Pursuant to the directive of the Senate President, the regular Session of the Senate is now in perfunctory Session. Communication from the President. Communication dated May 3rd, 2016. Mr. Tim Anderson Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 2-10, I am scheduling a perfunctory Session to convene on May 3, 2016. Sincerely, John J. Cullerton, Senate President. Committee Reports, Committee on Assignments. Senator Trotter reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 2048, 2049, 2050, and 2051. Signed by Senator Donne Trotter, Chairman. Senator Donne Trotter, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Appropriations I Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 580, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2048; refer to the Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 231 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 5. Signed by Senator Donne Trotter, Chairman. There being no further business to come before the perfunctory Session, pursuant to House Joint Resolution 146, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at the hour of 12 o'clock noon, or until the call of the President. Senate stands adjourned.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 our guests in the gallery please rise? The invocation today will be given by Father James Swarthout, Community Clergy Relationship {sic} (Relations) Coordinator, Rockford, Illinois.
(Prayer by Father James Swarthout)
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 Journals of Friday, April 22nd; Monday, April 25th; Wednesday, April 27th; and Thursday, April 28th, 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, leave's granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of May 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2015.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading -- Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1798 through 1808, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolution 1810, offered by Senator Muñoz and all Members. Senate Resolutions 1811 and 1812, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 1813, offered by Senators McConnaughay, Holmes and all Members. Senate Resolutions 1814 through 1816, offered by Senator McConnaughay and all Members. Senate Resolution 1817, offered by Senator Jones and all Members. Senate Resolutions 1818 through 1820, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 1822, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. Senate Resolutions {sic} 1823, offered by Senator Lightford and all Members. And Senate Resolution 1825, offered by Senator Stadelman and 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate -- Senate Resolution 1809, offered by Senator Harmon. Senate Resolution 1821, offered by Senator Harmon. Senate Resolution 1824, offered by Senator Hunter. And Senate Joint Resolution 55, offered by Senator Haine. They are all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Steans, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations I, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 580 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2048 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 231 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 36 Be Adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 114, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4492, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5566, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5958, offered by Senator Haine. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 6125, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 990468 Governor's non-salaried appointment Carl Mito Trustee, Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Appointment Message 990469 Governor's non-salaried appointment Don Norton Member, Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education Appointment Message 990470 Governor's non-salaried appointment Rodney Linker Member, Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board Appointment Message 990471 Governor's non-salaried appointment Robert Myerscough Member, Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board Appointment Message 990472 Governor's non-salaried appointment George Obernagel Member, Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board Appointment Message 990473 Governor's non-salaried appointment 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 Dennis Rodenberg Member, Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board Appointment Message 990474 Governor's non-salaried appointment Roger Rubemeyer Member, Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board Appointment Message 990475 Governor's non-salaried appointment Victor Dickson Member, Workforce Investment Board Appointment Message 990476 Governor's non-salaried appointment Victor Dickson Member, Illinois Workforce Investment Board
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Lisa Chess-Gustafson, Blueroomstream.com, seeks permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
All right. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have two guests with me here today. First, I will introduce one of my -- my Chief of Staff in my district office, Nick Giannini, who is down for the day. Been fantastic for me, known him about four and a half years going on and he has done an absolutely tremendous job for us in the district. Is very involved with everybody and all 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 of our local government and all of our local people. Also, I wanted to introduce Sean O'Keefe, who is down for the day, whose father I know through the Elmhurst, Illinois Chamber. But Sean is a junior at University of Illinois. He graduated from York High School and he studies economics at the University of Illinois. I asked him to just propose a budget real quick for us. But, right down there, he works with the Champaign-Urbana Special Rec and he wants to make sure that people with disabilities are getting all the rights they deserve in the future. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I have the -- the pleasure of introducing one I consider the diva of the south suburbs in the 19th District. We always joke because she's a hard -- she's one of the hardest workers, and whenever we go to events, she's very visible and everybody loves her. She's been, I guess, compared to a cross between Beyoncé and Macy Gray and her -- and her personality -- her personality is not only the best to work with, but it's awesome for our constituents because they get to interface with somebody who truly cares about our community and I just want to introduce Springfield to my Chief of Staff in the district, Miss Cassandra Redd. Cassandra.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Biss, for what purpose do 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 you rise?
For -- to raise a point of personal privilege, if I could, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Mr. President and Members of the Senate, I'd like to introduce all of you to my legislative director from the district office, Matthew Cavanaugh. He's been with me for somewhere in the neighborhood of six months. He's not yet been a part of the team during the May onslaught and we thought that the way to best begin that would be to be here instead of in the district office receiving angry phone calls. He's learned a lot so far and I hope you all get a chance to meet him during the course of the day. Please join me in giving a warm and enthusiastic Springfield welcome to Matthew Cavanaugh.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator McGuire, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McGUIRE: Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you. To my far left is Robin Goulding, my district director. She's very humble. Perhaps she's also afraid of her boss's temperament, so you can see her over there about ten yards away from me. I trust I'm not violating any ethics laws in saying 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 this. When my predecessor, A.J. Wilhelmi, resigned and I was being interviewed for the position, one of the questions was, "You're going to keep Robin, aren't you?" So that shows the high regard she's held in the 43rd District. Robin Goulding.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, would like to introduce Springfield to my district director, Martin McAlpin. Marty's been with the office just a few short months, because Senator Kotowski stole the previous district director, but I have new, improved and even better district director that's really an asset to my team and I'm thrilled to have him. So please welcome Marty McAlpin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm thrilled, too, to have with me another staff member from the district office, Andrew Gomberg, who just made it in, and Andrew was also with Senator Kotowski. He 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 provides that continuity in the office that we need. Great asset and we're thrilled to have him. Like to introduce him to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. With leave of the Body, we'll turn to page 2 of the printed Calendar, Senate Bill 1525. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read -- please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1525. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator McGuire, on… Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator McGuire.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire, on your amendment. SENATOR McGUIRE: I ask for adoption of the amendment. Look forward to explaining 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?
No further amendments reported. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Now on page 3 of the printed Calendar, Senate Bill 2933. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2933. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Will all Members at the sound of my voice come to the Senate Floor immediately? We will be going to 3rd Readings, final action. All Members at the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor immediately. We will be going to 3rd Readings, final action. Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of a introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. I would like to ask all of my peers to join me in welcoming my new staff person. She's a PhD candidate for education, came on board with me full-time for my district office, and her name is Miss Tamela Odom. And I would like everyone to give her a great handclap.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
I rise on the point of a personal privilege. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I'd like to take a minute to introduce someone from my district office, Joe Piasecki, who is my Chief of Staff. He's been here for training. I'm delighted to have him here with me today and I hope you'll help me in welcoming him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Stadelman, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Members of the Senate, I would like to welcome my Chief of Staff in the Rockford office, Mark Bonne. Mark has been with me for several years. He does a wonderful job in my Rockford office. Also has an interesting political experience. He ran for Rockford City Council a few -- a few years ago and was actually endorsed by Senator Syverson to my left. So that's kind of an interesting political dynamic with our relations over the years with both the Senators. So I'd like to give a warm Springfield welcome to my Chief of Staff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Cullerton in the Chair for purposes of an introduction.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd like to take a moment 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 real quick and I'd like to introduce the 8A State Football Champions, Loyola Academy, my alma mater. And actually, first I'm going to bring up -- I wish Senator Harmon was here, 'cause we could talk about the Jesuit connections with Saint Ignatius and Loyola Academy, but he seems to be vacant from the Chamber right now. Maybe he's fearful of all these Division I prospects coming through. So I'm going to allow the captain of the football team, Eric Eshoo, introduce everybody. Did I get it wrong? All right. Eric, come on up.
(Team Introductions by Loyola Academy Football Team Captain)
All right. So I'd like to thank everybody. If everybody -- and their parents are here, as you can see, taking pictures, running around. And I know Loyola Academy has a very, sort of wide berth as far as who goes there, so if any of the northern suburban legislators would like to come up and get your picture taken with the team, we'd be more than happy. And, again, another big congratulations to our State Football Champions, Loyola Academy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom? Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom? Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
Absolutely. I would like to introduce, up in the gallery, people from the Gurnee Park District. They are central in my district. Actually, our leader up there represents part of that park district. And I'd love for them to stand and give them a warm Senate welcome. And they just introduced a program called GO Gurnee. They're out walking thirty minutes a day, which we should be all doing too. It's great for your health. Welcome. Thanks so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Matt Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I -- I would -- I am joined today by a wonderful Page from my neighborhood, Emma Zach. Emma goes to Lincoln Elementary School. She's in fifth grade there, just around the corner from my house. She plays viola and is in the chorus. She's an Irish dancer and plays volleyball and soccer. Her parents are Phil and Rebecca - and Rebecca is up in the gallery. There she is, right over on our side. And when she grows up, she wants to be a marine biologist. So, I hope you will all give Emma a nice, warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I want to introduce to the Senate my director of my Peoria office, and she's somebody that is a familiar face to a lot of the old-timers here, because she used to work here, and that is Jennifer Allison. So if the Senate would please give a -- a warm welcome back to Jennifer Allison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome back. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - House Bill 4558; refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - House Bill 5785 and Senate Resolution 1753; refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bills 4212, 4515, 5003, 5017, 5572, 5771, 5781, 5973, 5995, and 6037; refer to Education Committee - House Bills 3239, 4362, 4432, 4996, 5918, 6044, 6136, and 6181; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - House Bill 5711 and Senate Resolution 1719; refer to Executive Committee - House Bills 335, 696, 747, 4486, 4820, 4999, 5010, 5683, 6125, and 6167; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - House Bill 5907; refer to Higher Education Committee - House Bills 3408, 4627, 5566, 5729, 6069; refer to Human Services Committee - House Bills 4257, 4351, 4554, 6027, 6086, 6213; refer to Insurance Committee - House Bills 2262 and 5604; refer to Judiciary Committee - House Bills 114, 1191, 4327, 4648, 5902, 5912, 5924, and 6285; refer to Labor Committee - House Bill 1380 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 -- 1380; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - House Bill 5681; refer to Local Government Committee - House Bill 4371, House Bill -- and -- House Bill 4371, 4661, 5684, 6041, and 6163; refer to Public Health Committee - House Bills 5602 and 6261 and Senate Joint Resolution 54; refer to Revenue Committee - House Bill 5938; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - House Bills 582, 5668, 6123, Senate Resolutions 1752, 1761, 1782, and 1783; refer to Transportation Committee - House Bills 1052, 4315, 4377, 4477, 5649, 6093, and Senate Resolution 1781; Be Approved for Consideration - House Bills 1056, 4492, 5530, and Senate Resolutions 1772 and 1821. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Appropriations II Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 648 and Committee -- Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2990; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1120 and Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2980; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2906; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1059; refer to Judiciary Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4658, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 5775, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 6083; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5948; refer to Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5611; refer to Public Health Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3336. Pursuant to Rule Senate -- Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 1120, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1120, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2237, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5775. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) I'm going to make an announcement about a couple things, so listen up. Public Health will meet at 3:05 today in Room 400. Human Services will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in Room 409. Criminal Law will meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Room 409. Let me say those again. Public Health will meet today at 3:05 in Room 400. Criminal Law will meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. in 409. Human Services will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in Room 409. One other announcement: The deadline for filing committee amendments to House bills is Friday, May 6, at 12 noon. Let me repeat that. Deadline for filing committee amendments to House bills is Friday, May 6, 12 noon. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 12 of the printed Calendar, Senate Bill 2613. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2613. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Chamber. Senate Bill 2016 {sic} creates the Child Bereavement Leave Act. This bill would provide two weeks of unpaid -- unpaid bereavement leave to employees in the event of a child's death. The leave may be used to make arrangements, attend funerals, or otherwise grieve 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 the child's death. It is tied to FMLA's current definition of employer and employee. And I'm -- I'm happy to say I worked -- worked with the Illinois Chamber to make this a agreed bill with them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) There any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
First, an inquiry of the Chair, if I might, Mr. President. I want to make sure Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 was adopted onto the bill. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Floor Amendment No. 1 has been adopted. Senator Righter.
Thank you for that, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield briefly, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will.
I want to make sure that I understood your comments correctly, Senator. The amendment that has been adopted is the language that you negotiated with the -- the Illinois Chamber and business groups and it removes their opposition. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
Yes. I worked with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, can you -- can you further explain the changes on the amendment and why the Chamber is now in agreement to this? What -- what are those -- what are those differences in what you filed and what it is today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
The Chamber's concern were with the definitions of -- of the employer and employee, so we did tie the definition of employee or employer to the FMLA. We changed the time from four weeks to two weeks. However, we -- it -- it is -- continues to be unpaid leave. And we instituted a tiered penalty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: How does this differ than federal law?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
This is a guarantee for bereavement. Currently, federal law does not give a guarantee if a child dies to get an automatic family medical leave.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 SENATOR McCARTER: So you're saying the federal law is -- is not mandated, but -- but Illinois State law would now be mandated, even though the guidelines are the same?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: So, we talked about this a little bit when you -- when you first filed it and I -- and I'm -- apologize I was not on the vote to get it out of committee. I'm not sure where I would have been at that -- on that vote. But, you know, we -- we did talk about whether someone really wants to work for an employer who's not willing to take these things into consideration. And -- and -- and my -- I guess my -- my concern here is, why do we need another mandate when if -- if that's -- if -- if -- if your employer is not sensitive enough to know that you need to bury a child, maybe you need another employer, and that may be the best thing that ever happened to you, to get out of that environment, if you can. So, why do you -- why do you think this needs to be mandated?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
Again, yeah, you know, I would suspect that would be true. If -- I mean, if an employer would not let someone off, I agree that's not a very good employer; however, I don't know if you would 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 be able to determine that until, obviously, this tragic event happened. Again, currently, ideally, yes, someone -- someone dies and you can file FMLA and do the paperwork and you could be off for this situation. My concern is -- and, fortunately, I -- I don't have a -- my personal experience, I knew of friends who have dealt with this. And it's just -- it's the guarantee. I don't think parents who are having to deal with such a tragic event should have to worry about whether or not to get this approved, going to a doctor, the doctor having to mark that you're -- or identify that you're depressed and you need time off. Again, it's a guarantee to help parents deal with a very tragic situation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. Is there any further discussion? Senator Bennett.
Thank you, Mr. President. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will yield.
Senator, I was just curious; I was in committee and heard the conversation that -- that came about for the bill, but are there examples or did this -- did this come about by someone you -- in your district or can you give us some background as to why -- why this would be important to you?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
And again, it was not -- it was not anything that was a -- a great push by -- by people in my district. Again, this is just by 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 experience, having to watch a couple of my good friends deal with their child - one child who drowned, another one who was -- died of cancer. Having to help them walk through some questions regarding this, it just -- it just seemed to me that it was an unnecessary step when they had so much -- so much other things to worry about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, to close. Excuse me. Senator McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will yield. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Senator, why is the Department of Labor still opposed to this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
The Department -- we've had -- we had some personal discussions. They never testified against this bill. They are concerned about the -- the caseload, if -- you know, taking on that responsibility. However, they have agreed -- they knew I was going to continue with that and they agreed to work with the House sponsor to see if there could be any resolution over there as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as somebody who has run a business and somebody who understands the complexity of this, let me say very clearly, if a business is not responsive to an employee's need in a case like this, they aren't going to stay in business very long and it's a good way for employees to judge that business and know right away from their policies. To have the State get involved by law to create more complexity is not the right thing to do. We ought to be out here fighting to fix the budget for heaven sakes {sic} and not wasting time on silliness that is unnecessary. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, to close.
I will kindly disagree with my fellow Senator and ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2613 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, 2 Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2613, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: I'm sorry, I tried voting from the other side of the desk and it -- it didn't work out real well. I should have been a Yes vote 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 on that last bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Record shall reflect your intention. Senate Bill 2903. Senator Brady. Senator Brady. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3021. Senator Sandoval. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3021. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sandoval.
Buenas tardes, Señor Presidente. And good afternoon to all of those in the Illinois Senate. Today I stand here before all my colleagues in the Illinois Senate. We -- an historic moment in the lives of the people of Illinois. We share the same land of Lincoln, land of Obama, and the land of Hillary Clinton, ironically, all three great Americans, who have -- who have stood and stand before us fighting for justice and equality for all. Just a few months ago in the State of California, there was a movement to bring dignity and respect to the people of California. For -- for too long the word "alien" has been used in federal and state laws. Better, the word {sic} "illegal alien" has been used widely throughout our State over the last few years. Just a few weeks ago -- a few -- few months ago, a number of students from Gage Park, from Solorio Academy, a high school in my backyard, which is the home to the third-largest population of undocumented immigrants, wrote me a letter - wrote me a letter talking about the dehumanization of -- of their parents and of their siblings by 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 State law - the word "illegal alien" was a term that was used by them - that says that poorly describes, is disrespectful, and was an indignation to them as individuals, as humans, as contributing residents of this great State. You know, the word "illegal alien" has a long, long history, but it was most recently used not too long ago by a number of people running for higher office. As we know, the term has been widely used by "The Donald", an individual who is currently running to -- for the highest office in the land, the Presidency of the United States. He has used the term "illegal alien" widely and profusely to describe the undocumented immigrants, particularly the Mexican undocumented immigrants who have been a -- a large part of the successes of this country. The -- the time allotted to me is so limited that it would be a filibuster to describe for me {sic} the accomplishments of the Mexican community here in Illinois. But the word also was used not too long ago by someone -- some individuals on the other side of the aisle, who said that there would be -- millions and millions of illegal aliens would flood the -- the stadium and Soldier Field and, because of that, he was running for office, for higher office. I since have talked to that individual, who is a colleague of mine, and I am -- I would state it -- I -- today I stand firmly with Senator Jim Oberweis, my colleague, as well as Members of the other side of the aisle, to rid this State of all illegal aliens, primarily, effectively, from our vocabulary and from our State statutes. I look forward to -- to -- I look forward to Members of the other side of the aisle, who - some of them - who have a lot of respect and dignity for undocumented residents in their backyard. I'd like to thank staff on the Republican side of the aisle who helped me draft legislation to make this more reflective 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 and more appropriate of the undocumented immigrants in the State of Illinois. The -- Senate Bill 3021 removes the word "alien" from State statute and replaces it with "undocumented immigrant". That is a word that is more appropriate and is the word that has been more widely used now in the media. In fact, there is also federal legislation that reflects the spirit of my legislation to rid federal statutes of the word "alien". No, we are not Martians; we are not extraterrestrial beings. We are contributing residents to this great country we call the United States of America and State of Illinois. I believe that all of us can pay tribute to this land of immigrants that we call America by voting Yes for Senate Bill 3021. I'd ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
With all due respect to my very good friend, Senator Sandoval, I think we need to look at what's going on here. An "alien" is someone who is not a citizen of the United States when they are in the United States. "Illegal" refers to somebody who entered the country in violation of our laws or has overstayed -- that came in legally and has overstayed their permit or their visa; therefore, they are illegal aliens at that point. If we've learn anything from this ridiculous Presidential primary that we're going through, we've learned through both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 that people are sick and tired of the political correctness that's going on in this country. If we listen to the voters, they want to hear straight talk. Somebody who's here "illegally" and is an "alien" is by definition an "illegal alien". They're not an "undocumented worker". An "undocumented worker" implies that he's working legally, and they're not. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Senator Sandoval, to close.
I -- I take umbrage with the comments from the gentleman from Aurora, from Sugar Creek -- Sugar Grove - Sugar Grove, Illinois. I am the product of immigration of Mexico. My parents actually crossed the river and landed on Plymouth Rock, southwest side of Chicago. My -- my dad earned his citizenship by serving this country, went to Korea. They've led very productive lives and they spent their entire lives preaching to their children that we are all Americans and that we were to learn the values of hard work and respect and dignity to one another. And, you know, when we look at the -- the people of the State of Illinois from Sugar Grove to Gage Park, we see -- we see men and women and children and seniors who are productive residents of this -- of this State, who pay taxes, are law-abiding. But, you know what, this isn't anything about that, Ladies and Gentlemen; this is about dignity and respect. This legislation does not rid the State statute of the term "illegal". That's a proper word. It rids the -- the statute of the word "alien". "Alien" is the word that is replaced with the term "documented or undocumented". I ask all of you to -- to support this piece of legislation this afternoon to bring 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 respect and dignity to -- to all the people of Illinois, and I ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3021 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 44 Ayes, 7 Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 3021, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll go to page 15 of the printed Calendar. Senate Bill 3284. Senator Hutchinson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3284. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Chamber. Senate Bill 3284 allows Cook and the collar counties to enter into intergovernmental agreements with units of local government and nonprofit corporations organized to conduct public business to provide a system of administrative adjudication for violations of local ordinances. Pretty much all agreed and I would appreciate your support. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3284 pass. All those in 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 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 55 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 3284, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I would like to be recorded as a Yes vote for Senate Bill 2-6-1-3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Record shall reflect your intention.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senate Resolution 1821. Leader Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1821, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Leader Harmon, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senator Mulroe and I have the -- the distinct honor and privilege to represent the Village of Rosemont. And for those of you who don't know the Village of Rosemont, if any of you fit into that category, you should. It's a remarkable community, a community of just over four thousand people that returns ten times the amount of tax revenue to the State. The town of four thousand people has eighteen thousand private sector jobs in Rosemont. The -- the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 businesses, private businesses, generate nine hundred million in activity for conventions and trade shows, and Rosemont is ranked third in the country as an -- in attendance for family and music events in the United States. The Donald Stephens Convention Center attracts more than a million visitors a year. It's a remarkable place and it is a privilege and honor to represent it. Much of the success of Rosemont, if not all, is attributed to the -- the wisdom and the -- the foresight and the perseverance of the first Mayor, Don Stephens, and also the -- the second Mayor, Brad Stephens, its current mayor. And so we are proposing to celebrate June 19th, when the -- the Village will unveil a statue of Don Stephens, as Rosemont Day in Illinois. And I'd ask you all to join me with an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? The question is, shall Senate Resolution 1821 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Leader Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
As we consider that resolution in honor of Rosemont, we have the privilege to be joined here on the Floor by the current Mayor of Rosemont, Bradley Stephens, a good friend to many. He is here with us on the Floor and I'd ask you all to join me in welcoming him to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016 Welcome to Springfield, Mr. Mayor. Attention, all Members: The Appropriation Committee I will reconvene immediately upon adjournment in Room 400. Appropriation I Committee will reconvene immediately upon adjournment in Room 400. Supplemental Calendar No. 2. House Joint Resolution… House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 36. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the amendment… Or joint -- in full.
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 36. (Secretary reads HJRCA No. 36) 1st -- 1st Reading in full of this constitutional amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 2nd Reading. Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately? Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately? Senator Mulroe, 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, Members of the Senate. I, along with my Representative Mike McAuliffe, would like to introduce or welcome the Eshoos, Sherry and Dave, in the -- in the President's Gallery, along with their son I -- who I believe is off to Northwestern to play football there. My daughter, Eileen, is actually a -- a senior at Loyola Academy as well. So I just would like to welcome and give the Eshoos, Dave and Sherry, a warm Springfield welcome. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 6252; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 581. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a House joint resolution constitutional amendment of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 58. Offered by President Cullerton, and adopted by the House, May 3rd, 2016. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Just a reminder, Appropriations I Committee will meet in Room 400 upon recess. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee {sic}, the Senate will reconvene for committee reports. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES) 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 108th Legislative Day 5/3/2016
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Mulroe, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3336 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Resolutions 1511, 1633, and 1735 Be Adopted; House Bills 4388, 4462, 4517, 4518, 4826, 4964, and 6287 Do Pass. Senator Delgado, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports House Bills 119, 3199, 4330, 4343, 4352, 4365, 4367, 4397, 5025, 5529, 5556, 5901, and 6131 Do Pass. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bill 2571 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 581 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Resolutions 1552 and 1553 and Senate Joint Resolutions 50 and 51 Be Adopted; House Bills 4344, 4369, 4387, 4433, 4445, 5402, 5651, and 6149 Do Pass. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Judiciary Committee - House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 58. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 3rd day of May 2016. The Senate stands adjourned. That's -- correction: The Senate stands adjourned until 12 noon on the 4th day of May 2016. The Senate stands adjourned. 33