Illinois Senate Floor Debate — June 29, 2016

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will come to order. Will all the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Shaun Lewis, Civil Servant Ministries, Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Lewis.

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

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)

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

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

Good afternoon, Mr. President. I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to postpone -- excuse me, to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 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 SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts -- transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Resolutions Consent Calendar.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Communications from the Secretary of State.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, if I can have your attention. All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor immediately. We will be going to final action here momentarily. All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor immediately. We will be doing final action here momentarily. Lisa Yuscius, with Blueroomstream.com, requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, could I have your attention? All Members of the Committee on Assignments, please come to the President's Anteroom. All Members of the Committee on Assignments to the President's Anteroom. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. A point of introductions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, shh, please.

I want to introduce…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Koehler has an introduction. Senator Koehler.

I have some people with me today from my district office. First of all, Jennifer Allison, who many of you might know, because she was here on staff from 2003 to -- almost 2007. She is the 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 director of my district office. As well, I have two interns: Keenan Irish, who is going to be here in August with the ILSIP program and is going to be working here for the whole year, has been an intern with me for two years, recently a graduate from Bradley University in political science. And a new intern that we've had pleasure of working with for a couple years now, Madilyn Dotson, who is a -- a sophomore at -- SIU. She lives just outside of Pekin and her major is in criminal justice. They heard that we were going to make some historic moves today in passing a budget and getting this thing done and they wanted to be here to experience that. So I'd like to have the Senate give them a warm welcome.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome our very special guests. Thanks for joining us today. Great to have you here. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Good afternoon. Make -- please make your point, Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Isaac and Gabriel and mom here to the Senate. Thanks for joining us. Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your introduction, Senator Nybo.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Amanda and Meredith. Thank you for coming. Thanks for joining us here today. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

For purposes of introduction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please make your introduction, Senator Steans.

Yes, I, too, have interns visiting today, who are up in the gallery behind me. I have Tiffany Miller here, who is in college at Princeton. I have Thomas Ritz here, who is from Northwestern University. Amanda Stiegman, who is from University of Chicago, and Onyx Brunner, who will be starting at Yale this next fall. It's a fabulous group. I'm thrilled to have 'em on board and please welcome them to Springfield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome Tiffany, Thomas, and Amanda to the Illinois Senate. Thanks for joining us today. Good to have you here. Ladies and Gentlemen, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed. On the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions, Mr. Secretary, let's go to Senate Resolution 1925. Senator Forby, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Forby, on Senate Resolution 1925. Senator Forby.

Thank you. Senate Resolution 1925 -- designs {sic} July the 30th, 2016…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Excuse me, Senator Forby. Excuse me just a second. Ladies and Gentlemen, shh. I know we're all happy to see each other. Senator Forby has a resolution here. Senator Forby, please proceed.

Thank you. This is a Nine-Day Trail Ride to honor event for fifty years. They've been doing this in my district for fifty years. Been bringing people all over the United States for a nine- day trail ride. So they want to make this day, July the 30th, 1916 {sic} (2016) the -- the Nine-Day Trail Ride anniversary {sic} (Day).

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on the resolution? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Please state your point, Senator Hastings.

I, too, have my interns for the summer here today and I'm proud to -- to introduce 'em. If you wouldn't mind please standing up. We have Miss Breanna Molinare. She lives in Tinley Park. She goes to the University of Illinois. She's a Member of Chi Omega, one of the best sororities at the University of Illinois. She's studying political science with a concentration in international relations. She's at the top of her class at University of Illinois, just an unbelievable student. Steve Congenie attends Cornell. He wrestles for Cornell. He wants to go into federal law enforcement, a very hard worker and an unbelievable Illinois state wrestler. And last, Mr. Dominic Sanfilippo, who's interned with us before, just graduated from the University of Dayton. He's starting the equivalent of a City Year in Cincinnati, Ohio. He'll be in charge of that. An extremely talented young man, who interned for Sherrod Brown, Ohio, and the Archdiocese in Washington, D.C. I just want to give 'em a -- a warm Springfield welcome and wish 'em well on their journey. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's give a warm welcome to Senator Hastings' guests here in Springfield. Thank you for joining us. 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 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 appointments set forth in Appointment Messages 990249, 250, 251, 254, 255, 262, 286, 287, 289, 290, 299, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 340, 352, 354, 363, 385, 393, 425, 493, and 540.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. 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, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, are there any Motions in Writing?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, print the motion on the Calendar. Mr. Secretary, on page 14 of the Senate Calendar is the Order of Executive Appointments – Appointment Messages. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990262.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990286.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, Ladies and Gentlemen, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990340.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990354.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990385.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 990393.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Message 990493.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, Ladies and Gentlemen, does the Senate advise and consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the nomination. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have caused Supplemental Calendar No. 2 to be printed and distributed. On Supplemental Calendar No. 2, Mr. Secretary, Motions in Writing – Appointment Messages.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, please read the motion. 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Muñoz moves to compile the Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. Mr. Secretary, please read the compiled appointments.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate Do Advise and Consent to the compiled nominations just read.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the compiled nomination {sic}. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the compiled nominations. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. I move that the Senate arise 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 from Executive Session.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Leader Muñoz. 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. Ladies and Gentlemen, Michael Flannery, with WFLD-TV and -- Channel 32 in Chicago, requests permission to record the proceedings. Mike Maseki {sic} (Majewski), with WFLD-TV, requests -- requests permission to shoot videotape. Doug Smith, with WEEK-TV/WHOI in Peoria, requests permission to videotape. John Ross, with KTVI FOX 2 in St. Louis, requests permission to videotape. And Shawn Shanel -- Shanle, WICS, requests permission to record. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just want to bring to the Body's attention that we will be losing one of our very dear, hardworking staff people within the next week or so and his name is Dave Usellis. David, one of our lawyers, of course, has staffed the -- the Energy and Labor Committees and he's moving on to bigger and greater things as -- as a lawyer, going to work for the Environmental Law (&) Poverty Center. So we will continue to see Dave around here. It's just that he'll be serving in another capacity. So I'd like to say, Dave, thank you so very much for 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 all the hard work and all the leadership and -- and recommendations you've given us and we will greatly, greatly miss you, Dave. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's show our appreciation and thanks to David for his service here in the Senate for many years. Thank you for a great, great job. Best of luck to you. We're going to miss you. Senator Matt Murphy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

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

I'd like to -- to alert the -- the -- the Body that we have a birthday here. Senator Syverson has his birthday. Senator Syverson actually started serving in the Chamber when we ended on June 30th, so he used to be here for his birthday. It's a little more rare now that he's here for his birthday. But Senator Syverson claims to be clinging to fifty-nine, and who's going to doubt him on his birthday? So if we could all give him a good Senate welcome for his birthday. Senator, happy birthday.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) David, happy birthday. Happy birthday. Congratulations. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

I -- I apologize, Mr. President. I'm a little bit tardy to speak to the -- Senator Hunter's point of personal privilege, but I couldn't resist. 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016

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

I got to say that our negotiations are doomed now, because I've been part of a working group on workers' comp and Dave Usellis has been working diligently, as my brains, in negotiation and I have absolutely no idea how we're going to go forward without him. So, turnaround is just over, I'm sorry. But, I -- I -- I do want to thank Dave for -- for -- for his service. He's been absolutely great propping me up in -- in -- in -- in these conversations and I -- I hope whoever you're teaching to pick up the slack is prepared for my lack of knowledge. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, once again, David. Randy Biery with KWOC {sic} (KWQC), requests permission to take videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed. Will all the Members please be at their desks? And will our guests resign to the back of the Chamber if you would, please? Supplemental Calendar, we have Senate -- on the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions, we have Senate Resolution 2035. President Cullerton. Mr. -- President Cullerton, do you wish to proceed with the resolution? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, excuse me just one second. Ladies and 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Gentlemen, please, all the guests please retire to the back of the Chamber. Will the Members be in their desks? We have an important resolution here. Mr. Secretary, please proceed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Is there any discussion on the resolution? Senator Iris Martinez, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

To the resolution, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the resolution.

Well, Willie, you're finally out of here. What a great time, huh? Let me just share a couple of things, and I -- I personally, first, want to thank my -- my colleague, mi colega, for all the years of service in our community. You're talking about over thirty years that this man has been in the community in all different aspects, but always making himself present. He has been instrumental in making sure in the past -- in the past few years that we -- we deal with the issue with the heroin addiction that we have going on in our community. We also -- he's -- he's been someone who has been very hands on, who loves his community, who loves to sit there with his earphones on listening to the salsa music of Puerto Rico and, you know, there isn't anything, I think, that Willie -- any music that Willie has not danced, sang to, or been part of. I mean, because he even plays salsa music, too. So, you know, it's -- it's going to be a hard -- it's going to be 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 hard not seeing Willie here in the General Assembly, a place that he's been home, both in the House and here in the Senate, for over twenty-six years. But I know that now is when he becomes a little bit more dangerous, because he will be in the community really causing a ruckus, which I'm so glad, 'cause we need things shaken up in the neighborhood. But more important is the fact that he leaves here with such a great, you know, treasury of all the work that he's done, all the great bills that he's passed. I am going to miss the most every time he's made the comparison of the Flintstones versus the Jetsons. That's going to be something that I think we're going to miss hearing around here every time he would get up and debate something. I also -- we all know that Willie has been a very, very strong supporter of the unions, that there's been not a union person more stronger. There isn't anyone than Senator Delgado who has been exactly that, the voice of the union, someone who's always defended, because he himself was a union person when he was much younger, a little bit, just a little bit. But more important, I think today he leaves us here, leaves a hole behind in the sense that, you know, we're not going to see him around the Senate Floor, but trust me, I don't believe that this will be the end of him coming to Springfield. I'm going to see him now more active, but I -- I want to just congratulate him on this -- on this move. I want to say to Iris, his wife, he's going to be home now all the time. She's watching. Okay, good. Do -- are you really ready for that, Iris? That's the only thing I have to ask her. But, Willie, good luck to you. I know that -- I don't say goodbye, 'cause I know I'm going to see you in the community. But thank you for your years of service. Thank you for your commitment, for your love of the community, for your love of public 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 service. I wish you the very best and, you know, I know that we -- we haven't heard the end of you yet. Bien -- you know, (remarks in Spanish), and that you know we -- we love you here. Thank you very much.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Leader Trotter, to the resolution.

To the resolution and actually to the man. Willie, Willie, Willie, tell me it's not so. No, thank you, my brother, for your years of service. I mean, we just heard a truncated version of this man's life. And all of us who've sat in committee with him and -- and has been on this Floor in this Chamber and the Chamber over there, we know that he's been a social worker, the mailman, the DNR regulator. He's -- I mean, but as -- as always, whatever he's done, it's -- it's -- it's been -- it's evolved around people. I mean, Willie has been in the forefront of -- of people. I have a friend from Maryland and his slogan is, "When my people are in trouble, so am" -- "so am I." And, Willie, that's you. You're - - you're -- when people have a problem, we can always count on you to be there. When people don't know how to express what their -- their concerns are, they knew, they always knew, that they had you down here articulating their -- their wants, their needs, and -- and more importantly, you -- you -- you did it with -- with a love and that everyone understood. There is no one that I can remember -- and now we've had Rickey Hendon, who was a little, but -- but it was a different kind of passion that Rickey brought to the table. I mean -- right. And -- if -- if no one has seen his latest YouTube thing, you got to see Rickey Hendon's latest YouTube. But -- but that's not you. That's not you. That's not 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 you. No, no, you're -- you're alive and well and -- and -- and in the fight. There's no one, no one that's been down here that I would want with me than you if I was in a fight. We know that you -- you stick by your friends, but the thing is, is everyone's your friend. And -- and -- and that's what -- that's what makes it very real. Everyone's your friend, 'cause you do believe in "live and let live" - let people, one, be themselves. Let them grow. Don't stop. Don't hinder any kind of advancement for anyone. You -- you have certainly been my best friend down here on so -- so many issues and we've worked and -- and I'm -- and we've had a lot of conversations about this. I mean, I'm -- I'm -- I'm not going to miss you, because I know the bottom line is we're going to be together back home, because I know, again, if I -- if I have to look around the corner and I need somebody to protect my back and -- and even if I'm at an airport and -- and I need somebody to get my back, I know I can call Willie Delgado to have me. So -- so, Willie, again, keep up -- keep up what you're doing and don't ever lose that passion for folks. We are going to lose you down here, but we know whoever that -- and I understand the person who's going to replace you is your designee, so he -- I'm sure he's been well schooled on -- on -- on -- on what needs to be done and -- and how to do it. So, man, love you much, man, my brother, mi hermano. Take care. Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Leader Lightford, for -- to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Trotter made a couple comments that I would have made - definitely to Senator Delgado 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 and willing to take him to the fight, because when you take Willie to the fight, you're taking his soulful spirit with you to the fight. And it's not just a fight that's going to be physical, it's a verbal fight, because Willie can go. We're going to miss Willie in Education, chairing that committee. Willie has told us on a number of occasions, one of his "Willieisms", I like to call it, is "Catch more flies with honey." How many of us heard Willie say that? You can catch more flies with honey. Then Willie uses this other one, we -- we don't get in -- no, "If we don't get it in the wash, we'll get it in the rinse." So we know he clean. So when Willie -- when Willie first came over from the House to the Senate, he just brought a wealth of knowledge and information with him, compassion from being a parole agent with DOC, the understanding, the background, being a DCFS caseworker. No one is more committed to protecting the young people who are a part of that institution. So Willie came already prepared within his soul with these issues that he wanted to fight for and carry through. I'm just glad that I had a chance to be in the same room with Willie. I'm glad that I had a chance to be his colleague and I want him to know that although he's leaving here, his "Willieisms" will always last on, his soulful spirit. He loves Smokey Robinson, the Temptations. He comes from the sixties. He loves to dance, he love music, and I just wish him and his wife are able to go off to Puerto Rico, relax and enjoy the whole vibe that the sixties brought you. So it's time for retirement. Yeah, you like the seventies, too? It's time for retirement. It's time to just relax a little bit, Willie. And I know just last month or maybe - yeah, maybe in May, I got on Willie's wrong side. For the first time in all these years, I was able to tee off Willie. So, Willie, I'm 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 sorry. And I -- I -- I, again, sincerely wish you and your wife, honestly, nothing but just peace, happiness, and be able to relax in your retirement. So Iris said you're going to be in the community shaking things up, causing problems. I hope that you know that you've done your due diligence. It's time to just go relax and enjoy life. So I wish you nothing but Godspeed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Matt Murphy, for -- to the resolution.

…resolution, Mr. President. Willie, we -- we're all going to miss you. I really, really hope that you don't take Senator Trotter's personal assistant job, particularly if it involves travel. Be careful. Senator Trotter, you mentioned that he was one of your best friends down here. I -- you know, Chapin I thought was your -- was your best friend down here and I think -- I know he's not here. I think he needed a personal moment to get over the slight. I hope that doesn't derail any of the other progress we've made today. You know, when I -- when I think of Willie, I think of the commitment that you have for your community, the love you have for your district where you're from, your good genial nature. I've enjoyed my personal interactions with you. You're a genuine guy. You're a really good man and you in your time here have gone through some very difficult things that you wouldn't wish on anybody and you've weathered it with a lot of grace and a lot of class. And I hope in your retirement, Willie, you find peace and you enjoy yourself. Godspeed to you and, like others have said, I hope we still see you around.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Bill Haine, to the 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 resolution.

To the resolution. Thank you, Senator Delgado, for your service. It's rare to find a Senator who has a law enforcement background. He treated the law as a positive force, not only to bring peace to his community, but to improve the lives of those who may deserve a second chance. That was Senator Willie Delgado's ethic. Many of us who run for office with a past law enforcement background look upon that as one of the primary issues. And I've discovered here, thanks to Senator Delgado, that one of the primary issues should be public health. Without a commitment to public health, our communities are not worth living in. He saw that more clearly than anyone here, in my view. He chaired that committee. I've appeared in front of that committee with bills. His leadership, his incisive analysis of the issue helped me and others advance public health. Occasionally, we would deal with a public health matter, the dentists and the hygienists, he was way ahead of anyone else, seeing the issues involved in what looked like a turf battle, but was really a great progressive movement to bring dental care to the poor young people of the State. And as I say, he combined his background in law enforcement to bring a -- a light to issues that many of us didn't see at first. I always appreciated -- he was one of the first to support the idea of using marijuana to improve one's palliative efforts to reduce pain. He saw that more clearly. He undoubtedly saw the devastating effects of drug abuse in his law enforcement past and he, therefore, was the -- was a clear-eyed thinker on medical marijuana. And as Senator Murphy put it, we looked upon Senator Delgado as a colleague, as a leader and as a friend, as a source of information. We also 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 grieved with -- with him and we prayed for him and his dear family. We saw him as the essence of America, the essence of American service with honor, competence, and integrity. Thank you, Senator Delgado, and Godspeed on your well-deserved retirement from the Senate.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator -- Leader Hunter, to the resolution. Leader Hunter.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. Senator Delgado, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to work with you. You and I both served on the Human Services and -- and Public Health Committee. And we were like a tag team, you know. And sometimes, I must admit that we -- we had a lot of preplanning before the meeting, you know, and -- Mattie, you say this, and, Willie, you say that and we'll talk about this and we'll talk about that, and, you know, you're one of the few people that can take your social work, your probation background, your -- your child welfare background and education background, you put it all together and then it started making sense as to what we are really all -- all about down here and the real purpose of what we are -- are to do in terms of serving our community and looking out for the less -- vulnerable populations. And so I learned so much from you over the years and you've taught me a -- a number of ways of presenting different issues and putting a number of different matters into perspective, you know. And you also have a -- a great sense of humor and, as everyone indicated, you love to dance and -- and you just love to have a good time, you know, and -- and you're one of the people that I've always been able to depend on 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 and count on when I cannot depend or count on anyone else. You've always been there for me and I'm going to miss you, and I know that you're going to start shaking some things up in the community. So when it's time -- I -- I -- and I love a good fight, so keep my cell number on speed dial, and if I can come out there and help you with anything, even a good march or something, a protest, let me know. I'll be there with you. Thank you, brother. Appreciate you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Raoul, to the resolution.

To the resolution. Senator Hunter, I get nervous when people talk about shaking things up. Senator Trotter spoke to the notion of what we usually expect out of the Legislature as a whole - as a citizen's legislature, we come from different professions - and that diversity and opinion that we get from coming from different professions. We come together collectively and we're able to debate based on our diverse backgrounds. Well, Willie's got all that in one body, because -- you know, some people stereotype Jamaicans as -- as having had worked every job. It must be true of Puerto Ricans, too, brother, because you -- you've -- I -- I've learned of -- of at least fifteen that you've had. Right? And Senator Trotter will be okay at the airport with you, 'cause I remember you telling me you worked with the airlines. So, you've had it all. And, Willie, what I learned from you, and -- and it's allowed me to be myself here over the past twelve years, is to be unafraid to display your passion. I saw that in you early on and -- and hopefully I've demonstrated that I've learned that from you and I'm unafraid to do so and I think that's important, because I 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 think we are all elected officials. We're Senators, we're -- we're politicians and we think that means we have got to restrain ourselves and we can't say what we actually feel. You demonstrated that you can do that and it's okay and it must be done, 'cause sometimes that's the only way to make your point, even if you have to do a little salsa while you're making that point. And so I appreciate that and that will be truly missed, and the perspective that you truly get from the twenty-five jobs that you've had - and Willie was an Uber driver before it was even Uber - is -- is valuable, 'cause there's not an issue that I've come to speak to you about that you didn't have a strong perspective on. I have to admit sometimes I was hesitant to come to speak to you about an issue, 'cause I knew it was going to be an hour-long conversation. But you did have a perspective, whether it was me talking about issues that Haitians faced in the Dominican Republic or -- or here in the United States for that matter. You had a strong informed perspective on it, where most others wouldn't, and that wealth of knowledge from your diverse experience will be well missed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Righter, to the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Jacqueline Collins, to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. And to the resolution. Well, Willie, it's -- has truly been an honor, a great honor, an extreme 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 honor and joy to serve with my seatmate, Senator William Delgado. He is a man of deep compassion and great courage with an intense commitment to the least, the last, and the lost. Senator Delgado has been a dedicated and diligent voice for the most vulnerable in society. He is an outstanding public servant, powerful, principled and passionate, a progressive in the truest sense. My friend, you are brilliant, bold, and beloved by me. May God continue to lead and guide you in your new endeavors and to continue to shower his blessings on you. I truly love you, Willie. Godspeed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Koehler, to the resolution.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. There's two people that are listed on the Democratic side in terms of the Class of 2006, if you -- if you read that, and, Senator Delgado, you are one and I'm the other. And you were appointed after Senator Miguel del Valle was -- had -- had resigned and came over from the House. I was appointed in December after Senator Shadid left early. You actually have two days seniority on me, not that anybody's paying attention. But I knew of you long before I met you, because you, in the House, were the sponsor of the Adequate Health Care Task Force bill, which the Senate sponsor was then Senator Barack Obama. And I was appointed to be on that committee. I served as Vice-Chairman. Wayne Lerner was the Chairman of that. We worked for a year. We presented a report on what the health care system might look like, and incidentally it looks very similar to what Obamacare is. But you were the author of that and your passion for health care and for justice have just been very inspirational to me and I've appreciated that. You have in many 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 ways been the conscience of this Body here, the Senate. And not only has your voice been prophetic and progressive, but you have this unquestionable thirst for justice. And I don't like to contradict Leader Lightford, but you're not going to relax. You're not going to relax. Keep on doing what you're doing and, my brother, I'm with you. Mi hermano. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you for the discussion. Leader Muñoz, to the resolution. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, one of our colleagues, another one's leaving. But you know what? Senator, you were here for quite a while. I can't believe it's been seventeen years. We came in as freshmen together and we were at freshman class for the three days before us getting sworn in, so time has gone by. But you know what? I remember when there wasn't that many Latinos here in the General Assembly. We didn't have a Latino Caucus. I remember you were part of the Black Caucus for a while. Yeah, seriously. But that just shows his passion, his drive. You know, so many ideas you've had over the years that helped your district, good bills that you introduced, your passion for fighting for the unions and all your beliefs that you did over the years for your district goes without saying. You did an outstanding job, Senator. You know, it's good that you said, hey, I'm calling it quits; it's time for me to wrap up. But like our colleagues said here, you're still going to be busy. You'll be able to play a little bit more golf. I will miss you as a colleague, but, hey, having to serve with you, my friend, it's been great. And -- and at the time when we came in, it was new 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 and, you know, you had Senator del Valle who taught you a lot, but I remember when we got together, you were like, hey, Ton, I'm there to help you out. So… I never forgot that, my friend. So I just want to say, I'm always here for you, too, my friend, if you ever need anything. I look forward to playing golf with you, and if you come back and visit me, we can always have refreshments in my office. But you take care. Enjoy your family, my friend. You deserve it. God bless.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Senator Steans, to the resolution.

Thank you. It's -- it's not surprising that we're hearing so many people here speak from their hearts, because there's just nobody here in this Chamber that speaks more from his heart than -- than you do, Senator Delgado. You have really been -- somebody mentioned that you have been a conscience of this Chamber and I just want you to know you have been for me. It's not often that we've been on different sides of an issue, but, seriously, when we have been, it makes me pause and know that I need to rethink it and really think deeply about where I'm coming from on something, because you really are there always fighting for, I think, truly what you believe is the just, right thing for folks - and not the folks that have a real voice always. And it -- it's meant a lot watching how you operate here. I think you really epitomize to me sort of one of my favorite quotes. It's from Winston Churchill, It's what you get that makes a living; it's what you give that makes a life. And by that measure, there's no doubt in my mind that you've had and are going to continue to have an incredible life, Senator Delgado. And, really, best be with you and I 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 certainly hope that you're not gone from all of our lives here. I look forward to seeing you in other ways and doing whatever we can to -- to continue to serve with you, Willie.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hutchinson, to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen and to my friend. Everyone has talked about all of -- all of Senator Delgado's jobs. I think one of the funniest things I remember was the last night of Session one year, when someone had the unfortunate incident of passing out in the back of the Chamber, like we heard a thud, like hit the floor, and there was one person who ran - and I swear almost ripped off his suit so you could see the "W" on his chest - because he said "I was an EMT. I was an EMT." And he started to remove the gentleman's shirt and he says -- and he's talking to him in his ear and he said, "Stay with me now. You just stay alive. Just stay with me now. Can you hear me talking to you? Just don't -- I don't need you to pass out. Don't pass out." And I was -- we were all on the Floor, like, what is happening? What happened? Willie saved a life on the Floor, because not only has he been the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, a Senator, a teacher, an EMT, and an airline worker, and a truth and fighter for justice and the American way your whole life. That's who you are, and every minute, in any instance when someone needs you, you heed the call. And that is absolutely phenomenal. There are so many people who look the other way and there are so many people who don't hear those who we don't expect to have voices, but Willie is not one of those people, and as someone who served and as we all serve with each other, 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 especially when - and I always bring this up in these moments - when we serve with each other and tensions are high, we have to remember that we are colleagues and friends, and we have celebrated with you and we have mourned with you and you have mourned with us. Any of us that -- that went through whatever life situation -- whatever life had to send to us, you were there for us too. So for every hug you ever gave me, every time you ever said "you said it right", for every time you gave me encouragement and you told me to say what I thought I needed to say from my heart, I wanted to say to you - and I had to write it down, because I'm still learning to do this well, but I -- I've been practicing - (remarks in Spanish).

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. To the resolution, Senator Rezin. Further discussion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Bush, to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution. So, to my seatmate, so I've been here three and a half years and when I chose my seat, I thought, you know what, I'd like to sit between Senator Collins and Senator Delgado. They've been here for a while. I'd probably learn a lot. And I've listened to Willie, and listened to Willie, and listened to Willie, for three and a half years and I've learned a lot about him. But I got to tell you, Willie, you are an amazing man. I learned about your son, Ruben. I so felt for you, for what you had gone through, but what I really saw in you more than anything is someone who absolutely has a passion for life and -- and you govern from a perspective of love. Today we see too many people that want to govern from a perspective of hate. And I just have to tell you, I might not miss listening all the time, but I'm going to miss sitting by you and I'm going to miss that energy, because, Willie, you do it because you believe it's the right thing. You do it because it's what your community needs and you truly are the absolute spirit of a progressive Democrat and it has been my honor to listen and listen and learn from you. I love you, Willie Delgado, and I will see you in Puerto Rico.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Sandoval, for what 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 purpose -- you want to speak to the resolution?

Well, to the resolution, Señor Presidente. Well, Willie, I'm never going to miss you, that's for sure, because I'm never going to forget you. So those who tell you that they're going to miss you, they're going to miss you, man. They're going to -- out of sight, out of mind, but I'm not ever going to forget you, because -- because you've left an indelible mark on my person. You know, we've -- we entered public life the same year, 1999. You joined the House of Representatives. I joined the MWRD. And when I first ran for the Senate in 2002, you were one of the first legislators to come to the southwest side of Chicago and -- and endorse my candidacy when I was against up -- all odds on the southwest side of Chicago to win this new Hispanic seat. And by the way, thank you for drawing it. That was very important. Thank you for drawing it 'cause I would have never got here. "El gallito del norte" is what comes to mind. In -- in Puerto Rican, it's not -- Puerto Rican isn't necessarily Spanish. It's just a little different. It's a little different, like Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish. "El gallito del norte". We -- we -- he -- we know Willie as the -- the little rooster of the north and that's an endearing term, "el gallito del norte", and it's an endearing term for a -- a great leader of the north side of Chicago. And we knew when we had -- in times of battles on the southwest side or whenever we needed to -- to take up arms to take care of our own folks, we needed to call "el gallito del norte", the little rooster of the north. And we all knew that was Willie Delgado. And, Willie, you're a man of faith. You're a family man, a man of love, but you're truly a fighter and you take nothing from nobody and that's 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 what I like. That's what I like and that's what I can appreciate - a man who stands up for principles. Whether you're right or whether you're wrong, you stand up on your own and you don't take crap from anybody. And, you know, that's -- that's to be commended and applauded, because not a lot of men and women today stand up on principle. That's -- maybe that's why we're here today still, because people don't like to stand up for principles. You have. You -- you've become -- you became a -- you're a leader in your own right in the House. I don't know your role in the House, but I know in the Senate you rose to become the Chairman of the Latino Caucus and you led us through some turbulent times and, you know, we all benefited from your leadership, because in those difficult times in those difficult budget years when we were trying to take care of our Latino communities on the southwest side and on the northwest side, on the north side, we depended on you to deliver -- help us deliver social services, and without your leadership, we would not have the fabric of social services we have on the northwest side and the southwest side of Chicago. You're truly a credit to our profession, public service, being a legislator, being a Senator. You will be missed by a lot of folks and you've left an indelible mark on this Legislature. I know the people on -- on the north side, but in all of Chicago, particularly the Latino community, everybody knows Willie Delgado - "el gallito del norte". (Continues remarks in Spanish)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator McGuire, to speak to the resolution. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Senator Delgado, in my relatively short time here, I found you to be the purest embodiment in this Body of a vital tradition in our State of standing up for working people and protecting and expanding the rights of organized labor. You live out the ideals for which blood has been shed at Haymarket, at Pullman, the Memorial Day massacre in South Chicago. I believe you stand with giants - with Addie Wyatt, with Charlie Hayes, with Joe Romano, with Eddie Sadlowski, with Jim Balanoff. You're a peerless adjutator, a peerless organizer, a peerless advocate. You espouse solidarity. You've worked to bring the working people of Illinois bread and roses. Gracias, amigo. Hasta la próxima!

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Link, to speak to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Delgado, I wasn't going to get up here and speak, because -- but then I thought I have to give this confession that has been bothering me for years. You know, we stopped flying on the plane - thank you, Governor - but when we used to fly on that plane, you noticed a number of people sleeping - Senator Raoul, Senator Muñoz, and all that. They were faking it! And I was too old to close my eyes that fast, because he might have thought I was dead. So, Willie, all those delightful conversations -- all those delightful conversations that we had, I was the last one to keep my eyes open. But I have to say, a lot of that conversation was -- really registered with me, because obviously I didn't get a word to talk. I used to say good morning and that was the last bit of my speaking until we landed. But I appreciate what you did say and I have to say, in all sincerity, you've been a great friend, you've been a great leader, you've 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 been somebody that I admire for your passion. But I had to get that confession off my chest. God bless you, Willie, and have a great time in retirement.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Tom Cullerton, to speak to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. Glad I'm following Terry Link and not Pat McGuire. That was very good, Senator McGuire. I just want to say, Willie, thank you very much. I've enjoyed my time here with you. I've spent many hours up in your office talking with you, chatting with you, learning about Puerto Rico, learning about your family, learning about how much you care about your district. I've also come down and visited you in your district, and truthfully I love Humboldt Park anyway, but it was always nice to see. And I always get a kick out of hearing about different politics throughout the State and knowing that you are about the only one that can make certain people on the city council and certain people in the City of Chicago go, "Oh, no, Willie's coming and I hear he's looking at an opponent against me." And I definitely see that and I've heard that and you are a powerful person. You do a great job down here. Every time I've gone in front of Education Committee, you go, "You know, Senator, boy, that's a great bill. I'm going to sign on to that bill and I'm going to be a chief cosponsor." So I thank you for all of our great conversations. I thank you for sort of directing me in ways to go, ways to have conversations, ways to talk to people down here that won't look political, won't look confrontational. And I appreciate your service and I can't wait to come visit you in Humboldt Park again. 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Our last speaker, President Cullerton, to the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. So Senator Delgado and I had the opportunity to spend some time in Puerto Rico earlier this year and we were with our spouses. And that's when I was reminded that we have something in common. We both have great wives and, Willie, I'm very happy for your -- your wife and your -- your family that you'll be able to spend more time with them. There was such a long list of accomplishments, I just want to focus on one. Willie has -- it was just mentioned briefly - he has put on a health fair in -- in his district that is the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life. I just figured, oh, he's got a health fair; I'll go over and see. It's in a Chicago park. There's thousands and thousands of people and really getting services that they otherwise might not even know about. And it's such a -- a perfect example of service that he has given to his community. I would suspect all of us are popular enough in our districts that we're here that we got elected. I suspect, and I truly believe, that Willie Delgado is the most popular Senator in his district than any one of us and that's why many people in his district are going to be very sad that he's leaving. Now, as I like to say when we have these resolutions, Willie, there's different ways of leaving this place. So, for example, this is not a death resolution. That's a good thing. You didn't die and we're saying goodbye to you. You didn't get impeached. You didn't lose an election. You are leaving on your own terms with your family. And it's also true that you're a very lucky guy, because right now, in the LRB, 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 they're drafting language on some very important legislation that we're going to be voting on today, but it's not done yet. So I'm the last one to speak, and traditionally after these resolutions, you get to respond to all the nice things that people have said about you and I want you to know, take as much time as you need to respond, and enjoy your retirement. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 2035 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed, Nay. And the resolution is adopted. Senator Delgado.

Thank you. I'm truly humbled as you have Adriana Ramirez- Waldrop - what a beautiful Latino last name. Right? Ramirez- Waldrop, who is from Columbia - from Barranquilla, Columbia. She is my Legislative Assistant, because for every Senator in here, I -- I'm sure you feel very senatorial when you have your LAs at your left side or your right side or -- but making sure that if you together are a team, you will be able to achieve the necessary policy and demeanor and decorum that is necessary to be an American citizen in this country. And when you have that kind of assistance of staff, like a Nia, who understands public health better than most people in this country; when you have young people who are protégés of individual intellect of Illinois, like Michael Hoffman from Education, who can literally live in my ear and make me regurgitate information I had no clue I knew; to be able to work with many of our legal staff, be Liza, be any of you all, and I'm terrible, I shouldn't say names to not let {sic} anyone out. But when you have a yeoman, like Giovanni, and Gio, a gentleman who 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 I've known since the day I was appointed to the Senate and a pisano, because I might have been born of Puerto Rican parents, but I am a citizen of the Americas and I've truly experienced many walks that I did not know I'd take, but today I do share with the humility of my wife, Iris, who's sitting at home watching this, as she just flew in from out of state. She spent some time with her mother as she, too, just retired of twenty-five years with the Attorney General's Office. She is my high school sweetheart of forty-two years. And today I'm with my best friend, Jesse Tovar, who is from Humboldt Park, and his family is of Mexican American descent, and he believed in this community and complained about his neighborhood and Miguel del Valle heard him and Luis Gutiérrez and he let me come along as he's toiled in the City of Chicago as a middle-class worker trying to make a difference on his block clubs. And Jesse let me come knock on doors and showed me how to register people to vote. And in 1990, I registered to vote, 'cause I couldn't understand how American form of government would help my people. The thing is my people were Americans - Puerto Ricans, whites, blacks, Asian. They had no, really, nationality, 'cause what am I if I'm just nothing but skin and flesh? So as that I say to you all, I am an honorary member of the Gallatin-Saline County Farm Bureau - and I'm proud of that - for the last eighteen years, and what we do in the south and south of I-80 on the Rural Task Force of Health. I am actually -- my son, Adam, who remains with us, twenty-eight years old, will be getting married, so I have a lot on my list to do. But one thing, social justice must always remain in your foremost front. As my wife and I will get to spend and not lock down in January to May, winter schedules, but I have a lot of help to live {sic} eighteen years of 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 institutional knowledge for Chicago and my home -- my mother's hometown in Puerto Rico, where I can help maybe Puerto Rico get off its knees and assist by taking my salary to that community and investing in a winter home. But let's make it very clear, I'm only leaving the Illinois Senate, because in Chicago and in the State are public health crisis of all of our families. Regardless of what party we're in, we must all bring them together now. So as we move the State forward today, and we do it next week, just remember to do it with the love and the humility, because, see, the hippies were right: peace makes love and love perpetuates peace. So I want to thank you. And when we saw them all walking through the airport with their Hare Krishnas a thing, it wasn't that they were wrong, it was us that were wrong. So have the passion of the people and have the spirit of the American ethic and American Illinois, the hub of America, Illinois, with the best intellect, the waterways to get our products to where it needs to be, knowing that -- from -- from left to right that we can make it what we know it is and it is the heart of America. So let's make sure that when we -- when we're seen out there in public that we -- well, we are sophisticated in the…(speaks Spanish)…of what Illinois looks like, because in this Chamber we do look like Illinois. I thank you and I really ask that you bring in Omar Aquino with the warmth and love you shared with me today, because for the last five years, I've lived here grieving and I apologize to those of you who I have not gotten to know well, because I, too, was just going through some changes. But one thing I knew I couldn't do was never give up. So never give up, people, and remember what Abe Lincoln said: Some are here for the next campaign; the others are here for the next generation. I just say 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 please be here for your next generation. God bless you and let's get going. Let's get a budget done. Thank you and Mr. -- Mr. President, John Sullivan, and all of our friends in the southern caucus, thank you for letting me be part of you. For the members of the Black Caucus and the Chairman of the Black Caucus, thank you for allowing me to be a member of the Black Caucus, an official member - as Puerto Ricans are made up of three people, Mr. President, we are Indian, we are Spanish, and we are African, and the salsa comes from the western African culture of festivals. So I am proud to share my -- my -- my heritage with all people. But truly I come from all of you and I pray someday we'll all be all one. So thank you, guys, and for all -- and for our baseball teams. I -- I -- I was MVP shortstop, so… Many years ago. But with that said and done, let's go get 'em and let's make Illinois what it is, the number one in the nation, and let's get Chicago the world-class city, because it's not about Harrisburg, it's not about Saline, it's not about McHenry County - it's about Illinois. (Remarks in Spanish) My name is Willie Delgado and I love you folks. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Willie, thank you for your service and your friendship. Joshua Clark, with WCIA, requests permission to videotape and David Spencer, with the State Journal-Register, to take still photographs. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Althoff. Just -- just one second, Senator Althoff. Senator… Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Announcement, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 Please make your announcement, Senator Silverstein.

There will be a Democratic Caucus in the President's Office upon recess.

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

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff, let's welcome our guest first of all. How about that?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome our guest. Hope you enjoy your time. Okay, Senator Althoff.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Scott, happy birthday. Thank you for your service. Congratulations. Senators Silverstein and Althoff move that the Senate -- recess for the purpose of a Democratic and Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. We will return at the call of the Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen. The Senate will reconvene at the call of the Chair. The Senate is -- is in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

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

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar. Seth Perlman, Associated Press, 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 126th Legislative Day 6/29/2016 requests permission to take photos. Leave is granted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, pursuant to the House Joint Resolution 155, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m. on the 30th day of June 2016, or until the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 50