount that we spent last year, and to be able to support it. So it's a positive step forward.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Just want to be clear on my numbers, the numbers I've stated. I -- I recently wrote about this in an article for Reboot Illinois. 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 And there's about a hundred thirty-five thousand students who -- currently eligible for it, MAP grants. I think this has increased it by about fifteen thousand. So you're about a hundred and fifty thousand of -- of the eligible students of -- a hundred and fifty thousand of the three hundred and sixty thousand who are eligible. So we're not even getting close, but we are moving forward in the right direction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Good point, Senator, or good question. I think, you know, as stated before, about looking at the entirety of the budget, there's one area of the budget their costs have increased. And those are the areas we haven't really that much control over. This is an area, which you will recall, like the below-the-line spending, we've held that funding level from -- for the most part from last year to this year. And so this is one of the components. We've made some reductions in other areas, thought we had an opportunity to provide more of an increased investment in this area. You know, it's just -- it is what it is. It's an opportunity to do that. 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 We tried to show that we're holding investment levels level from last year to this and this was an opportunity. We looked at other line items and said we're going to provide increased funding and support for MAP. So I'd like to say we try and help fifty thousand kids, but we're helping fifteen thousand here - hopefully that's good enough for you. You know, I -- I'd like to work with you on a bill to address funding for the entire three hundred and sixty- thousand population of students who are eligible for it. That would be wonderful to do that. I think it would be transformative. But, you know, we're not up there yet. We're just trying to be as -- as responsible as we possibly can be and that's why this is in the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Bivins.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) We do appreciate your short, concise remarks. Senator Bertino-Tarrant, for what purpose do you rise? 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

Questions of the sponsor, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for questions. Senator Bertino- Tarrant.

Thank you. And, first, I want to make a statement, and it's, when I first looked at this, I -- I will be honest, I had concerns with the amount too, and through my mind was, like, how -- how are we -- how are we going to afford this? Why are we adding this expense? But then I went, you know, deep into my gut here and I -- I took back what my parents have taught me, and I should be grateful that I didn't have to worry about school and paying for it. So thank you for doing this. I'm going to ask you some yes or no. They're very simple yes or no -- yes or no answers, and some of them have been said but I want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly. Has the Republican Chamber {sic} offered an alternative budget?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.

Republican Chamber offered an amendment to this budget or any different -- different -- alternative or different ideas?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski. 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

Nie.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) I'm sorry, Senator Kotowski. Would you repeat your answer, please?

Sorry. I spoke in Polish for a moment there. No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.

Has the Minority Spokesperson of the Appropriation Committee talked to you about an alternative budget?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Oh, he's talked.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.

Then I'll edit it. Has he filed a bill and asked for it to be moved?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.

Thank -- thank you for your -- your answers. Mr. President, 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 I'm an emotional person and these debates I take very, very seriously. But today, I can tell you, I don't know if I feel pity for my colleagues because they're so victimized by this process or indignation for the lack of willingness to step up. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski, to close.

So, I -- I appreciate the inquiry. Please don't take it as a sign of disrespect that I waited to the end to offer you to be a cosponsor, Senator. I -- sometimes I -- you -- you save the best for last. That's what I was doing in your case. So, let's be very clear about the goal of this bill: We're going to provide the opportunity for a hundred and fifty thousand students to get access to an education in the State of Illinois. We're going to invest in a hundred and fifty thousand students. And to the point out there that people are trying to make, it's like we have that and we're showing by our actions to people and students that here is these dollars, here's this investment plan, we need to make sure that we're advocating for that and we need to make sure that we have the additional investment to make it happen. And we can make it happen. We can do it together. We can rise above whatever political differences we have and work together to achieve the results within this bill. This is a great opportunity to send a strong messages -- message to students across our State and to do the right thing. And I simply ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. The question is, shall House Bill 4146 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 33 voting Aye, 25 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4146, having -- having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we have House Bill 4148. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4148 makes appropriations to the Student Assistance Commission, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. In total, this bill appropriates a total of six hundred and seven million eight hundred ninety-four thousand all funds, which represents a decrease of 45.5 million as compared to fiscal year '15 appropriation of six hundred and fifty three million all funds. Of this total, 252.5 million is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund, 10.8 million from other State funds, and 344.6 million from the federal funds.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?

Question of the sponsor, Mr. President. 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for questions. Senator Murphy.

Senator, the -- the -- I believe you had answered that no one on our side of the aisle had filed a budget this year. Is that correct?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I -- I believe the question was to the -- the budget bill that I was filing -- that we're talking about here, gave you an opportunity to file an amendment -- offer that. Did you -- did you file a -- a budget, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

No, no, no, the question you were specifically asked was, "Did any Republicans file a budget this year?" And you said "No", when, in fact, Leader Radogno did file a budget. Did Leader Radogno file a budget this year?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

I'm -- I -- I -- you know, my sincere apology, sir. I thought we were referring to the fact that I had asked a question in committee, if you wanted to file an amendment to the bill, had a chance. But if you would like to bring that bill to the Floor for the Governor's budget that was filed on behalf -- my apologies to the -- to the Leader of the Senate. If -- if she would like to 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 have it filed and have a vote on that, we'd be more than happy to do that. My sincere apologies. I didn't mean to state that. I thought we were referencing this bill which we're speaking about when asked if any kind of an amendment had been filed. It doesn't appear that any have been filed or anything that just has the Senator from Palatine on any kind of budget bill and that was -- I thought the question was, and my sincere apologies if there's any…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

…accept your sincere apology, Senator. Thank you. And now, you were also asked if the Minority Spokesman - and I had a hunch it was me - had had any conversations with you about this, and I distinctly remember spending a lot of quality time with my colleagues on the Democrat side of the aisle of this Chamber and both parties in the other Chamber and the Governor's Office in working group meetings on the budget all year, where we did talk. But you had indicated to her that we didn't talk budget at all. Did we talk in those meetings?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

It -- I appreciate the inquiry. If we can go to the bill, but just a quick thing. The question was answered {sic} of me, "Did you talk?" And I said, "Yes, there was a lot of talk." That was my answer. I don't know if you heard me. I enjoy your speeches and I hear -- enjoy hearing you talk, but I also want to see an actual bill that's filed. That's what -- I want to be there when 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 you file the bill. I'll have the parade. You know, I'll make sure that, you know, we'll serve golumpki and everybody will celebrate. But I want to be there when you file the bill. So, I did say there was a lot of talk, I did, but I want to see the actual bill. But, if -- I would like to, you know, address the bill, sir, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Excuse me, just a second. Ladies and Gentlemen, please shhh, please. It's getting hard to hear, Members. Senator Kotowski, please proceed.

No, I just -- I -- I've proceeded. I -- I would like the…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Very good.

…Chair to be able to…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy. You bet. Senator Murphy, please.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}. One thing you can count on is, when I file the bill, at least it won't be four billion dollars out of balance. It'll balance when I file the bill. But I do appreciate that. We did have nice conversations, substantive conversations. It wasn't just talk in the working group meetings, but, unfortunately, that apparently -- those constructive conversations will be for another day. This bill, when it -- when it -- when it leaves here, if it passes, with you as…(microphone cutoff)…straight to the Governor's Office, because it's already done with the House. This was amended in the House; this is a 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 House Bill, wasn't amended in the Senate; it's not going back to the House. It goes straight from here to the Governor. So are you going to hold this? When will the Governor -- when should the Governor expect to have this bill? What day?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Senator, I -- I -- I -- it must be pretty rambunctious over there today, because I did indicate we have thirty days to certify, so -- in order to send it over to the Governor. And, you know, I appreciate what you're saying. I did mention before - I don't know if you were paying attention - but I did mention before, there was an excellent idea brought forth in that hearing on the spending reform. I did give you credit. I don't know if you're being selectively listening today, but I have mentioned some of these things, and I -- you know, I appreciate the fact that -- to your question, we do have thirty days to -- to certify and send it to the -- the Governor's desk.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy.

Thank you, Mr. President. If I -- if I could -- if I could just paraphrase the good Senator from Dixon: Thirty-two billion in revenue, thirty-six billion in spending. Vote No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Indicates he will. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Because you're -- you're -- you're giving me some -- a series of hypotheticals and I -- I -- I would need to see what items would be overridden, what line items would be overridden. I've already indicated, and I think I've been very transparent with you, what the commitment is here. We have a preferred investment plan moving forward. We'd like the Governor to support that. We would appreciate your support on this front. I -- you're -- you're asking me to - and I know you can appreciate this - to comment on a hypothetical. I don't know what the Governor intends to do. I don't know if he plans to line item certain things. I don't know if he plans to look at other areas within the State budget where he may be able to achieve some savings. If he'd like to put that on the table, we'll have to see that. That's the point. I'm not willing to make that commitment.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, that question has been asked and answered, but I'm going to give Senator Kotowski the opportunity -- no. He doesn't want to. Asked and answered. Do you have any other questions, Senator Righter?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Yes. Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski, to close.

Thank you very much. The reason why I -- I declined before was I was just going to say no again. So I didn't want to waste your time, sir. So, I think this is really key. I -- I -- there are few people in this building who have I think -- who articulate their points of view as well as the previous speaker. I've learned an awful lot from following him on the Floor and in committee, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. The issue here is we -- the -- the notion that we're just doing this just -- that it's just one sided is -- is patently false. You have an 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 opportunity to file bills to either support additional revenue, you have an opportunity to do that for additional investment, or you have an opportunity to file bills to decrease investment. If you don't want to support the investment, you can file that bill. And as I just indicated, I've just a -- a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for what the previous speaker -- what he's done in -- in the Senate. But this is an opportunity to -- to file legislation. If you disagree with our investment plan that we've presented, introduce legislation, introduce bills, introduce amendments, and tell us what you want to see happen. Otherwise, it's nothing but a tale of a sound and fury, signifying nothing, nothing. We have a bill here. We have legislation and a proposal. All the other stuff is noise. Vote Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4148 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 32 voting Aye, 26 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4148, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have House Bill 4147. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, excuse me one second. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?

52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Hunter.

Many of you know about the good food that I always have in my office and is cooked by a woman by the name of Mrs. Queen. Well, I have here with me today her two granddaughters. Hannah Markey, age twelve. She'll be in eighth grade. She attends Franklin Middle School. Her subject that she's interested in is math, and she is the Student of the Year, straight honor roll student, and her future goal is to become a photographer. And her sister's Melinda -- Melina Hale, age eighteen. She's a sophomore at the University of Indianapolis. Her major is biology, concentrating in pre-med, and minored in Spanish. She studied in Cuba during the spring and her future goal is to become a cardiologist. And her mother, Jacqueline, is in the gallery, the President's Gallery. And we would like to welcome all of these wonderful women to the Senate.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome our special guests here today. Thanks so much for joining us. Appreciate you being here. Mr. Secretary, please read House Bill 4147 into the record.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4147 makes appropriations to the Board of Higher Ed, University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, and Illinois Math and Science Academy for fiscal year '16. In total, this bill appropriates a total of eight hundred and thirty-five million all funds, which represents a decrease of four hundred -- 46.4 million below the fiscal year '15 enacted budget. Of this total, eight hundred and nineteen million is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund, 11.2 million from other State funds, and 5.5 million from federal funds. The fiscal year '16 GRF appropriation for the universities reflects, as I have stated before in committee, a 6.5 percent reduction from the fiscal year '15 appropriation. As indicated before, the Governor's proposed budget recommended a thirty-one percent decrease in university investment. This represents a -- a decrease of 6.5 percent. More than 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 4147 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 30 voting Aye, 27 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4147, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, next up, we have House Bill 4153. 4153. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Yes, House Bill 4153 makes the appropriations for the next fiscal year to the Office…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans, excuse me just one second. Ladies and Gentlemen, shhh, please, please. Ladies and Gentlemen, please hold the visiting down. Senator Steans, please proceed.

Yes, this makes appropriations for the Office of the State Appellate Defender, the Office of the State Appellate Prosecutor, the Capital Development Board, Department of Corrections, and the Sex Offender Management Board. In total, it appropriates 1.52 billion all funds to the agencies. Generally speaking, it's -- for the Department -- the Office of the Appellate Defender and the Office of the State Appellate Prosecutor, it's level to the current fiscal year. It's a slight decrease for the Capital Development Board. And the Department of Corrections is an increase of about -- a total of about 4.7 percent. General Revenue Fund portion is up about 3.7 percent. But it's 14.3 million dollars less than the Governor's request. The increase in General Revenue Fund for the Department of Corrections is mostly primarily to fund a consent decree and to -- and to open up the Joliet Correctional Center for mental health treatment of -- of prisoners. I would urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 the question is, shall House Bill 4153 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 33 voting Aye, 25 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4153, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, next up, we have House Bill 4154. Excuse me, 4158. Correct? Yes. 4158. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This bill appropriates the next year's line items for the CMS - Department of Central Management Services, the Arts Council, CSC, the Drycleaner's, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and IDFPR, the Gaming Board, and the Independent Tax Tribunal. It includes 5.7 billion all funds. 1.2 billion of that is from General Revenue funds, four billion from other State funds, and three hundred and ninety-eight million from federal funds. Generally speaking, most of the requests in here are level to either the current year or what the Governor requested. I would be happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4158 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 32 voting Aye, 26 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4158, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up is House Bill 4165. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This bill appropriates funding for the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. In total, it appropriates 26.5 billion dollars to these agencies. For the Department of Human Services, we have a decrease of about 2.2 percent in total, although this is a significant increase from what the -- Governor's budget had recommended for the Department of Human Services. For the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, it's a 1.6 -- percent decrease, so a slight decrease. I might remind you that the Governor had suggested a 1.5-billion-dollar reduction to the Medicaid program. While we're doing some reduction, it's much less significant. And the Department of Veteran {sic} Affairs, we 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 have -- in total, we are doing an increase to that program. There is a new Chicago Veterans' Home that is opening up. So most of the increase is going to be funding support of that new Veterans' Home. I would urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield for questions. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans. 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

We're -- we're -- we're keeping funding -- in the program generally level to last year. We're not doing that transfer. We're going to achieve some savings. We're going to be seeing a bill coming over from the House, Senate Bill 788, which is going to provide for some savings in the Medicaid program. And we're trying to live within the current level year funding in the Medicaid program.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

No. Medicaid dollars -- when we spend Medicaid dollars, it's matched based on various percentages depending on the populations. For most of the population, as you know, we get a fifty percent match when we pay those dollars. For the ACA population, the newly eligible -- the newly eligibles, we get a hundred percent match. This doesn't change the matching requirements at all from the federal government.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, shhh, please. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Correct.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

We can spend it out of the GRF revenue lines here and still get it matched. It doesn't matter which fund we're using from, it's still matchable.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Well, first -- first, I find that fascinating that you use this line of argument when the Governor's proposed budget had 1.5 billion dollars' reduction in the Medicaid program with no substantive language to make any reductions to the program that would require many statutory and federal changes to possibly accomplish those kind of savings. You are seeing -- we have a bill that's coming over from the House, Senate Bill 788, which will be coming back over, which does make programmatic changes. It's going to be including a 2.25 percent reduction to provider rates and other changes in the Medicaid program which will achieve savings.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

About a hundred and sixty million.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

RESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter. Yes, go ahead. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Yeah, we'll get into that in detail when that bill is up on the board. I will say that we have roughly -- there are additional savings that are projected in there from other items that we've been doing. I think the amount's going to be at about four hundred million dollars or so of savings that we're going to be seeing in that bill. But, again, we'll -- we'll get to that when that's up on the board. And we welcome any other suggestions you might -- might have to this. If you would like to also file amendments to that bill, we would welcome it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Steans, to close.

Yes, thank you. I just -- just want to acknowledge that that's just factually inaccurate about needing the money in the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund to get the federal match. You needed that originally to seed it; that's no longer the case. It's just factually inaccurate to say that if you don't do it there, we can't draw down the federal match. We absolutely can. I would urge an Aye vote on this budget. Thank you. 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4165 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 33 voting Aye, 25 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4165, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, House Bill 4159. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 4159 makes appropriations to the Attorney General, the Treasurer, Secretary of State, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Auditor General, Comptroller, COGFA, General Assembly, and Legislative support agencies for fiscal year '16. The bill appropriates a total of 3.8802 {sic} million all funds, which represents a decrease of 463.8 million above {sic} the fiscal year '15 appropriations. Of this total, four hundred and sixty-five million is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund, 3.3 -- 28.2 {sic} million from -- I'm sorry, billion, other State funds -- 3.238 {sic} million other State funds, and nine million from federal funds. House Bill -- 4159 also includes funding for Court of Claims and CMS group health. I just -- I -- I stated before, something was raised, the 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 issue about all the constitutional offers {sic} had brought up, you know, what they wanted to spend. We accepted what they offered. The Treasurer's Office indicated they needed money based on the law that was passed for the Secure Choice program, which impacts a potential of 1.2 million residents in the State. It's something that came up in committee. I've addressed some of the concerns that people have had. I'm more than 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 4159 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 31 voting Aye, 26 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4159, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, we have House Bill 4154. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill appropriates 484.2 thousand dollars all funds to the Illinois Emergency Management Authority and 117.1 thousand all funds to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. In total, it 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 appropriates, let's see -- let me just give you the highlight. The -- for IEMA, we're doing level to the Governor's request. And for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, we do have an increase of about fifteen million dollars in General Revenue Fund; twelve and a half million of that's to YouthBuild. We're restoring items that had been cut in the Governor's budget for the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, CeaseFire, Franklin County Meth Program that had been eliminated in the Governor's budget. And we've got an increase of about 1.7 million dollars for Adult -- Adult Redeploy Program. I would urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he -- she will yield for a question. Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

So, Senator Rose, I will reiterate what we had discussed yesterday; that this is a step in the process. I'm very hopeful that we can still be coming together with the help of your side of the aisle, the Governor, and the other side of the Dome to come to an agreement on revenue to support this investment plan as well. I think we've all understood that getting to fiscal solvency, creating that certainty and stability that we need in the State, 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 is going to require some cuts, which we're achieving in this budget, and some revenues to be part of the total solution. And we look very forward -- very much forward to working with you guys on the next step of the process.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.

Yes. They've been filed in the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose. Seeing no further discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4154 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 33 voting Aye, 25 voting Nay, 0 voting present. House Bill 4154, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up on the Calendar is House Bill 4160. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski. 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 4160 includes the fiscal year '16 appropriations for DCEO, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Insurance, Labor Relations Board, Lottery, DNR, and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It includes 3.1 billion all funds, including 86.7 million GRF, two billion other State funds, and 1.1 billion federal funds. Represents a 614.8 million all funds decrease compared to the fiscal year '15 enacted, including decreases of 16.2 million GRF, 380.8 million other State funds, and 217.8 million federal funds. More than happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Duffy, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Duffy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: My comment is the same. Thirty-two billion estimated revenue, thirty-six billion in spending. This is irresponsible. Vote No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Bivins.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Think you started a trend, Senator Bivins. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Rose.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you rise? Excuse me, Senator Anderson. Excuse me. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Anderson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Nybo.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Oberweis.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

This is an investment plan. I'm open to looking at a revenue solution and working together with you to make sure we meet this investment goal. This is -- this is the budget, which is the -- the appropriations that we're proposing to invest in these programs. We look forward to working together with you. If you have an opportunity right now, if you'd like to file some amendments to address some of our revenue options, if you've looked at some of the things that the Governor has proposed, I'm more than happy to discuss them with you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Oberweis.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?

To the bill, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Murphy.

Thirty-two billion dollars in revenue, thirty-six billion 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 dollars in spending. Just vote No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Jones, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Jones.

The LIHEAP program provides energy to -- and utility assistance to those who cannot afford to pay their bills. If I recall, the -- Governor Rauner wanted to cut this program by a hundred and sixty-five million dollars. Is that true, Senator?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.

Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Jones.

I look forward to my colleagues on the other side joining us over the summer, looking at some revenues to help us with this budget. I urge your Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question -- Senator Kotowski, to close.

So, again, and I -- I think it's important to talk about repetition and talk about what we need to do in order to achieve our results we set aside here. I've said this, and I've said this 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 repeatedly, and I -- and for those who are paying attention here in the media, they still -- previous speakers haven't filed any bills, any of 'em have filed any bills to try and address the solution. That's what happens here. I filed bills today. In fact, I had a real commonsense bill that I thought should have got wholehearted support and I debated it for forty-five minutes and -- but people pushed back and they wanted to offer ways and recommendations. I haven't heard one singer -- single solitary recommendation from some of the people over there. And I think it's an absolute, absolute disregard for your responsibility here. It's absolutely shameful. You come down here, you have an opportunity to participate in the process, you have an opportunity to make a difference, and all you do is criticize. That's all you do. You vote No and you criticize. You don't introduce bills. You don't participate. You don't make a decision to invest. And then when we say we want to invest, you say, "Well, how come you don't invest more?" Well, that costs money. Investment costs money. If you want to step up and invest, participate. If you want to step up and reduce, participate. Be a part of the process. We stepped up; we introduced a bill. We introduced a bill that commits to invest in education, in higher education, in human services, in kids with autism and epilepsy. We committed to doing that. There's no bills over there. You didn't propose anything, didn't bring anything to the Floor. Please pay attention, media market across the State of Illinois - the Republicans have filed no amendments to these bills. If you want to reduce spending, as you claim, if you want to do some of these things, get up, get involved, step up. This is legislation here. You voted No on everything. You voted Present on everything. Introduce a budget 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 bill and look at ways in which you want to invest or not invest, but participate, step up, get involved. It's absolutely shameful. I came down here -- we've run several budget bills and every year we hear the same old you know what, right? But nobody participates. But the media doesn't cover it. We go back and read, and say, "Oh, my god, look at what you've done." But guess what, when you come here, you introduce a budget bill. If you want to do it differently, you step up and participate. There's a bill room. You file a bill, right? That's what you do. This is what's so fundamentally frustrating about this. I respect the people on the other side of the aisle. You're wonderful people. You're decent people. I really do, but at the end of the day, if you want to work together, you work together. Trust me, my kids aren't going to your ice cream place anymore. If you want to work together - right? - you want to work together, step up, sir, file a bill, get involved, participate. This is an investment plan. If you want to support investment, here it is. If you don't, don't. But don't just sit there and criticize - don't just sit there and criticize. You're going to go back to your constituents and I know what you're going to say, "Oh, whoa, look at what these Democrats are doing? They are investing in education. They're investing in higher education, but we don't support it. Here's what we support, uh, uh, uh, nothing. I'm sorry, I don't have a bill. I can't -- I can't find my bill. Where did I leave my bill? It's not here." Wake up, get involved, step up, be responsible, be accountable. This - this - is public service. This is what it's about. How dare you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall House Bill 4160 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 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 31 voting Aye, 27 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4160, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Althoff.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to turn to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. We have House Bill 3593. Senator Connelly. Mr. 75  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Secretary, let's go to House Bill 4151. President Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. House Bill 4166. President Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Biss, for what purpose do you rise?

For the purpose of three introductions, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your point of introduction, Senator Biss.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Here, as we near the closing days of the Legislative Session, I have some guests from my district: My Legislative Director, Alison Leipsiger, who is here because it's better than answering the phone calls that we receive in our district offices this time of year; and her parents, Richard and Marilyn Leipsiger, who have the dubious burden of being represented by me in the Senate. Please 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 welcome my constituents and a great, great worker for the State of Illinois and her long-suffering parents, the Leipsiger family, please, here to Springfield and our Capitol.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome our guests. Please rise and be recognized. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Great to have you here today. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to page 25 of the regular Calendar, on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 2416. Senator Landek, do you which to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to page 8 of the regular Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 455. Senator Muñoz. Senator Muñoz seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 455 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 455. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz, on Floor Amendment 1. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for its adoption and I will 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 approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz, on Floor Amendment 2. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 2 is a technical change, which I explained in committee and I will explain it again on 3rd Reading. I ask for its adoption.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Thank you. Is there any discussion on Amendment 2? 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?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 455. Please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill amends the Pharmacy Practice Act by permitting a pharmacist to substitute a prescription for a prescribed biological product with a biosimilar product. Biologics are complex medicines manufactured from living organisms rather than through a chemical process like most typical prescription drugs. The bill requires that a substituted biosimilar must have been determined to be an interchangeable biosimilar by the FDA and that the pharmacist must inform the patient of the substitution upon delivery of the medication. Within five days of dispensing a biosimilar, a pharmacist must make a notation of the drug that was dispensed in an electronic format accessible by the prescribing physician or to -- or notify the physician by other means if an 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 electronic entry is not made. It also requires that a pharmacist dispensing a substituted biosimilar must keep written record of the substitution for at least five years. The bill also requires -- can I ask for some quiet, Mr. President?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, shhh. Ladies and Gentlemen, please. This is 3rd Reading. Please. Senator Muñoz, please continue. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. The bill requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to maintain a link on its website to list all interchangeable biological products and it gives the Department the ability to adopt rules to administer the provisions of this Act. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this bill, I've had it for two years. We've been negotiating it. Initially, there were objections from the Med Society, which Amendment 2 was discussed in committee. They are now neutral or supportive of the bill. That was a technical change for the Med Society. The Pharmacist, RMA {sic} (PhRMA), all are in agreement to the bill. I know of no other opposition to the bill and I will attempt to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Senator Muñoz. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) He indicates that he will yield for some questions. Senator Syverson. 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Yes. A pharmacist or a pharmacist designee who has entered the required information into an electronic record system has complied with the communication provision of the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: A pharmacy that does not have one of the four electronic record systems described in the bill must communicate to the prescriber through facsimile, telephone, electronic transmission, or other prevailing means. This obligation is found in the 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 sentence beginning with "Otherwise".

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator -- Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Nybo.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. I too would like to -- to compliment the sponsor on the work that he's done on the biosimilar bill. I know it's something, excuse me, he's worked on for the last two years. I am, quite frankly, am almost stunned that he's gotten to this point. Tremendous work. And I just rise in support and thank you very much. And I urge an Aye vote also.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz, do you wish to close? Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to thank our staff for doing an outstanding job, both sides of the aisle, and to all my colleagues for all the support that they have given. I appreciate 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 it and ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 455 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 58 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 455, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Michael Flannery -- Flannery with W -- is it E or F CD-TV {sic} (WFLD-TV), Channel 32, to record -- requests permission to record proceedings, please. Leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 27 of the regular Calendar on the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 10. Senator Rezin. Indicates she'd like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rezin.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you rise?

Yes, sir, thank you. Senator, I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 1 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House -- so that House Bill 1 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee. Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?

84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Like a roll call on the motion, please, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. A roll call has been requested. Once again, Ladies and Gentlemen, a roll call has been requested, 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 38 voting Aye, 16 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. The motion is adopted, and the notice and the posting requirements are waived. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to return to the Supplemental Calendar No. 1, House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Connelly, on 3593. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you rise?

Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Cunningham.

Mr. President, I just wanted to remind the Chamber that tonight the White Sox Caucus will be having their annual meeting at D H Browns. They're on a blistering one-game winning streak right now, so we want to invite everyone out, including Cardinal fans, to cheer the White Sox on to victory. Thank you, Mr. 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Manar, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Manar.

Since we've hit kind of a lull here, Mr. President, I want to take the opportunity to introduce this very young, lovely young lady to my right that has joined us. She's actually Senator McCann's constituent. Her name is Gabbi Meehan. She is a seventh grader -- actually just -- or just finished seventh grade at Turner Junior High School in Jacksonville. I have known her since she was much smaller than what she is today. So I want to just at least rise and welcome her to the State Senate and ask my colleagues to join me. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Abby to the State Senate. Great to have -- Gabbi, I should say, to the State Senate. Thanks for being here. I thought you were going to introduce the young person to your left. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your inquiry, Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you for your inquiry, Senator Righter. We are waiting on paperwork. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, I'll -- I'll make that inquiry and we'll get back to you on that. Senator Jones, for what purpose do you rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to move all notice and posting requirements that -- so that Senate Joint Resolution 29 can be heard today in Executive -- Senate Executive Committee.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Senator Jones. Senator Jones moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 29 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Rose moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 12 can be heard today in the Senate Transportation Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, for that clarification. Senator Barickman moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that SJR 4 can be heard today in the Transportation Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator LaHood, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Mr. President. I also move to waive all applicable posting and notice requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 19 may be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee this evening. Mr. President, thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator LaHood moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 19 can be heard today in the Senate Transportation Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Ladies and 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 Gentlemen, could I have your attention? All Members of the Committee on Assignments, please come to the Presidents Anteroom immediately? All Members of the Committee on Assignments to the President's Anteroom. Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Ladies and Gentlemen, I -- can I have your attention for committee announcements this afternoon. If I can have your attention for committee announcements this afternoon. The following committees will meet: Executive will meet today immediately upon adjournment in Room 212 - Exec immediately upon adjournment in Room 212; Licensed Activities and Pensions will meet at 4:15 this afternoon in Room 400; State Government and Veterans Affairs will meet at 4:15 this afternoon in Room 409; Energy and Public Utilities will meet at 5 p.m. this afternoon in Room 212; Environment and Conservation at 5 p.m. this afternoon in Room 400; Transportation at 6 p.m. in Room 212; and Education at 6:30 p.m. in Room 400 - that's a room change; Public Health at 6:30 p.m. and that's in -- in Room 409. I'll run through 'em once more: Exec, immediately upon adjournment in Room 212; Licensed Activities and Pensions at 4:15 in Room 400; State Government and Veterans Affairs, Room 409 - that's at 4:15 as well; Energy and Public Utilities today at 5 p.m. in Room 212; Environment and Conservation today at 5 p.m. in Room 400; Transportation today at 6 p.m. in Room 212; Education at 6:30 p.m. 90  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 50th Legislative Day 5/28/2015 in Room 400; Public Health in -- at 6:30 in Room 409; and Revenue - excuse me, I missed this one earlier, Ladies and Gentlemen - Revenue will meet today at 5:30. That's in Room 409 - that's a room change. Revenue at 5:30 p.m. in Room 409. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you turn to the regular Calendar on page 25, on the Order of House Bill 2nd Reading, we have House Bill 3538. Senator McCann. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McCann, to present Floor Amendment 1. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1 simply carves out the County of Cook from the underlying legislation. And I move for its adoption.

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 approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand at ease -- excuse me, the Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and other matters likely not requiring Floor action. There will be -- again, there will likely not be any Floor action until the Senate reconvenes at the hour of 9 a.m., on the 29th day of May 2015. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9 a.m. on the 29th day of May 2015. The Senate stands adjourned. 95