PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will please come to order. Will our Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the gallery please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Jeremy Wood, First Congressional {sic} (Congregational) Church, Bunker Hill, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Jeremy Wood)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, April 12th, 2016.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and the approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1749 and 1750, offered by Senator Bennett 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 and all Members. They are both death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 1751, offered by Senator Tom Cullerton. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Mulroe, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Bills 2416 and 2837 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2704 and Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2878 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Delgado, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 230, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 238, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2990, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 49 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Biss, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Bill 2952 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 320 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bill 3312 Do Pass; Senate Bills 2435, 2839, 3162, and 3333 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 185, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 391, Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2138, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2186, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2632, and Senate Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 2845 Recommend Do Adopt. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Senator McGuire, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Bill 23 -- Senate Bills 2356, 2960, and 3343 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bills 2567, 3018, and 3020 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Bills 2432 and 2865 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 2046. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2046. Passed the House, as amended, April 12th, 2016. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4315. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 We have received like Messages on House Bills 4336, 4367, 4369, 4379, 4391, 4394, 4395, 4423, 4433, 4449, 4576, 4590, 4604, 4688, 4826, 4966, 5009, 5538, 5539, 5610, 5635, 5656, 5660, 5683, 5696, 5720, 5723, 5805, 5901, 5949, 6010, 6074, 6083, 6131, 6182, 6252, 6287 and 6333. Passed the House, April 12th, 2016. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4336, offered by Senator Tom Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4360, offered by Senator Van Pelt. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4367, offered by Senator Bush. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4379, offered by Senator Tom Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4394, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4395, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4423, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4433, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4576, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4826, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 House Bill 5539, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5660, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5683, offered by Senator Nybo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5723, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5788, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5901, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5949, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6010, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6083, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6182, offered by Senator Bush. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6287, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 6333, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Committee Report.
Senator Muñoz, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 990149, 990150, 990152, 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 990155, 990156, 990157, 990158, 990159, 990160, 990161, 990170, 990172, 990173, 990175, 990183, 990184, 990190, 990195, 990196, 990210, 990212, 990214, 990232, 990244, 990245, 990364, 990367, 990402, 990446 Recommend Do Advise and Consent; Appointment Message 990233 Without Recommendation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) José Rojas seeks permission to photograph. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Lisa Yuscius of Blueroomstream.com seeks permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'm honored today to have with me here, Garrett Brachbill, who is the IHSA Class 1A State Wrestling Champion for this year. He wrestled at 152 (lb.) weight class. He's a senior at Shelbyville High School and went undefeated in his final season at forty-seven to zero. This is the second-straight wrestler from Shelbyville High School to win a State championship. Moreover, he's ranked sixth in his class academically with a 3.95 GPA. He holds the Shelbyville all-time career wins at a hundred and seventy-one. He was also a -- 2015 IHSA 2A All-State running back and he'll be attending Millikin University in the fall, where he plans to pursue a degree and play baseball, where he's currently batting close to five hundred in the season.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Welcome to Springfield and congratulations. Senator -- Leader Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege for purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. With much pride, I'd like to announce that the Governor has declared this month the -- the month -- through proclamation, "Save Abandoned Babies Month". Save Abandoned Babies offers a safe, legal option to unsafe infant abandonment to unharmed newborns for up to thirty days old. To date, they have saved over a hundred and ten new babies, new citizens for the State of Illinois. They are having -- they have a booth downstairs, which they're giving out different kinds of documents which you can share with your constituents, whoever come -- come before that kind of situation. They ask you to come down and visit them and help them celebrate their existence. They've been in existence since August of 2001, when we passed the first bill. They're doing great work in our communities for our citizens and, again, I'm very prideful that they're here today to celebrate with us and their advocacy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 On Thursday, April 14th, the Alzheimer's Association is holding their annual lobby day. I'm asking you that you please join me in recognizing their efforts and help them raise awareness by wearing purple tomorrow. Appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have with me today four students from -- from Breese in Clinton County, from the Breese Central Community High School. They're here today with their instructor, Mr. Kurt Peters, directly behind me here. And from my left to my right, we have here Kaitlyn Smith. Kaitlyn is planning on attending Southern Illinois University. She's -- she wants to study nursing and I'm sure she'll be successful as {sic} that. And additionally, we have Madeline Wieter, who's involved in cheerleading and track. She wants to go to S -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale and study law and become a -- a prosecutor. And then we have Zach Telford, who is -- he's on the football team and the -- as well as the Scholar Bowl. He wants to go to the University at Carbondale as well, study forestry. And then, finally, we have Brock Nunn, who is -- is in track, football, and he's actually also a bowler. He wants to study criminal justice. And these are our future leaders from Clinton County and I -- I ask that -- you to welcome -- welcome them today. Thank you. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator -- Leader Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some special guests with me here today. These young ladies are from the high school government class at the Quincy Christian School that -- we have three students here with us: Linsay Henderson, Tiara Hoing -- Hoing, and Kayla Wilson, and they are with their teacher, Sarah Farha. They are just -- have an interest in -- in State government and wanted to visit the Capitol, and three delightful young ladies, as well as their young teacher. And I just would like everybody to welcome them here to the Illinois Senate, Mr. President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just wanted to say that, in conjunction to what Senator Donne Trotter mentioned about the Save -- Save Abandoned Baby {sic} (Babies) Foundation, I also have pins for everyone here so you can please use them today to show support for the advocacy going on on the save the abandoned baby legislatures {sic} that we've been able to do all these years. We want to continue with the advocacy 'cause it's important that we 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 save our babies when it's possible. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I just would like to take this opportunity to introduce a fine young man. He is the grandson of my LA, Sherry Williams, and he is here for the day and paging and having a great time doing it. So I would like everybody to give a warm welcome to Andre Iguodala, who is in third grade and wants to be an NBA basketball player when he grows up.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. I'm glad you're so shy. Senator McConnaughay, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. And a point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you. I am really excited today to announce the winners of my annual art contest and to the -- the display that is out in the Rotunda of the winning art. It's great to be able to highlight the importance of art education by recognizing all of your creativity and incredible artwork. It's obvious all of you, the winners, have a passion for art and I hope that you will keep that 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 passion alive for many, many years to come. I will do everything I can to continue to advocate for art education here in the Capitol so that every student has the opportunity to a well-rounded education that includes an appreciation for the arts. I'm so proud of all of you and I'm so happy we were -- you were able to join me today and I hope everybody joins me in congratulating my art contest winners.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Congratulations and welcome to Springfield. Can I have everyone's attention? Please being the noise level down to zero. President Cullerton in the Chair.
Members of the Illinois Senate, can I have your attention? We have an honored guest, so if I can ask the Members to please be in their seat. Members of the Senate, today we have the honor of -- to welcome the Honorable Secretary of Public Health of Mexico City, Dr. Armando Ahued, who will deliver remarks on behalf of Dr. Miguel Mancera, the Mayor of Mexico City. Dr. Mancera was scheduled to speak before the Body today, but was unable to attend because of an emergency back in Mexico City. Dr. Ahued is a surgeon who graduated from Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico. He has held the position of Secretary of Public Health since 2006. Dr. Ahued was -- has promoted the well-being of his constituents based on the principles of education and access to preventative care as effective tools to preserve the public's health. He is the leading force behind the program Doctor in Your Home in Mexico, which seeks to provide free care to vulnerable people. Dr. Ahued has a long career in Mexico's public administration and has received many acknowledgements from the 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mexican National Senate. He was named "Man of the Year" by the World Boxing Council, and is highly respected public official across the political spectrum in Mexico City's General Assembly. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Armando Ahued to the Illinois Senate.
(Remarks by Dr. Armando Ahued)
We have a -- we have a gift. It's a bust of a former Republican State Representative here from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln. It says "Senate President John J. Cullerton and the Members of the Illinois Senate honor Mayor Miguel Mancera for his vision and leadership in improving the health and wellness of the People of Illinois. April 13th, 2016." Thank you. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. With me today is my Page for the Day, Maniea Sparks, who is truly a terrific individual. She's currently a sophomore, but will be graduating as a junior next year from Central High School in Champaign. I would also point out that though she's only lived in Champaign for four months, she's kind of used to the -- the political scene now. She met with our Congressman Rodney Davis after she was selected out of hundreds of 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 students to represent Champaign schools and meeting with the superintendent. Her parents are Melvin Sparks and Teneisha Wesley. She has three brothers. Her father, Melvin, is a retired veteran from the United States Air Force, as well as the United States Army, and is currently a private investigator in Cleveland, Mississippi. Her mother, Teneisha, is an RN at Carle Hospital in Urbana and she also is pursuing a -- a -- a law degree. Maniea is an honor student, a varsity athlete at Central High School. In her spare time, her hobbies include - and I'm not kidding you - studying math and talking to her peers about religion and personal political values and beliefs. I told you she -- she's spectacular. Now after high school, she plans to study criminal justice and attend law school so she can become a defense attorney. Would you all please give a nice Senate welcome to Maniea Sparks?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, for a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I have three fabulous interns here with me today that I want to introduce. Please stand up, you guys. Laura Sinclair will be graduating from Loyola University. She's majoring in human services. I have Kathleen Meradith, who is majoring in international affairs and public policy, also graduating. And then I have Celeste Radogno, who is also graduating from Loyola and in international affairs and public policy. She also happens 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 to be the niece of Leader Radogno. These have been phenomenal interns. I have been blessed with that. Loyola University being right there, we really get great, capable students, and they are a terrific group. Please give them a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. I have two young people with me here as well today and I'm going to brag on Eureka College over Loyola, although it's a great university. This is Josh Doerr, who's one of my interns, and I think he's going to become my speech writer, because he says he's a Lincoln, Reagan, and JFK fan, but he had this quote, "History is able to instruct without inflicting pain by affording the insight of failures and successes of others." That's great insight for us, Josh. We need to listen to that. Also, I have Kristen Hanson here, who's a Dunlap High School junior. History and reading are her passions. And I asked her a moment ago, "What do you want to do when you get big?" She says, "I don't know." I said, "Well, what two things?" She said, "Maybe a counselor or maybe a lawyer." And I said, "Well, this place needs more counselors, less lawyers." So we're -- great to have her here today. If you could please welcome them. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Welcome to Springfield. Senator Manar, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I'd like to welcome to the Senate today the seventh grade volleyball team from Lincolnwood, the Knights, who are behind the podium, behind the President's Chair. They recently won the Class 2A State Championship for seventh grade volleyball. Coaches: Kimberly Denney, Lesley Cowdrey. And Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood: Aaron Hopper. I'm very proud to represent these fine students in the State Senate. Please join me in welcoming -- welcoming them to Springfield today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR McCANN: I have here with me -- for the purpose of an introduction, I have Andrew Towers. Andrew is fourteen years old and is a phenomenal young man from Jacksonville, Illinois, just a little west of here. He's an eighth grader at Turner -- Turner Junior High School. His favorite subject is science. He's on the track 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 team because he absolutely loves to run. He loves to run so much that when he gets out of school, he wants to run for public office. I have -- I have a gentleman's handshake, a gentleman's agreement, that he's going to wait to run for this office just a little while longer. He is joined by his mom, Alice Towers, here in the gallery. If you'll join me in welcoming them to Springfield. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately? The Committee on Assignments, please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately. (at ease) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on -- Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 210; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 321; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2148, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2399, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2420, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2549, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2903, Senate Bill 3112, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3267; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2677; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 462, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2433, and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2900; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 388, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 389; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3049; re-refer from Criminal Law Committee to 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Executive Committee - Senate Bill 3005; re-refer from Labor Committee to Executive Committee - Senate Bill 2964; re-refer from Executive Appointments Committee to Assignment -- Assignments {sic} - Appointment Message 990454, Appointment Message 990457, Appointment Message 990458, Appointment Message 990459, Appointment Message 990460, Appointment Message 990461, and Appointment Message 990462; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 241, 574, 575 through 589, 911, 912, 951, 952, 969, 972, 974, 1041, 1047 through {sic} (SB 1057 in House) 1059, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2588, Senate Bill 2688, Senate Bill 2701, 3051, 3052, 3401, and Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2046. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 212. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Appointment Messages 990454, 990457, 990458, 990459, 990460, 990461, and 990462. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) If I could get everybody's attention, please, that'll listen up a second. Today at 2 p.m. will be Senate Exec in 212. Licensed and -- Activities and Pensions will meet at 2 p.m., Room 400. At 3:30, Criminal Law will meet in 400. Local Government will meet at 4 p.m. in 212. Revenue will meet at 5:30 p.m. today in Room 212. Energy and Public Utilities will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 a.m. in Room 212. Also, the deadline for filing Floor amendments to Senate bills is Friday, April 15th, at 12 noon. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal -- point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have the privilege of introducing the Class 2A Wrestling Champions. They are from Washington Community High School and they're led by Assistant Coach Nick Miller and Head Coach Bryan Medlin. If you'd please join me in congratulating them with a round of applause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Congratulations and welcome to Springfield. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Actually, I have two announcements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcements.
One - Ladies and Gentlemen, in the gallery behind me are individuals with the Illinois Association of {sic} (for the) Education of Young Children who were named the -- the -- Illinois' 2016 Children's Champions. We have Jacqueline Farber from East Central Illinois - Camargo, in my area; Melanie Fleming from the Heart of Illinois AEYC from Groveland; Catherine - apologies if I mispronounce this - Melear from the Quad Cities; and Danyle Watkins from the Capitol Area. And these individuals have all been nominated by their local affiliate chapters. Let's welcome them 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 and I do have one other announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Rose, for the fifteenth time, for what purpose do you rise?
Third time, Mr. President, but I did say I had two announcements, and the second of those was…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State -- state your second announcement.
Thank you. The Republicans would like to caucus for approximately an hour, Mr. -- Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Upon recess of the Chair, you would like to go into caucus, correct? For thirty minutes. …leave of the Body, we will go to page 10 of your -- printed Calendar for Senate Bills 2nd Readings. Senate Bill 2982. Senator Noland. Senate Bill 2984. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2984. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2985. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2985. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2990. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2990. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush, on your amendment. Senator Bush.
I move for the adoption of the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2993. Senator Anderson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2993. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3003. Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3003. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3007. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3007. (Secretary reads title of bill) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3010. Senator Weaver. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3010. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3011. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3011. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendments 1 and 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3017. Senator Anderson. Senate Bill 3021. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 3022. Senator Rose. Senator Rose. Senate Bill 3023. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 3024. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 3025. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3025. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3032. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 3034. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 3035. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 3036. Senator Morrison. With leave of the Body, we'll skip over 3042. Senate Bill 3058. Senator Rezin. Senate Bill 3062. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3062. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3063. Senator Brady. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3063. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3067. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 3071. Senator Clayborne. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3071. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3072. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3072. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3079. Senator Trotter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3079. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. I am honored to have two very special guests here with me today. I have Libby Wright and Charlie Wright, who are my guests today from Morris, Illinois. Their parents, Mike and Missy, are also up in the Chamber {sic}. So will you say hello to them? Libby is an eleventh grader -- excuse me, she's eleven years old. She's a sixth grader at Saratoga School in Morris, Illinois. Libby loves sports - basketball, volleyball, softball and track, so obviously she loves all sports, and she's also a leader. She's on student council. I have Charlie, her younger brother, who is nine years old and he is in fourth grade at Saratoga in Morris. And Charlie loves baseball and basketball. He's also a member of the ag team. I always ask the interns when they're here with me today or for the Pages for the Day, tell me one thing that we do not know about you. And so Charlie, believe it or not, is a black belt in 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Taekwondo and his older sister, she is a deputy black belt in Taekwondo. So, we would like a warm Springfield welcome for my guests today, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 3292 can be heard today in the Criminal Law Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Raoul moves to waive all notices and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 3292 can be heard today at 3:30 p.m. in the Senate Criminal Law Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. With leave of the Body, we will turn to page 21 of your printed Calendar, Senate Resolution 1737. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford seeks -- or, Mr. President {sic}, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1737, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It's an exciting day in Springfield as we seek to acknowledge today as Positive Youth Development Day in Illinois. Positive youth development opportunities are critical to the future success of children and young people in Illinois. In order for Illinois to 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 continue to grow and thrive, we need to make sure that children and young people have the support, resources, and experiences that they need to grow and thrive. Illinois has the ability, the expertise, and the partnerships necessary to align and integrate efforts around a comprehensive vision for success for children and youth. The designation of today, April 13th, 2016, as Positive Youth Development Day in Illinois is a sign of a collective commitment to provide children and young people with the support, experiences, and opportunities they need to be connected, educated, healthy, thriving, safe, and employable. Please join me in designating today as Positive Youth Development Day. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1737 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Two purposes, Mr. President. A -- a point of personal privilege and an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I'd just like to welcome my daughter, Annie, who came in from Chicago. We're going to St. Louis to see the Hawks beat the Blues tonight in hockey. And one other point, that there'll be a Democratic Caucus for a half hour upon recess. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Welcome to Springfield, and I'm glad you look like your mother. Senator Silverstein and Senator Rose move to -- move -- move that the Senate recess for the purposes of a Senate Democratic and Republican Caucus, lasting thirty minutes. Seeing no objection, motion is granted. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the Senate Democratic and Republican Caucus, the Senate committees will meet. The Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Will all Members please be at their desks? We're going to turn momentarily to 3rd -- or the Order of Concurrence. This is substantive action. I'd ask all Members to be at their desks for substantive action. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4366. We have received like Messages on House Bills 4678, 5600, 5649, and 5930. Passed the House, April 13th, 2016. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
As we all know, this is the week of the legislative days for the -- the AFFI, the Firefighters. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the firefighters that we have with us today behind the Republicans. These are not only a great group of -- of heroes that we see all around our State and run into burning buildings when most is -- are -- are running out, but these guys are from my district. A group of them I personally work with when I'm not here passing good policy. And the other guys are from the neighboring City of -- the City of Rock Island. So, if we could recognize them and give them a warm Senate welcome, I would appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate? Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
For the point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
With me, I have a group of individuals and I'm going to have them stand up. I have with me Jessica O'Brien. She is the Judge of the 1st Municipal District and also the -- the current President 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 of the Women's Bar Association. I also have with me Karen McNulty Enright, who actually just told me she has her own women's law firm, which is excellent - all women only - and she is with the McNabola Law Group. And I also have our good friend, who always seems to, you know, bring us great people, Martin, who is just an ally for us and a -- a great individual. I want to welcome them. They're going to watch the process today and we want to welcome them here to the Senate. And tonight they are -- have -- the Women's Bar Association is having their reception at Boones between 5:30 and 8. They want to make sure they invite everyone to come and spend a little bit of time with them. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendars No. 1, 2, and 3 have been distributed to the Members' desks. We are going to turn first to the Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 3. On that Calendar is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences, and on that Order is Senate Bill 2046. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2046. Signed by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter, I understand you're handling the motion on behalf of President Cullerton. Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Do we have to adopt the amendment and -- and read it on 3rd or 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 just go forward?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The -- the motion has been read. Please present the motion to concur. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Senate Bill 2046 is -- is much like the bill that we passed in March, Senate Bill 2059, with a few changes going forward. The bill includes, still, funding for social service programs, higher education, school construction, environmental protection, public transportation, and metropolitan planning. Specifically, those are dollars that'll go for senior care programs, the CCP, and the Meals on Wheels. All of our universities are -- are covered with a six percent reduction in their funding. The MAP grants are fully funded at three hundred and ninety-seven million dollars and the newest addition to this bill is that we've added 63.2 million dollars to the State Employees' Fund, which was in accordance to the Supreme Court ruling. There are other details and, if Members so desire, I'm willing to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much. This bill reminds me of some other exercises that we've been through. I know that we are all very, very concerned about human services, about higher education. But this bill, like others that we've had, does not fund these items. So even if these bills -- this bill passes, those people who are entitled to this money still will not receive it, because there is 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 no money. I would ask this Body to look at some of the bills that have been filed that actually do provide funding for these services and see if we can't work together to pass those, which would provide real relief and real money for all these very important services. So just remember, again, if you vote for this, you're voting for a hollow promise. Let's look at the bills that have funding. So I urge a -- a No vote on this. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. You know, I -- I want to think, one, optimistically and -- and positively. I -- I think our State is on that verge of finally getting something done, but it has always been said, even through the Comptroller's Office, that when money does eventually come into our coffers, if those individuals, if those agencies and the other programs are not in the line, they will not get paid. This puts all of our agencies, that final ten percent of the budget that is not being funded because of court order and consent decrees, it puts them in that line, and because of that, I'm going to ask everyone for an Aye vote for education, for our seniors, for a better Illinois on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the gentleman's motion, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the motion, Senator. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. There's kind of a quiet, kind of a grayness over this Chamber right now. I don't know if you can sense it, but for those of you who have been around for a little while, you know that usually when there are battles, if you will, going on over appropriations or government regulation or any other kind of contentious issue, the adrenaline's up a little bit, people get a little fired up, there's a little more noise in the Chamber. In here it's not like that at all, is it? It's just like this and that -- this is because this is the legislative version of Groundhog Day. We're just doing it again and again and again and again and this will go nowhere. We know this will go nowhere. We know this won't become law. Maybe some of you or some in the other Chamber think that you'll be able to go home and tell constituent groups, hey, I voted for your program. And maybe, hopefully for you, they won't answer -- ask any other questions about, well, like where was the money? And you'd be able to move on to your next appointment. But it's not reality. You're not helping the schools, you're not helping the students, you're not helping anybody, a patient in a hospital, someone who needs… You're not helping any of them because you know they're not going to get this money. And for -- for -- if you don't understand the lack of funds that we have available compared to the remarkably large appropriations that are in this bill, let's talk about another issue. Even the most optimistic of people - who look at this and say, "Yeah, this is an answer. This helps us out" - would have to admit that based on the current money available and the rate at which that money is coming in compared to the remarkably long line of unpaid vouchers there are in the 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Comptroller's Office - and I was in the Comptroller's Office last week and the report given to me was sixty-seven thousand - that it's going to take months. It would take months for these people to get paid. There is no provision in this bill that would extend the lapse period for spending, which means -- which means when that clock runs out, these people -- it doesn't matter whether they're in line or not, 'cause the doors will close. And you know where they have to go to get their money? You know where your schools and your hospitals and your drug treatment or alcohol treatment providers are going to get to go to the -- go to get their money? To the Court of Claims. They'll file a claim with the Court of Claims - but, wait, in your bill, there's no appropriation for the Court of Claims. So they're not even going to be able to do that. I mean, this isn't just a bad answer, it's not a non-answer, it's almost a comical answer. Let's vote this down and let's actually go to work, go to work on some of the compromises that have already been on -- put on the table by this Governor, by Republicans in the General Assembly. Let's stop the charade. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield for a quick question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Rose.
Thank you, Mr. President. Leader Trotter, is there a BIMP bill attached to this or anything that -- that waives or extends 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 the lapse period?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter.
That bill has not been drafted at this time. As you're probably aware, those bills are drafted after we've come to some conclusion and some agreement on what substantive things that we want to move forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Thank you. To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the motion, Senator.
To the motion. Senator Trotter, I appreciate that last answer, but usually these things come in tandem. As you know, usually we vote a budget the same time we're voting a -- a BIMP bill. And for those listening back home, Senator Righter just made an outstanding and -- and most excellent point. You have ten billion dollars in line. How far are you going to get before -- I mean, that -- that door is already closed. I mean, you're going to throw close to four billion dollars on top of that line and you keep saying it puts 'em in line, it puts 'em in line. Well, you only have sixty days and it's closed. Door's closed. Line's over. And there's nothing here that extends that. There's nothing here that pushes out the lapse period. And the lapse period may be this complicated thing that people back home go, well, what's that? What is that? It's simply a cutoff date by which the State of 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Illinois says we're not paying any other claims. You could have a thousand people in line at the end of the lapse period and they're not getting paid. Period. Plain and simple. So, to simply put people in line, as we're doing here, without any way to pay for it, which isn't in the bill, or an extension of the lapse period, which isn't in the bill, and there's no BIMP bill, doesn't do these people any good. So, again, I guess we repeat the same call, let's get -- and there's plenty of ideas out there. I mean, your side's had 'em. Our side's had 'em. But there are ways to pay for funding. We've put everything from procurement reform to -- there was a -- a bill the House had, that some of the House Democrats had, related to walking away from some of the swept fund obligations that would free up funds. There's -- there's ideas out there, but, again, this -- this bill promises people money, knowing that the bank is already closed. And so with that, I -- I just can't vote Yes knowing that the door is already shut on the people in line and putting more people at the back of that line doesn't do us any good.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter, to close.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. You know, when you come to work with the mindset that you're going to do nothing, nothing ever happens. You know, when you come to work and you practice what you've been doing, and that is saying no to any good idea, saying no to possible ways of finding funds to pay for programs, then that's going to be the mood and the action of the day. No, nothing gets done. There are opportunities for us to ensure that our universities remain good universities - universities, places 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 of institution, where individuals can go so they can learn how to be competitive in this global economy. We have an opportunity to put money into programs to ensure that our seniors, you know, do -- they do have Meals on Wheels, that they're fed - individuals who helped make this State the good State that it was before those individuals started coming to work just to say no. You know, we can make sure that we have retraining programs. We can make sure that we can stop this revolving door from -- from streets, from home, to prison and then back. We -- we can do that if we come to work saying, yes, we can do something positive for the people of the State of Illinois, because we have the resources to do so. We have, one, the resources. What we do not have is the will. So once those conversations begin with let's see if we can, and not no, not what has not happened, then we can go forward. Illinois does not have to be the laughing stock of the nation. We do not have to be the only state left that doesn't have a budget in place because people do not want to do their jobs because of some partisan reason or -- or -- or some kind of utopia in their minds of what's the perfect state. We're not a perfect state, but we are a state that can actually work, if we work together and sit down and do that. We have plenty of time to do that. This is part of that program that will make things happen for all of the people, or put it this way, everyone's not going to be winners in -- in anything that we do, but for most of the people, this bill, Senate Bill 2046, is certainly a great beginning to go forward. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Trotter. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2046. All those in 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 38 voting Aye, 17 voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2046, and the bill is declared passed. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you seek recognition? To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth -- Appointment Message 99-0149, 150, 152, 155 through 164, 170, 172, 173, 175, 176, 183, 184, 185, 190, 195, 196, 198, 206, 210, 212, 214, 232, 233, 242 through 245, 256, 273 through 276, 278, 284, 296, 304, 305, 306, 326, 329, 339, 342, 343, 344, 345, 355, 358, 364, 367, 402, 446, 454, and 457 through 462.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Mr. Secretary, Motions in Writing – Appointment Messages.
I have a motion in writing from Senator Muñoz, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, print the motion on the Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed. On Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is the Order of Executive Appointments - Appointment Messages. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 149.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member and Chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 150.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 salaried appointment: To be a member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Duke Alden.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 152.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Hamilton Chang.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 155.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Illinois Gaming Board, Hector Alejandre.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 170.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, Larry Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by a record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 172.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, Randy Lewis.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 173.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, James Steiner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Mr. 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Secretary, Appointment Message 175.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Miners' Examining Board, Robert Cross.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 183.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, Thomas Smith.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 184.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, Steve Willis.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 210.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board, Joseph Duffy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 232.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Steve Kim.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 233.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments reported Without Recommendation on the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Property Tax Appeal Board, Jerry White.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a Present or a No vote on this appointment - a Present or a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: A question of the sponsor, please. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Chairman indicates he'll yield. SENATOR McCANN: I -- Mr. Chairman, I just humbly request an explanation as to why my constituent would -- would -- you -- you would request that he would receive this -- this vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Senator, he didn't -- failed to show up to committee, nor didn't he respond to questions that were asked from certain members of the committee. So, therefore, we just ask for a No vote or a Present vote, because we didn't recommend him out of committee. You had three others that we recommended to the Floor for approval, which we have already done. But this one, we couldn't do it. He didn't even get it -- a recommendation out of committee this morning.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCann. SENATOR McCANN: Just like to speak to the appointment, please. To the Message.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To -- to the Message, Senator. SENATOR McCANN: Yes. I -- I would just like to say that I believe -- you know, this is considered the upper Chamber, the gentlemen's Chamber, and it's interesting that we pride ourselves on making sure that we stick to decorum, and the Senate President has always 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 talked about how he really respects that sort of thing, but that obviously didn't happen in this case. And that's okay, because I think if there's anyone in Illinois politics who's proven that he can take a lickin' and keep on tickin', it's me. And so that's okay. But I will have to go on the record as saying I think Mr. White -- I saw what is in our analysis and I guess if we disqualified someone from an -- from being appointed to a board or a commission just because they were political or made some political statements, that would pretty much disqualify just about everybody that we've probably -- probably confirmed. And so I just want to say for the record that I think Mr. White is a good man. He's worthy. He's served as a Realtor, a licensed real estate agent, for over fifty years in the State of Illinois. He's served on the Property Tax Appeal Board here in Sangamon County. I think he's worthy of the appointment. I think he's worthy of your vote. And I'm disappointed that the process didn't play out the way that we always talk about it should be played out here. So I humbly request an Aye vote for my constituent, Mr. White.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, it was nothing against you, Senator. You're a good man. We thought you knew of the intention. I apologize. I know you had left committee, but I thought you knew what was going to happen on the Senate Floor. It was nothing against you being the sponsor. This has happened very rarely. I think since my time on this, this is the first time we've done this. So, it was nothing against you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Is there any further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Chairman indicates he'll yield.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Muñoz, you and I have both served in this Chamber for some time and I'm not sure that I've ever heard you or a previous chair of this committee articulate the kind of adamant opposition that you were laying out before the committee for a failure to appear before a committee - and I know that's happened before, and oftentimes the appointees are given another opportunity to come before the committee - or the failure to ask {sic} some questions. Do you recall an -- a previous appointee from this Governor, or perhaps his predecessor or predecessors, who was rejected by this Body because of a failure to appear at a single hearing or maybe not ask a -- answer a question or two?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: I don't recall, Senator. But I can tell you this, this was more than him not just showing up for committee, as I stated earlier.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
What else more? Can you be more specific, Senator? 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you. Other Members had questions to him and he didn't respond or the committee didn't -- decided that it wasn't -- it wasn't the way he was talking to them. So, you know, when -- every many -- you've sat on -- I don't know if you've ever sat on the committee or not, but I can tell you this, the Members ask the appointees, everybody has the right to talk to the appointee. Obviously, the committee goes first, or normally, because we vote on 'em in committee before they come to the Senate Floor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz, did you want to continue, or should I… Senator Righter.
To the -- to the Message, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the Message, Senator.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'm -- I'm going to stand up on -- on behalf of Senator McCann and his constituent and the appointee who is by any - any - objective measure highly qualified for the position to which he has been appointed - some would say far more qualified than most appointees that we have seen in recent years. But I'm also -- I want to talk a little bit about the process and Senator McCann touched on this, and that is -- is I think that we want to be very, very careful about going down a road of saying that this Chamber is going to, perhaps on a party-line vote, reject an entirely qualified 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 appointee. And, Senator, I -- I have sat on the committee, and I sat on the committee when someone else was the Chair and you were the Chair, and one experience I've had is that previous Chairs and you have shown remarkable deference to appointees, regardless of who the appointer was, whether it was Republican or Democrat, and regardless of whether the Senate sponsor was a Republican or a Democrat. You've done a fabulous job at that. And that process has worked for us. It has worked for Republicans and Democrats. It has worked for the system. Please let's give very careful consideration to whether or not we want to now go down the road of punishing appointees or the Executive Branch because one of their appointees, entirely qualified otherwise, may have made a statement or two in a political context that some were offended by. That's not -- we're bigger than that. This Chamber is bigger than that. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Muñoz, do you wish to close? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 18 Ayes, 10 Nays, 18 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected having refused to give their advice and consent by record vote, the Senate rejects the Appointment Message just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 244.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 salaried appointment: To be a Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims, Michael McGlynn.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 245.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the Miners' Examining Board, Michael Martin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 364.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims, Peter Karahalios.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 367.
54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Raymond Poe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and -- oops. I'm sorry. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Like to make a comment with regard to this appointment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please proceed, Senator.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I just -- I rise, first of all, to say that I have great respect for Raymond Poe. I think he's very uniquely qualified to be the next Director of Agriculture. The -- and I will be voting for his appointment. I would be remiss if I didn't say how disappointed I am and the ag community was in how Governor Rauner treated the previous Director of Ag, Philip Nelson. Philip was a -- one of the most respected, if not the most respected, individual with regard to agriculture in the State of Illinois. I think the way that he was treated was -- was beyond comprehension as far as the lack of respect that was 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 shown to him. He was doing a good job in his position. I was, of course, very -- as you folks know, very involved with the ag community and -- and Philip was -- from the Director -- as the Director of the Department of Agriculture. I was receiving no complaints from the Department. He was doing a very good job. And I just hope that Governor Rauner does not treat this new Director that we're about to confirm and that I will be voting for, Mr. Poe, I hope that he's treated with much more respect than Mr. Nelson was. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator, and thanks for getting my attention. The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 402.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Executive Inspector General of the Office of the Executive Inspector -- to be the Executive Inspector General of the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Treasurer, Raymond J. Watson, Jr.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 446.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a member of the State Mining Board, John Duty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of Senators 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 454.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, James Dimas.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been printed and distributed. On Supplemental Calendar No. 2, Mr. Secretary, Motions in Writing – Appointment Messages.
I have a motion in writing from Senator Muñoz, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
Motion to Compile Appointment Messages. Pursuant to Senate Rule 10-1(c), as the Chairman of the Executive Appointments Committee, I move to compile the following Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate: Appointment Messages 990156, 990157, 990158, 990159, 990160, 91 -- 990161, 990457, 990458, 990459, 990460, 990461, and 990462 - Workers' Compensation Advisory Board; Appointment Messages 990162, 163, and 164 - Enterprise Zone Board; Appointment Message 990176 - Illinois Medical Licensing Board; Appointment Message 990185 - Illinois Finance Authority; Appointment Messages 990195, 278, and 284 - the Illinois Community College Board; Appointment Message 196 - Health Facilities and Services Review Board; Appointment Messages 198, 273, 274, 275, 276, 296, 329, 339, and 355 - Workforce Investment Board; Appointment Messages 990206 and 256 - Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; Appointment Messages 212 and 345 - Illinois Housing Development Authority; Appointment Message 214 - Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Appointment Message 242 - Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Cumberland County; Appointment Message 990243 - Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Shelby County; Appointment Messages 304, 305, 306, and 326 - State Board of Health; Appointment Message 342 - Trustee of the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University; Appointment Message 343 - Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Clinton County; Appointment Message 344 - Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Marion County; Appointment Message 358 - Joliet Regional Port District Board. 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Dated, April 13th, 2016. Antonio Muñoz, Assistant Majority Leader, Chairman, Executive Appointments Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Muñoz moves to compile the Appointment Messages just read to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. Mr. Secretary, read the compiled appointments.
To be members of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board: Kim Clarke Maisch, Mark Denzler, Mark Flannery, Robb Karr, Todd Maisch, Jay Dee Shattuck, Richard Aleksy, Aaron Anderson, Michael Carrigan, Joseph Coli, -- Philip Gruber, and Sean Stott. To be members of the Enterprise Zone Board: Jovita Carranza, Lawrence Falbe, and Larry Ivory. To be a member of the Illinois Medical Licensing Board: Douglas Matzner. To be a member of the Illinois Finance Authority: Robert Funderburg. To be members of the Illinois Community College Board: Cheryl Hyman, Terry Bruce, and Suzanne Morris. To be a member of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board: Joel Johnson. To be members of the Workforce Investment Board: Marlon McClinton, Henry Beards, Elizabeth Dickson, Sandeep Nain, Terry Wilkerson, Margaret Schnn {sic}, Sylvia Wetzel, Tom Ashby, Grover Webb, and Michael Massie. To be members of the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission: Robert Loeb and Marilyn Baldwin. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 To be members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority: Alyssa J. Rapp and Salvatore Tornatore. To be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Selamawi Asgedom. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Cumberland County: Roy Gibson. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Shelby County: Elizabeth Nohren. To be members of the State Board of Health: David Banaszynski, Beth Fiorini, Jose Sanchez, and Julie Adkins. To be a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University: Timothy Struthers. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Clinton County: Ben Stratemeyer. To be the Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Marion County: Ben Stratemeyer. To be a member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board: David Silverman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment {sic} (appointments) just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the compiled appointments just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the compiled appointments. Senator Muñoz. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
So I have the distinct honor of three gentlemen joining me today from our communities in the south suburbs. I just want to introduce three of the -- the best Chiefs that we have. To my left is Chief Tom Scully of the Village of Orland Hills, Chief -- Deputy Chief Bowman - George Bowman - from Village of Phoenix, and then Chief Bill Joyce of South Chicago Heights. I was just hoping that we can give 'em a warm Springfield welcome before they have a conversation with Senator Napoleon Harris. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) If our distinguished guests could rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate. Glad to have you here with us today. 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 98th Legislative Day 4/13/2016 Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of an introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your introduction, Senator Lightford.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, today is the lobby day for the Illinois Hospital Association and I'm pleased to introduce Dr. Sonia Mehta and Mr. Kenneth McGhee. They're the CEO and CFO of Loretto Hospital on the -- in the Austin community. And please welcome them here to the Illinois General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 14th day of April 2016. The Senate stands adjourned. 63